Being a health administrator means knowing how to organize and manage pharmaceutical companies, medical practices, training programs and public bodies. To occupy a prominent position in the medical community, these professionals must have fairly high education and training, including bachelor's and master's degrees. They will need to gain work experience in the field of medical service and personnel management. Carrying out an administrative career also requires a certain degree of social involvement, membership in professional associations and forging relationships within the healthcare community. This article will explain how to do all this to find a job in the health administration. [Readers will find tips and information about this profession, inserted in the US healthcare context]
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Part 1: Level of Education to Become a Healthcare Administrator
Step 1. Earn a bachelor's degree in Public Health, Health Services, or Health Administration (degrees in health management, which give you skills in holding senior positions in government agencies and hospitals)
In the healthcare industry, the demand for healthcare administrators is constantly growing. The bachelor's degree is the minimum requirement, but you could encourage yourself to continue by taking the master's degree (Master of Arts).
- Consider choosing a program certified by the Association of University Programs in Healthcare Administration (AUPHA). Although not required, you have the option to graduate with additional credits this way.
- Take business courses during your university studies. Adding a complementary subject that focuses on business administration will help you have greater skills in managing budgets, health insurance and much more. Healthcare administrators are company professionals who have to take care of cutting budgets and optimizing the cost of the most expensive services.
Step 2. Start doing an internship while attending university
Look for a position as an assistant intern at a hospital administration, clinic, health insurance company or government agency for the health service. Depending on the type of internship you choose, you will gain the necessary experience when you seek employment at the lowest career level.
The internship is ideal for expanding valuable contacts in the health administration branch. Try to expand your business and professional relationships with colleagues and superiors
Step 3. Consider the master's degree in healthcare administration
Administrators of large corporations and hospitals have earned this degree. You may also want to focus on healthcare policy if you wish to pursue a career in this field.
Step 4. Volunteer in addition to internships, college exams, and work
Collaborating even a few hours as a volunteer each week will allow you to expand your network of knowledge and gain valuable experiences. The amount of experience you gain in the health service will have an impressive effect on your resume.
Method 2 of 2: Part 2: Work in the Health Administration Area
Step 1. Prepare a resume
A correct curriculum vitae must include your contact information, a crucial summary of your work experience and your level of education, a mention of the awards and membership of any professional associations, all generally in the order described.
Step 2. Get in touch with your contacts in the health administration
Managing your network of acquaintances can allow you to be informed promptly about any job offers. You may also have a very good chance of finding a job when an agency or company already knows you for your work ethic.
Step 3. Contact the association of alumni and professors
Contact them and ask if there are any open positions or if they can write a letter of recommendation on your behalf. They may be able to introduce you to some hiring manager.
Step 4. Check the websites of hospitals, health insurance companies, clinics, hospital supply companies, or other health care facilities
These are such large companies and companies that they usually insert a "Jobs" or "Careers" section within their websites. If the name of the hiring manager is entered, send him an email with your resume and a cover letter for future positions.
Step 5. Visit the large portals dedicated to work and employment
While the jobs listed on Monster, CareerBuilder, Indeed, SimplyHired and Craigslist require highly competitive qualifications, they also show high-profile jobs in your area. Set up a daily notice for job positions to apply for employment.
Jobs at the lowest career levels within the health administration include positions as a staff office manager at clinics or doctors' offices, medical administration assistant, program manager for medical students or nursing staff, member auditing firm, employed in business development at pharmaceutical companies or health insurance companies
Step 6. Apply and obtain a state license
In most states, administrators and health care providers are expected to pass written and practice exams. Consult the state licensing board in your country for information on the necessary requirements.
Step 7. Apply for admission to a professional association
The American Association of Healthcare Administration Management (AAHAM), the Medical Group Management Association (MGMA), or the Association for Healthcare Administration Professionals (AHCAP) are great choices. Joining one of these associations will allow you to access training courses, specialized job search engines and meet other professionals in the healthcare industry.
Step 8. Look for new promotions and salary increases
Healthcare administrators may have to move from different practices and companies to take on more responsibilities and get higher job positions. After 1 or 2 years of experience in a first level position, you should keep your eyes peeled for better job positions.
Step 9. Consider working with an employment agency in the health administration
Look for recommendations from friends to present to employment agencies in your area. You can get the attention of these agencies by seeking training courses and going beyond the usual job descriptions required.
Step 10. Get involved in social organizations
It is important for senior healthcare administrators to be an active part of the community they are in. You can join health and healthcare organizations that provide non-profit services to the community.
Step 11. Embrace new methods, trends and technologies
Most of the most successful healthcare administrators are always up to date on corporate and healthcare services. Come up with innovative ideas and do thorough research.
