Health Care Administrator Career & Jobs: Training, Salary & Certification Requirements

When most people think about the professions that are most important to adequate health care for themselves and their families, they often envision doctors, nurses and emergency medical technicians. However, there are others that are involved in creating a seamless medical process so that everyone can have access to the medicine and doctors that they need. Health care administrators are responsible for managing the operations of a clinic or hospital, and it is because of them that you can be sure that there is a qualified doctor or nurse on staff at all times. In many cases, health care administrators are responsible for creating new offerings and programs that will be helpful for people in the community. Most operate in administrative or managerial positions, so leadership skills are a must.

Salary Outlook

It is important to note that the size and financial strength of the facility that a health care administrator works for has a large impact on the potential salary.

Average Annual Salary
$160,000
Salary Range
$95,000 - $250,000

Work Environment

It is most common for health care administrators to work in a normal office environment alongside other types of administrative staff. Most often they are employed in the administrative branch of hospitals, medical centers, and medical research facilities at universities.

High School Preparation

As with most health related careers, it is important for the aspiring health care administrator to develop strong working knowledge of science and mathematics while they are in high school. Other courses that are useful for gaining the desired position include accounting, economics, political science, psychology, and business administration.

Requirements

It is important for those individuals who would like to pursue a career as a health care administrator to achieve a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Although there are no requirements for the focus of this degree, it is advantageous to major in business administration, health or medical administration, biology or nursing. Once the bachelor’s degree is in hand, it is necessary to go on to a masters or doctorate in health services administration or business administration.

Career Outlook

In the next few years, the demand for qualified health care administrators is expected to increase by at least twenty percent.

Professional Organizations

American College of Healthcare Executives
One North Franklin Street, Suite 1700
Chicago, IL 60606
Phone: (312) 424-2800
www.ache.org