Healthcare Administration Degree: Best Careers and Schools
Are you passionate about healthcare but drawn to the leadership and management sides of things? Then a Healthcare Administration degree might be the perfect fit for you! This expansive field offers a lot of career opportunities, from managing hospitals and clinics to overseeing medical personnel and driving overall efficiency.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a strong 28% job growth for healthcare administrators through 2032. This highlights the increasing demand for skilled professionals in this area. And the good news doesn’t stop there—with a healthcare administration degree, you’ll have the foundation to pursue continuing education and advancement throughout your career.
In this blog, we’ll share everything about healthcare administration. We’ll explore the different degree options available, the diverse career paths you can pursue after graduation, and the various settings where you can leverage your skills to make a real difference.
What is a Healthcare Administration Degree?
A Healthcare Administration degree provides you with the skills and knowledge to manage and oversee the day-to-day operations of hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and other medical facilities. While it has a healthcare focus, the core of the curriculum leans heavily on business and management principles.
This means you’ll take courses in finance, accounting, human resources, and marketing, but with a focus on healthcare. Imagine learning about marketing strategies specifically designed to attract new patients to a clinic or how to manage finances in a way that ensures a hospital can continue to deliver top-notch care.
Earning a Healthcare Administration degree prepares you to bridge the gap between the business side of healthcare and the delivery of medical services.
Associate, Bachelor, Master, and Doctoral Degrees in Healthcare Administration
Associate degree in Healthcare Administration
An associate degree in healthcare administration provides an entry point into the healthcare field. It provides you with the foundational knowledge and skills necessary for administrative roles in various healthcare settings, such as medical assistant, health office coordinator, or medical records specialist.
This degree serves not just as a starting point but also as an opportunity for further advancement. By pursuing an associate degree first, you can gain valuable experience in the field while preparing for a bachelor’s degree. This can ultimately open doors to higher-level leadership positions and increase earning potential.
Bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Administration
A bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Administration offers a comprehensive exploration of the field. Coursework digs deeper into healthcare management, policy, and finance and provides a strong foundation for understanding the complexities of the industry.
This knowledge empowers you to pursue diverse administrative roles, such as health services manager, financial manager, or consultant. Additionally, accelerated programs allow you to graduate sooner and start your healthcare career in less time.
Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration
A master’s in Healthcare Administration (MHA) is a stepping stone for individuals seeking leadership positions within the healthcare system. This specialized degree provides graduates with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in various high-level administrative roles.
From managing hospital operations and leading specific programs to consulting on healthcare strategy and ultimately directing entire hospital systems as a CEO, the MHA opens doors to a diverse and impactful career path.
Doctoral degree in Healthcare Administration
A Doctorate in Healthcare Administration (DHA) stands as the pinnacle of academic achievement in this field. This terminal degree prepares graduates for the most prestigious leadership roles within the healthcare industry and also for esteemed academic positions.
On the administrative side, a DHA empowers you to pursue careers like a medical director. In this role, you’d be responsible for the overall operations of a healthcare facility, overseeing hospital procedures, and ensuring adherence to regulations.
Alternatively, a DHA can pave the way for a fulfilling career in academia. As a professor of healthcare administration, you would have the privilege of shaping the knowledge and skills of the next generation of healthcare leaders.
What Jobs Can You Get With a Healthcare Administration Degree?
Medical Records Specialist
Medical records specialists are the backbone of patient record-keeping in healthcare facilities. They ensure all medical records are accurate, organized, and up-to-date. Their duties can include transcribing medical reports, assigning medical codes for insurance billing, and verifying the completeness and accuracy of patient data.
While some employers may require an associate degree, postsecondary certification is the minimum education requirement to become a medical records specialist. The median annual salary for this role was $47,180 in May 2022.
Health Information Technologist
A minimum of an associate degree is required to become a health information technologist. These professionals play a vital role in healthcare by managing and securing sensitive patient records. Their responsibilities include ensuring the accuracy and timeliness of this information while also guaranteeing its accessibility to authorized healthcare providers.
Health information technologists work extensively with complex databases and health information systems, all while adhering to strict privacy regulations to safeguard patient confidentiality. Their work contributes significantly to the smooth operation of healthcare facilities and the delivery of quality care.
Medical and Health Services Manager
Medical and health services managers are the behind-the-scenes leaders who ensure the smooth operation of healthcare facilities like hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes. They typically hold a bachelor’s degree and earn a median annual salary of $104,830 (as of May 2022). Their focus lies on the business aspects of healthcare, such as managing entire facilities or specific departments.
Their responsibilities are wide-ranging, including tasks like budgeting, ensuring compliance with regulations, overseeing quality and efficiency improvements, coordinating staff schedules, and maintaining facility records.
Healthcare Financial Manager
Healthcare financial managers play a vital role in ensuring the financial stability of healthcare facilities. They typically hold a bachelor’s degree, though some employers may require a master’s. With a median annual salary of $139,790 (as of May 2022), this career path offers both financial security and a chance to make a significant impact.
These professionals oversee the financial health of hospitals and healthcare systems. Their responsibilities include a wide range of tasks, such as planning and directing financial activities, generating financial reports, staying abreast of complex healthcare financial regulations, and providing strategic recommendations to top executives.
Health Information Manager
A health information manager (HIM) is a healthcare professional responsible for the accuracy, security, and accessibility of patient medical records. They oversee the entire lifecycle of patient data, from collection and analysis to storage and retrieval.
In today’s digital world, HIMs primarily work with electronic health records (EHRs), ensuring these systems comply with legal and ethical standards. To stay ahead of the curve, HIMs continuously update their knowledge of EHR software and relevant healthcare regulations.
This role typically requires a bachelor’s degree in health information management or a related field. As of February 2024, the average annual salary for a health information manager is $64,210.
Healthcare Consultant
Healthcare consultants are experts who leverage their combined knowledge of healthcare and business to improve efficiency and effectiveness for healthcare facilities. They may collaborate with a facility to address specific challenges or offer general consulting services. Their tasks can involve analyzing financial data, understanding healthcare laws and regulations, and formulating recommendations for improvement.
A bachelor’s degree is the minimum requirement to enter this field, although some employers may prefer a master’s degree. The average annual salary for healthcare consultants is $85,790 (as of February 2024).
Healthcare Administrator
Healthcare administrators ensure the smooth operation of healthcare facilities. Their responsibilities span a wide range, from managing staff and finances to overseeing legal compliance and striving to improve the quality of care.
The minimum education requirement to become a healthcare administrator varies by state, but many employers prefer candidates with a master’s degree. The average annual salary for healthcare administrators is $78,240 (as of February 2024).
These professionals can work in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, specific departments within hospitals, nursing homes, and outpatient centers.
Hospital CEO
Hospital CEOs are the ultimate leaders of a hospital, overseeing all aspects of its operations. This challenging role demands setting the hospital’s strategic direction and goals, making major decisions that impact the entire organization, and fostering a positive and productive work environment.
To be successful, hospital CEOs need a strong blend of leadership qualities, a deep understanding of the healthcare industry, and the ability to efficiently manage a large and complex organization.
A master’s degree is typically required for this position. The average annual salary for a hospital CEO is $160,040 (as of February 2024).
Medical Director
A medical director is a licensed physician who holds a doctoral or professional degree and is responsible for overseeing the medical operations of a healthcare facility. This leadership role combines clinical expertise with management skills.
Medical directors establish and implement policies and procedures to ensure the highest quality of care is provided to patients. They guide and supervise the medical staff, which can include physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. The average annual salary for a medical director is $240,520 (February 2024).
Postsecondary Professor
Professors typically require a doctoral or professional degree. As of May 2022, they hold a median annual salary of $80,840. Their role extends beyond the familiar image of delivering lectures. In fact, professors are multifaceted contributors to the academic world.
They actively engage in research, both independently and by overseeing student projects. They serve as advisors, guiding students through their academic journeys. To excel in these areas, professors leverage their expertise in research, data collection and analysis, and clear communication.
Top Industries for Healthcare Administration
Hospitals are major employers of healthcare administrators. Their complex operations require skilled professionals to manage individual departments, from human resources to emergency medicine, or even oversee the entire facility’s smooth running.
Beyond hospitals, numerous opportunities exist in nursing homes, outpatient centers, and home health services firms. These facilities rely on healthcare administrators to ensure quality care is delivered efficiently in their specific environments.
The reach of healthcare administration extends beyond traditional medical settings. Government agencies, like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), play a crucial role in public health. Here, healthcare administrators leverage their expertise to interpret healthcare policies, manage vital programs, and lead vital organizational departments, shaping public health initiatives on a national scale.
| Industry | Employment | Percent of industry employment | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage | Annual mean wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Medical and Surgical Hospitals | 147,250 | 2.58 | $ 69.90 | $ 145,390 | $ 156,140 |
| Offices of Physicians | 68,370 | 2.41 | $ 64.58 | $ 134,330 | $ 120,200 |
| Outpatient Care Centers | 38,150 | 3.59 | $ 62.26 | $ 129,500 | $ 124,070 |
| Nursing Care Facilities (Skilled Nursing Facilities) | 28,100 | 2.04 | $ 51.21 | $ 106,520 | $ 179,160 |
| Home Health Care Services | 25,750 | 1.61 | $ 52.55 | $ 109,300 | $ 125,860 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Top Locations for Healthcare Administration
The job market for healthcare administration varies depending on location. Some states offer a more promising career for these professionals compared to others. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), healthcare administration workers in California, Florida, Texas, Massachusetts, and New York tend to benefit from some of the most competitive salaries in the country.
This advantage is further bolstered by high job growth rates within the healthcare administration field in these specific states. In simpler terms, these locations not only offer attractive salaries but also a strong demand for qualified healthcare administration professionals.
States with the highest employment level in medical and health services managers in May 2023:
| State | Employment | Employment per thousand jobs | Location quotient | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | 57,310 | 3.19 | 0.94 | $ 75.07 | $ 156,140 |
| Texas | 51,030 | 3.76 | 1.11 | $ 57.79 | $ 120,200 |
| Florida | 35,950 | 3.76 | 1.11 | $ 59.65 | $ 124,070 |
| New York | 25,910 | 2.76 | 0.81 | $ 86.14 | $ 179,160 |
| Pennsylvania | 20,800 | 3.5 | 1.03 | $ 60.51 | $ 125,860 |
States with the highest concentration of jobs and location quotients of medical and health services managers in May 2023:
| State | Employment | Employment per thousand jobs | Location quotient | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maryland | 14,770 | 5.52 | 1.63 | $ 72.40 | $ 150,590 |
| Massachusetts | 19,480 | 5.35 | 1.58 | $ 76.22 | $ 158,540 |
| Arkansas | 6,720 | 5.29 | 1.56 | $ 46.76 | $ 97,250 |
| Montana | 2,320 | 4.62 | 1.36 | $ 69.71 | $ 144,990 |
| Alabama | 9,290 | 4.53 | 1.33 | $ 47.73 | $ 99,270 |
From the Desk of Yocket
Healthcare Administration degrees provide you with a blend of business acumen and healthcare knowledge. It makes you a strong candidate for a variety of leadership roles in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare organizations.
The choice between an associate’s, bachelor’s, or master’s degree depends on your career goals and current experience. An associate’s degree provides a solid foundation and can qualify you for entry-level positions like medical office coordinator. If you’re looking for a broader range of opportunities and advancement potential, a bachelor’s degree is a great choice. It digs deeper into healthcare finance, human resources, and legalities, preparing you for mid-level management roles.
For those seeking top leadership positions, a Master’s in Healthcare Administration (MHA) is the gold standard. MHA programs hone your strategic thinking and leadership skills. It makes you well-prepared to oversee entire departments or even run healthcare facilities. MHA programs may also offer specializations like health informatics or public health administration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Healthcare Administration degree?
A healthcare administration degree combines business and healthcare knowledge. It teaches you how to manage the business side of healthcare facilities, like hospitals, clinics, and public health agencies.
What jobs can I get with a Healthcare Administration degree?
There are many jobs available with a healthcare administration degree, including medical and health services managers, nursing home administrators, and health information managers.
Do I need a medical background to get a Healthcare Administration degree?
No, you don’t necessarily need a medical background. Healthcare administration focuses on the business side of things.
Are there online Healthcare Administration degrees?
Yes, there are online healthcare administration degrees available at many universities, such as Colorado State University, the University of Central Florida, and the University of Memphis. However, some master’s programs may require some in-person components.
Are there different types of Healthcare Administration degrees?
Yes, there are degrees at various levels (associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s) and with different specializations (e.g., nursing administration, health information management).
What is the salary range for Healthcare Administration jobs?
Salaries vary depending on experience, education level, and location. Entry-level positions with a bachelor’s degree can start around $30,000, while experienced administrators with a master’s degree can earn well over $100,000.