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How to Become a Healthcare Administrator: 5 Steps

By Kate Gibson
January 20, 2025

Healthcare administrators are the backbone of healthcare organizations, ensuring smooth operations, supporting staff, and advocating for patients. Their work requires a deep understanding of the complexities within the healthcare system, which is critical for improving outcomes and delivering the best services possible.

“At some point in our lives, everyone is probably going to have to use our healthcare system,” says Earlene Avalon, a lead faculty member of the Health Management and Health Sciences programs at Northeastern’s College of Professional Studies. “And so having a good understanding of the complexities in our healthcare system is very important, especially as you try to advocate for those to get the best care possible.”

What is a healthcare administrator?

Healthcare administrators play a pivotal part in ensuring healthcare facilities run smoothly, and transitioning into this role requires a mix of strategic skills and leadership capabilities. 

Key responsibilities of a healthcare administrator include:

  • Managing budgets and financial planning
  • Developing and implementing policies and programs
  • Leading and supporting teams
  • Ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations

Your leadership would directly impact the success of your organization—improving patient outcomes, streamlining operations, and supporting staff at every level.

As Avalon puts it, “Healthcare administrators are needed all the time. Their leadership is needed on the day, evening, and night shifts. So the job opportunities are vast just because of the nature of the industry.”

If you’re hoping to advance your career in healthcare administration, the 24/7 nature of the industry creates opportunities to step up, but it also requires a combination of practical experience and the right skills to succeed. The following steps will help you navigate the path to becoming a healthcare administrator and unlocking your career potential.

How to become a healthcare administrator

1. Gain experience in a healthcare setting.

For anyone interested in advancing to a healthcare administrator role, practical experience in healthcare operations and management is a critical first step. This hands-on exposure can help you develop industry knowledge and the foundational leadership skills essential for success in administrative positions.

Some common entry-level roles that provide this experience include:

  • Healthcare coordinator
  • Health office manager
  • Medical office assistant

These positions offer a chance to understand the day-to-day challenges of healthcare operations while equipping you with skills that can propel your career forward. If you’re already working in healthcare, such as in clinical or support positions, you can even leverage your existing experience to transition into an administrative role. 

However, professional experience alone isn’t enough to become a healthcare administrator.

2. Earn a relevant degree in healthcare or business.

While hands-on experience provides essential industry insight, earning a bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration is often the best next step for advancing your career. A bachelor’s degree equips you with a strong educational foundation in key areas like:

  • Healthcare policy and operations
  • Financial management
  • Human resources and health law
  • Organizational leadership

This degree not only prepares you to take on more complex responsibilities but also signals to employers that you are ready to grow in your career. Programs in healthcare administration are specifically designed to address the unique challenges of managing healthcare organizations, giving you the tools to lead effectively and collaborate across teams.

“The more that you work in a position, you realize that you have the potential to do much more,” Avalon adds. “Having an advanced degree really helps to shatter that glass ceiling and allows you the opportunity to have the skills needed to work across different teams.”

Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration not only opens doors to leadership roles but also builds the confidence and expertise needed to thrive in this fast-paced and rewarding field.

3. Develop key skills.

Succeeding as a healthcare administrator requires a dynamic skill set that prepares you to adapt and excel in healthcare. 

For example, strong leadership is at the core of this role, which requires administrators to balance strategic decision-making with effective interpersonal communication. A healthcare administration degree provides an excellent environment to hone these skills, particularly in preparation for leadership roles. 

Programs in healthcare administration often incorporate:

  • Communication
  • Teamwork
  • Cultural competence

Through group projects, case studies, and leadership simulations, students can practice applying these skills in real-world scenarios, giving them the confidence to excel in high-pressure environments. “Healthcare administrators do not just need formal education for the sake of having a degree, but rather for the skills development like learning to communicate effectively, solve complex problems, work with diverse groups of people, and be a team player,” Avalon says. “These are all essential skills to have.”

4. Build a professional network.

Networking is a critical component of advancing your career in healthcare administration. By connecting with peers, mentors, and industry leaders, you can gain valuable insights, stay informed about trends, and open doors to new opportunities.

One key benefit of networking is the opportunity to diversify your connections. Healthcare challenges can vary significantly across different regions, and learning from professionals nationwide can broaden your understanding of these complexities. This is where an online degree program can help.

“Being in online classes really allows you to meet people from all over the country,” Avalon says. “And that allows you to have a much better understanding of the healthcare system in various parts of the United States.” 

This broader perspective not only enhances your knowledge but also equips you to address challenges more effectively in your own role.

In addition to a degree program, building a strong professional network can also include joining healthcare associations like the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) or the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA). These organizations host events, webinars, and conferences where you can meet other professionals and exchange ideas. Plus, online platforms like LinkedIn also offer opportunities to connect with industry peers, participate in discussions, and find mentors who can help guide your career growth.

5. Pursue certifications and continuing education.

Certifications and continuing education can play a vital role in advancing your career as a healthcare administrator. They not only strengthen your qualifications but also demonstrate your commitment to professional growth in the field.

For example, earning certifications like the Certified Healthcare Administrative Professional (CHAP) or the Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE) can set you apart as a candidate. These credentials validate your expertise in key areas like healthcare management, compliance, and operations. 

Continuing education through workshops, webinars, or formal coursework, is another powerful way to stay competitive. As the healthcare industry adapts to new challenges—like advancements in technology, shifting regulations, and changes in patient care models—ongoing learning allows you to maintain a cutting-edge understanding of the field.

How to maintain work-life balance while becoming a healthcare administrator

Balancing the demands of work, education, and personal life is one of the most significant challenges for aspiring healthcare administrators. However, maintaining work-life balance is essential for long-term success and personal well-being. Achieving this starts with setting clear priorities and intentionally creating space for both productivity and rest.

“Trying to pursue your career aspirations by going back to school to get an advanced degree can be challenging,” Avalon admits. “You’re often dealing with your personal life, whether that’s raising a family or caring for aging parents. But in the end, it’s worth it.” 

Tips for balancing work and education include:

  • Use digital tools to organize your schedule
  • Set aside dedicated time for studying and assignments
  • Take advantage of flexible programs and employer tuition assistance

Flexible options, like Northeastern’s online and part-time programs, allow you to learn at your own pace without compromising other priorities.

Make a difference in healthcare administration

Healthcare administrators play a vital role in ensuring healthcare organizations run smoothly, providing quality care to patients and creating supportive environments for staff. Becoming a leader in this field requires a combination of education, experience, and determination, but the rewards—both personal and professional—are well worth the effort.

A bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration from Northeastern is designed to help you take the next step toward your career goals. With a focus on leadership development and practical learning, this program equips you with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the dynamic world of healthcare administration.

About Kate Gibson

Kate Gibson is a copywriter and contributing writer for Northeastern University.