The healthcare field is fast-paced and constantly changing. That is why it’s essential for healthcare administration professionals to maintain a versatile skill set that enables them to keep up with each dynamic development in the industry.
A Master of Science in Healthcare Administration (MHA) is a graduate degree designed to develop thoughtful leaders who can oversee the essential functions of a thriving healthcare organization. Professionals in this realm are critical to ensuring healthcare facilities run smoothly.
If you're drawn to the prospect of advancing in the business side of healthcare, this could be the perfect post-baccalaureate path for you. Whether you’re looking to break into the industry, or you’ve already begun to establish your career, a graduate degree in healthcare administration can provide you with the knowledge and skills you’ll need to take the next step.
Join us as we explore some of the top healthcare administration jobs you could qualify for upon earning your MHA .
Why earn a master’s in healthcare administration?
“Quality healthcare is the backbone of all thriving economies and communities,” explains Dr. Lisa Sundean, director of the Healthcare Administration program at Fairfield University. “Healthcare administrators are uniquely positioned with knowledge and skills to shape the direction of healthcare delivery and lead on-the-ground operations of quality healthcare in response to population needs.”
A high-quality MHA program, according to Dr. Sundean, is one that enables students to build industry expertise through hands-on experience and practical education. Healthcare administrators are tasked with guiding and maintaining an assortment of essential business functions, including financial matters, regulatory/legal compliance, human resources services, facilities and equipment, technology, policymaking, and more.
This vast range of required expertise is why a graduate degree in healthcare administration can be essential for advancement. The typical MHA curriculum is far-reaching. To get a taste of the types of courses to expect, here’s a sneak peek at what’s included in the MHA program at Fairfield University:
- Introduction to the U.S. Healthcare System
- Healthcare Reimbursement and Organizational Performance
- Healthcare Economics and Marketing
- Advanced Healthcare Policy
- Research Methods for Evidence-Based Practice
- Information Technology for Healthcare Improvement
- Introduction to Accounting
- Principles of Finance
- Legal and Ethical Environment of Business
- Performance Management
As you can see, the skill set of a qualified healthcare administration professional covers functions related to everything from daily business operations and HR to ethics, industry regulations, and even overarching healthcare policy. To be successful in healthcare management roles, mastery of each area of business and healthcare is crucial.
In-demand healthcare administration careers
“Healthcare administrators ensure the health of everyday citizens through strategic operations of healthcare systems and facilities so that our communities can flourish,” Dr. Sundean says. Because they play such a critical role, it’s no surprise that demand is high for qualified healthcare administration professionals.
In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) notes that employment of medical and health services management professionals is projected to grow 28 percent from 2021 to 2031. This is more than five times the average rate for all occupations. As such, the median annual salary for healthcare administration positions is more than double the national average.
There has arguably been no better time to enter this in-demand field. As you analyze your own opportunities for advancement, consider the following examples of career opportunities available to MHA degree-holders.
What can you do with an MHA?
The Association of University Programs in Health Administration (AUPHA) has identified four main employment sectors within the field, along with a handful of corresponding job titles.
Healthcare providers are the largest employer of healthcare administration professionals. These include hospitals, clinics, group physician practices, outpatient care centers, and more. Potential job titles include:
- Healthcare administrator
- Director of business development
- Executive director
- Practice manager
- Director of risk management
- Director of patient safety
Healthcare suppliers are responsible for providing medical facilities with the equipment, key services, and training/development resources they need to thrive. Potential job titles include:
- Healthcare consultant
- Sales director
- Director of market research
- Product manager/analyst
- Marketing manager
Health insurance organizations are tasked with navigating and managing the costs associated with healthcare offerings in the United States. Potential job titles include:
- Research analyst
- Utilization manager
- Quality improvement coordinator
- Client manager
- Director of strategic planning
Healthcare policy organizations tackle health-related issues on a broader scale, analyzing and crafting policy related to federal, state, and local health initiatives. Potential job titles include:
- Communications director
- Legislative assistant
- Policy analyst
- Community healthcare organizer
