What does a Health Services Administrator do?
Health services administrators typically direct and coordinate the functions and staff activities at hospitals, health systems and other health care organizations. They oversee organizational strategy, financial planning, personnel administration, purchasing, public relations, contract negotiations and patient services.
What might a Health Services Administrator do in a workday?
Health services administrators:
- maintain and develop institutional standards, policies and procedures.
- administer fiscal operations, such as budgeting and accounting.
- plan and oversee marketing activities for services.
- direct medical, nursing, allied health, technical, volunteer, clerical, service and/or maintenance departments and staffs.
- oversee hiring and training.
- develop or expand programs/services, such as research or rehabilitation.
- serve as liaison to community and business leaders and the medical staff.
- represent the organization at community events and meetings.
Developing a Career as a Health Services Administrator
In small organizations, health services administrators direct daily operations. In larger hospitals and health systems, they supervise others responsible for these functions.
Health services administrators may work in health maintenance organizations, preferred provider organizations, health insurance companies, voluntary health agencies, clinics, medical practices, nursing homes and other specialized medical facilities.
Some health services administrators are physicians who have received additional training in administration; others have backgrounds in business or nursing.
How much salary do Health Services Administrators make?
Annual Mean Wage
$112,250
How do I become a Health Services Administrator?
Students intending to pursue a career in health services administration should prepare by taking challenging high school courses in science, math, business and English, including advanced placement courses. A graduate degree in health or business administration and significant experience are preferred but not necessary.
Where else can I learn about becoming a Health Services Administrator?
Professional Associations
Virginia Health Care Association
2112 W. Laburnum Avenue
Suite 206
Richmond, VA 23227
(804) 353-9101
www.vhca.org
American Health Care Association
1201 L Street N.W.
Washington, DC 20005
(202) 842-4444
www.ahca.org
Virginia Hospital & Health Care Association
4200 Innslake Drive
Suite 203
Glen Allen, VA 23060
(804) 965-1227
www.vhha.com
American Hospital Association
a. 155 N Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606
(312) 422-3000
b. 800 10th Street NW
Two Center Suite 400
Washington, DC 20001
(202) 638-1100
www.aha.org
American College of Health Care Executives
1 N. Franklin
Suite 1700
Chicago, IL 60606-3529
(312) 424-2800
www.ache.org
Central Virginia Health Care Executive Group
VCU Department of Health Administration
P.O. Box 980203
Richmond, VA 23298-0203
(540) 998-0803
www.cvheg.org
