A Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration qualifies you for jobs in the business side of medical organizations. In other words, in your degree program you will not learn about how to do brain surgery or draw blood, but you will learn how to handle medical records, manage medical and other staff, prepare budgets, insure regulatory compliance, and perform the numerous tasks that make a medical facility run smoothly and help clinical healthcare providers do their jobs more efficiently.
Health Care Administration Settings
Not only is medical care itself delivered in many different settings but also there are many types of organizations that provide healthcare related services. Although people with a Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration often work in hospitals, doctors’ offices, freestanding clinics, or other medical facilities, these are not the only possible work environments. One might also work for an insurance company, a company that handles or processes medical records, or a government agency. Your skills are even transferable to management in related industries such as medical supply companies or fitness facilities that might have onsite physical therapy or alternative medical practitioners. You might also want to work or volunteer with charities that deliver medical care to refugees or people living in poverty.
Typical Jobs and Tasks in Health Administration
Health care management can be almost as varied and complex as medicine itself. Health care administrators are responsible for ordinary administrative tasks such as ordering supplies, scheduling, staffing, budgeting, record-keeping, producing reports, and information management. In addition to these general tasks, though, they need to work on ones specific to the health care field. One very important task is addressing complex and rapidly changing government regulations. Another important task is working with insurance companies and government agencies to authorize and bill for various services.
Health Management Specializations
During one’s Bachelor’s degree one can choose to specialize in specific areas such as long-term care, health information, or clinical management. Some of these require additional credentials or specialized course work. For example, if you have focused on long-term care, you might work in a residential care or rehabilitation facility, but to work in a nursing home you will need a license in addition to your degree. Clinical managers such as directors of nursing or medical directors need clinical degrees as well as administrative skills and training. Another increasingly important type of specialization is health information, a specialization that combines health administration with information technology. Recent graduates in any of these areas often work as assistant administrators as they gain the skills and experience needed to take on greater responsibilities.
Employment Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment outlook for people with a Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration is significantly better than average,
with a projected increase in demand of 17 percent over the next decade. The median pay for medical and health service managers in 2014 was $94,500 per year or $45.43 per hour. Given the positive job outlook, higher-than-average median pay, and variety of positions available to people with degrees in this field, an undergraduate degree in the health administration is a solid investment for your future.
Related Resources:
- Top ten Online Colleges for Healthcare Administration
- 5 Major Responsibilities of a Healthcare Administrator
- 5 Specializations with a Healthcare Administration Degree
- 5 TED Talks About Healthcare in America
- How Long Does it Take to Earn a Master’s in Healthcare Administration Online?
- Is it Worth Getting a Master’s in Healthcare Administration?
- What Are Some Good Professional Organizations for Healthcare Administrators?
- Top ten Online Colleges for Healthcare Administration
