How to Become a Healthcare Administrator: A Guide to Your Career

Published on: Jun 13, 2025
Kerra Henkin headshot

REVIEWED BY

Kerra Henkin, MPH, ML

  • Healthcare administrators oversee the planning, coordination, and leadership of medical and health services.

  • Most roles require at least a bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration or a related field; however, a master’s in healthcare administration (MHA) can provide competitive advantage.

  • Experience in clinical or administrative roles, combined with strong interpersonal, leadership, and analytical skills, is essential.

  • Certifications such as FACHE (Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives) can enhance credentials.

  • The career path offers high earning potential, with salaries averaging over $100,000 annually in the U.S.

  • Job demand is expected to grow by over 28% through 2032, driven by an aging population and healthcare system expansion.

  • Entry-level roles like administrative assistant and department coordinator can lead to leadership positions at the hospital or system level.

A future-proof career is one that can withstand the highs and lows of the economy and requires transferable skills that can be used at multiple levels of work. Healthcare administration is one such career. In response to ever-evolving healthcare regulations and an aging population, jobs in healthcare, like administration, are expanding1. 

Healthcare administrators are responsible for operations, budgeting, policy implementation, and strategic direction for healthcare systems such as hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. Also referred to as health services managers or healthcare executives, healthcare administrators ensure that these facilities deliver quality care, maintain efficient practices, and comply with legal requirements. 

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), medical and health services manager jobs are projected to increase by 29% between 2022 and 2033, which is “much faster than average” for all other occupations1. These knowledgeable professionals need to know how to navigate frequent changes to regulations, manage multidisciplinary teams, create strategic plans, and work to meet overarching organizational goals. 

In this article, you’ll learn how to pursue a career in healthcare administration—from education requirements to degrees and certifications. We’ll also explore the current job outlook across various career paths, helping you tailor your education to align with your professional goals.

What Does a Healthcare Administrator Do?

Healthcare administrators are responsible for a range of activities within healthcare settings. These leaders drive organizational efficiency by coordinating specialized services, managing budgets, overseeing staff, and ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.

The daily responsibilities of a healthcare administrator vary based on the type and size of the institution. In smaller facilities, particularly in rural settings, administrators may oversee a broad range of day-to-day operations. In contrast, larger institutions in urban areas often have larger teams, allowing administrators to focus on more specialized aspects of healthcare management.

Healthcare administrators may develop departmental goals, prepare and monitor budgets, maintain electronic health records (EHRs), and implement policies that directly impact patient care. From a managerial standpoint, they are also responsible for hiring, training, and supervising healthcare staff.

To succeed as a healthcare administrator, individuals must demonstrate strong leadership, effective communication, strategic thinking, and sound decision-making skills. Proficiency in key technologies—such as Epic for electronic health record (EHR) management or Tableau for data analytics—is also essential for efficiently managing health information and organizational data.

Common job titles for professionals specializing in healthcare administration include health services manager, hospital administrator, clinical director, and practice manager. Work environments vary and may include hospitals, outpatient clinics, public health systems, and nursing homes. While each role carries distinct responsibilities, all contribute to the overall success of the organization.

Educational Requirements for a Career in Healthcare Administration

To become a healthcare administrator, there are a few different options for educational paths.

  • Bachelor’s Degree

    A great starting point for a career in healthcare administration involves obtaining a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university2. Options for concentrations include a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration, Health Information Management, or Public Health. Coursework typically covers healthcare policy, finance, medical law, ethics, and health informatics.

  • Master’s Degree

    Some leadership roles require healthcare administrators to have completed a Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA), a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in healthcare, or a Master of Public Health (MPH), which focuses more on health policy and management. Master’s programs tend to go deeper into topics like economics, leadership, strategic planning, quality improvement, and analytics. 

    When choosing a master’s program, students should look for institutions that have been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME).

  • Certifications and Professional Credentials

    Beyond the college degree, professionals can increase their chances of securing employment by becoming certified in healthcare administration. For example, the Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE) requires a master’s degree, a few years of experience in healthcare management, and passing a board exam3. Healthcare administrators can also pursue the Certified Medical Manager (CMM) credential from the Professional Association of Health Care Office Management (PAHCOM), which recognizes the knowledge, skills, and competencies to manage healthcare practices4,5.

    Finally, the Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) from the National Association for Healthcare Quality (NAHQ) demonstrates a high level of expertise in practice quality and safety, often leading to increased opportunities for leadership roles and professional growth for healthcare administrators6,7.

How to Become a Healthcare Administrator: A Step-by-Step Guide

From higher education and training to advanced education and certifications, the journey to a job in healthcare administration takes time, but if done thoughtfully, it can result in a rewarding career.

Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

The first step toward a career in healthcare administration is earning a bachelor’s degree. Students may pursue a general degree in business or public administration and specialize later through an advanced degree. Alternatively, they can focus their undergraduate studies on healthcare administration or health information management. Concentrating on these specialized fields provides a deeper understanding of the industry and its challenges.

Undergraduate coursework should include opportunities for hands-on practical experience, such as internships, which can expose students to real-life scenarios. Two great programs that offer these types of experiential learning can be found at the University of Michigan-Flint and George Mason University8,9.

Step 2: Obtain Entry-Level Experience

Once you’ve obtained a bachelor’s degree, the next logical step is to apply for a job that will allow you to gain real-world experience. Common entry-level roles in healthcare administration include administrative assistant, medical office manager, or billing specialist1.

Spend a few years in these roles to learn more about healthcare regulations, insurance policies, and daily operations, developing key skills in patient communication, compliance, and workflow management.

Step 3: Advance Your Education with a Master’s Degree

An MHA or MBA with a concentration in healthcare is a common next step after gaining a few years of experience in the field. ACHE reports that healthcare administrators with a master’s degree advance to director-level positions approximately two years faster than those with a bachelor’s degree10.

Students who pursue an MHA will learn about healthcare systems, healthcare policy, and management, while an MBA with a healthcare concentration prepares students for broader leadership roles in healthcare environments.

Step 4: Obtain Certifications

Obtaining a professional certification will help you stand out from others in the field, which is especially advantageous when applying for roles in leadership.

  • FACHE. To become FACHE-certified, healthcare administrators must have a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree, three years of healthcare management experience, and pass an examination10. Application fees cost between $250 and $425, and those who become certified must pay annual dues.

  • Certified Healthcare Administrative Professional (cHAP). Healthcare administrators can obtain this certification from the American Association of Healthcare Administrative Management (AAHAM), which requires professional experience and a certification exam10.

  • CMM. A Certified Medical Manager is the best option for those who hope to manage medical practices. Applicants must have at least two years of experience and pass an exam10.

Step 5: Apply for Mid- to Senior-Level Roles

With the above credentials, healthcare administrators are in the perfect position to apply for mid- to senior-level roles. Before applying, it’s wise to update your resume to highlight job-specific achievements such as budget management or regulatory compliance initiatives.  

Applicants should also tap into professional organizations like ACHE, AAHAM, or the Medical Group Management Association (MGMA)10. These groups have conferences and other events where professionals can network and inform each other about open positions.

Pro Tip

In addition to obtaining the above degrees and certifications, professionals can seek board positions with healthcare organizations or volunteer at community health nonprofits.

Career Paths and Advancement Opportunities in Healthcare Administration

With the right education and credentials, healthcare administrators can take multiple paths to a rewarding career.

  • Entry-Level Positions

    Those beginning their careers in healthcare administration might pursue roles such as operations coordinator, HR assistant, clinical scheduler, or patient access representative. These positions typically require a bachelor’s degree and provide opportunities to develop foundational skills that will be valuable throughout their careers. The BLS reports salaries for these positions to range from $45,000 to $60,000 per year1.

  • Common Career Growth Trajectory

    Healthcare administrators who have some experience under their belt might start in roles like department manager and then progress to director of operations and, finally, executive leader (COO or CEO). In these roles, individuals may oversee department operations, manage multiple departments, and guide organizational strategy and performance.

  • Sector Mobility

    Healthcare administrators have the flexibility to move between sectors depending on their interests. They might work in hospitals, where complex care environments require their management expertise, or in ambulatory care centers such as outpatient clinics and surgical centers.

    Other work environments for healthcare administrators include public health departments, managed care and insurance organizations, and healthcare consulting, where they help improve healthcare systems.

  • Lateral Transitions

    Medical professionals who did not begin their careers in healthcare administration can be valuable candidates for administrative roles. Nurses, physicians, and other allied health professionals bring experience in quality improvement, patient care, and operational insights to these positions.

    Regardless of your desired career path, you can increase your chances of reaching your dream role by networking with others in your field and participating in continuing education to keep your skills sharp.

Healthcare Administration Salary Expectations and Job Outlook

In addition to high career stability, healthcare administrators can earn attractive salaries. The BLS cites the median annual salary of a healthcare administrator as $117,9601. This figure can vary wildly depending on an individual’s geographic location, education level, facility type, and credentials. 

More specifically, salaries for healthcare administrators can vary by region depending on whether they work in a rural setting, such as a clinic, or an urban hospital. Salaries are often higher in academic medical centers and integrated health systems ($130,690 vs. $100,780)1. 

Those with MHA degrees often see the highest return on investment in their careers13. Findings from Georgetown University indicate a significant earnings advantage for those with advanced education, with research suggesting that 61% of individuals holding a Master's degree earn more than the median income of their colleagues with only a Bachelor's degree14.

Regarding job growth, healthcare administrators can enjoy a healthy outlook due to the aging population and growing complexity of the healthcare system.

How to Become a Healthcare Administrator: FAQs

If you still have questions about becoming a healthcare administrator, see below for answers.

On average, it can take approximately four years to earn a bachelor’s degree, which is the minimum education required to become a healthcare administrator. Those who opt for a master’s degree, like an MHA or MBA, will need an additional two years of school plus practical experience in the field1.

To become a healthcare administrator, a master’s degree is not required, but it can open opportunities for career advancement, leadership roles, and higher salaries.

Healthcare administrators must engage in continuing education to keep their skills fresh and maintain certifications. These continuing education units (CEUs) can include webinars, workshops, and conferences.

Entry-level roles in healthcare administration can include medical office manager, patient access supervisor, and compliance analyst. These are ideal roles for aspiring healthcare administrators as they teach the basics of administration in the healthcare space.

Clinicians can absolutely transition into healthcare administration. Many nurses, therapists, and other patient care professionals continue their education so they can move into administrative positions.

The Many Paths to Healthcare Administration

There are many paths you can take to pursue a career in healthcare administration. The chosen path depends on your professional aspirations, your ability to attend years of schooling, and your individual financial goals. In both bachelor’s and master’s programs, you can learn valuable, transferable skills like strategic and organizational leadership, which you can apply to all types of careers. By exploring resources like ACHE, AAHAM, and each state’s healthcare administration licensing board, you can research which path is right for you. 

To learn more about taking your next steps in a healthcare administration career, click here.

Sources:

1https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/medical-and-health-services-managers.htm 

2https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/medical-and-health-services-managers.htm#tab-4 

3https://www.ache.org/fache 

4https://my.pahcom.com/cmm 

5https://my.pahcom.com/ 

6https://nahq.org/credentials/cphq-certified-professional-in-healthcare-quality/ 

7https://nahq.org/ 

8https://www.umflint.edu/chs/#undergraduate-programs 

9https://publichealth.gmu.edu/program/health-administration-bs 

10https://www.ache.org/career-resource-center 

11https://aaham.org/page/Certification/TalkingCertwCindi 

12https://www.mgma.com/ 

13https://www.umassglobal.edu/blog-news/is-a-masters-in-healthcare-administration-worth-it 

14https://cew.georgetown.edu/cew-reports/the-college-payoff/

About the Authors

Reviewed by:

Kerra Henkin , MPH, ML

Kerra Henkin, MPH, ML, is a program manager at one of the largest academic medical centers in the country. In her current role, she aligns and expands programming with needs identified in the federally mandated community health needs assessment, and deploys organizational resources to support community health improvement. Prior to this role, she was a community health educator for an advocacy nonprofit organization in Philadelphia. She has co-authored multiple research papers on criminal justice and substance abuse, and will be presenting on law enforcement assisted diversion at the 2023 American Public Health Association (APHA) annual meeting. 

Ms. Henkin holds a Master of Public Health (MPH) and Master in Law (ML) from the University of Pennsylvania. She holds a Bachelors of Science in Health Sciences from Ithaca College.

Opinions and information published by the author on MastersPublicHealth.com are of her own and do not necessarily represent the views of opinions of her employer.

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Kerra Henkin , MPH, ML

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Education: Community health education

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