One of the fastest-growing and most critical sectors of our economy is health care. As an essential service that impacts every single person, often at several points in their life, health care is a highly demanding and highly rewarding career field that combines a wide range of skills. Although the “front line” of health care includes doctors, nurses, specialists, first responders, these positions are bolstered by a growing support system of administrators and experts who empower them to provide excellent services.  

Health care administration is one of the fastest growing careers in the country, with the Bureau of Labor Services projecting more than 20% job growth through 2034. Here is the outlook for these kinds of roles and how a degree in health care administration can prepare you for success. 

The State of Health Care Administration 

The astronomical growth of the administrative side of health care is driven by several factors, including the growth of health care as a whole, the adoption of new technologies, and changing demographics in the United States. This includes an aging population with longer life spans, especially as more members of the baby boomer generation retire. As a result, there’s a higher demand for care with the population over retirement age increasing more than 40% from 2012 to 2022. 

After some inconsistent and unpredictable years of healthcare cost surges, shifts in demand, and labor shortages, experts are predicting major growth and stabilization in the health care field, including administration.  Emerging tools like telemedicine and artificial intelligence will also create the need for additional coordinators and administrators. 

Common Roles for Health Care Administrators 

A degree in health care administration is attractive for many reasons. For example, medical and health services managers earn a six-figure median salary, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This line of work blends people skills, organization, compliance, and technology, offering opportunities to be challenged and learn more. It is also rewarding, as it is a crucial part of positive health care outcomes and patient care.  

Here are some of the roles health care administrators can take on once obtaining a bachelor’s or advanced degree: 

Health Care Administrator 

Health care administrators often work in hospitals, clinics and medical offices. Administrators supervise and coordinate medical services in partnership with doctors, nurses, physician assistants and other providers. They work in a support capacity, ensuring that providers have patient information, equipment and other resources, while helping other support staff like receptionists collect, collate and process patient information. They may also assist with other roles, like promotion and marketing, compliance, and finances. 

Financial and Data Administrator 

At larger clinics or health care organizations, administrators may specialize in data and finance. Because many health care providers interact with both insurance companies and patients, there is a major need for experts who can streamline communications and billing with both sides. They also work with providers and experts to set prices, explore new services and health care technologies, and determine quarterly and annual budgets. This role likely involves less interaction with patients and may appeal to people with an interest in finance, data science and actuarial services.  

Strategic and Hiring Director 

For those interested in leadership and people-focused work, administrators can serve as directors of clinics or community health centers, or as hiring directors. Rather than the more STEM-focused aspects of health care administration, these roles are focused on high-level strategic initiatives, organizational goals and values, and the hiring, education and retention of staff.  

Patient Advocate 

Health care administrators who are looking to make an impact and feel a direct correlation between their work, patient health and happiness can work as patient advocates. Accessing health care can be complicated, even for people with private or public insurance, and this can make things difficult for patients dealing with chronic issues, pain or major health problems. Patient advocates help them navigate the health care system and get the care they need without added stress or unnecessary and unaffordable care.  

Earn Your Degree in Health Care Administration at Columbia Southern University 

Whether you are beginning a career in the health care field or already working for a provider, a degree in health care administration can open doors to more financially and personally rewarding roles and opportunities. Learn more about our programs here. 

Multiple factors, including prior experience, geography and degree field, affect career outcomes. CSU does not guarantee a job, promotion, salary increase, eligibility for a position, or other career growth.