番茄视频

From family clinics to large hospitals, healthcare facilities can be some of the busiest places around. And with doctors, nurses, technicians and countless other professionals working tirelessly to keep communities healthy, someone has to make sure they鈥檙e supported too. That鈥檚 where healthcare administrators come in. These leaders play a vital role in managing staff, overseeing budgets and ensuring that healthcare operations run smoothly behind the scenes.  

With the demand for quality healthcare rising, the need for skilled administrators is growing just as quickly. If you鈥檝e ever wondered how to become a healthcare administrator, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from the responsibilities of the role to the step-by-step path into the field, the essential skills for success, and the salary and career outlook you can expect.  

What Does a Healthcare Administrator Do?听听

So, what does a healthcare administrator do on a daily basis? In short, these professionals oversee the business side of healthcare. While doctors and nurses focus on patient care, administrators ensure that the facility operates efficiently, ethically and in compliance with healthcare laws.  

Typical healthcare administrator responsibilities include:  

• Managing staff and fostering effective communication between departments.听听

• Overseeing budgets,听billing听and revenue cycles.听听

• Ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations.听听

• Improving the quality of patient services and system efficiency.听听

Healthcare administrators often work in hospitals, nursing homes, outpatient clinics or public health organizations. While sometimes confused with healthcare managers, the two roles differ slightly. Hospital administrators or healthcare administrators usually focus on facility-wide operations, while healthcare managers may lead specific departments or teams. Both fall under the broader category of medical and health services managers.   

Explore our blog on the field of healthcare administration if you want to learn more.

Why Choose a Career as a Healthcare Administrator?听听

Choosing a career in healthcare administration means stepping into a role that directly impacts patient care and community health, even if you鈥檙e not working hands-on with patients. Administrators create systems and environments that allow doctors, nurses and staff to provide the highest level of care.  

The profession also offers strong job security. With an aging population and healthcare facilities expanding, the demand for leaders in healthcare operations management continues to rise. Additionally, healthcare administrators enjoy competitive pay, especially for those with advanced degrees or certifications.  

If you鈥檙e looking for a profession that combines leadership, stability and the opportunity to make a difference, you鈥檒l be glad to know a health administration career offers all three.  

Step-by-Step Path to Healthcare Administration听听

Obtain a听Bachelor’s Degree听听

In most cases, your journey into healthcare administration, public health, business administration or other related fields will begin with a bachelor鈥檚 degree. This degree sets the tone for your career and provides a foundation in healthcare systems, finance and organizational leadership.  

Coursework may include healthcare law, human resources, health information systems and ethics, all of which build the knowledge base needed for entry-level administration roles. Many students pursue a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration to prepare for this career path.  

Gain Relevant Experience听听

Experience is key when learning how to become a healthcare administrator. Entry-level positions such as administrative assistant, medical office manager or patient services coordinator can provide insight into the inner workings of a healthcare facility.  

Internships, volunteer work or part-time positions also offer valuable opportunities to develop as a healthcare administrative professional. These roles allow you to observe leadership in action while building the connections that can help advance your career.   

Explore different roles you can get with a healthcare administration degree?

Consider a听Master’s Degree听听

While a bachelor鈥檚 degree can get you started, a master鈥檚 degree often opens the door to higher-level leadership roles and better salaries. Common programs include:  

• Master of Health Administration (MHA): Focused on healthcare leadership and operations.听听

• Master of Public Health (MPH): Ideal for those interested in community health and policy.听听

• MBA with a healthcare concentration: Combines business acumen with healthcare听expertise.听听

A graduate program provides specialized knowledge in areas like healthcare operations management and strategic planning. Choosing an accredited program with experienced faculty ensures that you鈥檒l be prepared for leadership in any healthcare setting.  

番茄视频 (ACE) offers several of these degrees fully online, including the Master of Healthcare Administration and the Master of Public Health. You can also explore the benefits of pursuing a Master of Healthcare Administration to understand more about how this degree can advance your career.  

Get Certified and Licensed听听

While not always required, certifications can give you a competitive edge by demonstrating your commitment and expertise. Certain roles, such as long-term care administrators, may also require state-specific licensing. Some popular certificate options include:  

• Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE).听听

• Certified Healthcare Administrative Professional (cHAP).听听

Key Skills and Qualities for Success听听

As you explore your potential future career, remember that healthcare administrators do more than manage systems. These professionals lead people, balance resources and guide organizations through complex challenges. Strong healthcare administration skills are what transform a good administrator into a great one, ensuring facilities remain financially healthy, compliant and focused on delivering exceptional care. Key skills and qualities include:  

• Leadership and communication: Leading teams and collaborating with diverse groups.听听

• Problem-solving and critical thinking: Making decisions in complex situations.听听

• Financial acumen:听Managing budgets and ensuring sustainable operations.听听

• Technical skills: Using electronic health听records听EHR and healthcare software.听听

• Adaptability and resilience: Staying effective in a fast-paced, changing industry.听听

For those looking to sharpen leadership expertise, ACE offers a Micro-credential in Public Health and Health Leadership.  

Salary & Job Outlook for Healthcare Administrators听听听

According to the United States  (BLS), medical and health services manager jobs are expected to grow by 23% from 2024 to 2034 鈥� a much faster rate than other professions. This demand is fueled by an aging population, longer life expectancy and the increasing complexity of healthcare delivery. That means professionals entering healthcare administration can expect long-term stability and opportunities for advancement.  

As of November 2025,  show:  

• Median annual salary: $117,960听听

• Number of current jobs: 616,200听听

• Top industries: Hospitals, nursing听homes听and group medical practices听

Launch Your Healthcare Career听

A career as a healthcare administrator offers the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people鈥檚 lives while enjoying professional growth, financial security and leadership responsibility. By guiding teams, improving patient services and shaping the future of healthcare delivery, you can become an essential member of the healthcare industry tasked with keeping the system running.  

贵础蚕蝉听听

At ACE, we provide flexible, affordable degree programs designed to help you take that next step. Whether听you鈥檙e听starting with a bachelor鈥檚 or advancing through a听Master of Healthcare Administration听辞谤听Master of Public Health, our online-first approach makes it possible to pursue your goals on your schedule.听听