The healthcare industry is one that is going through a lot of growth and expansion over the past couple of years, and this trend shows no sign of slowing any time soon. What this means to job seekers is that it’s the perfect time to break into this industry and start to forge your own exciting career path. And while the healthcare industry certainly includes doctors and nurses, there is so much more to it than just the first-line staff.
Healthcare administration gives people the opportunity to work in this growing field, open up the door to possibilities, yet you will be working behind the scenes in an administrative role. But what can you expect from a career in healthcare administration? Here are some of the basics that you should be aware of before choosing this path.
Higher Education Will Help You Land a Job
Just because the field is growing and creating new jobs it doesn’t mean it isn’t competitive. You’re still going to need to have the requirements employers are looking for. A good tip is to look into how higher education in the form of a degree program can help you to beat out the competition.
Boston College’s highly respected Online Master of Healthcare Administration from https://onlinemha.bc.edu gives you all the skills and foundations you need to excel in your career. Its MHA program is specifically created for those working professionals who want to excel and complete a graduate program, allowing them to reach the next level of success.
With your MHA, some of the jobs that you can look into include:
- Hospital department manager
- Healthcare manager
- Hospital CEO
- Hospital CFO
- Facility operations specialist
- Government policy maker (healthcare)
- Clinic administrator
- Manager of a healthcare staffing agency
- Nursing home administrator
Understand What Will Fall Under Your Responsibilities
Before following this path it’s also a good idea to understand what will be expected of you. You’ll be the one directing the operation of services, facilities, programs, staffing, and budgets. While you won’t be dealing with patients directly, you will be part of the group that actually shapes hospital and clinic policies that in turn affect the patients.
Prepare to Multi-Task and Work in Fast-Paced Environments
Now maybe you’re under the impression that as a healthcare administrator you won’t be working in a fast-paced, stressful environment like a doctor or a nurse would be. That’s not exactly true. Really it comes down to the facility you are working in. Let’s say, for example, you work in a hospital, well then it’s your job to ensure that all the hospital systems run smoothly and efficiently, so that’s not exactly stress-free and relaxed.
Ideally, you need to have a keen eye for detail, the ability to multitask, and have excellent communication and organizational skills.
No Surprises to Be Had
Taking the time to research what a career in healthcare administration looks like and how to get there will help you to create realistic career goals and expectations. It allows you to make the right choice for your future.
