A Comprehensive Guide to Careers in Healthcare Administration

Whether you're a prospective student or a recent graduate interested in healthcare administration, this guide can assist you on your career journey.

Interested in a career in healthcare administration? There are numerous options available to you. In this comprehensive guide, we'll break down this field's different jobs and offer tips to help secure the one most suitable for you.

The healthcare administration field: What you need to know

Healthcare administrators, also known as healthcare executives or healthcare managers, are responsible for planning, directing, and coordinating medical and health services. They might manage an entire facility, a specific clinical area or department, or a medical practice for a group of physicians.

The key responsibilities of healthcare administration personnel include:

• Operational management
• Financial management
• Human resources
• Compliance and regulation
• Quality assurance
• Strategic planning
• Technology management

Tips for getting into this field

Want to enter this field with confidence? Here are some tips for getting your foot in the door:

• Obtain relevant degrees: Pursue relevant bachelor’s and master’s degree programs to receive the right medical education.
• Earn certifications: Obtain certifications, such as a Certified Healthcare Professional Administrative Professional (cHAP).
• Get hands-on experience: Gain experience through internships and entry-level positions.
• Expand your skill levels: Develop skills crucial to the industry, including leadership, communication, financial management, and knowledge of healthcare laws and regulations.
• Keep up with the industry: Stay up to date with the latest trends, technologies, and regulations in healthcare administration through continuous education and professional development courses from a medical college.

11 Healthcare administration jobs

The healthcare administration industry is vast, offering you several opportunities to pursue your passions. Here are just a few examples of career paths you could choose from in the healthcare industry:

1. Medical director

A medical director oversees the medical aspects of a healthcare facility. This role is crucial in ensuring high standards of care and adherence to medical protocols.

Key responsibilities of a medical director include:

• Develop and implement medical policies and procedures
• Ensure compliance with healthcare regulations and standards
• Provide clinical oversight and support to medical staff
• Collaborate with other healthcare professionals to improve patient care
• Participate in strategic planning and decision-making processes

2. Assisted living residence administrator

An assisted living residence administrator, or nursing home administrator, manages the daily operations of assisted living facilities, ensuring the well-being of residents and the efficient functioning of the facility.

Key responsibilities of an assisted living residence administrator include:

• Oversee staff and make sure they provide high-quality care
• Manage budgets and financial operations
• Ensure compliance with state and federal regulations
• Address residents' needs and concerns
• Coordinate with healthcare providers for residents' medical care

3. Nursing recruiter

A nursing recruiter is responsible for finding and hiring qualified nursing professionals for healthcare facilities. Individuals in this role source and recruit skilled workers for a variety of medical companies.

Key responsibilities of a nursing recruiter include:

• Conduct interviews and assess qualifications
• Manage the hiring process, including background checks and references
• Develop recruitment strategies to attract top talent
• Maintain relationships with educational institutions and professional organizations

4. Healthcare consultant

Healthcare consultants provide expert advice to healthcare organizations to improve efficiency, profitability, and patient care. They’re often looked at as a partner for facilities, lending assistance where necessary.

Key responsibilities of a healthcare consultant include:

• Analyze current practices and identify areas for improvement
• Develop and implement strategic plans
• Provide training and support to healthcare staff
• Ensure compliance with regulations
• Offer insights on new technologies and industry trends

5. Medical records manager

The medical records manager oversees the maintenance and security of patient records within a healthcare facility. They keep data organized and easily accessible to staff members and other authorized individuals.

Key responsibilities of a medical records manager include:

• Organize and protect records
• Manage the electronic health records (EHR) system
• Ensure compliance with privacy laws like HIPAA
• Train staff on proper documentation procedures
• Conduct audits to guarantee data integrity

6. Director of nursing

A director of nursing manages the nursing staff and oversees patient care within a healthcare facility. They make important decisions for a hospital or healthcare organization, establishing departmental goals and determining how to meet them.

Key responsibilities of a director of nursing include:

• Supervise and evaluate nursing staff
• Develop and implement nursing policies and procedures
• Ensure high standards of patient care
• Manage nursing budgets and resources
• Address patient and family concerns

7. Healthcare administrator

A healthcare administrator oversees the day-to-day operations of healthcare facilities, ensuring they run efficiently and effectively.

Key responsibilities of a healthcare administrator include:

• Manage budgets and financial operations
• Ensure compliance with healthcare laws and regulations
• Oversee staff and human resources
• Implement policies and procedures
• Coordinate with medical staff to provide high-quality patient care

8. Health information manager

A health information manager is responsible for managing patient data and health information systems, enabling organizations to provide top-notch services to patients.

Key responsibilities of a health information manager include:

• Oversee the electronic health records (EHR) system
• Ensure data accuracy, security, and compliance with regulations
• Develop policies for data management
• Train staff on health information systems
• Conduct data analysis for healthcare improvement

9. Health service manager

A health service manager plans, directs, and coordinates medical and health services in various types of organizations. They may manage an entire facility, a specific clinical area or department, or a medical practice for a group of physicians.

Key responsibilities of a health service manager include:

• Improve efficiency and quality in delivering healthcare services
• Develop departmental goals and objectives
• Ensure compliance with healthcare regulations
• Manage staff and human resources
• Oversee budgets and financial management

10. Hospital administrator

A hospital administrator oversees the operations of a hospital, ensuring that all departments function smoothly. Hospital administration also focuses on coordinating touchpoints with healthcare workers and supervising administrative personnel.

Key responsibilities of a hospital administrator include:

• Manage budgets and financial performance
• Stay compliant with healthcare laws and standards
• Oversee hospital staff and human resources
• Implement policies and procedures to improve patient care
• Coordinate with medical staff and departments

11. Ambulatory care

An ambulatory care manager oversees outpatient care facilities, organizing operations to provide efficient and high-quality patient services for emergency situations.

Key responsibilities of an ambulatory care manager include:

• Manage clinic operations and staff
• Develop and implement policies and procedures
• Ensure compliance with healthcare regulations
• Oversee patient scheduling and care coordination
• Manage budgets and financial operations

Secure a career in healthcare administration with MCPHS

The first step in launching your career in healthcare administration is earning a degree from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS). Our Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management offers a robust blend of rich educational opportunities and hands-on learning experiences that equip every student for success in the healthcare field.

In addition to our Healthcare Management program, MCPHS provides various other pathways to a rewarding career in healthcare administration. For those interested in the intersection of technology and healthcare, consider our Master of Science in Health Informatics which focuses on the critical role of data in improving patient outcomes. Alternatively, our Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management and Technology prepares you to manage healthcare data systems and ensure the privacy and security of patient information.