Some possible jobs within this career area are:
Health care careers require a variety of degrees and/or certifications. In fact, many people in the health care industry return to school for updated training or certification. Commonly offered degree and certification programs include:
- Associate’s Degree
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Master’s Degree
- PhD
- Career-Specific Certification
With our baby boomer generation aging, the health care field is growing exponentially. From an increased need for pharmacists and technicians to growing demand for medical records specialists, there are jobs related to health care throughout the nation. You can make yourself a more marketable candidate by returning to school and broadening your knowledge base.
Because there are so many different types of degrees available in the health care world, it also means that it can take a varied amount of time to get certified or start your career. Many technicians can get their certificates in one or two years, but a large percentage of workers return to school to get additional training or a degree. Generally, the more education completed, the higher the salary.
How to Become a Health Care Administrator
When you become a health care administrator, also known as a medical and health services manager, you will be in charge of managing the staff of a health care facility. You may also be responsible for the finances, marketing, public relations, and policies of the entire hospital or nursing home that you run.
Education in Health Care
A health care administrator career begins with a bachelor degree or a master’s degree if you plan to work at a larger facility. Because a health care administrator can be either a generalist or a specialist, your degree major might be in accounting, information technology, health care administration, or a business concentration. Coursework will probably include classes in human resources, accounting, budgeting, law and ethics, hospital organization and management, health economics, health information systems, and strategic planning.
Health Care Administration Salaries
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in 2008 the annual median health care administrator salary was $90,970. The lowest ten percent reflected those entering the field and those with less education; they earned $49,750.The highest ten percent of health care administrator salaries was over $140,300 per year. Job growth is projected to be 16 percent over the next decade, with the majority of positions being in hospitals. (Salary data retrieved 6/25/11)
To get the information you need to succeed at a career as a health care administrator, find a degree program now!