Healthcare managers and administrators have different areas of focus. Managers focus on the big picture, while administrators focus on day-to-day operations.
If you're thinking about pursuing a healthcare administration degree, you may be considering your different career options. Perhaps you've heard the terms ''healthcare manager'' and ''healthcare administrator'' used interchangeably — but they're not the same.
Healthcare administration and healthcare management are similar, related roles, but they have some key differences. Both career paths can open opportunities for leadership roles within healthcare organizations. Management positions focus more on overall operations and long-term plans within a healthcare facility, whereas administrative positions are more focused on leading those operations and implementing those plans.
Read on to learn more about both fields.
What Is the Difference Between Healthcare Management and Administration?
Health administration and management are both important facets of the healthcare industry. However, just as doctors and nurses have different roles in patient care, administrators and managers have different roles when it comes to the business side of a healthcare or medical facility.
Healthcare management jobs involve high-level decision-making and efficiency in many healthcare settings. A healthcare manager endeavors to reduce costs while improving patient care throughout an entire facility. They must have interdisciplinary skills in data analytics, financial management, and communication.
Meanwhile, healthcare administration jobs often involve overseeing a specific department within a facility. Healthcare administrators are responsible for managing daily operations, overseeing healthcare providers within their department or the facility as a whole, and managing various business operations.
So, the main difference between these two areas is their focus. Healthcare managers focus on the big picture of an organization, while healthcare administrators work within an organization to execute specific plans and tasks.
<h2 id="section---WhatIsHealthcareManagement">What Is Healthcare Management?</h2><p>Healthcare management is a field that focuses on long-term plans and strategies to help a healthcare facility improve competency and efficiency. Professionals in this field focus on the business aspects that help organizations run smoothly and cut costs without sacrificing patient care.
</p><h3 id="section---KeyResponsibilities">Key Responsibilities</h3><p>Common management roles include:
</p><ul><li>developing business plans
</li><li>designing emergency protocols
</li><li>defining the goals of the organization
</li><li>identifying strategies to increase performance and efficiency
</li><li>coordinating outsourced services
</li></ul><h3 id="section---EducationRequirementsCommonDegrees">Education Requirements & Common Degrees</h3><p>These managers typically hold at least a bachelor's degree in healthcare management, though some organizations may prefer candidates with master's degrees, or even doctoral degrees. These types of degrees are often available online.
</p><p>Common majors for healthcare managers include:
</p><ul><li>healthcare management
</li><li>healthcare administration
</li><li>business administration
</li></ul><h3 id="section---CareerPaths">Career Paths</h3><p>You can pursue various jobs as a healthcare manager. Some of the options may include:
</p><ul><li>health services manager
</li><li>public health director
</li><li>nursing home manager
</li><li>medical staff coordinator
</li><li>health information manager
</li></ul><h2 id="section---WhatIsHealthcareAdministration">What Is Healthcare Administration?</h2><p>Healthcare administration is a field that focuses on daily business operations within a hospital or healthcare facility. Healthcare administrators oversee a facility or a specific department within it, providing direction and leadership to carry out specific organizational plans.
</p><p>Learn more: <a href="https://learn.org/articles/what_is_healthcare_administration_degree.html">What Is a Healthcare Administration Degree?</a>
</p><h3 id="section---KeyResponsibilities-2">Key Responsibilities</h3><p>Healthcare administrators may perform various tasks, including:
</p><ul><li>creating schedules and handling staffing issues
</li><li>ordering supplies while adhering to budgets
</li><li>ensuring compliance with all healthcare policies and regulations
</li><li>overseeing staff within a department or facility
</li><li>coordinating and collaborating with human resources and accounting departments
</li></ul><h3 id="section---EducationRequirementsCommonDegrees-2">Education Requirements & Common Degrees</h3><p>Healthcare administration careers typically require the same type of education as healthcare management careers. Most careers in this field require a <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Health_Care_Administration_Bachelors_Degree.html">bachelor's degree in healthcare administration</a>, though many require a master's or doctoral degree. Common majors include:
</p><ul><li>healthcare administration
</li><li>business administration
</li><li>healthcare management
</li></ul><p>Read more: <a href="https://learn.org/articles/business_administration_vs_healthcare_administration_degree.html">Business Administration vs. Healthcare Administration Degrees</a>
</p><h3 id="section---CareerPaths-2">Career Paths</h3><p>Healthcare administrators have many career options to choose from. Consider the following roles:
</p><ul><li>hospital administrator
</li><li>hospital chief financial officer
</li><li>clinic director
</li><li>health advocate
</li><li>healthcare policy analyst
</li></ul><h2 id="section---WhichCareerPathShouldIChoose">Which Career Path Should I Choose?</h2><p>If you're still wondering whether you should <a href="https://learn.org/articles/becoming_a_healthcare_manager_education_certification_licensing.html">become a healthcare manager</a> or administrator, keep reading. Below, we'll discuss some tips to help you determine which career path is right for you.
</p><h3 id="section---ConsiderYourCareerGoalsAndInterests">Consider Your Career Goals and Interests</h3><p>Think about what you would like to accomplish in your career. Would you rather be involved in the high-level operations of an organization, or would you rather lead a small group within a particular healthcare specialization?
</p><p>Understanding your career goals and interests will give you a better idea of how you want to spend your professional life. In turn, this can help you choose your ideal area of focus.
</p><h3 id="section---EvaluateTheEducationalRequirementsAndProgramFocus">Evaluate the Educational Requirements and Program Focus</h3><p>As noted, administrative and management jobs require the same basic type and level of education; however, specific jobs may vary in their requirements, and specific training programs may offer different concentrations or focus areas.
</p><p>Consider the type and amount of education you are willing to pursue and compare it against the requirements for the career paths that interest you most. Doing so will help you narrow down your focus.
</p><h3 id="section---AssessTheIndustryDemandAndJobMarket">Assess the Industry Demand and Job Market</h3><p>Overall, the job outlook for healthcare administrators and managers is excellent. Both fields are projected to grow over the next several years, and both fields provide the potential to earn lucrative salaries.
</p><p>That said, some jobs may be in higher demand than others. Think about the specific job titles you're most interested in and consider the job outlook and average salary to decide which of those career paths makes the most sense for you.
</p><h3 id="section---ReflectOnYourPersonalStrengthsAndPreferences">Reflect on Your Personal Strengths and Preferences</h3><p>Ask yourself what tasks you would like to spend your time fulfilling. Do you prefer clear direction in your work, or would you rather have some freedom to develop new plans and strategies for your organization?
</p><p>Understanding your own strengths and preferences is a crucial aspect of choosing any career. Knowing yourself well can help you narrow down your options and choose the best administrative or management career for you.
</p><h3 id="section---SeekAdviceAndGatherInformation">Seek Advice and Gather Information</h3><p>Talking to those in healthcare administrator or management roles can be a great way to learn. These professionals can tell you what a day in their life is like, offer advice, and provide a wealth of helpful information to help you make your decision.
</p><p>You may also benefit from researching the different administrative and management jobs online or speaking to professors or academic advisers at your school. The more you know about the job options available, the better your chances of making an informed decision and choosing a career that brings you fulfillment.
</p><h2 id="section---EarnYourDegreeToday">Earn Your Degree Today</h2><p>If you're ready to start your academic journey toward a healthcare management or administration career, explore the program options available through the schools here on Learn.org. Reach out to the schools' admissions offices today to find out more about any program that interests you.</p>
