Let’s face it; with the ever-growing complexity of the healthcare system, usually driven by technological advancements and population growth, the need for healthcare professionals is also increasing more than ever.
Do you also wish to step foot in the healthcare sector and assist people in need but don’t want to pursue bedside roles?
No worries. There are many different exciting career opportunities for almost everyone in the healthcare sector.
Unfortunately, the notion of healthcare facilities typically brings to mind pictures of compassionate nurses and dedicated doctors.
Yet just like any other business, healthcare organizations also significantly rely on organizational aspects that often go unnoticed.
That is where the role of healthcare administration professionals comes into play.
These professionals are in charge of maintaining the integrity of the entire healthcare system.
In other words, without them, the healthcare system would struggle to run smoothly.
The vast and in-demand field offers numerous career paths to aspiring professionals. Below is the list of some of the common pathways:
1. Healthcare Administrator
One of the most well-known career pathways you can opt for is healthcare administrator.
As the name suggests, professionals in this field oversee the day-to-day operations of healthcare facilities.
It can include monitoring the budget, updating records, planning and supervising other healthcare services, etc.
While job duties may differ depending on the facility, typical responsibilities can include the following:
- Handle records, including patient records and medical supplies stocks
- Monitor budget and prepare reports based on findings
- Create a schedule for staff, train and supervise them
- Keep an eye on staff members and ensure they comply with healthcare regulations
- Analyze data to make well-informed decisions and improve overall quality
Although a bachelor’s degree is the minimum educational requirement to enter, many employers seek professionals with a master’s degree.
A quick online search will provide you with more information on what degree is MHA.
That said, PayScale reports the average salary of a healthcare administrator is $72,163 per year.
2. Medical Director
A medical director is a trained physician who supervises and manages different aspects of healthcare operations.
Being a medical director, you will coordinate with other healthcare teams to achieve the facility’s goals and mission.
Typically, you would be working in hospitals when pursuing this career path. But you can find employment opportunities in other settings, too.
You must possess exceptional verbal and written communication skills to excel in this career path.
Strong interpersonal, organizational, and leadership skills are also crucial.
Your day-to-day job duties as a medical director can include the following:
- Devise policies and protocols
- Manage, train, and assess medical staff
- Coordinate with other non-medical personnel and strengthen connections with suppliers to keep facility stocks
- Ensure medical staff adhere to all regulations and guidelines
- Oversee and maintain financial aspects of the facility
Moreover, according to PayScale, the average salary of a medical director is $236,809 per year.
3. Nursing Home Administrator
A nursing home administrator is an individual responsible for supervising and managing all facets of the nursing home.
The maintenance of all medical equipment and supervision of patients and staff falls under their purview.
In addition, these professionals ensure all residents of the nursing home are happy and satisfied with the level of care being given to them.
To be the best candidate for this position, you must hone communication, leadership, organizational, and computer literacy skills.
The job responsibilities of a nursing home administrator vary depending on the facility’s size, location, and specific nature.
However, some typical duties are as follows:
- Hire, train, and oversee staff members
- Monitor the facility’s expenses and also manage budget
- Develop and implement policies and procedures that comply with local and federal governmental laws
- Maintain effective communication with residents and their loved ones
- Address and resolve any issues that may arise in the nursing home
- PayScale states the average salary of these professionals is $96,349 per year.
4. Health Information Manager
Given the abundance of data and information available today, it is no secret that information managers are critical players in many businesses.
And healthcare organizations are no different. Thus, every healthcare facility now employs health information managers to help them in managing the massive data collected.
Primarily, these professionals are in charge of gathering and updating data.
Individuals seeking this career path must possess exceptional attention to detail, analytical and communication skills.
Here are some of the everyday job responsibilities that a health information manager may follow:
- Employ technology to gather data accurately
- Collaborate with IT personnel to maintain data confidentiality and safety
- Audit data storage and other processes to ensure it adheres to government and healthcare laws and guidelines
- Analyze and interpret data and prepare reports
- Educate junior staff on record-keeping practice
- Stay abreast of health information management techniques and practices
You can work as a health information manager in various settings, including hospitals, insurance firms, public health agencies, etc.
Furthermore, the average yearly pay of health information managers is $63,105, according to PayScale.
5. Health Insurance Specialist
Do you know that health spending in the United States increased by 2.7% in 2021, which translates to $12,914 per capita?
So, when it comes to lowering out-of-pocket expenses and increasing the affordability of medical care, having health insurance is essential.
And to manage the overall medical claim processes, healthcare facilities need to employ experts.
Thus, by becoming a health insurance specialist, you can help healthcare facilities with such a situation.
These specialists are responsible for assisting individuals, healthcare providers, and organizations in choosing the appropriate insurance plan.
Possessing excellent problem-solving, attention to detail, and communication skills are a must to take your career to the next level.
Your regular job responsibilities could involve the following:
- Contact clients and review their application
- Check eligibility requirements and determine whether the applicant qualifies for the coverage
- Educate the client on policies and coverage options
- Work together with healthcare provider and insurance providers to ensure proper billing and reimbursement practices
- Keep up-to-date with industry trends and practices
- The typical annual salary of a health insurance specialist is $59,994 per PayScale.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a healthcare field that combines your love of business studies with the chance to have a significant impact on people’s lives, now is the best time to pursue a healthcare administration degree.
There is no denying that the health administration field plays a crucial role in the seamless operations of medical facilities.
Put this way, healthcare administration professionals are unsung heroes.
These professionals work tirelessly behind the scenes, managing various facets of healthcare operations.
Thus, with the proper knowledge and skills, you can embark on a path of rewarding career today.
