What Is Healthcare Administration

& What Does a Healthcare Administrator Do?

The healthcare industry is a popular career choice, and for good reason. It is a field that continues to grow. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the healthcare industry to grow 18 percent from 2016 to 2026, a much faster rate than all occupations.

Healthcare administrators play a crucial role in the healthcare industry. They lead, manage and administer public health systems, healthcare systems, hospitals, doctors’ offices and hospital networks.

Healthcare administrators work with other healthcare professionals to make sure patients receive the care they need. They work in hospitals, doctors' offices, nursing homes, insurance companies, governmental agencies and many other places.

They work to plan, coordinate and implement health services as well as lead and supervise teams of others in those tasks. They must understand the laws that govern healthcare policy and the issues that may affect their work. 

Why Should I Consider a Career in Healthcare Administration?

Only you can decide if you'd enjoy a career in healthcare administration, of course, but here are a few things to consider:

  1. It's a growing field. 
  2. You can pursue your interests in a number of directions. 
  3. The healthcare field needs people all across the country. 
  4. You don't have to go to medical or nursing school. 
  5. You don't have to be into science. 
  6. You'll be constantly challenged to learn more. 
  7. You can make good money.
  8. You'll make a difference.  

Where Do Healthcare Administrators Work?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, healthcare administrators often work in these types of facilities:

  • State, local & private hospitals (36 percent)
  • Doctors' offices (11 percent)
  • Nursing and residential care facilities (10 percent)
  • Governmental agencies (8 percent)
  • Outpatient care centers (7 percent)

Learn more about specific jobs in healthcare administration. 

What Kind of Work Would I Be Doing as a Healthcare Administrator?

  • Planning, coordinating, implementing health services
  • Leading and supervising a team of other administrators
  • Keeping up with healthcare policy and laws and potential issues
  • Interacting with investors and/or governing boards
  • Communicating with medical staff
  • Improving efficiency and effectiveness
  • Handling staffing schedules, hiring decisions, employees, fees and billing and more 

What Kind of Skills Would I Be Using?

  • Budget management
  • Operations management
  • Interpersonal communication
  • Listening
  • Decision-making
  • Attention to detail
  • Critical thinking
  • Analysis
  • Creativity
  • Willingness to think outside the box
  • Leadership
  • Accountability
  • Collaboration
  • Innovative thinking
  • Talent development

If these reasons, tasks, skills and competencies resonate with you, a career in healthcare administration may be for you.