What Can You Do With a Healthcare Administration Degree?
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- Healthcare administration graduates typically manage medical facilities and personnel, improving overall efficiency.
- The demand for healthcare administrators is high. The BLS projects 18% job growth through 2028.
- There are many opportunities for continuing education and advancement in healthcare administration careers.
Healthcare administration graduates can pursue many different career paths. Some students choose to work directly with people, while others prefer focusing on numbers and data.
Selecting a concentration in healthcare administration allows students to specialize in areas such as education, informatics, operations, and health policy. Each concentration can give students a leg up when preparing for their chosen career path.
Pursuing an undergraduate degree in healthcare administration opens up entry-level positions, while an advanced degree can lead to career advancement into managerial and executive roles.
How Much Does a Healthcare Administrator Make?
According to the BLS, medical and health services managers earn an average annual salary of more than $115,000. The most lucrative sector for these professionals — pharmaceutical and medical manufacturing — pays an average annual salary of over $204,000.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 18% job growth for medical and health services managers between 2018 and 2028. A degree in healthcare administration provides the essential knowledge and fundamental skills needed to make the most of this rapidly growing field.
The demand for medical and health service managers remains high; the BLS projects that 71,600 new positions will be created between 2018 and 2028.
| Job Title | Entry-Level (0-12 months) | Early Career (1-4 Years) | Midcareer (5-9 Years) | Experienced (10-19 Years) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare Administrator | N/A | $52,440 | $65,420 | $71,770 |
| Hospital Administrator | $64,270 | $79,950 | $89,440 | $89,960 |
| Nursing Home Administrator | $73,030 | $84,090 | $97,380 | $100,300 |
Source: PayScale
Explore Online Healthcare Administration Programs That Might Interest You
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
What Jobs Can You Get With a Healthcare Administration Degree?
A degree in healthcare administration opens up career opportunities across the healthcare sector.
Hospitals, medical laboratories, and physicians' offices serve as common work settings for healthcare administrators.
Healthcare administrators can also find career opportunities with insurance companies, government agencies, pharmaceutical corporations, and outpatient care facilities.
When beginning their job search, healthcare administration graduates should consider factors like industry, setting, location, and local population. Each of these factors can impact job availability, salary rates, and career growth.
General Medical and Surgical Hospitals
General medical and surgical hospitals are large organizations dedicated to providing broad care to patients, including intensive care, pregnancy care, pediatrics, and emergency care. These operations typically have many departments and include both physician and nonphysician staff.
Average Salary: $124,180
Medical and Diagnostic Laboratories
Medical and diagnostic labs run tests to determine diagnoses and treatment options for patients. Healthcare administrators working in these labs oversee sensitive patient information and work closely with lab technicians.
Average Salary: $122,300
Physicians' Offices
Physicians' offices include independent healthcare practices and can provide general or specialized care for patients. Healthcare administrators in this field manage doctors' offices, scheduling, inventory, and budgeting.
Average Salary: $108,750
Nursing Care Facilities
Nursing care facilities offer care for the elderly and infirm. Healthcare administrators in these facilities manage day-to-day operations, personnel issues, inventory, and patient data.
Average Salary: $97,300
Outpatient Care Centers
Outpatient care centers, also called ambulatory care centers, treat patients who do not need overnight observation in a medical facility. Healthcare administrators in these settings oversee scheduling, patient information, and inventory.
Average Salary: $110,530
Medical and health services managers tend to earn the highest salaries in the Northeast U.S. — specifically in the District of Columbia and New York. Average annual salaries in these areas are near $150,000.
However, states such as Hawai'i, California, and Washington also provide high wages, indicating that this profession offers high levels of earning potential from coast to coast.
Best Healthcare Administration Degree Programs
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BestColleges Ranking Team
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BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $1,995/unit
Out of State | $1,995/unit
Credits to Graduate
37-60
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Council on Social Work Education
One of the nation's elite colleges, USC offers an accredited master of social work (MSW) online. The MSW offers a traditional program for learners with no experience. The advanced-standing program requires a bachelor of social work accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
All students learn evidence-based practices and interventions. The MSW offers several concentrations, including social change and adult mental health. Enrollees build hands-on expertise with more than 1,000 hours of field education.
Students can complete the MSW full time or part time in 12-24 months. Admission requires a bachelor's degree and a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Boston University
Boston, MA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $910
Out of State | $910
Credits to Graduate
40-65
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Council on Social Work Education
BU offers a master's in social work with three tracks: traditional, advanced standing, and human service experience (HSE). Students can customize a part-time master of social work (MSW) program with majors in clinical or macro practice.
The program includes lectures with simulations, interactive animations, and weekly live classroom sessions. Enrollees complete 1,000-2,000 hours in a field internship. Students can complete this online master's in social work in 6-9 semesters. Admission requires a minimum 3.0 GPA. Learners pursuing the HSE track need at least two years of human or social service experience.
National University
San Diego, CA - 4 years
- Online
100% Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $739
Out of State | $739
Credits to Graduate
36-60
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Council on Social Work Education
NU's online master's in social work offers tracks for those new to social work and learners with experience. The generalist track provides foundational training in social work practices and communication. Students with a bachelor of social work (BSW) take advanced coursework in the advanced generalist track.
The program supplements online coursework with an in-person practicum. During the practicum, enrollees learn how to work with individuals, groups, and communities. Admission requires a BSW or a bachelor's in a related field such as psychology.
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $288
Out of State | $288
Credits to Graduate
62 - Traditional Track
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Council on Social Work Education
One of the nation's largest virtual colleges, UCF offers an online master of social work (MSW) with traditional and advanced-standing tracks. The degree prepares generalists and advanced clinical social workers.
Students gain the skills to work as licensed practitioners. Students with a bachelor of social work (BSW) can pursue the advanced-standing program. The course load depends on learners' transfer credits.
All enrollees complete internships at community agencies. Students can complete the MSW full time or part time. Admission requires a bachelor's degree or BSW.
University of South Florida
Tampa, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $348
Out of State | $431
Credits to Graduate
35-60
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Council on Social Work Education
USF's online master's in social work prepares enrollees for various social work careers. Students gain skills to work with individuals, families, and small groups. Learners with no experience take foundation coursework and build a social work practice.
Students with a bachelor of social work (BSW) accredited by the Council on Social Work Education receive advanced standing and complete an accelerated curriculum. All enrollees complete field experiences.
A capstone project concludes the program. Students can complete the degree full time or part time. Admission requires a BSW or a bachelor's degree with liberal arts coursework.
Yeshiva University
New York, NY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $1,085
Out of State | $1,085
Credits to Graduate
30-60
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Council on Social Work Education
New York-based YU offers a customizable online master of social work (MSW). Students in the general track explore the practical and clinical aspects of social work. Coursework focuses on ethics and cultural receptivity.
Students can tailor the degree with one of two focus areas. These options include gerontology and palliative care embedded certification or the credentialed alcohol and substance abuse counselor credential. Learners complete in-person fieldwork.
Enrollees with a bachelor of social work accredited by the Council on Social Work Education may receive advanced standing. Admission requires a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, OH - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $1,590
Out of State | $1,590
Credits to Graduate
60 - Traditional Track
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Council on Social Work Education
CWRU operates one of the country's best social work schools. The online master of social work (MSW) meets educational requirements for licensure in all 50 states. Students choose either the traditional or advanced-standing track.
Learners can customize the degree by choosing one of three concentrations. Options include children, youth, and families; mental health with adults; and community practice for social change. Students with a bachelor of social work (BSW) can apply up to 21 credits toward this online master's in social work.
All enrollees develop clinical skills with 500-900 hours of field education. Students attend live online classes with about 15 peers. Admission requires a BSW or bachelor's degree and a minimum 2.7 GPA.
Fordham University
Bronx, NY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $963
Out of State | $963
Credits to Graduate
33-66
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Council on Social Work Education
Fordham manages one of the nation's largest social work schools. The online master of social work trains learners to work with clients in diverse communities. The program offers both traditional and advanced-standing tracks.
Students can choose from several practice areas, including individuals and families and organizations and community. Enrollees complete 1-2 field placements.
Learners can enroll full time or part time. Admission to this master's in social work program requires a bachelor of social work or a bachelor's degree and an essay.
California State University-Northridge
Northridge, CA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $752
Out of State | $752
Credits to Graduate
60-63 credits
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Council on Social Work Education
CSUN's online master of social work (MSW) uses a cohort model. Enrollees learn how to work with clients at the individual/family; group/community; and societal/policy levels. MSW topics include human behavior and the social environment and generalist social work theory and practice. Field education gives learners hands-on experience.
Enrollees complete an individual or group project as the capstone. Students can finish the MSW in 2-3 years. Admission requires a bachelor's degree with a liberal arts background and a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Tulane University of Louisiana
New Orleans, LA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $1,180
Out of State | $1,180
Credits to Graduate
48-60
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Council on Social Work Education
Tulane offers an online master of social work (MSW) designed for working students. The school boasts 100 years of experience training social workers in New Orleans and beyond. Enrollees can customize the MSW with an optional certificate in disaster and collective trauma or mental health, addictions, and the family.
Students complete about 900 hours of field education. Enrollees with a bachelor of social work (BSW) receive advanced standing. They can complete the degree in 12 months. Admission requires a BSW or bachelor's degree in a liberal arts field.
How to Start Your Career in Healthcare Administration
While healthcare administration is a vast field, career availability depends a lot on your level of education. The most lucrative careers in healthcare administration, like CEOs, require a master's degree or even a doctorate.
What Can You Do With an Associate Degree in Healthcare Administration?
Graduates with an associate degree in healthcare administration find jobs in hospitals and doctors' offices, as well as other healthcare-related industries like insurance. They manage day-to-day operations and perform administrative tasks.
Medical Office Manager
Medical office managers handle administrative duties for hospitals, clinics, and doctors' offices. They oversee day-to-day operations, including scheduling, organizing paperwork and patient files, and reviewing expenses and accounts. Medical office managers must understand physician guidelines and relevant healthcare policies.
Salary: $48,950
Medical Billing Manager
Medical billing departments manage patient paperwork, insurance, and eligibility. Medical bill managers often handle all the paperwork for small clinics or oversee employees in a larger facility. Some employers may require a bachelor's degree for this position.
Salary: $54,060
Medical Records and Health Information Technician
Medical records and health information technicians oversee office records and IT duties, maintaining patient files and creating organizational structures for efficient record keeping. These professionals may also keep hospital or clinic computer systems up to date.
Salary: $40,350
Sources: BLS and PayScale
What Can You Do With a Bachelor's Degree in Healthcare Administration?
Earning a bachelor's degree in healthcare administration is often the first step on a managerial career track. Graduates can assume administrative or management roles in medical settings like hospitals, clinics, and doctors' offices. They may also find work as consultants.
Human Resources Manager
HR managers act as intermediaries between an organization and its employees. They oversee policies and procedures for personnel, which requires strong interpersonal skills and the ability to manage complaints in a professional and timely manner.
Salary: $67,380
Healthcare Consultant
Healthcare consultants work with healthcare organizations to conduct research, identify systemic or procedural problems, and find or create solutions. Some professionals in this field hold contract jobs, while others work full time for large organizations. Consultants must be detail oriented and have keen observation and interpersonal skills.
Salary: $77,670
Medical Reimbursement Specialist
Medical billing specialists work with healthcare providers to help customers schedule and process insurance claims and payments. Hospitals, doctors' offices, clinics, and emergency centers all employ billing specialists. Professionals in this field need strong communication skills and the ability to parse complex insurance policies.
Salary: $50,440
Medical Health and Services Manager
Medical and health services managers oversee healthcare facilities like hospitals and clinics. Their duties include accounting and budgeting, human resources management, and the development of new health programs. Professionals in this field need organizational and research skills to keep their facilities running efficiently.
Salary: $67,580
Clinical Supervisor
Clinical supervisors manage the day-to-day operations of medical clinics. These supervisors maintain scheduling for clinic employees, delegate tasks, enforce healthcare quality standards, and manage inventory. Clinical supervisors may also take charge of clinical records and patient reports.
Salary: $58,910
Source: PayScale
What Can You Do With a Master's Degree in Healthcare Administration?
Many upper-level careers require a bachelor's degree and at least five years of experience, but a master's degree in healthcare administration can help graduates enter this upper tier more quickly.
This degree also builds the skills necessary to succeed in challenging management positions.
Director of Managed Care
A director of managed care is a liaison between managed care staff and healthcare administration in rehab centers, nursing homes, senior living centers, and hospitals. Directors of managed care coordinate between departments, keep contracts updated, and act as go-betweens for medical facilities and various governmental agencies.
Salary: $118,890
Clinical Manager
A clinical manager works in a medical office that provides ongoing care to patients. In small medical facilities, clinical managers oversee scheduling for day-to-day treatment strategies. In larger operations, these specialized managers may run a particular department and oversee nonphysician staff. These professionals also maintain and order equipment for their department.
Salary: $70,990
Nursing Home Administrator
Nursing home administrators oversee residents and staff in a nursing home. They create and implement management systems; supervise all departments; and provide oversight in regards to local, federal, and state regulations. These administrators also perform financial and administerial duties, including budgeting and contract negotiations.
Salary: $90,660
Health Information Manager
Health information managers maintain digital databases for medical facilities that contain vital patient information and treatment data. Their main responsibility is staying in compliance with privacy laws and ethical standards, which tend to evolve quickly. Health information managers may also lead a team of technicians who implement data collection strategies.
Salary: $58,530
Practice Administrator
Practice administrators oversee staffing at medical facilities, including clinics and hospitals. They are in charge of recruitment, contract negotiation, and budgeting for hiring and training. In some cases, practice managers also keep track of the advertising budget. Professionals in this field need strong communication skills and must work well under pressure.
Salary: $74,000
Source: PayScale
What Can You Do With a Doctorate Degree in Healthcare Administration?
Graduates with doctoral degrees are experts with extensive theoretical and practical knowledge that applies directly to their work. Doctoral degree-holders can also become professors at accredited colleges and universities.
Hospital CEO
Hospital chief executive officers are in charge of an entire hospital. They oversee all departments, manage staffing and budgeting, and work with donors to keep the hospital funded. CEOs must make tough decisions quickly and professionally, which requires strong interpersonal skills.
Salary: $156,130
Postsecondary Professor
While professors are known for giving lectures, they may also conduct their own research, oversee student research, act as advisors, and publish academic papers. Professors rely on strong research, data collection, analysis, and communication skills.
Salary: $79,540
Director of Operations
Directors of operations are primarily in charge of managing employees. These directors may also oversee research and development departments or manage inventory and ordering.
Salary: $91,880
Sources: BLS and PayScale
How to Advance Your Career in Healthcare Administration
Healthcare administration professionals can advance their careers through advanced degrees, training programs, continuing education classes, and professional development.
Membership in professional organizations like AHCAP, PAHCOM, and AAHAM give healthcare administrators access to resources and updates in the field.
Healthcare Administration Certifications
Healthcare administrators benefit from earning professional certifications from organizations like the Association for Healthcare Administrative Professionals (AHCAP) and the Professional Association of Health Care Office Management (PAHCOM).
ACHAP provides a certified healthcare administration professional certification that demonstrates excellence in healthcare administrative knowledge and experience, while PAHCOM provides certifications in medical management and health information technology.
The American Association of Healthcare Administrative Management (AAHAM) also offers five professional certifications.
Resources for Healthcare Administration Majors
Professional Organizations
Association of University Programs in Health Administration: AUPHA serves as a resource for prospective students, current scholars, faculty members, and departmental leaders. The association maintains extensive online databases of healthcare administration programs and career opportunities. Members can also take professional certification exams in order to gain AUPHA certification.
Association for Healthcare Administrative Professionals: AHCAP is one of the main certification agencies for healthcare professionals. Members also gain access to exclusive publications, career boards, and forums. The association hosts an annual networking conference and webinars to provide professional growth opportunities.
American Association of Healthcare Administrative Management: AAHAM provides multiple professional certifications for leaders in healthcare administration. Members also gain access to management training, periodicals, seminars, and conferences.
Health Care Administrators Association: HCAA is dedicated to members from multiple disciplines that work in healthcare administration. This organization regularly posts job and sponsorship opportunities. Members can also pursue certification if they wish to work with self-funded healthcare plans.
Open Courseware
Open courseware for healthcare administration professionals is a free, convenient resource.
Offered in conjunction with Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology provides courses in health sciences and technology. The Harvard-MIT program incorporates undergraduate and graduate classes in topics such as principles and practices of drug development, information technology for the future of healthcare, and health information systems to improve the quality of healthcare.
MIT also provides online open courseware in healthcare management. Classes include comparative health policy, engineering capacity in community-based healthcare, and business model innovations of global health in frontier markets.
Johns Hopkins University's Bloomberg School of Public Health also provides open courseware in healthcare administration-related areas. Learners can study public health, global health, and health policy while also exploring population science and health issues for aging populations.
Stanford University provides open courseware in health and medicine, with additional offerings in business and management. Classes applicable to healthcare administration careers include health across the gender spectrum and disaster medicine training.
The University of California, Berkeley offers open courseware in academic and science writing and solving public policy problems, while open educational resources provided by the University of Michigan cover topics like public policy and public health, nursing, and pharmaceutical science.
Publications
Journal of Hospital Administration: JHA is an international, open-access publication for healthcare management specialists. Dedicated to publishing articles related to managing research and practice in all branches of hospital administration, JHA puts out four volumes each year. Covered topics include clinical department management, health policy, and nursing management.
Journal of Healthcare Management: An official publication of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE), JHM offers a forum for the discussion of issues and trends facing healthcare today. Published quarterly, JHM provides information that can help healthcare managers make strategic decisions and handle complex healthcare issues.
International Journal of Health Planning and Management: With an emphasis on policy and implementation, this journal also publishes articles on topics related to developing effective health systems and services around the world. Thejournal is interdisciplinary and international in scope, embracing content that addresses how health planning and management relate to social, economic, and cultural development.
Frontiers of Health Services Management: Published by ACHE, Frontiers functions as a "bookazine." Structured in a magazine format, Frontiers offers information normally found in books, albeit in a shortened form. Each issue focuses on one aspect of healthcare management, providing an overview of the topic before diving into debates, discussion, and expert opinions. Frontiers publishes four issues each year.
Journal of Healthcare Risk Management: Published by the American Society for Healthcare Risk Management of the American Hospital Association, this journal focuses on topics related to evidence-based healthcare risk management. Articles address areas including clinical risk management, risk management tools and techniques, quality improvement, and risk financing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Healthcare Administration
Is a degree in healthcare administration worth it?
A degree in healthcare administration builds knowledge and skills in medical, business, and managerial topics. Graduates can pursue careers in hospitals, private physicians' offices, or short-term and long-term patient care facilities. A degree in healthcare administration also opens up opportunities to work in research settings, within government agencies, or with insurance companies.
How do I start a career in healthcare administration?
Earning a bachelor's degree in healthcare administration is a common pathway to enter a career in the field. Professionals with a background in medicine or business may also have insight into healthcare administration, facilitating entry into the profession. Starting a career in healthcare administration requires strong communication, interpersonal, and critical thinking skills.
What kind of jobs can you get with a healthcare administration degree?
With a degree in healthcare administration, learners can work as hospital administrators, healthcare office managers, or insurance compliance managers. A healthcare administration degree can also lead to jobs at nursing homes, outpatient care facilities, and community health agencies.
How much do entry-level healthcare administrators make?
Wages vary by location. However, according to PayScale, the average salary for an entry-level healthcare administrator is about $52,000.
Is healthcare administration a stressful job?
A career in healthcare administration requires strong organizational and critical thinking skills. Healthcare administration careers offer an opportunity to provide quality healthcare and improve the lives of patients, which can sometimes be stressful. Healthcare administrators take on duties related to facilities management, finance, and organizational development.
