Ideal Attributes
• excellent communication skills • ability to understand & solve complex problems • good financial management • strong leadership skills
ealthcare administrators can work in a broad spectrum of organizations. Consequently, administrators have a wide range of duties. They can be specialists or generalists. Specialists head up specific clinical departments or services. Generalists manage entire facilities or systems such as nursing homes, physician practices, hospitals, home health agencies and health systems. They ensure good communication between medical staff, administration, committees and departments by building teams and improving processes. Healthcare administrators create a smooth-running organization with wellplanned departments, such as nursing, marketing and public relations, finance, and human resources. They develop policies, plan budgets, coordinate space, and plan future expansions. They are responsible for the institution's resources and sound financial standing. Healthcare administrators are very sensitive to local needs and provide services to the communities they serve.
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Work Environment Clinics Community health organizations Government agencies Health insurance organizations Healthcare consulting firms Hospitals and health systems Mental health organizations Nursing homes Pharmaceutical supply companies Physician practices/groups Public health departments Rehabilitation centers Research institutions
Academic Requirements Some entry-level positions in health care administration are available with a bachelor's degree in business, health policy, or healthcare administration; however, a master's degree in business administration, hospital administration, healthcare administration, or public health is
Starting Salary required for most Bachelor’s Level = $34, management positions. 750 or $16.71/hour Doctoral degrees are Master’s Level = $51,0 00 or $24.52/hour also available. Graduation from an accredited health care administration program may provide an advantage for progressing up the career ladder. American College of Health Care Administrators (202) 536-5120 www.achca.org In Georgia, licensure is required Association of University Programs only for nursing home administrators. in Health Administration Most administrators belong to (703) 894-0940 professional organizations such as www.aupha.org the American College of Health Care Administrators, the American Georgia Board of Nursing Home College of Healthcare Executives, Administrators and the American Association of (478) 207-2440 Homes and Services for the Aging. www.sos.georgia.gov/plb/nursinghome These organizations and others have voluntary certification Medical Group Management programs, which are often helpful in Association enhancing professional standing. (877) 275-6462 www.mgma.org
Professional Organizations
Licensure, Certification, and Registration
Educational Programs Bachelor’s Degree Albany State University Argosy University Armstrong Atlantic State University Clayton State University Herzing University Macon State College South University Westwood College
Master’s Degree Albany State University Argosy University Armstrong Atlantic State University Brenau University Columbus State University Clayton State University Emory University Georgia College and State University Georgia Southern University Georgia State University
Morehouse School of Medicine Piedmont College Savannah State University University of Georgia Doctoral Degree Emory University Georgia Southern University University of Georgia
Georgia Statewide AHEC Network
www.mcg.edu/ahec 27