When most people think about jobs in the healthcare field, they normally think first of nurses and doctors. While they are at the forefront of delivering care or providing education and guidance to help people regain or maintain good health.
But, every healthcare facility or office needs a person or group to manage the business aspects of the organization. Those people work in healthcare administration.
Their responsibilities include managing the facility budget, directing and supervising the hiring of new employees, overseeing the management of current employees, keeping the facility stocked with equipment, supplies and food, security, and community relations. The healthcare administration staff are also responsible for ensuring the facility and all of its staff members are compliant with federal, state and local regulations.
A healthcare administrator doesn’t normally interact directly with the patients or clients of the facility. In a smaller company, (such as a longterm care facility) they may make rounds or circulate among the clients to not only gauge the clients’ wellbeing, but to inspect the facility to personally evaluate its compliance with regulations.
But an administrator of a large hospital or healthcare group would not have that much interaction with patients. Most of their duties involve development or revision of policy, review and formulation of budgets and oversee the management of the healthcare staff.
Administrators can work in hospitals, nursing homes, physicians’ offices, clinics, pharmaceutical companies,healthcare supply or equipment manufacturers or healthcare testing laboratories.
Healthcare administrators are also found in local, state and national government (such as the Center for Disease Control or Medicare and Medicaid offices.) or in health-associated national companies like the Red Cross.
A career in healthcare administration usually requires a college degree. Many colleges offer a Health Administration major. Some healthcare administration positions require a specific certification in order to qualify for the position, or to comply state or federal regulations. These positions can be financially and emotionally rewarding for the right person.
