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How to Become a Healthcare Administrator

Leave your mark as a leader in this complex and changing industry.

If you want to center your career on addressing the challenges of today’s changing healthcare landscape, earning your Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) degree may be the way to go. In addition to the personal fulfillment that comes with effecting positive social change and helping others, the employment outlook for healthcare administration roles is bright. For instance, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for medical and health services managers are expected to grow 32% through 2029.1

If you’re wondering how to become a healthcare administrator and tap into an array of opportunities in the field, here are some steps to put you on the right track.

1. Choose a university that offers a master’s in healthcare administration program.

If you’re a working professional, you may wish to find a university that offers an online MHA program that can give you the flexibility you need. For instance, Walden University’s online Master of Healthcare Administration program was designed to provide a high-quality education using a convenient online learning platform. When you choose an online university, you can earn your MHA degree from wherever you have internet access.

2. Select a specialization.

Tailor your education to your interests and career goals by choosing an online MHA program that offers a variety of specializations. In the Master of Healthcare Administration program at Walden, you can choose from an array of specializations: Leadership and Organizational Development, Population Health, Social Entrepreneurship and Innovation, and Systems and Policy.

3. Confirm the curriculum standards.

You’ll also want to ensure that you will be learning from the latest, most relevant curriculum possible. To do this, find out if the content in the MHA program you’re considering is aligned with the National Center for Healthcare Leadership (NCHL) model. Healthcare administration degree programs that follow the NCHL model combine industry knowledge with practical competencies to promote outstanding leadership in the field.

4. Complete your degree program.

Walden University offers two degree completion options to suit your learning preferences. Choose either a course-based or competency-based learning format. With the course-based option, your program length is predetermined. Should you choose the competency-based option, your time to completion will depend largely on the pace you set.

5. Launch your healthcare administration career.

Becoming a healthcare administrator can give you access to employment opportunities across a broad range of settings, including general medical and surgical hospitals, physicians’ offices, outpatient care centers, nursing care facilities, medical and diagnostic laboratories, and scientific research facilities. No matter which setting you choose, you’ll be sure to make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients, doctors, and caregivers.

6. Supplement your résumé with professional certifications.

After earning your master’s in healthcare administration, begin to research what professional certifications are available. Though professional certification is not a requirement for most healthcare administration jobs, it can add even more value to your résumé. Popular choices for MHA program graduates include Certified Revenue Cycle Professional, Certified Compliance Technician, and Certified Medical Manager.

Earn Your Online Degree at Walden

If you want to become a successful leader in healthcare administration, furthering your education and experience in the field is a great start. At Walden, an accredited university, you can earn a Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) online, allowing you to continue to work full time. That means you don’t have to put your career on hold while you gain the skills you need to excel. With online education, you can take classes at whatever time of day works best for you as you get your MHA degree and prepare to transform the future of healthcare.

Walden University is an accredited institution offering a Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) degree program online. Expand your career options and earn your degree using a convenient, flexible learning platform that fits your busy life.

1Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Medical and Health Services Managers, SOC code 11-9111.00. Retrieved July 2021. National long-term projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions, do not guarantee actual job growth, and are subject to change.

Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission www.hlcommission.org.

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