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Job outlook for health services administrators in the United States
Are health services administrator jobs in demand?
Health services administrator job and salary trends over time
Health services administrator jobs over time
Health services administrator job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2,421 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 2,232 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 2,189 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 2,066 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 1,924 | 0.00% |
Average health services administrator salary over time
Health services administrator salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $82,505 | $39.67 | +3.3% |
| 2025 | $79,894 | $38.41 | +1.3% |
| 2024 | $78,905 | $37.93 | +1.4% |
| 2023 | $77,813 | $37.41 | +1.9% |
| 2022 | $76,381 | $36.72 | +2.2% |
Health services administrator jobs by state
Most common states for health services administrators
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 333 | 48% |
| 2 | Vermont | 623,657 | 239 | 38% |
| 3 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 2,310 | 34% |
| 4 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,869 | 34% |
| 5 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 1,041 | 33% |
| 6 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 2,311 | 31% |
| 7 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 1,718 | 31% |
| 8 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 232 | 31% |
| 9 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 384 | 29% |
| 10 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 292 | 28% |
| 11 | Delaware | 961,939 | 267 | 28% |
| 12 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 457 | 27% |
| 13 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 152 | 26% |
| 14 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 1,789 | 25% |
| 15 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 1,646 | 25% |
| 16 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 786 | 25% |
| 17 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 481 | 25% |
| 18 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 2,429 | 24% |
| 19 | Missouri | 6,113,532 | 1,479 | 24% |
| 20 | South Carolina | 5,024,369 | 1,210 | 24% |
Most common cities for health services administrators
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wellington | 3 | 5% | $74,206 |
| 2 | Gainesville | 2 | 2% | $75,062 |
| 3 | Hagerstown | 1 | 2% | $99,791 |
| 4 | Oxnard | 2 | 1% | $90,575 |
| 5 | Meridian | 1 | 1% | $81,900 |
| 6 | Atlanta | 1 | 0% | $77,808 |
| 7 | New Orleans | 1 | 0% | $71,081 |
Health Services Administrator job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of health services administrator experts
University of Nebraska - Omaha
Davenport University
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
University of New Haven
Central Michigan University
College of Charleston
Ohio University
Wesleyan College
Southern Oregon University
Tarleton State University
University of Illinois at Chicago
Springfield College
University of Hawai'i West O'ahu
DePaul University
Virginia Commonwealth University
International Association of Administrative Professionals
American College of Health Care Administrators
What general advice would you give to a Health Services Administrator?
Janice Garnett Ed.D.: Negotiate based on research, develop a career development plan, focus on enhancing performance, professional growth, and continuous learning.
What will help Health Services Administrators increase their earning potential?
Janice Garnett Ed.D.: Being a future-ready leader, Utilizing data-driven decision-making, Leading culturally responsive schools, Leading learning through instructional leadership, Championing Social-Emotional Learning (SEL).
What general advice would you give to a Health Services Administrator?
Dr. Linda Sorensen RHIA, CHPS: *Before negotiating salary, it's crucial to research trends and benchmarks in your geographic area and be prepared to confidently articulate your value to the organization. Make sure to emphasize any relevant education, certifications, or credentials obtained up to this point in your journey. Certifications or credentials can enhance your value to employers and help justify a higher salary. Look to gain experience through internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer opportunities. During your interview emphasize relevant achievements, projects, or leadership experiences and demonstrate how they can contribute to the organization's success. In order to stay competitive, continuously seek opportunities to enhance your skills and knowledge and keep abreast of industry trends. You may also want to consider specialized areas in which you could pursue additional education or certifications. And don't forget to consider other perks and benefits offered by the employer as they can add significant value to the overall compensation package.*
*By implementing these strategies, a new graduate can position themselves for success and maximize their salary potential when starting a career in the health services administration field.*
What Health Services Administrator skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Linda Sorensen RHIA, CHPS: *With the growing emphasis on technology (including telehealth and artificial intelligence) and data-driven decision making, it is increasingly important to know how to maneuver these to optimize patient access, experiences, and quality, while at the same time maintaining privacy and security. There is a growing focus on population health and health services administrators will need to develop strategies in this area in order to identify at-risk populations, implement interventions, and coordinate care. Interprofessional collaboration will be more important than ever, especially when it comes to addressing health disparities and promoting health equity. Lastly, healthcare regulations and compliance requirements will continue to evolve, forcing healthcare administrators to be well-versed in new and updated regulatory changes to ensure compliance and mitigate legal and financial risks.*
*By developing these skills and staying abreast of emerging trends and technologies, health services administrators can position themselves for success in the evolving healthcare landscape.*
What will help Health Services Administrators increase their earning potential?
Dr. Linda Sorensen RHIA, CHPS: *Building professional relationships is crucial. You should network with peers, mentors, and industry professionals as well as join professional organizations, attend networking events, and connect on professional platforms. Seek mentorship from experienced professionals in your field who can provide valuable advice and career guidance. Don't discount entry-level positions or positions in different areas (such as finance or strategic planning) as they can provide valuable experiences to build upon. Healthcare is a dynamic and challenging field. Stay updated and attend professional development events. Use your critical thinking skills to problem-solve and be adaptable. Hone in on your verbal and written communication skills to be able to effectively communicate with diverse stakeholders (including patients and families).*
*Remember the ultimate goal of healthcare administration is to improve patient outcomes, so prioritize patients in your decision-making processes. It is important to uphold ethical standards and demonstrate positive leadership qualities. Most importantly, stay resilient. Your role can be stressful and demanding, so it's important to prioritize, set goals, and seek help when needed.*
*By following these pieces of advice, the new graduate can lay a strong foundation for a successful and fulfilling career in Health Services Administration.*
What general advice would you give to a Health Services Administrator?
M. Paige Powell PhD, MHA: I think that data analytics and visualization will become more important in the next few years. Being able to tell a story with data is helpful for performance and quality improvement. I also think that a deeper understanding of social determinants of health and health equity is needed because medical care accounts for such a small contribution to our overall health.
What will help Health Services Administrators increase their earning potential?
M. Paige Powell PhD, MHA: Gaining as much experience as possible while in school can help to maximize salaries. This could be through patient-facing jobs, internships, case competitions, or volunteering. Take on leadership roles within your program or extracurricular organizations. Some organizations are open to negotiating starting salaries, so know the cost of living in the relevant geographic area, the marketability of the skills in the job you are seeking, and what value you can provide to the organization.
Jessica Cataldo Ph.D.
Assistant Professor & Internship CoordinatorSouthern Illinois University Carbondale
Health Care Management Program
What skills stand out on Health Services Administrator resumes?
Jessica Cataldo Ph.D.: Across all groups, communication skills were identified as the most important competency domain to a successful healthcare management career, followed by leadership skills, professionalism, and knowledge of the healthcare environment. Communication skills, such as written and oral communication, relationship management, and facilitation and negotiation, are essential to foster productive interactions with staff and patients and to mobilize action. The COVID pandemic has emphasized the need for communication and leadership skills for health care managers, especially given the rapid change that has occurred since March 2020. Being able to create an organizational climate that can support that level of change management is critically important to continued success.
What soft skills should all Health Services Administrators possess?
Jessica Cataldo Ph.D.: Much of health administration requires strong, soft skills, such as communication and leadership; however, technical skills are also important. Financial management, such as budgeting and revenue cycle management, billing/coding; project management; and data analysis skills are important. Additionally, computer skills are critical in today's environment. Medical and administrative software, such as electronic health records, are integral parts of every healthcare organization, and data analysis programs, such as Microsoft Excel or Tableau, are used regularly by administrators. And of course, we cannot overlook the importance of a strong understanding of the healthcare environment, such as an understanding of state and federal regulations.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Health Services Administrator job market given the pandemic?
Robin Kerkstra: Dental healthcare providers are high in demand and short in supply. This trend is expected to continue because of COVID-19. Many dental professionals had to juggle homeschooling and childcare issues and therefore have had to pull out of the job market. The job market was strong before the pandemic and a year later, the job market continues to be exceptionally strong.
What technical skills for a Health Services Administrator stand out to employers?
Robin Kerkstra: Technical skills required for employment as a dental assistant will vary from state to state based on the state's dental practice act. Possessing the certifications needed to perform the technical skills allowed by each state is an important aspect to obtaining employment in the dental field. It will be important to be well-versed and up to date on the latest recommendations for dental offices from the CDC and the American Dental Association related to Covid-19. Additional skills such excellent organization, a detail-oriented personality, good dexterity, professional demeanor, strong communication skills, and a compassionate attitude will stand out to employers.
How have salaries changed over time for Health Services Administrators?
Robin Kerkstra: Traditionally salaries remain stable in the dental profession. Wages may increase in the future due to the high demand for dental healthcare providers.
Dan J. Vick MD, DHA, MBA
Graduate Teaching Faculty, Accreditation & Capstone Coordinator, Master of Health Administration ProgramCentral Michigan University
School of Health Sciences
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Health Services Administrator job market given the pandemic?
Dan J. Vick MD, DHA, MBA: There are a number of trends occurring right now that are driving growth in the healthcare job market, regardless of the pandemic. First, we are seeing a demographic shift as the baby boomers retire and age. In fact, all baby boomers will be eligible for Medicare by 2030. This population will require more healthcare services as they age, including hospital and specialty care, as well as home healthcare. We will also have a need for more long-term care facilities and administrators to help run them.
Second, advances in technology are continuing at a brisk pace. We are seeing continued improvement in diagnostic imaging equipment and robotic surgery instrumentation, as well as the development of new implantable devices for cardiac patients. These are just a few examples. What this means is there will be a need for healthcare providers and support staff who are technologically savvy.
Another technology-dependent area is telehealth. The pandemic has really propelled advances in, and adoption of, telehealth as many people have received care from their providers during the past year via virtual office visits. Telehealth will not go away once the pandemic subsides; it is here to stay. This paradigm shift will create an ongoing need for technically proficient healthcare workers and healthcare administrators to support them.
Finally, there continues to be a shift from inpatient to outpatient care as our healthcare system looks at ways to bend the cost curve for providing care. We are seeing more urgent care facilities, ambulatory surgery centers, and walk-in clinics associated with drugstore chains and big-box retailers.
With all of these trends, it comes as no surprise that the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics is projecting medical and health services managers jobs to grow 32% from 2019 to 2029.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Health Services Administrators?
Dan J. Vick MD, DHA, MBA: Having a graduate degree in health administration is a wise choice. A Master of Health Administration program can provide a person with the formal education and tools to obtain entry-level positions in health administration, as well as to enable those who are already in health administration to advance in their career fields. Further, these degrees are increasingly being sought by healthcare providers who want a better understanding of the complexities of the healthcare system in which they work and to help them obtain positions at the administrative and executive level in healthcare organizations.
How have salaries changed over time for Health Services Administrators?
Dan J. Vick MD, DHA, MBA: I come from a diverse background of many fields in healthcare. As a physician, I worked as a pathologist in the military and then in private practice. I transitioned to hospital executive roles - chief medical officer and vice president for medical affairs - before entering the academic world as a graduate faculty member a little over a year ago. So, looking at salaries in my various roles would be akin to comparing apples to oranges.
Focusing instead on health administration, which is what I teach now, I can tell you that the annual salary for a health services administrator with a bachelor's degree is $48,753. The annual salary for an administrator with a master's degree is $83,413. Salaries are steadily increasing and will likely continue to do so in the face of demand for these types of positions. This is a good time to work in healthcare!
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Health Services Administrators?
Brian Bossak Ph.D.: I don’t believe that there will be a long-term negative impact from the coronavirus pandemic on graduates with a degree in public health. In the short-term, it is true that public budgets are under pressure from the response to, and eventually, the recovery from the pandemic. On the other hand, there have been massive amounts of stimulus funds contributed to public health agencies because of the pandemic and hiring, at least for temporary positions, appears to be more widespread and quicker to process than in normal times. Going forward, I am hopeful that there will be increased investment in the public health and disease prevention sector, which could bode well for future public health graduates.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Health Services Administrators?
Brian Bossak Ph.D.: In my opinion, courses, knowledge, and abilities that are associated with the development and use of quantitative skills are in high demand and are likely to remain so. These are the core tools used in public health analyses: epidemiology, statistics, biostatistics, and environmental health. Certification in advanced skills training or ancillary technologies, such as sophisticated statistical modeling or familiarity with mapping technologies such as GIS are likely to be advantageous.
What will help Health Services Administrators increase their earning potential?
Brian Bossak Ph.D.: In addition to the aforementioned skills development and technical certification as described, management experience and leadership development is useful in regard to career progression.
What skills stand out on Health Services Administrator resumes?
Greg Kessler Ph.D.: I am not sure that there are any particular skills that stand out on resumes, but familiarity with instructional design principles should be considered to be very valuable. I also think that knowledge of multimedia principles, social media, and various forms of virtual and immersive experiences. Also, knowledge of AI and the other things I referred to in the trends above.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Health Services Administrator job market given the pandemic?
Greg Kessler Ph.D.: I think the biggest trends we are likely to see include an increased acceptance and reliance upon online and virtual immersive technologies. Previously, only a handful of faculty felt comfortable using technologies beyond the simplest tools. Now that we are forced to interact with one another online more and more, people will want to be able to feel more like they are sharing a space with others. This would be supported by simulated immersive technologies such as virtual reality. While VR is somewhat familiar to people now, it will likely take on more diverse forms. These will also incorporate a variety of artificial intelligence that can help by performing automated assessments and providing automated feedback to students as they interact with content. If you think of movies like Ready Player One, you can imagine the kind of thing I am referring to.
What Health Services Administrator skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Virginia Wilcox: If someone needs to take a gap year, I would suggest they volunteer in an area where children are present and not venture too far away from the REAL WORLD experiences of dealing with diverse and various ages of children consistently. It is very easy to 'forget' the daily ups and downs teachers (well anyone in the field of Education really) experience and to recall only the good or the bad...so you either can't wait to get back and then get blindsided by a bad day or you only recall the bad and have no desire to ever return. Neither of those is realistic experiences as they pertain to what educators experience daily, so take the gap year but go read at a library to kids frequently, coach a rec team, work at summer camp, anything that gets you in front of children (either face to face or virtually) on a regular basis.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Health Services Administrator job market given the pandemic?
Virginia Wilcox: I believe in regard to Education we'll see a higher need for candidates who can fluidly and confidently teach in both a virtual as well as a face-to-face platform.
This will go FAR beyond simply knowing HOW to run a virtual class, set up assignments, create and grade assignments, and communicate that with families.
There will be an even stronger need for these new hires to be:
-confident in building trusting communities of learners,
-strong in planning, presenting, and teaching lessons that engage learners who are screen/virtual platform weary,
-consistent in holding high expectations and establishing levels of accountability that hold students responsible for their own choices, actions, and decisions remotely,
-respectful of the diverse and varied households they will be virtually 'entering' each day by valuing the privacy of families and honoring parenting choices rather than judging.
I believe most Educational Preparation Programs are already shifting to ensure these areas are embedded in the flow of the current courses.
It will not be enough to simply convey your content virtually any longer.
What general advice would you give to a Health Services Administrator?
Virginia Wilcox: Go into this knowing every single person you encounter was once in your shoes...new, confused, anxious, worried, etc.
The quickest way to make a friend is to ask for help. Everyone (even the most hardened) likes feeling needed and/or appreciated.
So...even if it's as minor as asking for advice on what color to use on the bulletin board or as major as asking for ideas on how to engage an unruly student...
ASK someone not only will you get the assistance you need, you will make their day...AND...you may find that you've made an invaluable step toward a new friendship.
Jacqueline Strenio Ph.D.
Assistant ProfessorSouthern Oregon University
Economics Affiliated Faculty, Healthcare Administration Affiliated Faculty, Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies Program
What experience really stands out on Health Services Administrator resumes?
Jacqueline Strenio Ph.D.: See Question 2.
Dr. Jacqueline Abernathy
Assistant ProfessorTarleton State University
Public Administration
What general advice would you give to a Health Services Administrator?
Dr. Jacqueline Abernathy: My advice to graduates would be this: do not sell yourself short by taking a job at a lower level than you have to or a job that does not fully utilize your education. Otherwise, why did you spend the time and money, and effort to get your degree? I think many graduates assume that having a degree in a job where it is not required (but preferred) makes them more valuable as employees. I think the opposite is true. I think it devalues their worth to an organization and just makes them cheaper and more replaceable, especially when employers know that they can pay someone less to do the same job if they run into a budget crunch.
If having a degree is considered a plus for a job rather than a necessity, it actually makes their degree less valuable as a perk than if it were a requirement. If a degree is necessary to do a job, then the time, effort, and expense obtaining it was worthwhile because it was necessary to do that job, and also, the employer knows that they have to compensate employees for those costs. There is nothing wrong with working your way up, paying your dues, etc. but starting at a lower rung just makes a longer, harder climb to the top. They may have upward mobility more than somebody without a degree, but they will be compensated less than they are worthwhile waiting for something better to manifest. I would exhort graduates to start as high as they can and not settle for underemployment. Find a job where your knowledge, skills, and abilities are put to complete use, and the degree you earned to get those assets is not wasted or unfairly compensated.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Health Services Administrator job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Jacqueline Abernathy: I think one of the most significant changes to the job market is how the pandemic forced employers to do business virtually if they wanted to do business at all. For non-essential businesses, they had to find a way for employees to work at home if they wanted employees to keep working. This means that jobs that were originally considered location-bound were found to be done remotely, some with little to no modifications.
What this means is that some employers have reconsidered the costs of maintaining physical office space for workers that could telecommute and would rather work at home. Instead of paying rent and utilities for all employees to work in cubicles, they could export those costs to the employee using the spare bedroom they pay for, and home internet, phone, power, the water they pay for themselves. This cost-saving epiphany could affect employers and jobseekers alike in several ways. If a job can be done from anywhere, it means that those who are interested in a job can apply regardless of where they live.
This means a wider pool of talent for employers to choose from instead of just those willing to live within commuting distance. It also means more potential opportunities for jobseekers that might not be willing or able to relocate. But there is a downside, and that is that it increases competition for available jobs. The labor pool is no longer limited to those with skills and experience in a metro area, so those seeking a job are no longer just up against other locals anymore. This means those on the job market might have a more difficult job finding ways to set themselves apart. I think it means more opportunities, potentially, but greater challenges getting hired and a need to find ways to make themselves more marketable than they may have needed to be when labor pools were shallower.
What Health Services Administrator skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Jacqueline Abernathy: I think this piggybacks a little bit on what I said above on finding a way to distinguish oneself from the competition. Anything done during a gap year would hopefully yield some knowledge, skill, or ability that can be listed as a bullet point on their resume that others may not have. Suppose a student just wants to travel to China for a while and see the Great Wall. "Back-packed in the Orient" would not be a resume bullet but "conversational in Mandarin" would be. To a lesser extent, "Cultural competency with Chinese colleagues and associates" would be, and if asked, the student could explain their familiarity with Chinese customs and etiquette came from extensive time abroad. That might give the students an advantage in certain jobs, but just being able to speak another language could be a job in itself, like as a translator. Whatever a student does during a gap year, ideally, they should walk away with a skill that someone will pay for.
Unfortunately, because of economic realities, a lot of students just take the year off to work and they work in a job where a year of experience won't necessarily count for much (if anything) when they graduate with their expected degree. This goes for both high school graduates and college graduates taking a break before their next degree. I've read the arguments about the benefits of taking a gap year, but aside from students that are on a waiting list for a prestigious program who just have time to kill, I personally find the concept of a gap year to be ill-advised as a general rule, more so between an undergraduate degree and masters or masters and doctorate. Often times the pitfalls outweigh the benefits at any stage. It just presents an opportunity for life to get in the way of something a student knows they want to do, or it delays it. Someone fresh out of high school taking a gap year to get a skill that they think will benefit them in their career after graduation might find themselves in a completely different career by the time they graduate. And university graduates who plan to further their education- taking a break or just working for a while before graduate school can put them at a disadvantage. Taking a break makes graduate school potentially harder once they have gotten used to living without that stress, the transition back to a student can be unnecessarily difficult than if they went straight through.
Those who start their career with a bachelor's degree when they know they need more than can make life choices and financial commitments that are very difficult to keep in grad school. Perhaps they financed a car or became invested in a project they don't want to abandon but would have easier with a master's degree. Or they start a family and now have to juggle caring for and providing for their family with getting the next degree they need when caring for family would have likely been easier if they had an advanced degree. My bachelor's degree was in social work and many of my classmates decided that they just wanted to work for a while before attending grad school, only to find their return to school delayed and all of the experience they gain with that license not translating into an advantage after they graduated and were looking for a job with the higher license. Essentially many of them just had to play catch-up to those that went straight through and started their career at a higher level. Starting at one level when you know that you need the next level can just be lost time, especially since starting with a bang would only put off working for two years to get the next degree.
I had classmates that intended to go back after a year or two, but by the time they intended to return, they fell in love, got married, had beautiful babies, and all of these blessings meant that they couldn't walk away from a job and health insurance to study full-time. This meant it was harder and took far longer and increased their time working for lower pay, whereas if they hadn't taken a break, they would be working full-time at a higher pay with no classes to juggle. I'm not suggesting that people put off life until school is done or delay marriage, children, or buying a home in favor of going back to school if that is their next step in life, only that they can't assume that it'll be easy to just pick up where they left off if they choose to wait.
Less fortunate things can happen as well, like health crises and caregiving, developing an illness, or having to care for aging parents. These things would have been easier if they have chosen to go straight through. These are some reasons why I think taking a gap year is risky. But if anybody wants to take a gap year, I would be conscientious not to commit to anything that would delay returning to school or not make up for that time by giving them a competitive edge. Otherwise, a year off can easily turn into a decade and it can just add up to lost time.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Health Services Administrators?
James R. Thompson Ph.D.: The coronavirus pandemic has made apparent the vital role the government plays in addressing society's larger problems. It will attract new people to the field of public administration and strengthen the commitment of those already in the field to their careers.
What type of skills will young Health Services Administrators need?
James R. Thompson Ph.D.: Graduates with communication and data analysis skills will be able to command a premium in the public administration job market. Communication skills include written and oral communication and mastery of new technologies that facilitate the creation of relationships across sectors and between governments and citizens. Data analysis includes, in particular, a facility in the interpretation of large data sets.
What experience really stands out on Health Services Administrator resumes?
James R. Thompson Ph.D.: Employers in the public and nonprofit sectors look for an ongoing commitment to public service on prospective employees. This can take different forms, such as previous employment with a public or nonprofit organization, volunteer activities, or a higher degree in public administration or public policy. Such activities signal to the employer that the prospect understands and is committed to public service as a calling.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Health Services Administrator job market given the pandemic?
Eileen Cyr Ed.D.: The pandemic's financial ramifications will impact state and district budgets, and schools will likely be required to do more with fewer resources. This could potentially trickle down to personnel cuts. Even with this possibility, I believe that there will be an abundance of job opportunities related to early retirement and the predicted exodus from the profession.
In one form or another, virtual teaching is here to stay. I live in New England and believe that we will never have another "snow day." Teachers will need to provide lesson plans that can be carried out both in person and virtually. I believe that it is likely that students who are out sick due to minor illness will be required to attend virtually.
What Health Services Administrator skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Eileen Cyr Ed.D.: The pandemic, the polarization of the election, and the Black Lives Matter movement have reinforced today's educators' need to understand how to create a safe learning environment and build a school community. I would encourage students in a gap year to educate themselves on Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and Family and Community Engagement (FACE). This can be accomplished via independent research, participation in MOOCs, and service projects.
What general advice would you give to a Health Services Administrator?
Eileen Cyr Ed.D.: Use every resource at their disposal to increase their understanding of SEL and FACE. Build a resume that provides evidence of their ability to thrive in both a virtual and face to face classroom. Be prepared to engage with online platforms like Zoom, Nearpod, Jamboard, Padlet, and google slides.
Breathe - the airline advice of putting on your oxygen mask before assisting others is 100% applicable to today's teachers.
What type of skills will young Health Services Administrators need?
Dr. Mary F. Heller: Young graduates will need to emerge into the profession as. . .
-Caring and flexible individuals who understand how to design and deliver developmentally appropriate and culturally relevant pedagogy to our diverse student populations.
-Technologically savvy teachers can use a state of the art computer software and Internet platforms to support teaching and learning.
-Life-long learners who are not hesitant to reach out to others through professional development or graduate work keep current in their respective fields.
What experience really stands out on Health Services Administrator resumes?
Dr. Mary F. Heller: Items that stand out on resumes of graduates coming into the profession include but are not limited to. . .
-an earned baccalaureate degree from a state-accredited teacher preparation program housed in a regionally approved university.
-in addition to a general education teaching license, additional licenses in a high need area such as Special Education, English --Language Learners, and STEM (Math, Science, Technology)
-experience teaching in several grade levels or in multiple disciplines
-documented community service
-leadership skills as evidence in community service or undergraduate student government
-membership in professional organizations, such as the National Education Association (NEA)
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Health Services Administrators?
Dr. Mary F. Heller: Based on recent conversations with undergraduate teacher candidates and alumni, follow are examples of the impact they have felt teaching and learning during the Pandemic:
The Pandemic has ...
-Heightened their awareness of the inequities (e.g., access to technology, hardware, software, the Internet, etc.) among students and their families of all cultures in Hawaii.
Reminded them daily of the importance of being flexible in meeting our diverse student populations' needs, Pre-K-12.
-Instilled a sense of gratitude for the positive, caring attitudes and support of peers, mentors, and university professors, as everyone strives to succeed under these difficult circumstances.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Health Services Administrator job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Anna Frank: Health care! Not just once the individual is sick, but prevention. No one wants to be at a "higher" risk for catching viruses. The public realizes that health is in their control. In response to the pandemic, more and more individuals go outside for physical activity or use their extra time to get healthy. Walking trails are packed, bikes for children were out of stock this summer, and purchasing home fitness equipment is rising. Professionals are needed to guide the public to new programming, access to facilities, and knowledge in the broad wellness area. Specifically, I think there is a better appreciation for the value of leisure time, recreation, and taking care of ourselves. Our health care systems know this and are supporting efforts to engage in activities that make their clients healthier.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Health Services Administrators to find work opportunities?
Dr. Anna Frank: This was on ZipRecruiter-outdoor jobs.
Try the Top Five
If location isn't a factor in your outdoor job search, then consider heading to one of the top five states who offer the most employment opportunities to be had under the sun (and stars). Those are:
1. California
2. Florida
3. Texas
4. New York
5. North Carolina
What skills stand out on Health Services Administrator resumes?
Dr. Anna Frank: First, a degree from a highly respected university. Our graduates have been highly sought after. Experience working with a variety of individuals in a variety of settings is significant. Future professionals must then be committed to social justice, how are explicit in supporting the health and recreational needs of ALL individuals, not just those who can purchase a Peloton.
What general advice would you give to a Health Services Administrator?
Dr. Richard Huff Ph.D.: I believe opportunities for employment will begin to open up with a transition in the federal government over the next year or two. While local government and nonprofits will continue to offer opportunities for MPA graduates, I believe the federal government will have urgent needs for talent, given its aging workforce, retirements, and its neglect over the past four years.
I advise graduates to begin considering federal careers, but for whatever sector they choose to shift from micro concerns about management, behavior and work outcomes, and organization structure and operations, and begin to look toward the macro or "big picture." A macro view concerns changes brought on by external environmental forces, which shape our institutions over time. With so many external forces at work today, such as a global pandemic, technological change, ongoing climate change, political trends, and social upheavals, the involvement of public administrators is critical to maintaining our institutions and steadying government response. I encourage students to think critically but also to think big and pursue their passions. Public service is a noble calling. Set your sights high and pursue opportunities that match them.
How would you rate the starting salaries for Health Services Administrators, as well as the prospects for salary advancement?
Dr. Richard Huff Ph.D.: While MPA students are not drawn to public service by high salaries, it is reasonable to expect remuneration, which respects their credentials and experience. Many students are mid-level careerists and are likely to remain in their jobs where an advanced degree may improve their opportunities for advancement, and others may be looking for a career change. Also, a cohort of students moving from undergraduate to graduate degrees with internships is common.
These groups likely present varying degrees of salary requirements and qualifications. In the federal service, an MPA qualifies as one at the GS-9 entry-level. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) publishes salary tables at Link The beginning salary varies by location from $53K to $61K, with the higher amount near large metropolitan areas. Higher salaries are common in overseas areas. Progression is based on performance with opportunities to achieve salaries of $150K and over at the executive levels. Overall, beginning salaries for the MPA considering nonprofits and government agencies is estimated at $53K.
What type of skills will young Health Services Administrators need?
Veronica Cochran: Those entering the administrative profession in the upcoming years will find it beneficial to understand what it means to be a strategic partner to their direct manager/supervisor, department, and organization at-large. As strategic partners, their role will extend beyond being a support person. It will involve strategically aligning oneself to fulfilling the organization's mission and vision while achieving business outcomes and success. The following skills will optimize both professional and organizational effectiveness:
1. Time management and organization
2. High EQ and interpersonal communication
3. Leadership effectiveness and accountability
4. Relationship management - (high inclusion capacity and high collaboration)
5. Problem-solving and innovation
6. Strategic planning and adaptability
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Health Services Administrators to find work opportunities?
Veronica Cochran: I would urge graduates to not simply focus on locations or organizations with the highest salary or most job or promotion opportunities. The key to remaining engaged and creating value is finding an organization that supports your core beliefs and values.
Second to that, I believe a support network is vital to one's professional development and success. That being said, I have had the opportunity to engage administrative professionals throughout the United States and across the globe. In particular, I came across larger networks in New York, D.C., Alabama, California, and Texas.
If they are looking for a place to start, I believe Zippia's list of Best States for an Administrative Assistant is a great starting point.
How do you envision technology impacting Health Services Administrators in the next 5 years?
Veronica Cochran: Technology will continue to change the nature of work and how work actually gets done for every profession and professional. In particular, it will enable administrative professionals to increase organization and prioritization, optimize performance, and improve efficiency and effectiveness. Technology will support our connectivity - further empowering collaboration, inclusion and teamwork. It will help administrative professionals better manage projects through shared accountability, allowing us to track and evaluate our progress to optimize desired outcomes in real-time.
What general advice would you give to a Health Services Administrator?
Bill McGinley: LTC administrators should have at least a bachelor's degree in business or a healthcare-related field. A well-rounded internship that exposes the future administrator to all aspects of the operation is essential. Needed skills include business, marketing, finance, operations, management and leadership.
Post pandemic opportunities will be nationwide in this field with a greater need in rural areas.
Technology will continue to play a big role in the field. Computerized medical records, census management, and all clinical areas will continue to dominate. Online meetings are liable to continue as well, as employers realize that there is a savings to be gained by not having people travel to meetings and conferences.