A career in healthcare can be challenging, engaging and rewarding. You can make a difference in the lives of many people through your work in healthcare. To start your career in healthcare administration, you will need to make sure that you obtain the right education and credentials. Working in healthcare administration allows you to work closely with other healthcare professionals to deliver the best patient care possible. Keep reading to learn more about education and career options available in healthcare administration.
Responsibilities
The roles and responsibilities of a health administrator depends on what type of healthcare organization that they work for. Generally healthcare administrators are responsible for ensuring that things run smooth between patients, doctors, healthcare teams, and more. A few of the key responsibilities for those working in healthcare administration include:
- Coordination of medical and health services
- Comprehensive understanding of healthcare policies and laws
- Supervising the day to day operations
- Working to improve efficiency
- Scheduling
- Billing
- Record keeping
Types of Degrees
There are many educational routes that you can take so that you can enjoy a fulfilling career in healthcare. A few of the most common educational routes include:
A bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration is often a core requirement for entry level jobs. The coursework that is taught for a Bachelor’s degree is intended to develop communication, critical-thinking skill and quality management. There are many different schools that offer Bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration, including online options. It is important to carefully research what the Bachelor’s degree program entails, the fees associated, and the career outlook. A Bachelor’s Degree generally takes four-years of full-time study.
A Master’s degree is often required for positions in the healthcare administration field that focus on management, leadership, organization and more. A Master’s degree allows for advancement in the healthcare field, beyond entry-level positions. A Master’s degree generally takes two to three years to complete on a full-time basis. A third year may be required in which students work full-time as a paid internship or fellowship program. There are fast track options available for students who want to finish their education sooner so that they can begin their career.
A Master of Business Administration, known as an MBA, is a graduate degree awarded to those who complete a program focusing on business management. Finance, accounting, human resources, and other business-related topics are focused on. A MBA in Healthcare Administration generally requires 36 credits in a variety of fields including strategic management, communication and accounting. Most full-time MBA programs take two years to complete.
There are many online programs that you can choose from that will effectively prepare you for a rewarding career in the healthcare industry. Online courses allow you to conveniently earn your education in a flexible way that allows you to manage family and work obligations while in school. You should do you research when you are looking to select an online healthcare administration program. You should look at the quality of the program, the courses offered, and reputation. Some universities and colleges will allow you to take some of your courses online and some in person. Online courses are becoming increasingly interactive with lectures being streamed, chatroom options and online discussions.
There are many career possibilities available to those who have earned their education in healthcare administration.
A few of the most common healthcare careers for those who have graduated from healthcare administration studies include:
- Hospital administrator
- Statistician
- Health information manager
- Social welfare administrator
- Clinic support/manager
- Behavioral health support
- Wellness program administrator
- Discharge coordinator
- Communications Support
- Healthcare project manager
- Healthcare administrator
A few of the most common healthcare settings that graduates will work in include:
- Hospitals
- Family health clinics
- Nursing homes
- National health companies
- Long-term healthcare facilities
- Health insurance companies
- Pharmaceutical companies
Earning your education in healthcare administration can allow you to have a fulfilling career in a variety of healthcare environments.