What is Healthcare Administration? Roles, Skills, and Career Pathways Explained

Key Takeaways

• Know more about what healthcare administration is.

• Get to know the roles and responsibilities of a healthcare administrator.

• Learn about the skill requirements to become a healthcare administrator.

• Find out the different pathways to get into healthcare administration.

Doctors, nurses, and other healthcare technicians are the most familiar faces that greet us in hospitals. They are the ones patients interact with in hospitals or clinics. However the smooth operation of any healthcare service provider relies on a well-oiled administrative machine. 

An efficient healthcare administration ensures an effective and seamless healthcare experience. 

Healthcare administration is the fastest-growing branch of the healthcare industry.

This blog discusses what healthcare administration is. We will discuss the skills required for the role, and the career opportunities.

What is Healthcare Administration?

Healthcare administration can be defined as the management of the financial and business side of any healthcare setting. They oversee general operations and suggest changes to improve governance. They are also a part of pharmaceutical companies and consulting firms.

Healthcare administration is a combination of patient care and business management. The smooth operation of services is essential to provide the best care to patients. The healthcare providers (doctors and nurses, etc.) should have a reliable work system in place without any inconsistencies in work schedules, bill payments, funding, etc.

Let us explore what is the job of a healthcare administrator.

Role of a Healthcare Administrator

Health administrators are responsible for major decision-making and coordination within a healthcare setting. This can be a  hospital, therapy centre, clinics, etc. They hold leadership positions, responsible for a range of decisions. This varies with the size of the organization and the job description. It includes:

• Making and updating policies and business plans

Review policy changes and implement new policies
Adapt the policies to the updated healthcare standards

• Managing finances 

Oversee budget and annual financial planning

Manage accounts, billing, and staff compensation

• Maintaining records of patients

Ensuring a secure and accurate patient data management

Recordkeeping should adhere to the legal and ethical standards for confidentiality

• Ensuring compliance with government regulations and laws

Being up to date with new and revised laws

Ensuring all practices are within legal boundaries and standards

• Recruitment and training of new staff

Hiring medically certified staff and qualified workers

Provide onboarding and training for professional development

• Meet with investors and secure funding for research and development

Maintain relationships with stakeholders and investors

Coordinate meetings with higher management, stakeholders, and investors

• Communicate with doctors and nurses for a smooth operation

Serve as a connection between different departments for a cohesive working of the system

Ensure collaboration between departments for better patient care

• Improving the quality of patient care

Identify areas that require improvement and implement changes

Monitor patient satisfaction through feedback and surveys

These job roles require the candidates to be skilled in different areas.

Let's understand what are some of the key skills required to become a healthcare administrator

Also Read: Master's in Healthcare Management

Pathways of Becoming a Healthcare Administrator

In the past few decades, healthcare administration has grown nearly 30%, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). There is an increasing demand for healthcare administrators.

There are several ways to become a healthcare administrator.

1. Having a degree in Healthcare Administration:

Many colleges worldwide offer courses in healthcare administration. This ranges from certificate courses to full-time degree courses. 

You can get a bachelor's or a master’s degree in Healthcare Administration.

If you are opting for a master’s degree, ensure that you have a recognised bachelor’s degree. 

Listed below are a few degrees covering healthcare administration:

• Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration

• Master’s in Healthcare Administration

• MBA in Hospital Administration

• PG diploma in hospital and health management

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2. Having a Medical Degree:

Many people move from being a healthcare provider to a healthcare administrator. 

After obtaining your medical degree (such as MBBS), you can pursue a healthcare administration course. This can be a master’s program or a diploma program.

Understanding the functioning of a clinic or hospital is beneficial in hospital administration.

3. Work Experience:

Getting a leadership administrator role in a healthcare setting requires experience and skills. 

After acquiring the relevant degree, you need to put in 3-5 years of work, gaining experience in the work of a healthcare providing center. Entry-level positions are available right after graduation.

If you’re moving from a healthcare provider role, it might take 5-7 years of experience before you can move into the role of a healthcare administrator. The general requirement is to have a relevant degree.

Healthcare administration is a very rewarding profession. For individuals who do not aspire to be doctors or nurses but still wish to serve patients, this is an excellent alternative.  

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