How to Become a Healthcare Administrator - A Comprehensive Guide to Help You Follow Your Dreams

Do you possess leadership qualities or look forward to an administrative oriented career? Then perhaps becoming a Health Care Administrator might be the right job for you. Here are some of the basic guidelines to help you start a successful career within this field

Length of Training/Requirements

In order to qualify as a Health Care Administrator, you must opt for at least a bachelor's degree from any good health care administration school. Most employers nowadays also ask for a master's degree in health care administration, health information technology, long term administration, health sciences, public health or even business administration.

Another aspect I must warn you about is that this is quite a competitive field. So, in order to enroll in an adequate graduate program, you must maintain your grades. Also make sure that your school is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation HealthCare Management Education (CAHME).

Skills Required

Apart from the educational requirements, some of the basic skills that are required for this job include:

• Strong leadership qualities


• Self-control


• The ability to work under pressure


• Tactfulness


• Sympathy


• Strong communication, negotiation and interpersonal skills

Duties and Responsibilities

As a Health Care Administrator, you will not only be required to coordinate day-to-day activities, but also develop and implement business strategies as well. Some of the most common duties and responsibilities expected from you include:

• Coordinating and organizing finances as well as assisting in the management of health facilities


• Managing overall policy directions as well as implementing them


• Collecting up to date medical records


• Overseeing compliance with government agencies and regulations


• Assessing the need for different services, equipment and personnel


• Making recommendations regarding the expansion or curtailment of services and the establishment of new or auxiliary facilities


• Working closely with doctors and giving preventative care


• Hiring, training, and supervising staff

Thus, your primary role is to represent your institution to outside organizations.

Certification and Licensing Requirements

A license is usually not required in this field, except for nursing home or long-term care administration. However, if your state does emphasize on it, then you must meet the educational criteria that has been set by the State Board of Nursing Home Administrators, which is regulated by the Department of Health. Moreover, you must also pass the state and national examinations, and continue education every two years to renew your license.

Career Outlook

This is a rapidly growing field which continues to evolve and expand with time. However, as a Health Care Administrator, you might have to begin your career either in a small hospital or as an assistant in a large medical institution. From there, you must put in all your efforts and gain as much experience as possible in order to advance as a Health Care Administrator. Thus, you will be able to move up the ladder towards a better job and higher paying positions.