Is Pursuing a Degree in Healthcare Administration Worth it?

Are you driven toward a career that involves organization and coordination? Do you have a passion for making a difference in people’s lives? If you answered yes to these two questions, you should consider studying healthcare administration.  

A health administrator is essential in making sure that healthcare facilities run smoothly and that patients remain satisfied. While demanding and fast-paced, healthcare administration is an incredibly fulfilling career for those who possess the skill and will to improve the healthcare system.  

So, what exactly does a health administrator do?

What Is The Role Of A Health Administrator? 

As the BLS puts it, the role of a health administrator  is to “plan, direct, and coordinate the business activities of healthcare providers.” This translates into the performance of many duties such as dealing with the finances of a hospital, managing staff, and overseeing the day-to-day operations of many departments. In addition, a crucial role of a health administrator is to ensure that the facility meets all federal, state, and local laws and regulations.  

A health administrator not only works in hospitals but in clinics and nursing homes as well. Wherever a health administrator does end up working, the basic job is the same: to improve the overall quality and service of the healthcare facility.  

What Are The Top 5 Qualities And Skills Of A Health Administrator? 

Not just anyone is suited for the position of health administrator. Here are the top five qualities one should have in order to be successful in medical administration:  

1. Leadership skills  

 A health administrator wears many hats, and a crucial one is managing employees. If the employees of a healthcare facility aren’t satisfied, you can best imagine the patients are not getting the best service possible. A successful health administrator has the ability to encourage their employees and motivate them to work as a team to consistently excel and grow. It’s important for employees to respect and trust the decisions of a health administrator, which is why so much of the position requires effective communication and leadership skills.  

2. Communication Skills  

Building off of the previous point, having clear communication is a necessary skill for one who works in healthcare administration. A health administrator not only has to communicate with employees but also with patients and other healthcare providers. In order for a health facility to run smoothly, there has to be positivity and camaraderie on all sides, which is why communication skills are a needed component in medical administration.  

3. Analytical Skills  

As healthcare administrators must ensure that their healthcare facilities run efficiently, a large part of their position includes analyzing data and making strategic decisions based on their findings. Simply, a health administrator must be capable of fully evaluating their facility and developing plans for improvement in areas that are lacking.  

4. Flexibility  

We all have those days when nothing seems to go right. An important skill for a health administrator to possess is the ability to adapt to the constantly changing health industry. When things don’t go according to plan, he must be able to think quickly on his feet and switch gears in order to ensure the success of the healthcare facility. 

5. Compassion 

In order to lead a successful career in healthcare administration, a health administrator must keep his overall objective in mind. Although a majority of a healthcare administrator’s day is spent dealing with the technical side of running a healthcare facility, it’s important to remember that providing the best care possible for patients is the ultimate goal. That’s where compassion and empathy for patients and their families come into play. In order for a patient to have overall satisfaction with his care, he must feel supported and taken care of by the medical team and facility.  

What Jobs Can You Get With a Healthcare Administration Degree? 

By now you may be wondering, what type of jobs are available with a Healthcare Administration degree? The answer is, quite a lot! Graduates with a healthcare administration degree have a wide range of career options in various healthcare settings such as hospitals, government agencies, nursing homes, and even insurance companies. Some of the most popular job titles in this field are health information manager, hospital administrator, and healthcare consultant.  

With a healthcare administration degree, you’ll have the qualifications and skills necessary to succeed in a rewarding career with many growth opportunities. 

Why Choose A Career In Healthcare Administration? 

If you want to end your day with the knowledge that you have positively impacted many lives by improving the quality of healthcare, a career in healthcare administration would be an incredible choice. Not only is the job fulfilling, it offers the opportunity to collaborate with various healthcare professionals to improve the overall patient experience. Healthcare administration is also a stable and financially rewarding career, with a lot of potential for advancement and growth. This is a great motivation for entering the field of healthcare administration, because who doesn’t want a steady, well-paying job? 

What Are The Benefits Of Healthcare Administration? 

As mentioned above, one of the main benefits of working in healthcare administration is the daily satisfaction that one receives from helping others. Because healthcare administrators play such a vital role in ensuring the quality of patient care, they feel fulfilled and rewarded despite their hard work. Another incredible benefit of working in medical administration is the growing job opportunities in the field. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics lists medical and health services managers on their compilation of the fastest growing occupations with a growth rate of twenty-eight percent. The earning potential is also a big pull for working in healthcare administration, with the BLS reporting the annual median salary to be $101,340.   

Pursuing a Health Science Degree Instead? 

Perhaps, even after all the information about health administration, you aren’t sold. Don’t fret, because if you are still interested in working in the medical field, a Health Science degree is a great option. A degree in Health Science is an opening to a variety of careers in the medical field, including jobs as a clinical research coordinator, medical assistant, health educator, and more. Health Science Bachelor’s programs typically offer a broad range of coursework, which allows students to develop a diverse skill set while exploring various areas of the healthcare industry.  

If this sounds appealing, you should consider a degree in Health Science at University of the People. UoPeople is a well-known online college that offers tuition-free degrees and flexible learning schedules based on the students’ availability. Should a degree in Health Science appeal to you, getting your getting your degree online is a phenomenal choice.  

Hats Off! 

As the saying goes, “Hats off!” Those who go into healthcare administration deserve the utmost respect for all the demanding, life-altering work they accomplish. In the end, it all boils down to this: whether you decide to pursue a degree in medical administration or a related field like health science, the greatest gift is the knowledge that you are actively involved in bettering society. So, if you are considering a career in healthcare administration and have the qualities to be successful in the field, go for it! Take the leap and join the effort in improving the healthcare system.