The healthcare industry is experiencing rapid growth and expansion, creating many new opportunities for professionals with a Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration (BHA) degree. A BHA degree provides graduates with a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare system, from operations management to regulatory compliance. Earning this degree can open doors to several fulfilling careers that involve managing healthcare facilities, coordinating patient care, and implementing healthcare policies.
What Is Healthcare Administration?
Healthcare administration is a rewarding, rapidly growing field that focuses on managing the operations of healthcare organizations, including hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes. Healthcare administrators are responsible for ensuring that these organizations provide high-quality healthcare services to patients safely and efficiently.
Job duties for healthcare administrators can vary depending on the specific position, but some typical responsibilities include the following:
- Developing and implementing policies and procedures to ensure the smooth operation of the facility
- Managing the financial operations of the facility, including financial planning and budgeting
- Hiring and managing staff, including physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals
- Developing and implementing programs to improve patient care and outcomes
- Ensuring compliance with laws and regulations governing healthcare facilities
To become a healthcare administrator, you must have a bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration, health management, or a related field. However, many employers prefer candidates with a master’s degree in healthcare administration or business administration. Still, it is possible to enter the industry with a bachelor’s degree and pursue a promising career.
The median annual wage for medical health and service managers, which includes health administrators, was $101,340 as of May 2021. The job outlook for individuals in this field is excellent, with employment projected to grow 28% from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations. An aging population and increasing demand for healthcare services drive this growth.
7 High-Paying Jobs for Workers with a Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration
In addition to the fruitful nature of a career in healthcare administration, many positions offer competitive salaries and benefits packages. The following list highlights some of the highest-paying jobs available to individuals with a BHA degree based on extensive research and salary surveys.
1. Physician Practice Administrative Manager
Median salary (March 2023): $137,900
People with strong leadership and communication skills may be a good fit for a career as a physician practice administrative manager. Individuals in this field oversee the daily operations of medical practices, clinics, and other healthcare facilities. They use their unique skills to effectively manage the administrative and business aspects of the practice, including finance, billing, Human Resources, and patient relations.
As of March 2023, physician practice administrative managers earned a median annual wage of $137,900. However, their salary can vary depending on location and experience. Most salaries range from $99,118 to $184,324.
Physician practice administrative managers typically work in medical offices or clinics. They may work full-time and may need to work weekends or evenings, depending on the practice.
2. Emergency Services Administration Manager
Median salary (March 2023): $130,700
Those who thrive in a fast-paced and high-pressure environment may enjoy a career as an emergency services administration manager. People in this role oversee the organization’s day-to-day operations, manage staff, create budgets, and ensure compliance with laws and regulations governing emergency services.
Regarding salary, emergency services administration managers earned a median annual wage of $130,700 as of March 2023. However, salaries in this field are competitive and can range from $104,909 to $161,267.
Emergency services administration managers typically work in an office or command services within their organization. They usually work full-time and may need to work nights, weekends, and holidays, depending on the needs of their healthcare facility.
3. Patient Experience Supervisor
Median salary (March 2023): $101,152
A career as a patient experience supervisor may be an excellent fit for empathetic, compassionate, and detail-oriented individuals. Patient experience supervisors oversee patients’ quality of care in healthcare facilities. They work to ensure that patients have a positive experience during their stay, from admission to discharge. Job duties may include developing, implementing, and monitoring policies and procedures to ensure patients receive high-quality care and service.
The salary for a patient experience supervisor varies depending on the healthcare facility they are employed at and their geographic location. They see a median salary of $101,152. However, this can range from $79,907 to $130,160.
Patient experience supervisors work in a healthcare setting, such as hospitals and nursing homes, and often work regular business hours. Occasionally, they may need to be available for emergencies or address patient concerns outside normal business hours.
4. Compliance Manager
Median salary (March 2023): $114,131
Natural problem-solvers with an analytical mindset are ideal for careers in compliance management. Compliance managers ensure that healthcare organizations comply with federal and state regulations and internal policies and procedures. In addition, they actively work to minimize legal and financial risks by establishing and enforcing standards of conduct and providing guidance to staff.
As of March 2023, compliance managers in healthcare administration earn a median salary of $114,131. However, this amount can range from $91,940 to $139,133, depending on the employer and geographic location.
Compliance managers may work in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. They often hold regular work hours in an office setting but may need to travel to different facilities to conduct audits and train staff.
5. Physician Network Relationship Manager
Median salary (March 2023): $113,800
Physician network relationship managers are highly skilled healthcare professionals who manage the relationships between providers and physicians. The most successful individuals who enter this field have strong analytical skills, can manage multiple projects, and have a keen eye for detail. They primarily focus on identifying opportunities for collaboration, negotiating contracts, and ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations and policies.
Physician network relationship managers earn a median salary of $113,800. However, this figure can range from $79,794 to $163,663, depending on experience and qualifications.
The work environment for physician network relationship managers is typically fast-paced and demanding and may require working closely with healthcare providers in a team-oriented setting. While many individuals in this role keep regular business hours, there may be requirements to work evenings or weekends, depending on the employer.
6. Health Insurance Operations Director
Median salary (March 2023): $163,073
Strong, highly organized leaders may thrive in a career as a health insurance operations director. Individuals in this role have a crucial role in overseeing the day-to-day operations of health insurance companies. They are responsible for ensuring that policies and procedures are followed, managing staff, and implementing strategies to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the organization.
As of March 2023, health insurance operations directors earned a median salary of $163,073. However, this amount can range from $137,445 to $208,686, depending on experience, location, and the organization’s size.
The work environment can be fast-paced and demanding, with extended hours and tight deadlines. However, it can also be rewarding, as they have the opportunity to impact the quality of care that patients receive significantly.
7. Admitting Director
Median salary (March 2023): $118,613
Individuals with excellent communication and organizational skills may enjoy a career as an admitting director. People in this role manage the admissions process for healthcare facilities, including hospitals and clinics, and oversee admissions staff. In addition, they help ensure compliance with regulations and policies and may work closely with other senior leaders to ensure patients receive high-quality care.
Regarding salary, admitting directors saw a median salary of $118,613 as of March 2023. However, this figure can range from $87,903 to $158,015, depending on experience, education, and the specific responsibilities of the role.
Admitting directors work in a dynamic environment characterized by tight deadlines and high demands on their time. In addition, they may work in various healthcare facilities and must be able to work effectively with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals.
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