How to Become a Practice Administrator

Recently, we explored what healthcare administration and management is, what a healthcare administrator actually does and what jobs you can get with a Master’s Degree in Healthcare Administration. 

Here, we’ll explore a specific potential career for healthcare administration graduates in detail, reviewing how to become a practice administrator.

As part of the discussion, we’ll look at what practice administrators actually do, whether or not it is a good career path, what degree you may need to get a job as a practice administrator, and why you should consider earning your Master’s in Healthcare Administration online from CSU Global.

If you’re interested in working in the healthcare industry, have an interest in logistics, and are exceptionally organized and detail-oriented, then you may find this article helpful as you consider launching a career as a practice administrator.

After you’ve learned how to become a practice administrator, fill out our information request form to receive additional details about our 100% online Master’s in Healthcare Administration program. If you’re ready to get started, submit your application today. 

Is Practice Administrator a Good Career?

Yes, if you’re interested in helping build solid teams of healthcare professionals and you want to ensure the efficient operation of healthcare facilities, then working as a practice administrator may be the perfect career for you.

One reason to consider becoming a practice administrator is that they’re paid quite well. According to Payscale.com, the average salary for a practice administrator is $75,802.

Looking at the data for other healthcare administration careers, which are similar in scope to practice administrators, there are also good indications of earnings and future growth. The Bureau of Labor Statistics has medical and health services managers earning an average salary of $101,340.

According to the BLS, the employment of healthcare administration professionals is expected to grow by 28% from 2021 to 2031, which is much faster than the average rate of growth for all jobs. 

The BLS explains that this growth is expected thanks to the aging Boomer population, which will drive increased demand for medical services, resulting in a corresponding need for more trained administrators who are responsible for running hospitals and doctor’s offices. 

If you’re interested in pursuing a career as a practice administrator, then you should consider earning a degree in the field like CSU Global’s 100% online Master’s in Healthcare Administration.

What Do Practice Administrators Actually Do?

Practice administrators often work within doctor’s or dentist’s offices supervising the facility’s staff and day-to-day operations. As part of their role, these professionals may assist with the hiring, compliance, finances, facility management, and process improvements.

Practice administrators have demanding job duties, so these professionals must be comfortable working in fast-paced environments, coordinating staff, and organizing logistics in order to achieve their objectives in a timely manner.

The scope of work for practice administrators may differ depending on where they work, however, there are a few tasks that nearly all practice administrators will be responsible for completing, including:

• Handling finances, including budgeting and payroll.
• Monitoring for and addressing regulatory compliance issues.
• Improving healthcare delivery processes.
• Recruiting and supervising staff.

Practice administrators play a vital part of the process in ensuring the efficient operation of healthcare facilities because they play a major role in keeping things running smoothly. 

Since practice administrators are so important to the day-to-day operations of healthcare facilities and offices, it’s extremely important that these professionals have the proper training and a detailed understanding of key concepts related to healthcare services delivery.

Completing your degree in healthcare administration is an important step in making sure you’ve gained the necessary expertise required to keep a medical facility or doctor’s office working properly.

Do I Need a Degree to Get a Job as a Practice Administrator?

While you may be able to find employment without one, earning your degree offers several benefits as you look to begin a career as a practice administrator.

Doctor’s offices and other facilities want to hire the best and brightest, and for a role as vital as a practice administrator, they’re likely to be selective of who they hire.

Accordingly, hiring managers looking to fill an open practice administrator role will choose candidates who understand the ins and outs of the healthcare industry and who can clearly demonstrate their knowledge of best practices and procedures.

Earning a degree like a Master’s in Healthcare Administration is a great way to signal to future employers that you have the expertise they are seeking, and to give you the background, training and skills needed to prove that you’re a good candidate in such a competitive market.

In short, earning your degree will give you the skills you need to embark on your career with confidence while helping you stand out in a crowded job market.

If you’re interested in achieving a role in the management of healthcare facilities, then getting your Master’s Degree in Healthcare Administration may be the perfect way to launch your career.

Which Degree Should I Get?

To understand which degree you should choose, take time to review your current educational credentials, your knowledge and skill related to medical and health services management, your current level of experience in this field, and your five and 10-year career goals.

If you haven’t yet completed a bachelor’s degree, and have little to no experience in the field, then you will probably want to pursue a bachelor’s degree, such as CSU Global’s Bachelor’s Degree in Healthcare Administration and Management. This fully accredited and well-respected degree program will prepare you to pursue entry and mid-level roles in the field.

If you already have experience within the field of healthcare administration or have already earned a bachelor’s degree, then you will probably be better suited for a master’s program, such as CSU Global’s Master’s Degree in Healthcare Administration. A degree of this level will help prepare you to pursue more roles in management and leadership.

If you’re still struggling with choosing between a bachelor’s or master’s degree, consider contacting an Enrollment Counselor by calling 1-800-462-7845, or by emailing enroll [at] csuglobal.edu.

What Can I Do With a Master’s Degree in Healthcare Administration?

Completing your Master’s in Healthcare Administration will prepare you for a wide variety of career paths within the healthcare industry. 

The material you’ll study in this program provides a solid grounding in the advanced technical skills and expertise needed to take on challenging management and leadership roles, including:

• Interpreting financial budgets and managing operational costs.
• Competence and understanding of healthcare policy, laws, and regulations.
• Creating strategic plans for the healthcare enterprise.
• Improving the quality of healthcare service delivery.

Most graduates of Master’s in Healthcare Administration work in private or public hospitals, but alumni can also find work in other healthcare facilities such as residential care centers, nursing homes, or elsewhere.

No matter where you end up working, earning your MHA is a good idea since it will prepare you to take on a variety of interesting, rewarding job roles, including practice administrator, and a whole series of other excellent positions like:

• Medical and Health Services Manager.
• Administrative Services Manager.
• General and Operations Manager.
• Medical Staff Credentialing Analyst.
• Managed Care Director.
• Program Manager.
• Hospital HR Manager.

Whichever career you choose to pursue, completing your Master’s in Healthcare Administration will prepare you to strategically drive healthcare management and delivery of services within any organization.

Is a Degree in Healthcare Administration Really Worth It?

Yes, earning your Master’s in Healthcare Administration is worth it, because it’s the best way to gain the expertise and academic credentials required to pursue advanced roles within the field of healthcare administration.

It’s a particularly well-suited program for anyone looking to become a practice administrator, as the curriculum aligns well with the daily job duties and work functions of practice administration.

In a degree program like CSU Global’s Master’s in Healthcare Administration, you’ll gain proficiency in relevant skills like financial management, human resources, strategic planning, and healthcare quality assurance, all of which are expected core competencies for healthcare administration professionals. 

While it might feel like a big commitment of your time and energy, the dedication that you put into completing your master’s degree program will improve your potential for making a real difference in the operations and quality of care delivered at healthcare facilities.

Can I Get My Master’s in Healthcare Administration Online?

Yes, you can earn your Master’s in Healthcare Administration online from a fully accredited and widely respected institution, such as CSU Global.

CSU Global’s online Master’s in Healthcare Administration program is a top-ranked and regionally accredited program that gives you the flexibility to pursue your degree on your own terms. 

All of our degree programs are designed specifically for online students, with several components designed to improve flexibility, including:

• No set class times or locations.
• Monthly class starts.
• Accelerated eight-week courses.

Our online degree programs make it easier for you to earn your degree without compromising on your professional or family obligations.

What Makes CSU Global the Best University for Studying Healthcare Administration?

CSU Global is one of the best schools for Healthcare Administration because our program is flexible and highly regarded across the industry, with accreditation, rankings, and positive outcomes such as:

1. CSU Global’s MHA is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
2. CSU Global’s MHA was ranked #2 Best Online Master’s in Healthcare Administration by Best Health Degrees, #4 Best Online Master’s in Healthcare Administration by Best Master’s Programs, and it also received Top 10 rankings from Best College Reviews, The Best Schools, and Top Masters in Healthcare.
3. CSU Global’s MHA graduates report an average pay increase of more than 11% just one year after earning their degree.

Furthermore, CSU Global’s online MHA can be completed 100% online, with no set times or locations, monthly class starts, and accelerated courses to make it easier to juggle your education, work and family responsibilities.

Finally, CSU Global also offers competitive tuition rates and a Tuition Guarantee to ensure your tuition rate won’t increase throughout the course of your program.

To get additional details about our fully accredited, 100% online Master’s in Healthcare Administration, please give us a call at 800-462-7845, or fill out our Information Request Form.

Ready to get started today? Apply now!