Home Health Administrator: Career and Salary Facts
Home healthcare can be a valuable service for many patients that do not require around-the-clock care. Managing an agency that provides home health services requires specific executive attributes. If you are interested in a career as a home health administrator, there are a few things you may wish to consider that are outlined in the following article, such as career information, education and licensure requirements, salary outlook and career advancement.
What You Need to Know
Home healthcare is an alternative to hospital or residential care for patients who require consistent nursing, hospice or specialized treatments that can be provided with a minimal amount of staff and equipment within their own residences. In this role, you would work for a home healthcare agency and would be responsible for leading a staff and maintaining the agency's operations.
| Degrees | Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration, Master of Health Administration, Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Management |
| Job Outlook (2021-2031)* | 28%, much faster than average job growth projected for medical and health services managers |
| Average Salary (2021)* | $102,450 for medical and health services managers working in the home healthcare services industry |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
What Is My Role as a Home Health Administrator?
As a home health administrator, you oversee and manage an agency that provides home health services. You supervise employees, implement policies, manage executive agency functions and maintain compliance with federal, state and local regulations.
You may benefit from an educational background in management, accounting and information systems that builds your analytical and communication skills. You may also need a background in specific healthcare services, such as hospice care, occupational therapy or mental health.
What Education and Licensure Is Required?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that healthcare managers typically have at least a bachelor's degree upon accepting a position. However, many of these professionals also have master's degrees. The BLS notes that only nursing home administrators are required to be licensed in all states. In some states, administrators of assisted living facilities may need to be licensed as well.
What Other Necessary Requirements Are There?
There are some states that require home health administrators to meet continuing education requirements to maintain state certification. In addition, completion of an Administrator in Training practicum that mandates a minimum amount of hours providing supervised administrative duties may be required in certain states. You should check with your state's department of health to learn about additional requirements.
What Is the Career Outlook for Home Health Administrators?
According to the BLS, 480,700 medical and health services managers, which includes home health administrators, were employed in 2021. This number is expected to increase to 616,900 by 2031, which results in a 28% employment growth for this time period. Job growth for these professionals is largely due to the demand for medical care needed by the growing number of individuals in the baby-boomer population.