A healthcare administrator is in charge of overseeing hospitals and other medical establishments. This executive plays a major role in making sure that all aspects of the business run together smoothly. Some hospitals only have one healthcare administrator, others have several. It all depends on the size of the facility.
A healthcare administrator has many responsibilities. This executive is responsible for implementing policies regarding the patients. They also manage the hospital's finances, which includes establishing billing practices. The healthcare administrator is also responsible for ordering the necessary medical equipment for the hospital.
There are two basic types of healthcare administrators. One is known as a generalist. The other is called a specialist. A generalist is in charge of managing an entire hospital or medical facility. A specialist is only involved in handling one department, such as human resources, marketing, or financing.
The job of a healthcare administrator can be very demanding. This executive comes into contact with a variety of people, and so good people skills are a must. Also, since hospitals are always open, healthcare administrators often have to work long hours. Sometimes the job requires travel. Anyone interested in becoming a healthcare administrator needs a diverse set of skills. That is why it is a good idea to start planning for this field at the high school level by taking courses such as psychology, government, sociology, and accounting.
In order to become a healthcare administrator, a person must have a bachelor's degree. Most people who enter this field, also have a master's degree. Hospitals often prefer to hire a healthcare administrator who also has some practical experience. Students who are interested in pursuing this field should try to get an internship at their local hospital. Another option is to volunteer at a medical facility. Most people in this field start out as a healthcare administrator in a small hospital and then eventually move onto a larger facility. Others begin their careers as assistants and work their way up.
A qualified person can find employment as a healthcare administrator at a hospital, clinic, or nursing home. This is a career option that continues to evolve and expand, due to changes in the medical field. Many hospitals are adding new branches to their facilities. Also, alternative health organizations are forming to offer patients care in the comfort of their own homes. All of these factors are increasing the demand for a good healthcare administrator.