HLTH 1100 - Healthcare Administration

What is Healthcare Administration?

A career field focused on managing and overseeing healthcare services, staff, and operations at an organizational level rather than with individual patients

What is the recommended degree for a career in Healthcare Administration?

Master of Healthcare Administration (M.H.A.)

Why is a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) often not accepted in healthcare admin roles?

Because M.B.A. grads typically lack healthcare-specific experience and training

How long is an M.H.A. program?

3 years total: 2 years of didactic coursework plus 1 year of clinical training in a large hospital setting

Why must clinical training take place in a large hospital?

So students can rotate through various departments and experiences without being sent to multiple locations

Is it true that Healthcare Administrators only work in hospitals?

No, that's a misconception—they work in many settings beyond hospitals

Where can Healthcare Administrators work?

Outpatient chains, assisted living facilities, home health and hospice, healthcare corporations, and government entities

What are examples of outpatient chains where Healthcare Administrators might work?

Rehab facilities, cardiac treatment centers, and other specialty outpatient centers

Do Healthcare Administrators work in small doctor's offices?

No, they typically do not work in private doctor's offices

Do Healthcare Administrators work in long-term care facilities?

No, long-term care requires different specialized training

What is multi-unit management in healthcare?

Managing multiple sites like home health or hospice branches under one supervisor or admin

What does supervision in multi-unit management involve?

Overseeing scheduling, hiring, operations, and coordination across multiple small locations

Which government entities employ Healthcare Administrators?

Medicare, Medicaid, and the Department of Health and Human Services

What types of corporations employ Healthcare Administrators?

Pharmaceutical companies, DME suppliers, disposable medical goods companies

What services might be provided by large healthcare corporations?

Staffing, durable medical equipment (DME), and contract-based services like travel nurses or wound care supplies

What is the starting salary for Healthcare Administrators in smaller roles?

About $75,000-$80,000 supervising several sites

What is the salary potential for advanced Healthcare Admin roles?

$150,000-$250,000 or more depending on responsibility and scope

What personal qualities are ideal for Healthcare Administrators?

Highly organized, detail-oriented, flexible, good public speakers, and strong leaders

Why might someone choose Healthcare Administration over clinical roles?

They enjoy healthcare but prefer system-level impact and don't want one-on-one patient care all day

What is the daily life of a Healthcare Administrator like?

Different every day, with responsibilities including meetings, operations, hiring, and oversight

What are the main tasks in a typical Healthcare Admin day?

Planning and leading meetings, scheduling, organizing, speaking, hiring, and making facility-wide decisions

Who is responsible for reviewing resumes and selecting candidates in healthcare settings?

Healthcare Administrators

Is Healthcare Administration in high demand?

Yes, it's in high demand because clinicians need organization and coordination to function effectively

How competitive are M.H.A. programs?

Moderately competitive due to small class sizes (around 30 students per cohort)

What standardized test is typically required for M.H.A. program admission?

The GRE (Graduate Record Examination)

What bachelor's degree is recommended for M.H.A. programs?

Healthcare-related degrees such as B.S. in Healthcare Studies

Are Healthcare Administrators licensed?

No, they are not licensed but may hold internal certifications depending on the employer

Do Healthcare Administrators need to recertify?

No, they do not have ongoing licensure requirements, but they must attend required corporate trainings or meetings

What type of internship is required for M.H.A. students?

Internship must be in an administrative healthcare setting, not a clinical one

Why do Healthcare Administrators need strong speaking skills?

Because they must regularly present, lead meetings, and conduct interviews

What is one major reason this career appeals to many?

It allows for interaction with a wide variety of people, flexible days, and strong advancement opportunities.