5 Careers in Healthcare Administration
Healthcare administration is an umbrella term for a wide range of professional roles. Individuals in these positions support healthcare organizations in improving services, managing operations, and helping facilities run efficiently. While requirements may vary by role and employer, many healthcare administration careers require at least a bachelor’s degree in business administration, healthcare administration, or another relevant field.
Read on to explore several careers in healthcare administration, including typical responsibilities, salary potential, job outlook, and how a business administration degree may support entry into the field.
What Can I Do With a Business Administration in Healthcare Degree?
One option for aspiring healthcare administrators is to earn a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a healthcare administration emphasis. While the standard bachelor’s in business administration curriculum provides foundational knowledge in managing organizational operations, with coursework covering topics including finance, human resources, marketing, and leadership development, a healthcare focused business administration degree provides additional coursework to help students build skills in healthcare policy, ethics, and quality of care.
Because the curriculum spans multiple functional areas, graduates may pursue roles across various departments in healthcare facilities, including roles in human resource management and medical and health services management. Over time, this educational background may also support advancement into higher-level leadership positions, such as director of operations, though some employers prefer that candidates have a graduate degree for senior-level positions.
Health Administration Career Examples
Healthcare administration careers encompass a range of roles focused on managing operations, supporting patient services, and overseeing organizational functions within healthcare settings. Below are five examples of health administration careers, along with typical qualifications, median salary information, and projected job outlook.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) broadly categorizes medical and health services managers — also known as healthcare administrators or healthcare executives — as those who plan, direct, and coordinate medical services. The BLS reports a median annual wage of $117,960 for these professionals, with compensation varying by role, experience, and work setting. The BLS also projects employment growth of 23% between 2024 and 2034, significantly faster than the average for all occupations.
1. Health Services Manager
Health services managers oversee the day-to-day and long-term operations of healthcare facilities, helping ensure that services are delivered efficiently and in compliance with applicable regulations. They address operational challenges, coordinate administrative functions, and support organizations’ goals.
Common responsibilities may include:
- Writing grant proposals for nonprofit healthcare organizations
- Ensuring organized recordkeeping
- Hiring, training, and supervising staff
- Managing the facility’s budget
- Developing and implementing policies that comply with local and federal laws
While no universal educational requirements exist for health services managers, many employers prefer candidates with at least a bachelor’s degree in healthcare management or business administration. They may also prefer candidates with relevant experience in administrative or clinical roles.
According to Payscale, the median annual salary for health services managers was approximately $82,000 as of July 2025.
2. Nursing Home Administrator
Nursing home administrators manage the daily operations and long-term strategic direction of nursing and residential care facilities. They help ensure compliance with healthcare regulations, oversee maintenance, and promote a safe environment for residents and staff.
Common responsibilities may include:
- Supervising and training staff
- Managing facility budgets and overseeing financial planning
- Implementing and monitoring organizational policies
- Ensuring the safety of residents and regulatory compliance
- Marketing the facility to prospective residents
Nursing home administrators are typically required to obtain state licensure, with requirements varying by state. Many employers also prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree or prior healthcare experience, such as experience as a registered nurse (RN).
According to Payscale, the median annual salary for nursing home administrators was approximately $106,000 as of October 2025.
3. Office Administrator
Office administrators in medical practices provide operational and administrative support to help facilities run efficiently. They support day-to-day office functions and serve as the primary point of contact for patients and staff.
Common responsibilities may include:
- Scheduling appointments and meetings and coordinating staff coverage
- Preparing reports and maintaining organized records
- Assisting with payroll and financial recordkeeping
- Responding to patient inquiries in person, by phone, or by email
- Supporting hiring processes and onboarding new staff
Requirements vary by employer, though some prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree in an area such as business administration. Most role-specific training is completed on the job.
According to Payscale, the median annual salary for medical office administrators was approximately $61,000 as of May 2025.
4. Clinical Manager
The role of a clinical manager is one of the careers in healthcare administration. Clinical managers oversee operations within a specific department of a healthcare facility, helping ensure that services are delivered efficiently and in accordance with quality standards. Unlike office administrators, clinical managers typically combine administrative responsibilities with clinical expertise.
Common responsibilities may include:
- Supervising clinical and support staff within a department
- Monitoring quality of care and regulatory compliance
- Managing departmental budgets and resource allocation
- Coordinating communication among physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals
- Supporting staff training and performance improvement initiatives
Requirements for clinical managers vary by employer. Many prefer candidates with at least a bachelor’s degree in medical services or healthcare administration. Employers also typically value hands-on work experience in a clinical setting. Depending on the role and state regulations, clinical managers may require professional licensure, such as RN credentials.
According to Payscale, the median annual salary for clinical managers was approximately $79,000 as of January 2026.
5. Health Information Managers
Health information managers oversee the organization, security, and accuracy of patient records within medical facilities. They help ensure that medical documentation is properly maintained, confidential information is protected, and records are accessible to authorized personnel when needed.
These professionals work with electronic health record (EHR) systems and, in some cases, physical documentation.
Common responsibilities may include:
- Overseeing electronic and physical patient records
- Ensuring compliance with privacy laws
- Ensuring data accuracy and completeness of records
- Establishing policies for information storage and access control
- Coordinating with clinical and administrative staff to maintain documentation standards
Employers often prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree in health information management (HIM), business administration, or a related field. Prior work experience in medical records, health information systems, or administrative healthcare roles may also be beneficial.
According to Payscale, the median annual salary for information managers was approximately $75,000 as of February 2025.
Explore a Career in Healthcare Administration
Healthcare administration careers span a range of settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and doctors’ offices. Many employers seek candidates with foundational education in business, management, or healthcare-related fields.
Warner Pacific University Online’s Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Business Administration with a Healthcare Administration emphasis program is designed to help students build knowledge applicable to healthcare leadership and administrative roles. As an online program, it provides flexibility for students balancing professional and personal commitments.
The program includes core business coursework in employment law, economics, and human resource management, along with specialized courses in healthcare administration. These emphasis courses cover topics such as patient care, cultural competency, quality management, and ethics.
Learn more about how WPU Online can support your educational and professional goals in healthcare administration.
Recommended Readings
Top Entry-Level Jobs You Can Get With a BA in Business Administration
What Is Business Administration?
Business Intelligence Analyst Career Path
Sources:
Indeed, “Clinical Manager Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications”
Indeed, “How to Become a Health Information Manager (With Skills)”
Indeed, “Learn About Being an Office Administrator”
Minnesota Board of Executives for Long-Term Services and Supports, What Is a Nursing Home Administrator?
Payscale, Average Clinical Manager Salary
Payscale, Average Information Management Salary
Payscale, Average Medical and Health Services Manager Salary
Payscale, Average Medical Office Administrator Hourly Pay
Payscale, Average Nursing Home Administrator Salary
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Medical and Health Services Managers