The work of a healthcare administrator, while it does not involve providing patient care, is reserved for those looking to make an impact in the world of public health. It takes more than doctors and nurses to ensure that a medical practice runs smoothly. That is why healthcare administrators could be considered unsung heroes of healthcare organizations.
So what does a healthcare administrator do to earn this reputation? Healthcare administrators may manage an entire facility, a specific clinical area or department, or a medical practice for a group of physicians1. Healthcare administration duties involve bridging the gap between patients and their healthcare providers.
If you are interested in starting a career in health administration, you may have more questions. You may also be curious about the healthcare administration job outlook, and how to get the skills you may need.
If this describes you, then keep reading as we dive into ‘what does a healthcare administrator do’ and more to help you get on the path to a healthcare career!
Start your journey today at National Career College!
What does a healthcare administrator do? | healthcare administration duties
The answer to this question is demonstrated by the work they do on a daily basis. Healthcare administrators are responsible for many tasks, such as planning, directing, and coordinating healthcare services. Their work covers a variety of disciplines from management to human resources.
If you are looking for a job that is constantly changing and incorporates leadership skills, then this is the job for you! This career may involve the following tasks on a daily basis:
- Improve efficiency and quality in delivering healthcare services
- Develop departmental goals and objectives
- Ensure that the facility in which they work is up to date on and compliant with laws and regulations
- Recruit, train, and supervise staff members
- Manage the finances of the facility, such as patient fees and billing
- Create work schedules
- Prepare and monitor budgets and spending to ensure departments operate within funding limits
- Represent the facility at investor meetings or on governing boards
- Keep and organize records of the facility’s services, such as the number of inpatient beds used
- Communicate with members of the medical staff and department heads1
You may be wondering ‘what does a healthcare administrator do to gain these skills?’. In their day-to-day work, healthcare administrators practice their analytical skills, their attention to detail, and more!
If these skills are not your strong suit, then you may want to focus on developing them during your healthcare administration education. Many classes help students develop these skills through their coursework and class design.
How long does it take to become a healthcare administrator?
Before you can tackle healthcare administration duties in your career, you will need to learn a few important skills. Many enroll in healthcare administration education to learn how to perform necessary tasks.
If you are wondering ‘how long does it take to become a healthcare administrator?’, the answer depends on how you choose to approach your healthcare administration education. To fulfill education requirements for career practice, you may want to complete a degree program.
Training classes for this career may consist of medical coding or electronic billing and records courses, management skills courses, and other related skills. Degrees that focus on both management and healthcare combine business-related courses with courses in medical terminology, hospital organization, and health information systems2. Completing your Associate of Applied Science degree could bring you one step closer to putting your education into practice.
Why should you consider this career? | healthcare administration job outlook
The past year has been a difficult time for those looking for employment. If job security is among your top priorities, this path could be the right fit for you. The job outlook for this career is projected to increase in demand in the coming years.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of medical and health services managers is projected to grow 32 percent from 2019 to 20293. This projected increase in demand could offer opportunities for anyone looking to begin this career path.
The path to this career could begin after completing your healthcare administration classes toward a degree. If you are ready to take this exciting step toward learning ‘what does a healthcare administrator do?’ then it’s time to find a training program that could teach you the skills you may need to get started!
Healthcare Administration Classes at National Career College
Now that you know the basics behind the question ‘what does a healthcare administrator do?’ it’s time to dive deeper. National Career College could provide you with the education you may need to reach your career goals.
NCC provides students the opportunity to complete their healthcare administration classes with their needs in mind. The Healthcare Administration education program at NCC offers students the ability to complete their coursework both on our Los Angeles, CA campus, or online.
Our Associate of Applied Science degree program is designed to be completed in 62 weeks. Upon successful completion of healthcare administration classes at NCC, you could sit for various certification exams. These exams include:
- The Certified Revenue Cycle Specialist, CRCS (AAHAM) examination
- The Certified Coding Associate, CCA (AHIMA) examination
So if your job outlook is one of your top priorities, NCC could help you receive your education and begin your next chapter.
The question of ‘what does a healthcare administrator do?’ can be daunting. Let National Career College help you find the answers!
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