What Does a Health Service Administrator Do?
The health service administrator is hired to run a healthcare facility or organization, or oversee operations for a particular department. This position requires a strong business background coupled with a working knowledge of current health laws, regulations and health information systems. Health service administrators can work in a variety of settings including hospitals, private clinics, nursing homes and outpatient care centers.
Other People Are Reading
-
Primary Responsibilities
-
The health service administrator role is primarily a business management position that involves reviewing department budgets, implementing policies and procedures, hiring and supervising staff members, and taking part in strategic planning meetings. Other responsibilities may include planning activities with other healthcare managers and supervisors in their department, producing reports and assessments regarding department goals, keeping track of department budgets, and training new staff members. The health service administrator is responsible for overseeing all operations and activities in her department, or for the entire facility, depending on the nature of her position.
Skills
-
In order to be successful in his position as a health service administrator, the individual must have: strong communication skills, the ability to work under pressure, leadership skills, supervisory abilities, understanding of health laws, health information systems experience, strong computer and word processing skills and basic accounting knowledge.
-
Education and Training
-
Health service administrators can enter the field with a bachelor's degree in healthcare administration. Entry-level positions such as assistant healthcare administrator or assistant health information systems manager are available at hospitals, clinics and other healthcare facilities. Individuals may also pursue a master's degree in health administration if they wish to take on managerial or supervisory roles within a department. The Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education reports that, as of 2007, there are 72 schools that offer accredited programs leading to a master's degree in health services administration.
While a license is not required for health service administrators in the general hospital, clinic or outpatient center setting, licensure is required for those who choose to work in nursing homes or assisted living facilities.
Salary Information
-
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the salary of medical and health service managers was $73,340 in May 2006. The highest 10 percent earned as much as $127,830 or more, and median salaries range between $66,720 to $78,660 depending on the type of medical or health organization.
Career Potential
-
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of medical and health services managers is expected to grow faster than the average through 2016. As the health care industry continues to grow at a rapid pace and diversify, demand for skilled and experienced health care administrators and managerial positions in the healthcare field is on the rise. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics also reports that employment of healthcare service manager positions will grow the fastest in home healthcare agencies and practitioners' offices. Individuals who have experience working in a hospital setting will have an advantage in the field as hospitals become larger and require more leadership and direction from upper management in order to sustain their growth.
-
