Have you ever wondered what a healthcare administrator does? The answer may not be so obvious. When one thinks of careers in the healthcare industry, some of the more obvious careers include being a physician or a nurse practitioner. What people may not realize is that healthcare is so much more about being a doctor or someone who looks after someone’s physical needs. There are also those who take on an administrative role such as a healthcare administrator.
Role of a Healthcare Administrator
The role of a healthcare administrator can vary depending on what size of facility in which they work. Facilities normally include clinics or hospitals where there are other healthcare professionals on staff. Their main duties are to plan, coordinate and supervise the functions of these facilities. Healthcare administrators need to understand health care laws and regulations and be the one to communicate new polices and changes to the staff. They are usually broken down into two different categories: generalists who manage an entire facility and specialists who manage a specific department in the facility.
According to the American College of Healthcare Executives, some other types of organizations that employ healthcare administrators include:
- Consulting firms
- Health insurance organizations
- Nursing homes
- Rehabilitation centers
- Universities and research institutions
Skills Needed by a Healthcare Administrator
No matter where a healthcare administrator works or how big or small the facility, they generally all have the same set of skills. They must have strong leadership skills and whether they manage a small staff or a large department, good managerial skills are crucial. Other helpful skills include being highly organized, an attention to detail and good oral and written communications skills.
Career Outlook for Healthcare Administrators
The future is bright for those looking at getting into the field of healthcare administration. The Bureau of Labor Statistics states the job outlook from 2012 through 2022 is projected to grow 23 percent which is much faster than all other occupations. Other statistics for healthcare administrators include:
- Average yearly salary of $88,580
- Average hourly wage: $42.59
- Number of jobs in 2012: 315,000
- Number of added jobs through 2022: 73,300
Education Required to be a Healthcare Adminstrator
For those wishing to pursue a career in healthcare administration, they will need to attain a bachelor’s degree and some even go on to get a master’s degree in a specialized field. Many students opt to get a business degree, but there are also degrees in healthcare management, which is usually recommended. Some examples of courses include: healthcare systems and functions, health services improvement and health services-based marketing techniques. Some facilities like nursing homes and assisted living facilities require further certification that can be attained by passing the Association of Healthcare Administration Management exam in the state in which they will be working.
Related Resource: Health Informatics
Now that you know what a healthcare administrator does, you will now be able to fully comprehend all this position entails. For someone who has a business background and great leadership and organization skills, it is certainly an occupation worth checking into.
