Breaking Into Healthcare Administration Without Clinical Experience
| 4 Min Read
If you are looking to venture into healthcare administration without a clinical background, it may be easier than you think. You can launch or advance your career in the health administration field with the right skills. The Master of Health Administration (MHA) online program from Sacred Heart University (SHU) offers the flexibility you are looking for a career in healthcare administration.
Now more than ever, the demand for healthcare professionals, including non-clinical workers, is on the rise nationwide. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts a 23% increase in jobs for medical and health service managers by 2034.
Why Pursue a Career in Healthcare Administration?
Healthcare administration jobs are in demand due to the nation’s aging population, the growing complexity of health systems, and the digitization of care delivery. These jobs allow professionals to influence patient outcomes using a management and policy approach, rather than a clinical one.
There are healthcare administrator jobs to fit all levels of healthcare. According to BLS, administrators can work in finance, data analytics, management or healthcare policy, while enjoying strong career advancement opportunities. Importantly, you do not need to be a nurse or physician to improve lives — you can lead change from the health system side.
Skills and Traits That Make You Competitive
Having transferable skills can help you break into this career path, as well as a background in business, project management, IT, HR or finance. Career opportunities in healthcare administration are strong when candidates exhibit leadership, problem-solving, adaptability and ethical decision-making. Good people management and communication skills along with healthcare policy expertise are essential qualities of effective leadership.
Leaders must know how to use data as the world and healthcare become more digital. Cureus recommends that healthcare leaders become more analytical, strategic, data-driven and outcome-focused. Non-clinical professionals can contribute innovative ideas and different perspectives across healthcare settings sensitive to organizational nuances.
How Can You Start a Career in Healthcare Administration Without Clinical Experience?
Career experts provide insights for those aspiring to meet healthcare leadership. Some of the key steps include:
- Establish an educational foundation: Earn a bachelor’s degree.
- Gain industry exposure and practical experience: Volunteer at hospitals, join healthcare associations or shadow administrators to become familiar with the healthcare environment and build relevant skills.
- Advance your expertise with a graduate degree: Pursue a Master of Health Administration (MHA) program, such as SHU’s online option, to prepare for leading healthcare systems and improving patient outcomes.
- Develop strong leadership qualities: Cultivate the ability to inspire others, lead with accountability and foster a positive work environment.
Leadership and business skills are the foundation of success in the health administration field while developing competencies in general clinical knowledge. These complementary skill sets work together to create well-rounded healthcare administrators who can navigate the complexities of modern healthcare organizations.
How Sacred Heart University’s Online MHA Program Helps You Transition
The Master of Health Administration online program at SHU was created in line with the needs of individuals joining the healthcare industry as representatives of other sectors. The competencies that employers look for are learned in courses like Leadership in Healthcare Environments, Health Policy, Law and Ethics, and Healthcare Data Analytics.
This MHA program is an entirely online program. Students can combine on-the-job experience into their learning, which appeals to working students. Graduates are equipped with the knowledge necessary to succeed in the high-demand career opportunities in healthcare administration and can fill leadership positions in hospitals, insurance, pharmaceutical and government institutions.
Salary Growth and Career Opportunities
The salary growth for healthcare administrators is immense, with a median salary of $117,960, while wages for senior leaders can be above $150,000. Most people begin in entry-level roles like coordinators or analysts, and many advance to directors or other executive positions. Opportunities continue to expand within hospitals, insurers and public health agencies.
To have a successful career in healthcare administration, a person does not need to complete clinical training. Long-term change can be achieved as a non-clinical healthcare leader, contributing to change as needs and necessities grow and change.
SHU’s online MHA program offers an effective path to a healthcare role and provides your career with forward motion. Begin shaping the future of healthcare with this flexible program.
Learn more about Sacred Heart University’s online MHA program.