Career Trends in Health Care Administration

Health care administration combines business and management principles with health care knowledge to ensure the efficient and effective delivery of health care services. This is a complex and quickly-evolving industry that is slated to experience high job growth. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of medical and health services managers will grow 28% from 2021 to 2031, which is much faster than the average job growth across all occupations.

There are also several new roles emerging within this dynamic field. Stefanie Jones, DHA, health sciences department chair at Purdue Global, says several factors are behind these new opportunities.

“Advances in technology and the resulting transition to telehealth services, the shift from inpatient to ambulatory care, the growing diversity of our communities, the aging population, and the diverse resources needed to operate a health care business all contribute to this jump in employment opportunities,” Jones says.

The following roles showcase emerging opportunities for those interested in health care administration.

Four Areas of Growth in Health Care Administration

The shifting health care landscape has created opportunities for professionals with the right education and background.

1. Administrator Jobs in Data Analytics

There is a staggering amount of data within the field of health care, creating room for data professionals who understand the industry. These roles involve leveraging data-driven insights to enhance decision-making processes, streamline operations, and drive strategic initiatives.

According to Jones, these emerging health care administration roles fall under the category of population health and data analytics jobs. “We need people to analyze data from a population or a community standpoint, and this is introducing a number of new jobs in public and community health care administration,” Jones says.

In addition to this increased reliance on technology, the ongoing shift away from delivering care out of the inpatient setting is expected to further shape analytics and leadership opportunities in the field.

Jones says, “Traditionally when you think of health care delivery, you think of hospitals and nursing homes. Care in these settings is now primarily intended for the most acute or sick patients. Those who are able will increasingly receive care in less costly settings such as urgent care centers, ambulatory care centers, home health agencies, and virtual physician visits.”

Exactly what does this mean for health care administrators? Jones says it will take a new approach to be successful in this emerging field.

“Administrators need to be aware of evolving industry dynamics — staying agile and tech-savvy — with strong financial analysis and team-building skills to form and manage teams with diverse types of expertise,” she says.

2. Health Care Quality and Safety

Quality and safety are always top concerns in the health care industry. Not only do they affect patient satisfaction, but they also directly impact patient well-being and the outcome of care. It requires someone with knowledge and specific skills to implement and oversee quality improvement initiatives and effectively promote a culture of patient safety throughout an organization.

Jones suggests that more professionals will be needed to fulfill these types of roles partially due to changes in how health care is delivered and funded. “The regulatory landscape of the health care industry has changed significantly in recent years, impacting care delivery and reimbursement. In every health care setting, reimbursement is now tied to patient outcomes, quality, and safety. Careers in health care administration are growing for administrators to oversee quality and safety departments, programs, and initiatives.”

3. Health Care Policy

The impact of health care policy is far-reaching, influencing the availability and affordability of care, determining the scope of services covered by insurance, and setting the standards for quality and safety. Effective health care policy can promote equitable access to care, improve population health outcomes, and ensure the sustainability of health care systems.

Jones says that the focus of health care policy and health care reform is on greater quality, cost reduction, and access improvement for diverse populations. Skilled professionals with health care policy knowledge will be needed to support this goal. These professionals may work in government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and other health care organizations.

“Administrators are expected to be familiar with the needs of the diverse communities and populations they serve, and lead strategies to provide care to improve the health of people and communities at large,” Jones says. “They must be culturally sensitive and competent, forging and directing diverse teams to serve diverse patients.”

4. Health Care Leadership and Management

Health care leadership and management are crucial components of effective health care administration. Strong leadership and management skills are essential for guiding and inspiring teams, making strategic decisions, fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration, and ensuring the efficient and effective delivery of health care services.

Professionals with the right mix of education and management skills may work in roles that range from departmental managers to CEOs.

“Careers in health care leadership can be general, overseeing teams of varying experts, or they can be specific to non-clinical areas such as policy, finance, billing, or marketing,” Jones says.

Earn an Online Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Health Care Administration

Health care administration is an industry poised for growth and change. Those interested in helping to shape the future of the industry will need industry knowledge, leadership skills, and a strong educational background.

“The bachelor's degree qualifies graduates for entry-level management positions and a promising career path for middle- and upper-level management with experience and continuing education,” Jones says.

Purdue Global programs are an efficient way to prepare for a future in health care administration. Reach out today to learn how an online Bachelor of Science Degree in Health Care Administration or an online Master of Health Care Administration can help you achieve your career goals.