Assistant Hospital Administrator Career and Salary Profile
Today’s hospitals are complex business entities, operating around the clock, every day of the year. The role of an assistant administrator is to support the hospital administrator in planning, coordinating and supervising the proper delivery of healthcare in these high-tech organizations. Assistant hospital administrators combine business skills like strategic and financial planning with expertise in healthcare management to keep individual departments and the entire organization running smoothly. Attaining a position as an assistant hospital administrator can begin with enrolling in a bachelor’s degree in business administration program with a specialization in healthcare management.
Job Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for medical and health services managers, including assistant hospital administrators, is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations in coming years. Job prospects should be favorable as the healthcare industry continues to expand and diversify, and as the need for management professionals with strong business skills increases. Assistant hospital administrators with experience and advanced education should enjoy the best career prospects.
Assistant Hospital Administrator Job Duties
Assistant hospital administrators have many responsibilities, such as helping to develop policies, collaborating with department heads and acting as liaison between medical staff and governing boards. They also work with hospital administrators on initiatives to improve efficiency and ensure quality delivery of healthcare services to patients. Often, assistant hospital administrators will develop and document new procedures, and support the implementation of technological innovations throughout a facility.
Depending on the size of the organization, an assistant hospital administrator’s duties can include fundraising, supervising personnel and managing operations. Individuals in this role may participate in strategic planning to develop objectives and goals, and implement the changes needed to achieve them. Some assistant hospital administrators fill a community relations role, providing information regarding health awareness or disease prevention.
Assistant hospital administrators generally work in an office setting, although they make spend time in various departments throughout a hospital. Because the healthcare industry operates 24/7, assistant administrators may be called upon after hours to handle emergencies or difficult situations. Travel to conferences or satellite locations may be required.
Assistant Hospital Administrator Potential Salary
BLS data for May 2009 indicate the average annual income for medical and health services managers, including assistant hospital administrators, was $90,970. The middle 50% earned between $63,700 and $105,980. Salaries for the lowest 10% were around $49,750, while the highest 10% brought in upwards of $140,300. Recent bachelor’s graduates usually need to acquire some experience in healthcare management before being promoted into administration, and will generally start out at the lower end of the salary range. Those who attain extensive experience or a master’s degree are eligible for promotion to the highest-paying hospital administrator positions.
Education and Training
Most assistant hospital administrator jobs require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in public health, health administration or business administration, plus relevant experience in healthcare management. Executive-level management roles with higher starting salaries may require a master’s degree in business administration with a specialization in healthcare management.
The path to an assistant hospital administrator position can begin with a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a specialization in healthcare management. Coursework typically includes managed care, principles of management, health planning and policy management, and community health evaluation.
Employers can be confident that graduates of a business administration program with a specialization in healthcare management are able to:
- Apply problem-solving skills to real-world healthcare business problems.
- Practice the fundamentals of healthcare management, including contemporary and classic organizational theories.
- Demonstrate proficiency in effectiveness assessment, quality standard-setting and system design.
- Implement decision-making processes in a global setting.
- Leverage advanced skills and knowledge to succeed as a hospital administrator.
Many employers offer opportunities for continuing education. It’s possible to gain an entry-level position with a bachelor’s degree and use tuition assistance to further your education.
Considering a Hospital Administration Career?
If you’re intrigued with the growing healthcare industry and have a mind for business, this could be an ideal career choice for you. Assistant hospital administrators must be analytical thinkers and effective decision-makers, and understand finance, human resources and information systems. Strong leadership abilities, tact, diplomacy and excellent communication skills are essential to success as an assistant hospital administrator. A bachelor’s degree in business administration with a specialization in healthcare management can help you hone these skills and develop the knowledge you need to excel in an assistant hospital administrator position!
