Angelina House
HSC 111
10-26-12
Health services administrators can also be called medical services managers or healthcare executives. They are responsible for managing the business of healthcare at a facility, or within a department of a facility. Their job duties can vary, depending on their level of management, the size of the facility, their level of education, and work experience. Healthcare administrators play an important role in healthcare services. Most healthcare administrators have at least a bachelor’s degree, and many have a master’s degree as well. In addition, although it is very rare to pursue it, there is also a Ph. D. available. There are some bachelor’s degree programs online, and even more master’s degree programs. This is because many administrators gain some experience in the field, before deciding on a master’s program. Therefore, an online degree is designed to accommodate working individuals, as well as give them the opportunity to immediately implement their new knowledge in the workplace (Guide, 2012). The typical college courses required to obtain a degree in healthcare administration include hospital organization and management, accounting and budgeting, human resources administration, marketing, strategic planning, health economics, law and ethics, and health information systems (Bureau, 2012). Master’s degree programs, which usually have a competitive admissions process, also include a one year residency in a medical facility (Health, 2012). There are many different settings in which someone with a degree in health services administration can be employed. These places are hospitals, physicians’ offices, dentists’ offices, home healthcare services, other practioners’ offices, outpatient care centers, ambulatory healthcare services, medical and diagnostic labs, and nursing and residential care facilities. Nursing home administrators must also be licensed through the state.
References: Allied Health Schools. (2012). Health Services Administration Career Overview. Retrieved from http://www.allalliedhealthschools.com/health-careers/health-care-administrator/health-services-administration-career-overview Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. (2012). Occupational Outlook Handbook. Medical and Health Services Managers. Retrieved from www.bls.gov/ooh/Management/Medical-and-health-services-managers.htm World Wide Learn. (2012). Guide to College Majors in Healthcare Administration. Retrieved from www.worldwidelearn.com/online-education-guide/health-medical/healthcare-administration-major.htm