According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the healthcare administration industry is projected to grow 17% from 2014 to 2024, and the fields of private health practice, nursing home care, and electronic health records (EHRs) are expected to be in highest demand. As medical technologies advance, services that were once provided solely in hospitals will become available in the offices of health practitioners and medical groups. Nursing facilities will meanwhile see a rise in patients as baby boomers enter their golden years, requiring increased nursing staff and, in turn, a demand for healthcare administrators. The national demand for paperless records in the form of EHRs also means that administrators with knowledge of health informatics will find ample job opportunities post-graduation.Professionals who excel in this career are able to lead effectively and adapt quickly, as health laws, regulations, and technology are constantly changing. A large part of a healthcare administrator's job is recruiting, training, and managing staff, so strong interpersonal skills and a knack for managing tasks is crucial. Choosing to pursue a healthcare administration degree online allows a flexible schedule for working individuals entering the growing field.
Online Healthcare Administration Degree Overview
| Degree Level | Average Cost | Loan Default Rate | Time Commitment | Early Career Pay | Mid-Career Pay | Unemployment Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Associate | $14,905 | 17.34% | 1+ years | $28,400 | $36,600 | Not reported |
| Bachelor's | $18,144 | 10.81% | 4 years | $39,600 | $60,600 | 4.8% |
| Master's | $20,065.72 | 7.32% | 2+ years | $52,800 | $72,900 | 2.9% |
An associate degree in healthcare administration is a good starting point for aspiring professionals seeking entry-level positions, particularly in the administrative and clerical sectors. Earning a bachelor's-level healthcare administration degree online or on-campus provides a stronger foundation for a career in the field, along with the specializations needed to be competitive in the job market.A healthcare administration master's degree online is typically the next step for aspiring professionals. This program requires two to three years, and applicants must hold an undergraduate degree. Coursework includes advanced topics like healthcare policy and law and organizational behavior. One year of supervised administrative experience in a hospital or healthcare consulting setting is also usually required. The average cost of a master's degree is around $2,000 more than a bachelor's, and professionals who hold this degree typically see a 33% rise in their salary along with further reduction in average loan default rate.A doctorate is the last step in major accreditation, and professionals who earn this healthcare administration online degree can go on to land chief positions or teach at the university level.
Online Healthcare Administration Degrees
Online Healthcare Administration Find Accredited Degrees
Online Healthcare Administration Choose Your Career
| Career | Median Salary | Projected Growth | 2014 Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Administrator (Management) | $92,810 | 17% | 333000 |
| Public Health Social Worker | $45,500 | 12% | 74800 |
| Health Information Specialist | $35,900 | 15% | 188600 |
| Health Education Specialist | $42,450 | 13% | 115700 |
| Health Insurance Specialist | $62,300 | 3% | 315300 |
Online Healthcare Administration Professional Requirements
Certified Healthcare Administrative Professional
The cHAP exam is designed for administrative professions working in hospitals or other healthcare provider organizations, and those who achieve the distinction are among the elite in their field in terms of experience, training, and continuing education. In order to be eligible for the exam, applicants must satisfy one of the following criteria: (1) have five or more consecutive years of work experience and hold a bachelor's degree or higher, (2) have been or is currently a member of cHAP, or (3) accrue 100 points from a list of requirements. Application and exam fees cost $250 and $125, respectively ($150 and $75 for cHAP members). The exam consists of multiple-choice, true/false, and fill-in-the-blank questions on five areas of administrative expertise: clerical, grammar, healthcare governance, healthcare regulatory, and software.
American Association of Healthcare Administrative Management
The exam is designed for healthcare administrators, particularly managers, interested in distinguishing themselves in the areas of patient financial services and the revenue cycle. There are five different AAHAM exams, designed for people at different stages in their career. The Certified Revenue Cycle Executive ($299) is an eight-hour proctored exam focusing on topics such as patient access and credit/collections. The Certified Revenue Cycle Professional ($199) is a four-hour exam consisting of multiple-choice and true/false questions on revenue cycle. The Certified Revenue Integrity Professional ($199) is a four-hour exam that measures basic competencies in healthcare compliance. The Certified Revenue Cycle Specialist ($100) takes two hours, and tests working knowledge of the revenue cycle. Last, the Certified Compliance Technician ($100) lasts 90 minutes and measures basic competencies in healthcare compliance.
American College of Healthcare Executives
The premier credential for healthcare managers, this exam is only open to those with at least two years of experience in the field. Applicants must also hold a master's or other advanced degree, and should be in a healthcare management position. Thirty-six hours of healthcare management continuing education is required, 12 of which must be ACHE face-to face education credits. The exam itself costs $250, though a $200 waiver is available. The certification exam includes 230 multiple-choice questions, 30 of which are pretest questions. Content is drawn from 10 knowledge areas, ranging from governance and organizational structure, to finance and management. ACHE fellows are among the best in the field, and the distinction comes with organizational resources and high change for better salaries.