Healthcare administration careers
Lead the business side of healthcare to improve lives
Careers in healthcare administration
If you’re drawn to leadership, organization and helping others, a career in healthcare administration could be your path to making a difference.
Healthcare administrators play a vital role in keeping clinics, hospitals and other healthcare organizations running smoothly.
You’ll find opportunities to make healthcare more efficient and equitable for all.
Values and interests
If the following values and interests resonate, a career in healthcare administration could be a great fit:
Values
- Helping others and making a difference
- Integrity and ethical decision-making
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Continuous learning and professional growth
- Communication and empathy
- Innovation and problem-solving
Interests
- Healthcare leadership and management
- Business operations and administration
- Improving healthcare quality and efficiency
- Human resources and organizational development
- Patient experience and customer service
- Health policy and system improvement
What are healthcare administration jobs?
Healthcare administrators manage the business and operations that keep healthcare organizations running smoothly.
You might lead a department, coordinate staffing, manage budgets or improve patient care systems in settings such as hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, nonprofits or government agencies.
Many professionals in this field specialize in areas such as quality improvement, compliance, human resources or patient services.
Common healthcare administration job titles include:
- Compliance manager
- Healthcare analyst
- Healthcare quality specialist
- Human resources manager
- Medical and health services manager
- Medical records manager
- Nonprofit manager
- Practice administrator
Career outlook
As outpatient clinics and smaller health practices expand, the demand for skilled healthcare administrators continues to rise.
Hospitals, private practices and other healthcare organizations rely on administrators to manage operations, support patient care and improve efficiency.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for medical and health services managers is projected to grow 23% from 2024-34, much faster than the average for all occupations.
The median annual wage was $117,960 in May 2024, reflecting the strong earning potential and stability of this growing field.
Healthcare administration career growth
“We’re seeing very swift growth in the number of positions available for medical and healthcare organization managers. Program grads will be well prepared to improve patient care and health and to reduce healthcare costs.”
Elizabeth Simmons
Director of External Communications,
Oregon State University Career Development Center
Meagan English
Majored in: BS Healthcare Administration
Now: Chief People Officer, Marquis Companies
Healthcare administration alumni success
“This field is perfect for those who want to make a difference for other people, have an interest in business, and want a career with growth and purpose. The possibilities are nearly limitless for smart, dedicated, passionate people.”
Start your healthcare administration career journey
Healthcare Administration Major
In Oregon State’s online healthcare administration degree program, you’ll learn how to manage teams, solve complex problems and design better healthcare systems.
With support from expert faculty in the College of Health and College of Business, you’ll prepare for a rewarding career in healthcare leadership whether you see yourself in a hospital, public health agency, nonprofit or startup.
Healthcare Administration Minor
The healthcare administration minor gives you a behind-the-scenes look at how health care organizations work and how they can improve.
You’ll learn what it takes to lead teams, solve problems and make smart decisions that help clinics, hospitals and other organizations deliver better care.