The field of health care administration combines the clinical aspects of patient care with the strategies of business management. Administrators are responsible for the nuts and bolts of running health care facilities, all with an eye to the factors that impact patient health. Students in HCA degree programs delve into subjects such as health care finance and economics, organizational behavior and management, business ethics, health policy, epidemiology, and health care marketing, acquiring the skills and knowledge they'll need to make decisions that affect staff and patients alike. This guide discusses the health care management field, including educational options, job prospects, and key skills. Continue reading to learn more.
Best Bachelor's in Healthcare Administration Programs
Whether students are studying at the undergraduate level or are interested in finding a post-baccalaureate program, the selection of schools offering programs in healthcare administration are numerous. We know how important it is to find the school that will best fit your educational needs: that's why we've compiled a list of the country's top schools that offer degrees in healthcare administration. Our findings are derived from specific data points that we focus on for each institution, including class sizes, graduation rates, and overall grade point average. Check out below to find the best 2017 healthcare administration programs.
These rankings include
#1 Best Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration Degree Programs
University of Toledo
Toledo, OH - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Undergraduate students seeking competitive study should consider one of the University of Toledo's 115 bachelor's programs. The Toledo-based college supports both in-person and remote bachelor's degree programs. Undergraduate students benefit from skilled faculty, rigorous coursework, and a supportive learning environment.
By pursuing a bachelor of science (BS) in healthcare administration, students gain skills and knowledge through their coursework to prepare for a future healthcare career. Students have the option to modify their classes, choose electives, and customize their studies. Students also receive guidance through academic advising, career services, and other resources.
Students can meet with the financial aid office to determine their eligibility for scholarships, fellowships, and other financial aid awards. The college reports that 95% of all learners receive some form of aid, with the average financial aid award package being $6,964.
#2 Best Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration Degree Programs
Davenport University
Grand Rapids, MI - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Davenport University provides premier degree programs for undergraduate students. Students can enroll in one of 31 campus-based bachelor's programs or opt for remote study across 24 subject areas. Regardless of modality, enrollees benefit from a supportive faculty, motivated peers, and a world-class education.
Students earning a bachelor of science in health services administration complete general and advanced coursework, which is provided through both in-person study and virtual classrooms. Students can work with an academic advisor to customize their degrees by declaring minors and choosing degree concentrations. Enrollees can also receive further guidance through academic advising, career services, and other resources.
Prospective students can meet with the financial aid office to determine their eligibility for scholarships and other financial aid awards.
#3 Best Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration Degree Programs
University of Detroit Mercy
Detroit, MI - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of Detroit Mercy offers 48 bachelor's degree programs suitable for learners from all walks of life. Students considering a career in healthcare can benefit from earning the school's bachelor of science in health services administration. With rigorous coursework, a supportive faculty, and hands-on learning opportunities, students can prepare for their chosen field in healthcare.
Students complete foundational and advanced classes throughout their studies. However, depending on their career goals, students can also declare a double major, minor, or degree concentration, as well as select elective courses to personalize their education. Enrollees can receive further guidance through academic advising, career services, and other resources.
Students can meet with the financial aid office to determine their eligibility for scholarships, fellowships, and other financial aid awards.
#4 Best Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration Degree Programs
Saint Joseph's College of Maine
Standish, ME - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Students seeking a flexible bachelor's degree program should consider Saint Joseph's College of Maine. To date, the college offers 43 in-person bachelor's programs, six of which are fully remote. Regardless of modality, enrollees benefit from rigorous coursework, supportive faculty and peers, and world-class education.
If students choose to pursue a bachelor of science in healthcare administration, they will gain skills and knowledge through their coursework to prepare for their future healthcare careers. The online program provides a curriculum that can apply to a wide range of positions. Students can customize their studies by choosing electives, minors, and degree concentrations. Degree-seeker can also receive additional guidance through academic advising, career services, and other resources.
Students can meet with the financial aid office to determine their eligibility for scholarships, fellowships, and other financial aid awards. The institution reports that 98% of all students receive some form of financial aid.
#5 Best Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration Degree Programs
Purdue University Global
Indianapolis, IN - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Purdue University Global supports a variety of undergraduate-level degree options. The public institution offers competitive, flexible programs that can be completed in person or online. Once enrolled, students connect with supportive faculty, colleagues, and other staff through in-person and online learning environments.
In the online bachelor of science in healthcare administration program, students are introduced to a rigorous program curriculum of both foundational and advanced classes. These classes equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to advance in their future careers in healthcare.
Students have the option to select electives, degree concentrations, degree minors, and pursue other academic modifications to reflect their goals and interests. A leader in student success, the college also connects enrollees with career services, academic advising, and other supportive resources.
Students can meet with the financial aid office to determine their eligibility for scholarships and other educational funding. According to the college, 89% of all enrollees receive financial aid, with the average student awarded $10,960 in aid.
#6 Best Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration Degree Programs
Long Island University
Brookville, NY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Students looking for a premier education in healthcare administration may want to consider Long Island University. The school offers a bachelor of science in healthcare administration, one of the 120 bachelor’s degrees offered by the Brookville-based college offers. The university supports both in-person and remote bachelor's degree programs, and enrollees gain access to a supportive learning environment during their studies through both modalities.
Enrollees complete general and advanced coursework to gain the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the healthcare field. Students can modify their degrees, depending on their career goals, in consultation with an academic advisor. Enrollees can also receive further guidance through academic advising, career services, and other resources.
Students can meet with a financial aid counselor to determine their eligibility for funding and explore scholarships, fellowships, and other forms of aid. Of all enrollees, 95% receive financial aid awards.
#7 Best Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration Degree Programs
Clarkson College
Omaha, NE - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Clarkson College, a private college in Omaha, Nebraska, provides flexible study options for undergraduate students near and far. The private institution features in-person and virtual programs, enabling students to benefit from top-ranked classes, prominent faculty, and a supportive learning community.
To earn a bachelor of science in healthcare business with a major in management, enrollees take foundational and advanced classes, learning the ins and outs of their field. Students can modify their degrees, depending on their career goals, by choosing a dual degree or elective classes. Students also benefit from institutional resources throughout their studies, including career services and academic advising.
Students can explore their eligibility for scholarships, fellowships, and federal financial aid in consultation with the financial aid office. According to the institution, 78% of all enrollees receive financial aid.
#8 Best Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration Degree Programs
Weber State University
Ogden, UT - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Weber State University offers 131 bachelor's degree programs, eight of which are fully remote. Whether taking online or in-person classes, students benefit from a supportive learning community, top-ranked faculty, and motivated peers.
Degree-seekers planning to earn a bachelor of science in health administration gain skills and knowledge through classes, lectures, and experiential learning opportunities. The flexible degree is available through in-person settings and virtual classrooms. Depending on their career goals, students can choose degree concentration by selecting elective courses. Students also benefit from institutional resources throughout their studies, including career services and academic advising.
Students may be eligible for scholarships, fellowships, and other financial aid awards. The college notes that 91% of all enrollees receive some form of financial aid.
#9 Best Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration Degree Programs
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Minneapolis, MN - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities provides premier degree programs suitable for undergraduate students. One of its 135 bachelor's degree programs includes a bachelor of science in health services management. The degree is also available as a minor and certificate.
Healthcare students benefit from foundational and advanced coursework, as well as industry-specific lectures. Degree-seekers can work with their academic advisor to modify their coursework by picking electives, which can customize their learning to suit academic and professional goals. Throughout their program, students can also access resources such as career services, academic advising, and library services.
Prospective students can inquire with the financial aid office about funding opportunities and explore their eligibility for scholarships, fellowships, and other aid. The college notes that 81% of all enrollees receive some form of financial aid.
#10 Best Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration Degree Programs
Trevecca Nazarene University
Nashville, TN - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Trevecca Nazarene University supports flexible educational opportunities for undergraduate students, allowing students to study from their homes or on the college's Nashville-based campus. At present, the college provides 69 bachelor's degree programs, with 11 programs supporting remote study.
After enrollment in the bachelor of science in healthcare administration, students join a supportive learning community, connecting with peers, faculty, and staff online. Healthcare administration students complete coursework remotely as part of the program curriculum. Degree-seekers can also supplement their learning through experiential learning opportunities, such as research projects and internships.
In consultation with an academic advisor, students can modify their coursework, choose electives, and pursue degree concentrations and minors to suit their career goals. Students seeking further academic and career guidance can also access numerous institutional resources, such as career services and academic advising.
Depending on eligibility, students can apply for scholarships, fellowships, and other funding opportunities. According to the college, 100% of all enrollees receive financial aid.
#11 Best Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration Degree Programs
University of St Francis
Joliet, IL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Students seeking flexible study should consider the University of St Francis. For undergraduates, the college supports hybrid study from its main campus in Joliet, Illinois. Learners can choose from one of 48 bachelor's degree programs or opt for remote study across four programs.
Available fully online, the bachelor of science (BS) in healthcare management degree allows students to connect with peers, faculty, and staff through remote learning. Throughout their studies, students in the healthcare management program complete rigorous coursework and choose experiential study opportunities as part of the program curriculum. Degree-seekers can supplement their learning by participating in research projects and internships.
Students can also collaborate with an academic advisor to customize their degree program. Students seeking further academic and career guidance can access numerous institutional resources, such as career services and academic advising.
Students can meet with a financial aid counselor to explore funding opportunities. To date, 100% of all enrolled students receive financial aid awards.
#12 Best Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration Degree Programs
Saint Louis University
Saint Louis, MO - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Saint Louis University provides premier degree programs suitable for undergraduate students. To date, the college offers 85 bachelor's programs, 11 of which are fully remote. Both modalities support rigorous study while connecting students with premier faculty and supportive learning communities.
Students seeking a bachelor of science in health management complete foundational and advanced coursework. They can also pursue internships and other experiential learning opportunities to prepare for their career. Degree-seekers can work with their academic advisor to modify their coursework, pick electives, and customize their learning to suit their academic and professional goals. Students can also access institutional resources, such as career services and academic advising, throughout the course of their studies.
Prospective students can meet with the financial aid office to determine their eligibility for scholarships and other financial aid awards. The college reports that 97% of all learners receive some form of aid.
#13 Best Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration Degree Programs
Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Students looking for flexible education should consider Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale. The university offers 37 bachelor’s degrees, with includes 24 degree programs available fully online. Both modalities support rigorous study and connect students with premier faculty and supportive learning communities.
To earn a bachelor of science in health services administration (HSA), students complete foundational and advanced coursework while enrolled. They can also pursue internships and other experiential learning opportunities. Depending on their career goals, students can declare a double major, minor, or degree concentration by selecting elective courses. The college connects students with numerous resources, such as academic advising and career services, throughout the duration of their degree programs.
Students may be eligible for scholarships, fellowships, and other financial aid awards. The college reports that 89% of all learners receive some form of aid.
#14 Best Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration Degree Programs
D'Youville College
Buffalo, NY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
From its main campus in Buffalo, D'Youville College supports numerous hybrid degree options for undergraduate students. The private institution features in-person and virtual programs, enabling students near and far to benefit from top-ranked classes, prominent faculty, and a supportive learning community.
Enrollees earning their health services administration degree with a bachelor of science (BS) gain skills and knowledge suitable for their field. They will attend lectures, complete coursework, and participate in experiential learning opportunities. Degree-seekers can modify their classes by choosing electives, declaring a minor, or pursuing a double major. Throughout their program, students can access resources such as career services, academic advising, and library services.
Applicants may be eligible for funding, such as scholarships, fellowships, and federal financial aid, to defray the costs of education.
#15 Best Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration Degree Programs
Concordia University-Wisconsin
Mequon, WI - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Students seeking a flexible education can explore Concordia University-Wisconsin's in-person and online degree offerings. Along with its in-person offerings, the school supports 12 bachelor’s degrees through virtual classrooms.
To earn a bachelor of science in healthcare administration degree, students complete foundational and advanced coursework throughout their studies. Students can also customize their program by declaring a double major, minor, or degree concentration by choosing relevant elective classes. Enrollees can access career services, academic advising, and other resources throughout their program duration.
Students may be eligible for scholarships, fellowships, and other financial aid awards. The college notes that 100% of all enrollees receive some form of financial aid.
#16 Best Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration Degree Programs
Ferris State University
Big Rapids, MI - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Students seeking a flexible bachelor's degree can learn at their own pace at Ferris State University. The Big Rapids-based school supports hybrid learning opportunities with in-person and online programs. According to the college, undergraduates can access 98 bachelor's degree programs on campus or pursue remote study across 10 degree tracks. Remote and campus-based students connect with peers, faculty, and staff through a supportive learning environment.
Students seeking to earn a bachelor's degree in healthcare systems administration can attend classes at the Grand Rapids or Big Rapids campus. They can also access online resources. Throughout their study, students follow a rigorous program curriculum and can pursue experiential learning opportunities, such as internships and research projects.
Students have the option to modify their coursework, choose electives, and declare minors and degree concentrations. Learners also further benefit from access to institutional resources, such as academic advising and career services.
Learners can meet with a financial aid counselor to determine their eligibility for scholarships, fellowships, and federal financial aid. The average enrollee receives $9,769 in financial aid.
#17 Best Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration Degree Programs
Champlain College
Burlington, VT - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Champlain College offers numerous bachelor's degree programs suitable for learners from all walks of life. Located in Burlington, Vermont, the private institution features in-person and virtual programs, enabling students near and far to benefit from top-ranked classes, prominent faculty, and a supportive learning community. Studies considering a healthcare career should consider pursuing a bachelor's degree in healthcare administration, which is available fully online.
While enrolled, students complete foundational and advanced coursework, gaining skills and knowledge relevant to their subject field. Degree-seekers can work with their academic advisor to modify their coursework, pick electives, and customize their learning to suit their academic and professional goals. Enrollees can also access career services, academic advising, and other resources throughout their program duration.
Prospective students can inquire with the financial aid office about funding opportunities and explore their eligibility for scholarships, fellowships, and other aid. The college notes that 100% of all enrollees receive some form of financial aid.
#18 Best Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration Degree Programs
Tiffin University
Tiffin, OH - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Tiffin University supports flexible educational opportunities for students near and far. Undergraduate students benefit from hybrid learning opportunities, with the option to study in-person or online. To date, the private college supports 55 bachelor's programs, 18 of which are online.
The college connects healthcare students with peers, faculty, and staff across campus-based and remote learning communities. To earn a bachelor of business administration (BBA) in healthcare administration, students build competency through rigorous coursework and industry-relevant lectures. These classes equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to advance in their future healthcare careers.
Learners can customize their studies in consultation with an academic advisor to suit personal and professional goals. Students seeking further academic and career guidance can also access numerous institutional resources, such as career services and academic advising.
The college connects students with a variety of funding opportunities to defray educational costs. Of all enrollees, 100% receive some form of financial aid.
#19 Best Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration Degree Programs
Utica College
Utica, NY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
From its main campus in Utica, Utica College supports numerous hybrid degree options for undergraduate students. The college supports 55 bachelor's programs, with seven degrees offered fully online. Students pursuing a bachelor of science in healthcare management can choose to earn their degree online or in person.
Enrollees complete general and advanced coursework, gaining the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the healthcare management field. Degree-seekers can work with their academic advisor to modify their coursework, pick electives, and customize their learning to suit their academic and professional goals. Throughout their studies, students can access academic advising, career services, and other institutional resources.
The college connects students with numerous funding opportunities, from scholarships to federal financial aid. The college claims that 98% of all enrollees receive some form of aid.
#20 Best Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration Degree Programs
Muskingum University
New Concord, OH - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Muskingum University provides premier degree programs suitable for undergraduate students, offering 61 bachelor's degree programs. Students benefit from a supportive learning environment and personalized interactions with faculty and staff.
Enrollees seeking to earn a bachelor of science in healthcare management (MAP) gain the skills and knowledge necessary for a career in healthcare through lectures, coursework, and other learning opportunities. In consultation with an academic advisor, students can customize their coursework, select electives, and declare minors and degree concentrations. Throughout their studies, students can access academic advising, career services, and other institutional resources.
Students may be eligible for scholarships, fellowships, and other financial aid awards. Of all enrollees, 96% receive financial aid awards.
Health Care Administration At-A-Glance
Health care administration programs offer degrees at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Those eager to join the workforce in an entry-level capacity—as a medical billing clerk or medical records technician, for example—can receive the necessary training from an associate degree program. Students with an eye to middle management positions generally earn bachelor's degrees, while those who want careers at the executive level can pursue a master's. Doctoral degrees in health care administration are also available for students interested in research and teaching careers.
Health Care Administration: Basics
The U.S. health care system is vast and complex, and hundreds of thousands of people work in various administrative capacities in both the public and private sectors. Health care administrators are charged with overseeing the daily operations of a health care facility or related business, from managing a specific department or team to heading up an entire health care organization. While health care administrators are not responsible for direct patient care, their decisions nonetheless have a tremendous impact on health outcomes.
Health Care Administration: In-Depth
Health care administrators, also known as medical and health services managers, work in a variety of settings, from hospitals to doctors' offices to nursing homes. They are often responsible for managing employees, including recruiting, hiring and training, as well as supervising the daily activities of workers. Administrators also manage the operations of medical facilities, a job that involves a wide range of duties such as creating and monitoring budgets, setting goals for each department of an organization, and examining the facility's health care services and targeting areas for improvement. Administrators must also keep abreast of government policies to ensure compliance with any legal requirements. While health care administrators often work for a medical facility, it's not the only avenue. Their skills are also highly applicable in related fields such as insurance, health care consulting, and biotechnology and pharmaceuticals.
Degree Levels and Program Possibilities
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment for medical and health services managers to increase by 17 percent in the coming years, making it an ideal time to earn a degree in health care administration. These credentials can be earned on the certificate, associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels, giving students progressive amounts of education and training should they choose to seek more advanced positions. This section explores the degree options for health care administration students, and the kinds of jobs they lead to.
Certificate
Whether students want to climb the ladder to a managerial position in health care, or move horizontally to apply their existing management skills to a health care administration job, a certificate program can arm them with the business and management skills necessary in a health care setting.
Medical Receptionists
Medical receptionists are on the front lines of a health care facility, responsible for the first impressions patients get when they walk through the door. These professionals are charged with managing the activities of the front desk, including scheduling appointments and guiding patients through the check-in process. Other responsibilities may include support duties such as handling phone calls and filing patient records.Medical Office Managers
Medical office managers are responsible for overseeing administrative functions in a health care facility, from supervising staff to handling tasks in accounting, billing and medical coding. These professionals may work in a single location or be in charge of multiple ones.Clinical Managers
Clinical managers attend to the nuts and bolts of an individual department or an entire medical care facility by supervising the activities of clinical, administrative and clerical staff members. The job entails duties such as hiring, monitoring budgets, making purchasing decisions, and setting overall policies. Usually drawing on a medical background, clinical managers can work in a variety of settings, including hospitals and clinics.
Associate
An associate degree in health care administration is a good starting point for those looking to enter the industry. The curriculum is designed to train graduates to take entry-level positions at hospitals, medical clinics, doctors' offices, and insurance companies. Students gain familiarity with medical terminology, basic accounting, medical coding, anatomy and physiology, and medical office management.
Medical Administrative Assistants
Medical administrative assistants are instrumental in ensuring that health care facilities run efficiently. Some of their duties include scheduling patient appointments, processing insurance claims, maintaining patient records, answering phones, obtaining medical histories before patients see a physician, and ordering office supplies.Medical Billing Clerks
Using their knowledge of coding and billing procedures, accounting, and medical technology, medical billing clerks handle the billing processes at doctor's offices or hospitals. Specific job duties include gathering information about procedures and tests to determine the overall amount of a bill, as well as processing insurance claims.Medical Records Technicians
Medical records technicians certify that medical records are accurate and that the appropriate codes are applied to bills when presented to insurance companies for payment. They must keep patient information accurate, complete and confidential.
Bachelor's
Bachelor's degrees in health care administration are tailored to those interested in middle-management careers. These degree programs provide in-depth information in subjects such as health care policy, medical information systems, insurance reimbursement, business ethics, epidemiology, and health care quality management.
Assistant Administrators
Working closely with higher-level managers, assistant administrators typically manage a specific area within a health care facility, such as medical records or nursing, as well as run some of the day-to-day activities.Billing Managers
Maintaining accurate invoices and handling collections issues are among the responsibilities of billing managers.Billing Managers
Maintaining accurate invoices and handling collections issues are among the responsibilities of billing managers.Human Resources Managers
Human resources managers ascertain the staffing needs of a company, work to attract and hire the best talent, and train new employees. In addition, they create and maintain employee benefit programs, mediate disputes between staff members, and establish policies about workplace issues such as sexual harassment and discrimination.
Master's
Students in master's degree programs in health care administration get advanced training in a specific subsection of the discipline. Concentrations include finance, project management, human resource management, public health, policy and management, and information technology. To learn more about earning a master's in health care administration, see our guide.
Nursing Home Administrators
Nursing home administrators manage the day-to-day operations of long-term care facilities. Their responsibilities include budgeting, financial planning, marketing and staffing.Directors of Development
Fundraising functions in a health care institution are handled by directors of development, who work to establish a donor base and solicit them for funds; implement fundraising campaigns; and identify funding sources such as grants and corporate investors.Health Care Executives
Major decisions that impact the quality of patient care and the operations of a facility happen at the executive level. Work involves creating budgets, attending board meetings, and creating procedures for emergency situations.
Doctorate
Health care administration doctoral degrees are for those who want to achieve the highest level of expertise in the field and gain an exhaustive knowledge of a specific topic. Students may focus on subjects such as health care law and policy, medical economics, organizational theory, and management science.
Public Policy Researchers and Fellows
Working for government agencies, universities, and large hospitals, public policy researchers and fellows create and conduct studies about the health care industry.Health Care Advocates
Health care advocates conduct research and work to influence policy that impacts patient care. They may be employed at hospitals, colleges and government institutions.Health Care Administration Faculty
Health care administration faculty members help to shape the future of the field by training its next leaders. In addition to teaching specific courses, they may work to create overall curricular standards and expectations, and may also conduct their own original research.
Health Care Administration Careers and Specializations
Evolving technologies and policies are transforming the health care industry, with some career paths experiencing substantial growth. Following are examples of common careers that graduates can pursue, along with information on their salary and growth potential.
Human Resources Managers
Direct an organization's staffing activities, from recruiting to resolving employee conflicts.Social and Community Services Managers
Responsible for the operations and staff at social service agencies and community programs.Training and Development Managers
Keep the skills and knowledge of a workforce current by overseeing training and development activities.Administrative Services and Managers
Manage the support services and staff of an organization.Medical Records and Health Information Technicians
Charged with maintaining patient records, processing claims, and ensuring that medical coding is done accurately.Medical and Health Services Managers
Help ensure medical clinics run effectively by planning, managing and overseeing medical and health services. They are also responsible for making changes in response to evolving healthcare laws, regulations and technology.
Career | Median Annual Salary (2016) | Projected Growth Rate (2014-24) |
---|---|---|
Human Resources Managers | $106,910 | 9% |
Social and Community Services Managers | $64,680 | 10% |
Training and Development Managers | $105,830 | 7% |
Administrative Services Managers | $90,050 | 8% |
Medical Records and Health Information Technicians | $38,040 | 15% |
Medical and Health Services Managers | $96,540 | 17% |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2017
Top Skills for a Degree in Health Care Administration
In addition to the textbook knowledge gained through earning a degree in health care administration, students must cultivate a number of key skills to ensure success in the field.
Budget Management
To ensure patients receive the best care, health care managers must maintain the budgets related to equipment, staffing, and operations, taking into account short-term and long-term needs, as well as unforeseen expenses.Conflict Resolution
Tempers can run high in any workplace, and with the high stakes in medical settings, it's not uncommon for conflicts to arise among stressed employees. Managers must be able to defuse these conflicts effectively, administer any necessary discipline, and look for solutions to minimize future problems.Decision Making
Health care managers are in charge of many aspects of an organization, and must make decisions on a range of issues, from ordering office supplies to determining how nurses perform specific procedures on patients. They must assess whatever information is relevant, and often must make decisions quickly to avert or resolve problems.Attention to Detail
From scheduling to budgeting, there are a lot of minutiae involved in running a medical clinic. Administrators must be detail-oriented to avoid confusion and make sure nothing falls through the cracks.People Management
Health care management requires strong interpersonal skills that facilitate working with different kinds of people, from subordinates to higher management and other stakeholders in the health care process.Familiarity with Technology
Just like its medical counterpart, administrative health care technology is always being updated to improve quality of care, and health care managers need expertise in the different kinds of technologies used at medical facilities, such as billing and coding software and electronic health records programs.Regulatory Compliance
Health care managers must keep abreast of the rapidly changing laws that affect the field. It's imperative for them to thoroughly understand legislation that impacts patient care, as well as various policies that dictate how health care facilities operate.Verbal Communication
Health care managers must be able to communicate effectively with employees, other members of management, patients, the board of directors, and sometimes the public. They should know how to speak and write in ways that are accessible and appropriate for a variety of audiences.