Medical administrators are the heart and soul of a hospital, health care facility or medical group. They plan, direct, coordinate and supervise health care throughout the organization. In addition to increasing the efficiency of an enterprise, medical administrators are responsible for improving the quality of care patients receive.
The various positions medical administrators occupy require a great deal of knowledge about health care and business management, as well as advanced communication, leadership and teamwork skills. Aspiring medical administrators can develop this combination of advanced skills and expertise through comprehensive studies in the online Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Healthcare Management program offered by Florida Institute of Technology.
Health Care Administrator Job Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), job opportunities for medical and health services managers (including medical administrators) will increase by 29% from 2023 to 2033. With this impressive job outlook, health care management is currently one of the fastest-growing occupational groups in the U.S.
Given ongoing changes in the health care environment — including new technology, regulations and information security challenges — the industry will need experienced medical administrators to keep business running smoothly. An up-to-date education in advanced health care management provides medical administrators with the knowhow necessary to meet this need.
What Does a Medical Administrator Do?
Working with risk managers, specialist consultants and others in health care administration, medical administrators ensure that the organization remains compliant with a wide — and constantly changing — number of industry-specific rules and regulations. Their job responsibilities also include improving the quality and efficiency of health care and controlling costs. Additionally, medical administrators may take part in implementing technologies such as computerization of records.
In large hospitals, a medical administrator will have several assistant administrators to help manage the day-to-day work for such departments as nursing, surgery, therapy and medical records. Medical administrators in smaller facilities generally take on most of these duties themselves. Those working in group medical practices often collaborate with physicians to develop business strategies and oversee the practice’s daily activities.
Medical Administration Job Environment
Most medical administrators have offices within a health care facility but may spend time working with staff in other departments. The job may also involve travel for meetings, conferences or satellite facility inspections.
Currently, the U.S. health care environment is experiencing significant change. Health care reform is ongoing, medical technologies are advancing rapidly, and many programs and regulations are in flux. This means that a medical administrator’s job can be an intense, high-pressure position. Medical administrators must be thorough in their research and analysis and able to make key decisions and recommendations that will impact the entire organization. They should also have strong organizational and multi-tasking skills.
Medical Administrator Salary Potential
BLS reports that medical and health services managers earned a median salary of $117,960 in 2024. Incomes ranged from less than $69,680 (the lowest 10% of earners) to more than $219,080 (the highest 10% of earners).
Medical administrator positions typically require a bachelor’s degree or higher, according to BLS, so associate degree holders generally start in entry-level roles at the lower end of the salary range. Those who demonstrate proficiency can move into roles of increasing responsibility and pay with further education and experience. Professionals with a specialized master’s degree, such as an MBA in health care management, will have a significant advantage when pursuing the most sought-after and high-paying positions.
How to Become a Medical Administrator: Education and Training
As noted above, education is key to becoming a medical administrator. Earning an associate or bachelor’s degree in a field related to health care or management can provide the first step. An advanced degree program like Florida Tech’s online MBA in Healthcare Management can fast-track an upper-level medical administrator career. Completion of a health care management education program prepares graduates to:
- Understand the roles and responsibilities of different departments within a health care organization
- Develop vital business plans and strategies
- Use critical-thinking methods to identify problems and propose solutions
- Communicate effectively with individuals at all levels of an organization
- Demonstrate strong analytical and business writing skills
- Excel in a variety of health care leadership roles
Is a Job as a Medical Administrator the Right Choice?
Those who have strong organizational, analytical and communication abilities, excellent decision-making skills, and an aptitude for managing the complex inner workings of a health care facility could excel as medical administrators. The job requires these skills and aptitudes as well as specialized knowledge of health care systems, facilities management and business principles.
Those who wish to develop the granular expertise needed for this role can do so by completing the MBA in Healthcare Management online program from Florida Tech. Once earned, aspiring professionals can leverage this reputable degree to secure a rewarding job in one of the country’s fastest-growing occupations.
Learn more about Florida Tech’s online MBA in Healthcare Management program.
