Behind every great hospital, nursing home and clinic there are medical professionals most patients will likely never see. These people spend their days making decisions that affect life-and-death decisions, but they are not doctors. They spend millions of dollars on high-tech medical equipment they will never use. They oversee everything from operations to facilities to compliance and risk management. They’re trained medical administrators, and they are in high demand across the country.
Most healthcare facilities in the United States have medical administrators (or healthcare administrators, as they are commonly called) who make short- and long-term decisions about how the hospital, clinic, nursing home, surgical center, or specialty care facility will operate.
They work to ensure quality and efficiency goals are being met. They make short- and long-term goals related to everything from revenue to marketing to which services will be offered to which pieces of high-tech equipment will be procured. They hire staff, interact with investors and government officials and meet regularly with physicians, nurses and other members of the medical staff to ensure that the hospital is meeting the needs of the men and women who are on the front lines of saving and improving lives.
Medical Administration is a Big Job . . . and it’s In Demand.
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for medical administrators, which the agency refers to as "medical and health services managers," is good. It is expected to grow by 17 percent between now and 2024. That's much faster than the national average.
And because medical administrators are in such high demand, they are paid well. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says that the 2014 median annual wage for medical administrators was $92,810 - $99,930 for those who worked in hospitals. The highest paid of all medical administrators earned over $161,150, while the lowest paid earned less than $55,890.
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That just goes to show you how important the job is—and why you need support and resources to make sure you succeed as a medical administrator. The good news is that there are many resources available to medical administrators. Let’s look at the top three:
1. Your College or University
Everything about a successful career as a medical administrator begins at your college or university. This is where you are going to begin to develop the knowledge base and skills you will need to find a job and make a positive difference in your community.
It is also where you will meet classmates who will be colleagues, professors who will put you in touch with healthcare professionals, and other people who can open doors for you.
Yes, your college or university just might be the most important professional resource available to you.
Once you enroll and start taking classes, make sure you make the most of every opportunity. Make a point to meet with your professors and instructors on a regular basis. Be active in student groups and activities. And secure an internship at a hospital, outpatient center, nursing home or community health organization. These are the activities that will pay big dividends after you graduate.
2. Health Care Administrators Association
The Health Care Administrators Association is the nation's largest organization dedicated entirely to helping medical administrators network, advance their careers and connect with resources to help them overcome challenges and succeed in their roles.
While you cannot join until after you have graduated, you can get involved. You can call or email your local chapter's leaders and ask to meet for an informational interview. You can ask to attend chapter meetings, where you will be able to listen and learn about the types of challenges medical administrators deal with. And you will make connections—valuable connections—that just might help you find a job once you have earned your B.S. in healthcare administration.
3. American College of Healthcare Executives
This organization has more than 40,000 members who are located around the world—including college students.
With more than 80 chapters, there is a good chance you will be able to find and join an American College of Healthcare Executives group in your area. Once you join, you will be connecting with professionals who live in work in your community, educational resources including annual conferences and opportunities to gain real-world experience through internships and volunteer experiences.
You might also be able to secure a scholarship to help pay for your education.
#ecpifaccon15 ECPI U educating Healthcare and Technology leaders
— Julian H. Aiken, Jr. (@elderaiken) November 12, 2015
You Could Become a Medical Administrator Faster than You Think!
They may not make movies or television shows about medical administrators, but these professionals play important roles in making sure doctors and other members of medical teams have the tools they need to save and improve lives.
If you're interested in learning more about joining the ranks of these important—and highly in-demand professionals—connect with ECPI University today to learn more about earning a Bachelor of Science in Health Science with a concentration in Healthcare Administration and start taking advantage of all the resources available to you. It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!
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Gainful Employment Information – Healthcare Administration - Bachelor’s
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