Health Administration

The individual interested in Health Administration must be able to effectively serve as a supervisor or leader while at the same time answer to the organization or governing body of the particular health facility or voluntary health agency.  Managers and supervisors in health administration positions may be called upon anytime of the day or week to solve problems, therefore the individual must be willing to be responsible for a facility that remains open 24 hours per day/7 days per week.  This graduate will manage a facility/organization/agency that employs a number of the community members from the higher socioeconomic groups (physicians, nurse managers, pharmacists, etc.).  These are autonomous people working as a team to provide care for the sick, injured, and debilitated.  Considering these facts, the legal concerns that come with the management of such facilities rivals any other form of management with regards to liability.  The individual should be a highly motivated self-starter to resolve the daily management concerns associated with the health care industry.  Additional qualities include a self-paced individual who stays in control under stress, one who possesses excellent communication skills, and has a good general knowledge of health facilities.  Some of these qualities can be developed with time and education.  Employment opportunities are found in voluntary agencies, health departments, hospitals, state agencies, and federal agencies.  Refer to the descriptions above for specific employment opportunities.  Entry-level positions may be found in some aspect of personal management or as an assistant administrator.  To be successful, the graduate must have a solid background in human resources, legal aspects of health care, marketing, and health services.  Expectations of the employer are to hire an individual who can lead a health care organization in a competent and professional manner.

Download a specialized four-year sequence for the Health Administration pattern.