Health Services Administrator
Field of Study — Health Administration, Information & Communications
Health services administrators typically direct and coordinate the functions and staff activities at hospitals, health systems and other health care organizations. They oversee organizational strategy, financial planning, personnel administration, purchasing, public relations, contract negotiations and patient services.
Health services administrators:
- maintain and develop institutional standards, policies and procedures.
- administer fiscal operations, such as budgeting and accounting.
- plan and oversee marketing activities for services.
- direct medical, nursing, allied health, technical, volunteer, clerical, service and/or maintenance departments and staffs.
- oversee hiring and training.
- develop or expand programs/services, such as research or rehabilitation.
- serve as liaison to community and business leaders and the medical staff.
- represent the organization at community events and meetings.
In small organizations, health services administrators direct daily operations. In larger hospitals and health systems, they supervise others responsible for these functions.
Health services administrators may work in health maintenance organizations, preferred provider organizations, health insurance companies, voluntary health agencies, clinics, medical practices, nursing homes and other specialized medical facilities.
Some health services administrators are physicians who have received additional training in administration; others have backgrounds in business or nursing.
Educational Requirements
Students intending to pursue a career in health services administration should prepare by taking challenging high school courses in science, math, business and English, including advanced placement courses.
A graduate degree in health or business administration and significant experience are required.
Educational Institutions
Virginia Colleges and Universities
American Public University
Central Michigan University, Ft. Belvoir Center
Central Michigan University, Richmond Center
George Mason University
James Madison University
Mary Baldwin College
Marymount University
Norfolk State University
Old Dominion University College of Health Sciences
Saint Leo University, Langley AFB
Saint Leo University, South Hampton Roads Center
Shenandoah University
Strayer University, Alexandria
Strayer University, Arlington
Strayer University, Chesapeake
Strayer University, Fredericksburg
Strayer University, Glen Allen
Strayer University, Loudoun Campus
Strayer University, Manassas
Strayer University, Midlothian
Strayer University, Newport News
Strayer University, Woodbridge
Virginia Commonwealth University
Virginia Wesleyan College
Virginia Proprietary Schools
Beta Tech
Beta Tech West
Tidewater Tech, Virginia Beach
Virginia Vocational Schools
Professional Associations
- American College of Healthcare Executives
1 N. Franklin, #1700
Chicago, IL 60606
(312) 424-2800
http://www.ache.org - American Health Care Association
1201 L St., N.W.
Washington, DC 20005
(202) 842-4444
http://www.ahca.org - American Hospital Association
1 N. Franklin, #27
Chicago, IL 60606
(312) 422-3000
http://www.aha.org - Virginia Health Care Association
2112 W. Laburnum Ave.
Suite 206
Richmond, VA 23227
(804) 353-9101
http://www.vhca.org - Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association
4200 Innslake Drive
Glen Allen, VA 23060
(804) 965-0475
(804) 965-5724
http://www.vhha.com