By: The Strayer University Editorial Team

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If you’re interested in leadership and want to help shape how care is delivered, pursuing a career in administration could fit your goals.

Healthcare administrators play an essential role behind the scenes in a wide range of healthcare settings, from hospitals and clinics to insurance businesses and public health systems. These leaders can help create an environment where patients and care teams can have a better experience. They also respond to and help manage larger issues within the industry such as cybersecurity, interoperability and workforce challenges.

So how do you become a healthcare administrator? There is no single formula for success, but these important steps can help you succeed in this thriving sector.

1. Earn a bachelor’s degree

A BS in Health Services Administration can help you build foundational knowledge in leadership and support how medical organizations function. You can choose to specialize within the program by selecting a concentration like public health or health information management and analytics. Some students may choose to pursue a degree in a related field such as business with a specialization in health services administration.

2. Gain experience and build the right skills

Support roles within a clinical organization are a good way to start building your experience. Early exposure to areas like operations, patient access or care coordination can help you better understand day-to-day workflows and discover which part of the profession interests you most.

As you gain experience, you can also strengthen skills employers value. Effective management depends on clear communication, good judgment and a polished approach.

3. Choose a master’s program that fits your goals

Earning a master’s degree in health services administration can help prepare you for management- or executive-level roles. Graduate programs can equip professionals with specific skills along with an advanced understanding of the entire industry. As you search for a graduate school, you’ll notice the following degree types:

• Master of Science in Health Services Administration
• Master of Business Administration in Health Services Administration
• Master of Health Services Administration, Public Health Management
• Master of Health Services Administration, Clinical Care Management

Working in the field while earning your master’s degree may help you choose the right program and apply new skills immediately.

4. Plan for certifications that align with your career path

Professional certifications can bolster your credentials and help you develop specialized skills. If you’re interested in revenue cycle, reimbursement or health information roles,  focused certificates such as the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) or Certified Professional Biller (CPB) may be good options. Alternatively, the Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE) certification is well suited for experts pursuing leadership roles in medical management.

5. Commit to continuous learning

The landscape is constantly changing, so ongoing learning can play an important role in your career growth. It can help to stay informed about changes in the market and look for opportunities to keep developing your skills.

That might mean attending conferences, participating in webinars or following emerging trends. To find networking and career development opportunities, consider joining professional organizations such as:

• AAHAM: American Association of Healthcare Administrative Management
• ACHE: American College of Healthcare Executives
  
• AHIMA: American Health Information Management Association

Forge your path in a growing field

If you’re thinking about a future in healthcare administration, start by identifying your goals. Consider the kind of environment you want to work in, the skills you want to build and the kind of impact you hope to make.

Ready to take the next step? Explore Strayer’s health services programs.

FAQs

What degree do I need to be a healthcare administrator?

Most entry-level roles require at least a bachelor’s degree in health services administration or a related field like business. To pursue executive or senior leadership positions, earning a master’s degree in health services administration or an MBA with a healthcare administration focus can help you build the advanced expertise required.

What skills are important for healthcare administration?

Successful administrators often rely on a mix of technical knowledge and interpersonal skills. Key qualities include clear communication, good judgment, organization and adaptability. Understanding industry-specific challenges like cybersecurity and interoperability is also increasingly important.

Do I need certifications to work in healthcare management?

While not always required for positions, professional certifications can help bolster your credentials. Options like the FACHE certification are ideal for aspiring leaders, while more specialized certificates like the CPC or CPB can help those focused on revenue cycle or health information management.