Healthcare administration is a rapidly growing field. In fact, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in the healthcare field are expected to increase by 2.4 million positions, or 16 percent, by 2030. Similar increases are being seen in other countries around the world.
Can you leverage this demand to further your healthcare career? Yes, you can! As the medical field at large grows, healthcare administrators are needed to keep the daily logistical, financial, and legal aspects of the business running smoothly. By some estimates, healthcare administration will grow even faster – as much as 30 percent.
Keep reading to learn about the requirements of a healthcare administrator, as well as steps to take to ensure you land the job.
Make the Grade
In order to obtain a position as a healthcare administrator, you’ll need to have a bachelor’s degree in the required field. This may be a degree in undergraduate medicine, business, public health, or healthcare administration.Â
A master of health administration (MHA) degree is not always a requirement, but it is beneficial. If you pursue this degree, look for a program that is certified by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME). You may also need real-world experience working in healthcare before starting the master’s degree program.
Did you know? You don’t need a background in healthcare to pursue an MHA degree. You can pivot your career towards medical administration so long as you have a bachelor’s degree in another field.
Build Your Resume
Putting together a top-notch resume is the next step. You’ll include the necessary education discussed above, and you will also highlight specific skills. What are those essential qualifications? They include but are not limited to:
- Effective communication
- Attention to detail
- Efficiency
- Leadership
- Legal knowledge
- Problem-solving
- Adaptability
- Business acumen
- Proficiency in computer technology
You can list these in the skills section of your resume, but you also want to demonstrate them in your job descriptions. In single sentence bullet points, show how your communication, organization, etc. led to a good outcome. Use quantifiable elements (percentage increase or decrease, funds saved, number of clients, etc.) wherever possible.
Need a little inspiration to start writing your resume? Check here for examples of high-quality healthcare administration resumes.
Earn Additional Certifications
You can further bolster your healthcare administration resume (and possibly your salary) by obtaining additional certifications. These include:
- CFHP – Certified Healthcare Financial Professional from the Healthcare Financial Management Association
- CHAP – Certified Healthcare Administrative Professional certification from the Association for Healthcare Administrative Professionals
- CPHQ – Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality certification from the National Association for Healthcare quality
- CRCE – Executive Certification from the American Association of Healthcare Administrative Management (AAHAM)
- CRCP- Professional Certification from AAHAM
- Certified Revenue Cycle Profession from AAHAM
- Certified Compliance Technician from AAHAM
- Certified Medical Manager from the Professional Association of Health Care Office Management
Search for Openings
Healthcare administrators are needed in hospitals, outpatient clinics, nursing homes, insurance companies, research facilities, and government roles. Use online career databases like Indeed or utilize your professional network to find openings and gain referrals. Talk to educators or individuals already employed in the field. Attend industry conferences.
Each job will have slightly different qualifications. Make sure the education and work requirements match your experience. Then apply. You may need to look for entry-level positions in healthcare management and work your way up.
Stay Informed
Just as the physicians you work with must read medical journals to keep up with the latest treatments, you should keep yourself informed about the ever-changing world of business. Subscribe to a business-oriented news source, and look for articles that especially pertain to the management of the medical field. Adjust your resume and job search approach as needed.
Joining a professional organization is another way of staying informed. It also looks great on your resume! Professional organizations for medical administration include:
- American Association of Healthcare Administration ManagementÂ
- American College of Health Care Administrators
- American College of Healthcare Executives
- Association for Healthcare Administration Professionals
- Medical Group Management Association (MGMA)
- Professional Association of Health Care Office Management
In Conclusion
Medical administration is a rapidly growing field. In order to get a job in healthcare administration, you’ll need at least a bachelor’s degree. A Master of Healthcare Administration degree is advisable.Â
Once you have the needed education, create a resume highlighting your skills. You can bolster your resume by gaining additional certifications or joining a professional organization. Finally, search out job openings and apply. Stay informed of changes in the industry.
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