How to Become a Healthcare Administrator
Healthcare administrators have a critical influence on the effective functioning and positive outcomes of healthcare organizations. They play a key role in managing the complex intersection of healthcare, business, and technology.
Managing this impressive range of responsibilities contributes to the overall quality of patient care and the sustained success of healthcare institutions of all kinds, making this a particularly in-demand position.
Becoming a healthcare administrator requires a combination of education and experience, as well as a deep understanding of the healthcare industry’s intricacies. Keep reading to learn more about the core skills required for this role and explore the educational and professional qualifications needed for working in healthcare administration.
What does it take to become a healthcare administrator?
Advanced training in healthcare administration can expand career trajectories for a range of different professionals, from up-and-coming hopefuls to established physicians, pharmacists, or other post-graduate specialists looking to broaden their doctoral credentials.
Healthcare administrators oversee the day-to-day operations of healthcare facilities or organizations, including hospitals, clinics, insurance companies, and government or other regulatory agencies. This can involve managing staff, financial matters, and policy
implementation. They also play a vital role in risk management, ensuring compliance with regulations, and adapting healthcare organizations to evolving changes in the industry.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), skilled healthcare administration professionals are in extremely high demand. Jobs in the field are projected to grow 28 percent by 2032, which is more than five times faster than the average rate for all occupations nationwide.
The impressive growth is due to healthcare administrators’ expertise in the complexities of the healthcare industry. As policies evolve and technology integration becomes more prevalent, they will continue to play an integral part in ensuring compliance, implementing new tools, and allocating resources amidst rapid change.
If you’re curious about how to become a healthcare administrator and take on these important responsibilities, keep reading for an overview of what you’ll need:
1. A diverse set of skills
Administrators possess a dynamic range of skills to effectively manage the factors necessary for adequate healthcare delivery. To complete the duties required of the role, professionals are expected to be adept in the following competencies:
- Strategic planning: Healthcare administrators must be able to develop and implement long-term organizational goals, adapting to changes in the healthcare landscape.
- Project management: In this role, professionals must plan and execute healthcare projects efficiently, managing resources and timelines with precision.
- Analytical and critical thinking: Administrators are often tasked with problem-solving in high-pressure situations, which requires the ability to critically evaluate and analyze healthcare data and systems to make informed decisions.
- Regulatory compliance: In this role, professionals must maintain a working knowledge of healthcare laws, regulations, and compliance requirements, ensuring that organizational practices align with industry standards.
- Ethical decision-making: In healthcare administration, it is critical to uphold ethical standards across all healthcare practices, navigating moral and ethical dilemmas with integrity.
- Crisis management: It is essential for healthcare administrators to respond effectively to emergencies and crises, developing and implementing disaster preparedness plans as needed.
- Technology proficiency: These professionals should also possess a familiarity with healthcare information systems and technology, including the ability to implement and optimize electronic health records.
- Cultural competence: It is crucial that administrators understand and respect diverse cultures and backgrounds, promoting inclusivity and addressing healthcare disparities.
These skills collectively empower healthcare administrators to navigate the challenges of the healthcare industry, ensuring the delivery of high-quality and efficient healthcare services.
“Regardless of your professional and educational background, immersion in the academic graduate experience will challenge you and prepare you to think differently about every facet of your personal and professional life and fundamentally alter the trajectory of your future,” says Dr. James C. Brown, director of the Master of Healthcare Administration program at Utica University.
2. Relevant educational background
The educational requirements for healthcare administrators often emphasize a solid foundation in healthcare management, and a Master of Healthcare Administration (M.H.A.) degree is increasingly regarded as a valuable asset.
A bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration or healthcare management is typically the minimum educational requirement for entry into the field. However, aspiring administrators often pursue an M.H.A. to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the unique challenges and intricacies within the healthcare industry. Your personal story and why you seek the M.H.A. is critical to Utica’s admission’s decision.
A high-quality M.H.A. program includes courses in advanced topics such as healthcare policy, financial management, strategic planning, and healthcare information systems. This provides students with the specialized knowledge needed for leadership roles in healthcare administration.
Graduates of M.H.A. programs like the one at Utica University are equipped with the skills and expertise required to navigate the complex healthcare landscape. The curriculum often includes courses that cover healthcare ethics, organizational behavior, quality improvement, and healthcare law.
In addition to a comprehensive curriculum, it’s important to ensure the programs you’re examining meet industry standards. The most effective way to do this is by looking for an M.H.A. program that has been recognized for its academic excellence. The program at Utica, for example, has been accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), a global accrediting body that evaluates the quality of business education programs.
3. Licensure (if applicable)
Finally, it’s worth noting that licensure for healthcare administrators is not a universal requirement, and it largely depends on the specific role (and state or country) in which the administrator practices. For example, all states require licensure for nursing home administrators — the requirements for which may vary by state.
Some administrators choose to pursue certifications from professional organizations to add to their expertise and bolster their qualifications. Examples include the Certified Healthcare Administrative Professional (CHAP) and the Certified Professional in Healthcare Risk Management (CPHRM) credentials.
The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) and the Project Management Institute (PMI) also offer certifications specific to their areas of focus.
Certification opportunities like these can help validate a candidate’s expertise in healthcare administration.
Build the foundation for a successful healthcare administration career
The journey to becoming a healthcare administrator is both challenging and rewarding, requiring a mix of education, skills, and practical experience. Professionals in the field are crucial in contributing to the overall efficiency, quality, and sustainability of healthcare organizations in such a complex industry.
If you’re wondering how to become a healthcare administrator that makes a meaningful contribution in your community, a graduate degree can provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to make a difference. To learn more, visit Utica University’s Master of Healthcare Administration program page.
