Working in Healthcare Administration: What is it Really Like?
A lot goes into sustaining a quality healthcare system. In addition to the physicians and nurses that treat parents, there are many other professionals who plan, coordinate, and support the delivery of medical care. Healthcare administrators play an important role in managing medical centers throughout the country. From hospitals to retirement homes and outpatient centers, these professionals provide critical management and support services to the healthcare industry as a whole.
If you wish to become involved in the growing healthcare sector, a career in Healthcare Administration may be a good fit for you. As a working professional in this field, you’ll be called upon to provide leadership, management, and financial services to healthcare facilities. This leadership role also involves carrying out many different tasks that support the daily operations of medical centers.
Understanding healthcare administration
The U.S healthcare field is growing on a daily basis. According to the BLS, by 2026, the job market for healthcare professionals will have risen by 20%. Part of this growth is due to aging baby boomers- who are living longer lives and continuing to require quality care. Another reason for this growth is advancements in the quality of care, where more medical conditions in patients can be successfully diagnosed and treated.
The increase in patient numbers has also resulted in a higher demand for doctors and healthcare professionals. In particular, Healthcare Administrators are needed because of their expertise in multiple areas. Doctors, nurses, and patients alike will rely on your expertise in setting workplace procedures, managing healthcare records, and preparing budgets for resource allocation.
Healthcare Administrators also work in many different locations, ranging from community health centers to long-term care facilities. This exciting field could allow you to be involved in delivering quality care to patients in your own unique way.
The role of healthcare administrators
The primary role of any healthcare administrator is to plan, direct, and coordinate medical services. These professionals are knowledgeable of healthcare regulations, basic financial and accounting skills, management of staff, and healthcare delivery. Healthcare administrators also remain up to date with the volatile healthcare sector- so they can provide advice regarding current laws and changes in technology.
If you enjoy learning about healthcare, managing a team, and completing administrative tasks, then a career in Healthcare Administration is an excellent option to consider.
Duties and responsibilities
Healthcare administrators have many different job responsibilities. The specific tasks that you'll carry out will depend on the healthcare facility where you work, and the needs of your patients and medical professionals. Responsibilities that you can expect to perform include:
- Maintaining medical records of patients
- Ordering and managing inventory (including medicines and equipment)
- Preparing budgets and reports
- Addressing queries from doctors and nurses
- Overseeing operations to ensure compliance with healthcare laws
- Preparing work schedules for staff
Should you obtain a degree in Healthcare Administration?
If you’re interested in being part of the robust healthcare field, a degree in Healthcare Administration is a great way to get started. Receiving formal education in this area should make you a competitive candidate during your job search. Because many healthcare facilities require professionals who can manage their daily operations, obtaining a degree in this field could put you on the path towards an exciting career.
Formal training in Healthcare Administration also could equip you with many essential skills. You should be able to learn about the inner workings of healthcare facilities, manage financial records, and expand your expertise on global and community health.
Degree holders in Healthcare Administration generally also understand long-term care delivery, healthcare technologies, and the policies that surround patient treatment.
Program requirements
When pursuing a degree in Healthcare Administration, you should undergo extensive training that spans across many different disciplines. This program involves learning about healthcare systems, epidemiology and risk management, organization and leadership, and long-term care delivery. Upon successful completion of the program, you should be able to blend many different skills as you fulfill your job responsibilities within the healthcare field. Think of it as wearing multiple hats, and being able to understand many aspects of medical care.
Career opportunities
With a formal education in Healthcare Administration, you could be able to work in many different types of healthcare facilities. These include:
- Hospitals
- Assisted living homes for seniors
- Community healthcare clinics
- Outpatient centers
- Physician offices
Is this the degree program for you?
If you want to work in healthcare and want to earn a Bachelor of Science in Health Science with a focus in Healthcare Administration, consider ECPI University for the education you need to get started in the field. For more information on our accelerated program, connect with a helpful admissions counselor today.
It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!
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Gainful Employment Information – Healthcare Administration - Bachelor’s
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