Healthcare Administration

Healthcare Administration Job Outlook

Healthcare is a business and, like every business, it needs good management to keep it running smoothly. Healthcare administrators are vital to the daily operation of a healthcare facility or system.

Because the structure and financing of healthcare are changing rapidly, the demand for qualified healthcare administrators who can improve the efficiency and quality of care is growing, and the field and employment opportunities available will continue to grow by 16 percent through 2018.

(Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, Medical and Health Services Managers, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos014.htm)

Master’s in Healthcare Administration

The Master of Science in Healthcare Administration program at California College San Diego is designed to provide graduates with the education and background necessary to evaluate and improve health policies. Students learn to recognize opportunities and develop procedures to make the delivery of healthcare services more efficient and effective. Graduates of the program have the skills and credentials required for senior health service administration or policy analyst positions.

Healthcare Administration Careers

A master's degree is the standard credential for most generalist positions as a medical or healthcare manager. New graduates with master's degrees in healthcare administration may start as department managers or as supervisory staff. The level of the starting position varies with the experience of the applicant and the size of the organization. Hospitals and other health facilities offer postgraduate residencies and fellowships, which usually are staff positions. Graduates from master's degree programs can also find opportunities in large medical group practices, clinics, mental health facilities, nursing care corporations, and consulting firms.

Salaries for Healthcare Administrators

Average Starting Salaries

According to a salary survey conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, in September 2009 master’s degree candidates in healthcare and related sciences received starting offers averaging $54,977 a year.

(Source: National Association of Colleges and Employers, NACE Salary Survey, Fall 2010)

Median Annual Salaries

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in May 2008 medical and health services managers received a median annual salary of $80,240. Earnings of medical and health services managers vary by type and size of the facility and by level of responsibility. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, The Medical Group Management Association reported that, in 2007, median salaries for administrators were $82,423 in practices with 6 or fewer physicians; $105,710 in practices with 7 to 25 physicians; and $119,000 in practices with 26 or more physicians.

(Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, Medical and Health Services Managers, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos014.htm)

Total Courses: 14Total Credits: 57.5

Applicants for admission to the College must have graduated from an accredited high school, private secondary school, or have completed the equivalent (GED). All students who graduate after January 2006 must provide a high school transcript to check eligibility for the new Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG). Students who are applying for master's degrees must provide a copy of their bachelor's degree.

Getting started is as simple as making a phone call-we're happy to answer any questions you may have and can get you on your way to enrollment as soon as you're ready. Click here for more information about the admissions process.

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