What Can I Do with an MBA in Health Administration?

<p>Health administrators ensure that healthcare organizations provide quality care and are run smoothly and efficiently. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), <i>www.bls.gov</i>, notes that most employers require a master's degree for those seeking positions as health administrators, also called health and medical services managers. Most graduates with an MBA in Health Administration begin their careers as administrators or supervisors in the kinds of environments discussed below. </p> <h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutThisOccupation">Important Facts About This Occupation</h3> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td> Job Outlook (2021-2031) </td><td> 28% <i>(for all medical and health services managers)</i>*</td></tr> <tr><td> Average Annual Wage (2021) </td><td> $101,340 <i>(for all medical and health services managers)</i>*</td></tr> <tr><td> Licensure </td><td> Mandatory but requirements vary by state</td></tr> <tr><td> Professional Certification </td><td> Not required but may be beneficial</td></tr> <tr><td> Key Skills </td><td> Appropriate technical skills, communication, interpersonal, analytical and problem-solving skills, detail oriented</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i> </p> <h3 id="section---Hospitals">Hospitals</h3> <p>An MBA in Health Administration may qualify you for an administrator or assistant administrator position in acute care hospitals. Hospitals have many assistant administrators who help the top administrator by managing the daily operations of specific hospital departments. For instance, assistant administrators may oversee departments such as medical records, therapy and surgery. Supervisory responsibilities typically come with the job as well. </p> <h3 id="section---GroupMedicalPractices">Group Medical Practices</h3> <p>With an MBA in Health Administration, you can become an administrator or assistant administrator of a physicians' group practice. In this setting, administrators work closely with the physicians to plan and implement policies and procedures. Administrators oversee such areas as patient flow, billing and collections, budgeting and equipment purchasing. They may also supervise other office staff, such as receptionists and bookkeepers. </p> <h3 id="section---SkilledNursingFacilities">Skilled Nursing Facilities</h3> <p>You may also obtain administrator or assistant administrator positions in skilled nursing facilities with an MBA in Health Administration. In this capacity, administrators handle many of the details of daily operation. For instance, they direct admissions, finances and human resources. Health administrators are also responsible for ensuring that the facility meets accreditation standards and follows government regulations.</p>