Western Washington Area Health Education Center
2033 Sixth Avenue, Ste. 310
Seattle, WA 98121
Ph: 206.441.7137
Fax: 206.441.7158
Health
Professionals/
Student Placement
Health Career
Information
Health Career Ambassadors
Health Career
Job Descriptions
HOPE
Preceptor & Site Resources
Scholarship Info
Distance Learning
Volunteer/Retired
Providers Program
K-12 Learning Resources
aka Science
Allied Health
Health Career
Information
HOPE
Health Career Ambassadors
Health Career
Job Descriptions
Scholarship Info
Distance Learning
Statewide Office
of Rural Health
Community Health
Assessment, Planning
& Development
Primary Care
Provider Recruitment
Shop
WWAHEC
2033 Sixth Avenue, Ste. 310
Seattle, WA 98121
Ph: 206.441.7137
Fax: 206.441.7158
Health
Professionals/
Student Placement
Health Career
Information
Health Career Ambassadors
Health Career
Job Descriptions
HOPE
Preceptor & Site Resources
Scholarship Info
Distance Learning
Volunteer/Retired
Providers Program
K-12 Learning Resources
aka Science
Allied Health
Health Career
Information
HOPE
Health Career Ambassadors
Health Career
Job Descriptions
Scholarship Info
Distance Learning
Statewide Office
of Rural Health
Community Health
Assessment, Planning
& Development
Primary Care
Provider Recruitment
Shop
Health Career Information
Health Administrator
Job description
The health administrator manages the functions of a hospital or healthcare institution and its staff to assure a high level of patient care. The health administrator may also work as a health planner, consultant or as a director of governmental regulatory agencies and health associations. Because they usually direct a team of other healthcare managers, most health administrators work long hours, 50-60 hours per week.
Activities may include
●
direct activities of medical nursing, allied health services
●
administer the fiscal operation budgeting accounting
●
work with state and federal agencies and with governing boards to determine policies and procedures, then assure that these are carried out
●
administer the planning and marketing activities
●
negotiate and direct building improvements and the addition of new equipment
●
develop/expand programs including scientific research, preventive medicine, and community health programs
●
represent the health facilities at community meetings and hospital associations
Salaries and benefits*
Wages vary with experience and type and size of the organization. A Health Services Administrator 1 employed by the State of Washington earns $2,794 to $3,575 per month. A Health Service Administrator working for King County earns $4,733 to $5,976 per month. Medicine and Health Services Managers in Washington State average $3,184 to $6,091 per month. Medicine and Health Managers working in the Seattle, Tacoma, and Bremerton areas average $2,723 to $5,058 per month. Nationally, recent college graduates working in health care administration earn an average of $2,519 per month. Nationally, top-level Professional Services Administrators in hospitals average $8,467 per month, while top-level Nursing Home Administrative Executives average $9,754 per month. Most health administrators receive full medical and dental benefits.
Training and requirements
In Washington State, training is provided by Eastern Washington University, the University of Washington, and Washington State University. A minimum of a bachelor's degree is required, preferably in business, health policy and administration, or a related field. Most employers require a graduate degree in healthcare, hospital or business administration. Studies cover financial management, policy development, administrative and business principles. Some health administrators are also healthcare practitioners such as physicians, nurses, or others who have received added training or experience.
Necessary skills
●
excellent ability to understand a situation quickly and make judgments
●
excellent ability to manage many programs at one time
●
skills in planning and dealing with complex financial matters
●
ability to provide leadership to a wide variety of persons in many capacities
●
expertise to balance the interests of patients, medical staff, board of directors, and government agencies
●
tenacity for details and follow through
●
public relation skills
●
good understanding of business principles, economics, accounting, statistics, and personnel management
●
ability to work under pressure
Helpful high school courses
Include English, speech, math, business, accounting, computer science, and lab science work.
Colleges/Vocational Schools in Washington State
●
Eastern
Washington University
526 5th St.
Cheney, WA 99004
(509) 359-2397
●
University
of Washington
Graduate Program in Health Services
Administration
University of Washington
Box 357660
Seattle, WA 98195-7660
(206) 543-8778
●
Washington State University
1 SE Stadium Way
Pullman, WA 99164
(509) 335-3564
Outlook*
In Washington, this occupation is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations. Employment is projected to increase 22 percent by 2008. It is estimated that there will be 244 openings annually in this occupation.
Professional Associations
●
American Public Health Association
800 I Street NW
Washington, DC 20001
(202) 777-2500
http://www.apha.org
●
Washington State Hospital Association
300 Elliott Ave. West, Suite 300
Seattle, WA 98119-4118
(206) 281-7211
http://www.wsha.org
* Note: General career descriptions are updated as necessary, however salary expectations and projected outlooks have not been updated since 2000. Go to Workforce Explorer Washington and search your career for the most up-to-date salary and job growth expectations. Washington Healthcare Careers and Workforce College are also good resources for job information.
For additional information, contact your school's career counselor or
WWAHEC
2033 Sixth Avenue, Ste. 310
Seattle, WA 98121
Ph: 206.441.7137
Fax: 206.441.7158
Page updated 9/15/04