How to Become a Healthcare Administrator

Healthcare is growing at a faster rate than most industries. As of May 2024, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that healthcare employment will grow much faster than the average in the next decade, creating about 1.9 million new jobs. A portion of these new jobs will be healthcare administration roles.

• 5 Steps to Become a Healthcare Administrator

What Is Healthcare Administration?

To become a healthcare administrator, first you need to understand what healthcare administration is. A healthcare administrator is involved with the daily operations of a medical facility, particularly staffing, efficiency and finance. If you pursue the career path in healthcare administration, you could work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, nursing homes and outpatient clinics. The BLS categorizes healthcare administrators under “Medical and Health Services Managers,” with a median salary of $117,960 for May 2024.

The role of a healthcare administrator is challenging but rewarding. The BLS expects the medical and health services managers field to grow 23% from 2024 to 2034. That means there will be plenty of opportunities for candidates who have the right educational background and clinical experience.

What Does a Healthcare Administrator Do?

Healthcare administrators keep medical facilities running smoothly by managing the day-to-day operations and planning future improvements. Depending on your role, job description of healthcare administrators can vary but may include:

• Coordinating staff schedules
• Overseeing hiring and salaries
• Improving efficiency
• Managing finances and budget
• Maintaining health records
• Addressing the needs of doctors, nurses and other staff members
• Ensuring the facility is following healthcare laws and regulations

Not all of these duties will apply to every position. For example, those healthcare administrators working in the government usually focus on health policy and won’t have a lot of these administrative duties. You may also move into a higher position at a facility and take on greater responsibilities, like shaping programming for the entire organization.

A master’s in healthcare administration (MHA) degree may lead to a variety of roles, such as chief executive officer (CEO), department director or operations manager. You can choose to focus on a particular area through coursework, internships, clinical experience and certifications. Think of an MHA as the starting point for your career goals; you have the freedom to shape your path.

• Knowledge of healthcare laws and regulations
• Leadership skills
• Technological proficiency
• Problem-solving abilities
• Communication skills
• Adaptability
• Business expertise

5 Steps to Become a Healthcare Administrator

These steps may help individuals create a new career path and become a healthcare administrator.

Step 1. Obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in a Required Field

First, earn a bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration or a related field, such as public health, business or a clinical discipline. Your undergraduate coursework should include a mix of healthcare and business courses to prepare you for your job duties.

Step 2. Gain Work Experience in Healthcare Administration

Before pursuing a higher level of education, it is beneficial to gain real-world experience. Some MHA programs, either on-campus or online MHA programs, may require up to three years of work experience. Other programs may prefer applicants who are currently working in the field.

Not all master’s programs require work experience, but having some will help you stand out in a competitive program. You could complete an internship, apply for an entry-level job or work part time while completing your bachelor’s degree.

While direct healthcare administration experience is ideal, you may also get applicable experience in a different but related role. For instance, you might work for a hospital’s human resources department or coordinate billing at a physician’s office.

Step 3. Consider an MHA Program

For many candidates, the next step is to earn a master of health administration (MHA). Most higher-level positions require a graduate degree, so earning your MHA is vital for career advancement.

When selecting a program, look for a certification from the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME). This indicates that the program will adequately prepare you for a future career in the healthcare management industry. CAHME is the only certifying organization in the healthcare management education industry that is recognized by the Council on Higher Education Accreditation.

When you choose a CAHME-accredited MHA program, you know that the program meets rigorous academic standards and provides up-to-date information. Likewise, employers know that graduates from an accredited program are well-prepared for the healthcare administrator role.

Also consider whether you should attend an on-campus program or complete your degree online. There are many benefits to an online master’s in healthcare administration program, including flexibility and a wider variety of choices. You are not limited to schools in your geographic area and are free to choose the program with the best curriculum and reputation.

Step 4. Earn Industry Certifications

Earning an industry certification may help you further advance your career or improve your job prospects. There are many healthcare administration certifications available, including:

• Certified Healthcare Administrative Professional (CHAP) certification from the Association for Healthcare Administrative Professionals
• Executive Certification (CRCE) and Professional Certification (CRCP) certification from the American Association of Healthcare Administrative Management (AAHAM)
• Certified Healthcare Financial Professional (CFHP) certification from the Healthcare Financial Management Association
• Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) certification from the National Association for Healthcare Quality

Requirements for earning a certification vary but may include education, work experience in the healthcare administration industry and membership in the certifying organization. Most certifications require you to pass an exam.

According to AAHAM, getting certified can increase your earning potential, provide opportunities for career advancement and expand your skills through continuing education.

Step 5. Pursue a Job in Healthcare Administration

Once you’ve completed your bachelor’s and master’s degrees, gained valuable work experience and earned relevant certifications, you’re ready to start searching for a job in the healthcare administration field. It’s helpful to narrow down your search to a particular area, like government, hospitals, outpatient clinics or nursing homes. You must decide what work environment aligns best with your career goals and other requirements, such as salary and hours.

Work Settings for Healthcare Administrators

Where do healthcare administrators work? Healthcare administrators are needed in virtually every type of medical facility. However, some settings have advantages over others. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, healthcare administrators working in the government or hospitals earned the highest median salary in 2024 ($132,620 and $130,690, respectively).

Workload may be higher in a hospital, nursing home or other facility that is open 24 hours. If you are looking for greater work-life balance, you may prefer an outpatient setting with regular hours. Regardless of where you work, you may need to be on call in case of emergencies.

Information updated as of October 2025