How Fast Can I Become a Healthcare Administrator?

Healthcare administrators can work in various settings and are always in high demand. If you want to enter this rewarding profession, you may wonder about the process. Specifically, you'd like to know how fast you can be a healthcare administrator.

Typically, you'll need a bachelor's degree or higher to become a healthcare administrator. For most students, it takes four years or more to complete the necessary education; however, you can get your degree faster if you study online, have transfer credits you can use, and test out of some of your college courses.

Keep reading to find out more.

Tips for Quickly Becoming a Healthcare Administrator

Though a bachelor's or master's degree is usually necessary to become a healthcare administrator, it's still possible to get started in the healthcare management field fairly quickly. To progress along your career path fast, consider the following tips:

1. Find an Online Accelerated Degree Program

Online healthcare administration programs can typically be completed more quickly than in-person degrees. Consider the following accelerated online programs to help you kick off your healthcare administration career:

Mercy College of Health Sciences � Online BS in Healthcare Administration

Mercy College of Health Sciences is located in Iowa. It provides various online degrees in healthcare fields, including a Bachelor of Science in healthcare administration. All courses are available online, and the major can be completed in as little as one year with the proper transfer credits.

Winona State University � Online BAS in Healthcare Leadership

Winona State University in Minnesota offers a degree completion program to help the next generation of health services managers prepare for their careers. The Bachelor of Applied Science in healthcare leadership and administration is a degree completion program designed for those with college credits. You can complete this program within two to three years depending on the number of credits you have and your preferred timeframe.

Roberts Wesleyan University � Online BS in Healthcare Administration

Roberts Wesleyan University is a private school in New York. One of its various degree programs is a Bachelor of Science in healthcare administration. The program is flexible and available fully online. This school has a generous transfer policy, allowing some students to finish this degree completion program can be completed in as little as 12 months

2. Utilize Transfer Credits

Transfer credits make it easy to speed up getting your degree. With transfer credits, you don't have to retake classes. Say you already have an associate degree; you could transfer to a four-year school with half of your credits already under your belt; this way, you could potentially complete a bachelor's degree in just two years.

Transfer credits are often used to fulfill general education requirements and, sometimes, elective coursework. Each school has its transfer policy, so be sure to check with the school you plan to attend to find out how much of your transfer credit may be accepted.

3. Test Out of Courses with CLEP Exams

Another way to gain credit toward your healthcare administration degree is to complete CLEP exams. Whenever you pass one of these exams, you earn college credit; this reduces the number of courses you'll have to take as part of your degree program. Using a combination of transfer credits and CLEP exam credits can help you launch your career in the healthcare system sooner. With enough of these credits, you may find it possible to graduate in as little as one year.

4. Get Online Healthcare Administration Certification

If you already have an undergraduate degree and don't want to pursue a graduate degree, consider completing a certificate program. Many graduate schools offer these advanced short-term programs that teach about managing budgets, day-to-day operations, and other essential skills you'll need in your chosen healthcare setting. Let's take a look at some top certificate programs available:

AdventHealth University's Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Administration

AdventHealth University provides various online and in-person degrees and certificates related to healthcare. One of the online programs available is a graduate certificate in healthcare administration. This certificate is completed in 15 credit hours. This allows students to finish in one to two semesters online.

Abilene Christian University's Certificate in Healthcare Administration

Abilene Christian University provides this graduate certificate program, which gives specialized and focused training for those already holding a bachelor's or master's degree in any subject. The certificate program consists of 15 credit hours.

University of Arizona's Graduate Certificate in Health Administration

The University of Arizona also offers a graduate certificate in health administration. The program can be completed online or in person and prepares students with an unrelated degree for healthcare administration careers. The program comprises 15 credit hours.

5. Create a Disciplined Study Routine

A study routine is essential whether you study online or on campus. Disciplining yourself to study daily and consistently can ultimately help you graduate sooner.

As you pursue higher education, keep your ultimate goal in mind. Set aside time to study each day, preferably at the same time so you can get into a routine. Whether you study part-time or full-time, having a disciplined routine will help you work steadily through your degree, enabling you to finish sooner.

6. Network With Healthcare Administration Professionals

One of the best things you can do for yourself is to network with hospital administrators, nursing home administrators, and other professionals in the healthcare industry. This network of professionals may prove to be a valuable asset.

Networking with other healthcare providers can help you improve your skills and resources, as you can learn from those around you. Those in your network may know of entry-level positions and internships that could help you get your foot in the door. helping gain These opportunities give you work experience and help you enter the healthcare services field more quickly.

7. Seek Internship Opportunities

Gaining real-world experience through an internship can improve your competencies and learn about working for healthcare organizations. Internships can also help you improve your leadership skills. Your degree program may require an internship experience to graduate. Even if it doesn't, pursuing an internship on your own is one of the best ways to get started fast in any industry, as it can help you make connections and meet potential employers.

FAQs About Quickly Becoming a Healthcare Administrator

You may still have questions about becoming a healthcare administrator in an accelerated timeframe. If so, read on as we answer some frequently asked questions.

Is Healthcare Administration Difficult?

Managing a healthcare facility requires skills in human resources, business administration, financial management, and understanding healthcare laws and policies. Some students consider healthcare administration challenging because of all that it encompasses. That said, it is possible to master all necessary skills through diligent study and a willingness to continue learning.

Is Becoming a Healthcare Administrator Worth It?

The answer to this question largely depends on your personal career goals and aspirations. That said, becoming a healthcare administrator can be well worth it if you're interested in a non-clinical healthcare job that provides a solid job outlook and has plenty of growth potential.

Do You Need a Degree to Become a Healthcare Administrator?

Yes, in most cases you must have a bachelor's or master's degree to become a healthcare administrator. The most direct degree path to this career is to major in healthcare administration; however, you could also get started with a degree in business administration, health information management, human resource management, or a related field.