What Jobs Can You Get with a Healthcare Administration Degree?

A healthcare administration degree opens the door to a wide array of rewarding career opportunities within the healthcare industry. As the demand for skilled professionals in healthcare management continues to grow, pursuing a healthcare administration degree can pave the way for a fulfilling and impactful career. Together, we will delve into the diverse jobs available for individuals with a healthcare administration degree.

Types Of Healthcare Administration Degrees

Healthcare administration offers a variety of academic pathways, each tailored to specific career goals and educational levels. Understanding the different types of healthcare administration degrees is crucial before embarking on your educational journey. Here, we'll explore three common degree programs in healthcare administration.

Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Healthcare Administration

A BBA in Healthcare Administration is an undergraduate degree program designed to provide students with a strong foundation in business and healthcare management. This program typically covers a broad range of subjects, including healthcare management, finance, ethics, and policy. Upon completing a BBA in Healthcare Administration, graduates are well-equipped to enter entry-level positions in healthcare management or pursue further education, such as an MBA in Healthcare Administration.

Master of Healthcare Administration

An MHA is a graduate-level program that builds upon a student's prior education and work experience. At UMass Global, our MHA helps students gain a deep understanding of healthcare systems, ethical considerations, and the intersection of business principles with the healthcare industry. This program delves deeper into healthcare management with advanced coursework in areas such as strategic planning, healthcare economics, healthcare information technology, and leadership and change management. An MHA is an excellent choice for mid-career professionals seeking to advance to higher-level management positions, executive roles, or entrepreneurship within the healthcare industry.

Master of Public Administration (MPA) in Healthcare Administration

The MPA in Healthcare Administration is a specialized graduate degree program that focuses on the intersection of healthcare and public administration. It equips students with knowledge and skills in health policy analysis, healthcare advocacy, healthcare finance and budgeting, and epidemiology and biostatistics. Graduates with an MPA in Healthcare Administration often pursue careers in healthcare policy analysis, healthcare consulting, government agencies, or non-profit organizations dedicated to healthcare advocacy and reform.

Jobs You Can Get with a Master’s of Healthcare Administration Degree

A healthcare administration degree opens doors to a world of diverse and rewarding career opportunities. Healthcare administration degree job opportunities offer a chance to make a meaningful impact on the healthcare landscape. Whether you're interested in managing healthcare facilities, shaping healthcare policy, or improving healthcare operations, there are exciting career paths that await you.

Hospital Chief Executive Officer

Hospital Chief Executive Officers (CEO) are top executives responsible for the overall strategic direction and management of a hospital. They ensure the hospital's financial health, quality of care, and compliance with healthcare regulations. In 2023, the average salary of a hospital CEO is $161,607 providing a lucrative compensation for those who take the time to get advanced education and have years of experience.

To become a hospital CEO, a Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) or a related degree is typically required. An MPA with a healthcare administration focus can also be beneficial, especially for roles that involve interaction with government agencies or policymakers.

Hospital Chief Financial Officer

Hospital Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) oversee the financial aspects of healthcare organizations, including budgeting, financial planning, and financial reporting. They play a pivotal role in maintaining the financial stability of hospitals. In 2023, the average salary of a hospital CFO is $162,403, a competitive salary for the responsibilities of this critical role.

A Master of Healthcare Administration or a finance-related degree is often necessary to become a Hospital CFO. An MPA with a healthcare administration specialization can enhance financial management skills and understanding of healthcare policy.

Healthcare Chief Information Officer

Healthcare Chief Information Officers (CIO) are responsible for managing and implementing healthcare information technology systems. They ensure the secure and efficient use of electronic health records and other healthcare technologies. In 2023, the average salary of a CIO is $164,187 and is projected to rise over the next 10 years due to the increase in demand for cybersecurity professionals.

A master’s degree in healthcare administration is commonly required to ensure you have the skills to manage sensitive information. Cyber security certifications may also be necessary for this high-paying role.

Chief Nursing Officer

Chief Nursing Officers (CNO) are senior nursing executives who oversee nursing departments, patient care, and nursing staff within healthcare organizations. They also play a crucial role in developing and maintaining quality nursing care standards. In 2023, the average salary of a CNO is $147,182, which is higher than a majority of top-paying nursing jobs.

A Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing is typically required, with a Master’s in Healthcare Administration helping to improve earning potential. Having experience as a registered nurse is also beneficial for securing this role.

Hospital Administrator

Hospital administrators manage day-to-day operations in healthcare facilities, ensuring the delivery of quality patient care. They are responsible for staffing, budgeting, and overall efficiency. In 2023, the average salary for this role is $95,066 but the average can increase depending on experience and location.

A bachelor’s degree with an emphasis in Healthcare Administration or a related degree may be sufficient for entry-level positions, but higher positions often require a master's degree. Hospital administrators may also benefit from an MPA with a healthcare administration focus, which equips them with knowledge of healthcare policy, public health principles, and government regulations, crucial for overseeing healthcare facilities.

Nursing Home Administrator

Nursing Home Administrators oversee the operations of long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes and assisted living facilities. They ensure compliance with regulations and provide quality care to residents. In 2023, the average salary for this position is $107,394 which is competitive given the nature of the role and responsibilities.

A bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration or a related degree, along with state licensure, is typically required. However, a master’s degree can improve the compensation.

Clinical Informatics Manager

Clinical Informatics Managers bridge the gap between healthcare and technology. They manage the implementation of electronic health records and data analytics systems to improve patient care. In 2023, the average salary for this position is $119,167, as it is a top role in both a hospital and clinic setting.

While a Bachelor of Science in Nursing can help in finding an entry-level role in clinical informatics, a master’s degree in healthcare administration or a related field is often required for management roles.

Government Agency Healthcare Administrator

Government agency healthcare administrators work in public health departments or government healthcare agencies. They oversee programs, policy implementation, and budget allocation to improve nationwide public health. In 2023, the average salary for these federal roles is $83,000, but can increase depending on the department.

A master’s in healthcare administration or public health is typically required. An MPA in Healthcare Administration aligns well with this role, due to knowledge of public policy and governance within the healthcare context. Doctorate degrees can also help improve earning potential in this career.

Master’s of Healthcare Administration at UMass Global

With UMass Global's Master's of Healthcare Administration program, students can expect a robust curriculum that hones their expertise in various critical areas of healthcare management. Upon completion of the MHA degree program, you will be better able to analyze issues within healthcare administration to improve patient care, design business systems to deliver excellent quality care and operational performance, learn new communication strategies to improve patient-related coordination, and develop strategies to help remain competitive in the healthcare industry.

Some of our key MHA courses include:

Empower Your Future in Healthcare Administration

A healthcare administration degree opens doors to a variety of exciting career paths, contributing to the improvement of healthcare delivery and outcomes. Whether you choose to pursue traditional on-campus education or opt for the flexibility of an online healthcare administration degree, the skills and knowledge gained will prepare you for a dynamic and impactful career in the ever-evolving healthcare industry. Apply now to one of our online programs and take the next step toward a rewarding career with your healthcare administration degree.