If you’re interested in working in healthcare and want to help people rather than hurt them, a healthcare administration degree may be right for you. Healthcare administration programs are designed to give students the skills they need to effectively manage hospitals, clinics, or other healthcare facilities. We know that not everyone can be a doctor, nurse, or therapist. But having the right kind of administrative support can make all the difference when it comes to providing excellent patient care.
That’s why so many hospitals have started hiring administrators with relevant degrees and certificates who can help streamline operations and reduce red tape. If you’d like to work as an administrator in healthcare someday or even just want to understand how these professionals help keep hospitals running smoothly here is everything you need to know about getting a degree in healthcare administration.
What Does a Healthcare Administration Degree Teach?
Students who major in healthcare administration study topics ranging from leadership and management to healthcare economics, human resources, or the law. Although the exact curriculum will vary from school to school, most healthcare administration programs include the following subjects: Healthcare law and ethics, health systems management, healthcare finance, strategic planning, marketing, management, human resource management, organizational leadership, communication, business, and statistics. A typical degree program takes about two years to complete full-time but can be accelerated if you’re a highly motivated student.
How to get a healthcare administration degree
If you want to get a healthcare administration degree, you’ll need to apply to a program that offers healthcare administration as a major or concentration. You can find a list of schools offering online healthcare administration degrees and programs here. You can also look for healthcare administration programs at local community colleges or universities near you. If you decide to get a healthcare administration degree online, make sure the program offers the right combination of theory, skills training, and practical experience.
It’s also important to find a program that fits into your schedule, whether you want an accelerated program or to take classes part-time. The admissions process for healthcare administration programs can vary, but in general, you’ll need to submit an application, along with your academic transcript, letters of recommendation, and any other materials the schools ask for. In some cases, you may be interviewed or asked to complete an essay. Keep in mind that admission to healthcare administration programs is highly competitive, so you’ll need to make sure your application is top-notch.
5 Reasons to Get a Healthcare Administration Degree
– Excellent Job Prospects: Healthcare is one of the biggest industries in the world. And healthcare administration is a field that is growing quickly, as more people seek treatment, and healthcare providers try to improve operations and cut costs. Job opportunities in healthcare administration are expected to grow by 18% between 2016 and 2026, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. This means you’ll have plenty of opportunities to find a job once you complete your degree. Competitive Salaries: Healthcare administration jobs generally come with average salaries in the mid-five figures. Healthcare administration is a lucrative career option that also offers great benefits and opportunities for advancement within the field. Healthcare Administration Degree Helps You Make a Difference: Working in healthcare administration means you can help people stay healthy and get the treatment they need.
It’s a rewarding career that allows you to make a difference every day, and help make patients’ lives better. Healthcare Administration Degree Can Lead to Other Careers: If you like working in healthcare but are not interested in becoming a doctor or nurse, a healthcare administration degree can help you advance in the field. You can use your degree to become a healthcare executive, manage administrative departments, or work in healthcare finance. Healthcare Administration Degree Helps You Get Promoted Quickly: Healthcare administrators are often promoted quickly, so getting a degree in the field can give you an edge in the promotion department. Many healthcare administrators start their careers in the position of Health Services Administrator, but with the right education, you can advance to the top of the ladder quickly. With a healthcare administration degree, you can put your organizational and leadership skills to work and help improve the healthcare industry.
3 Disadvantages of Having a Healthcare Administration Degree
– High Student Loan Debt: While healthcare administration is a promising career, you’ll need a significant amount of money to get your degree. The cost of a healthcare administration degree can easily run into the tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the program and university you choose. Fortunately, many healthcare administration programs offer financial aid and scholarships to students who meet the qualifications. Slow Advancement: Healthcare administration jobs usually don’t have a promotion ceiling.
However, career advancement can be slow, as many healthcare administrators don’t reach management positions until they’re in their late 30s or early 40s. Outdated Technology: While healthcare administration programs are generally up-to-date, healthcare facilities tend to have older equipment and technology. This means that healthcare administrators must often deal with outdated technology and programs.
Conclusion
Healthcare administration is a rewarding career that gives you the chance to put your organizational and leadership skills to work. This field is growing quickly, and you’ll have plenty of opportunities to advance your career once you complete your degree. Healthcare administration programs are offered at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, and they teach students the skills they need to effectively manage healthcare facilities. If you’re interested in working in healthcare and want to help people rather than hurt them, a healthcare administration degree may be right for you.
