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Job outlook for hospital administrators in the United States
Are hospital administrator jobs in demand?
Hospital administrator job and salary trends over time
Hospital administrator jobs over time
Hospital administrator job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1,469 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 1,354 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 1,328 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 1,254 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 1,167 | 0.00% |
Average hospital administrator salary over time
Hospital administrator salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $75,644 | $36.37 | +3.3% |
| 2025 | $73,250 | $35.22 | +1.3% |
| 2024 | $72,343 | $34.78 | +1.4% |
| 2023 | $71,342 | $34.30 | +1.9% |
| 2022 | $70,029 | $33.67 | +2.2% |
Hospital administrator jobs by state
Most common states for hospital administrators
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 776 | 14% |
| 2 | Alaska | 739,795 | 105 | 14% |
| 3 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 904 | 13% |
| 4 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 385 | 12% |
| 5 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 158 | 12% |
| 6 | Vermont | 623,657 | 74 | 12% |
| 7 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 85 | 11% |
| 8 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 530 | 10% |
| 9 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 432 | 10% |
| 10 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 103 | 10% |
| 11 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 669 | 9% |
| 12 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 647 | 9% |
| 13 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 189 | 9% |
| 14 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 171 | 9% |
| 15 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 146 | 9% |
| 16 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 91 | 9% |
| 17 | Delaware | 961,939 | 88 | 9% |
| 18 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 53 | 9% |
| 19 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 1,003 | 8% |
| 20 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 275 | 8% |
Most common cities for hospital administrators
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Martinez | 1 | 3% | $99,030 |
| 2 | Winter Haven | 1 | 3% | $53,980 |
| 3 | Boulder | 1 | 1% | $71,274 |
| 4 | Weston | 1 | 1% | $54,363 |
Hospital Administrator job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of hospital administrator experts
Davenport University
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Central Michigan University
College of Charleston
Wesleyan College
AT Still University
Tarleton State University
University of Illinois at Chicago
Winthrop University
Springfield College
University of Hawai'i West O'ahu
George Mason University
DePaul University
Southern Oregon University
AXIS Health System
SIU School of Medicine
International Association of Administrative Professionals
American College of Health Care Administrators
What general advice would you give to a Hospital Administrator?
Dr. Joseph Oluwole: The ability to build and sustain relationships with staff for climate and culture and with parents for family and community relations, all to support the holistic success of students.
What will help Hospital Administrators increase their earning potential?
Dr. Joseph Oluwole: My general advice is to seek out administrator and professor mentors who can provide a sounding board and encouragement through the emotional roller coaster that administration can be. I cannot overstate the importance of supportive mentors to the success of a new graduate beginning as an administrator. Even the State of New Jersey, for instance, recognizes the importance of mentoring and created a formal program for new assistant principals and principals to seek support from experienced mentors under the state's New Jersey Leaders to Leaders (NJL2L) program.
What general advice would you give to a Hospital 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 Hospital 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 Hospital 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 Hospital 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 Hospital Administrator skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
M. Paige Powell PhD, MHA: There are several things that I tell students and new graduates embarking on their career. The first is to find an organization where your values are aligned with their mission, vision, and values. Health administration is ultimately about caring for people and staff. Also, be open to different experiences and learning new things while on the job; ask for additional projects if time allows. A career in health administration isn't a typical 9-5 job and the more experience you have with different aspects of health care, then the more value you will bring to your organization. Make yourself indispensable to your organization by being inquisitive, proactive, and thorough.
What will help Hospital 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 Hospital 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 Hospital 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.
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 Hospital 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 Hospital 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 Hospital 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 Hospital 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 Hospital 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 Hospital 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 general advice would you give to a Hospital 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.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Hospital Administrator job market given the pandemic?
Letha Williams Ph.D.: The pandemic is going to place a lot of pressure on healthcare administrators to have better crisis plans, more logistics expertise (i.e., warehousing and managing equipment and supplies), and greater flexibility in terms of staffing.
What skills stand out on Hospital Administrator resumes?
Letha Williams Ph.D.: My colleagues and I did a study a few years ago about the types of skills healthcare CEOs look for in health administration graduates and how well universities were in building those skills in graduates. The things that stood out most in terms of needed skills are: demonstrated ability to work in teams, depth of knowledge of the healthcare industry, and analytical skills. I believe these needs are only amplified by the pandemic.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Hospital Administrators to find work opportunities?
Letha Williams Ph.D.: I think there are jobs everywhere. Many new graduates are not as flexible as they should be about where they work and are unwilling or unable to move. But in today's market, the new graduate has to be willing to go where a job opportunity exists. New grads can find job opportunities in a number of locations, including job boards at key organizations such as the American College of Healthcare Executives.
Dr. Jacqueline Abernathy
Assistant ProfessorTarleton State University
Public Administration
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Hospital 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 general advice would you give to a Hospital 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.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Hospital 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 Hospital 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 Hospital 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 Hospital Administrator job market given the pandemic?
D. Keith Robbins Ph.D.: There will be a lull in January or February in all sectors as the efficacy of Covid vaccination protocols, availability, and willingness of significant proportions of the population to take the vaccine are assessed. Hospitality will continue to contract, and retailing will as well with the post-holiday slow down. There will be a tendency to delay hiring until the timing of the recovery in these sectors becomes clearer. May graduates should have a much better lag between graduation and “real job” startup. The degree to which traditional employers – in this region of the country that would be financial services and manufacturing – return to their brick and mortar offices or plants will determine their resurgence as employers.
What skills stand out on Hospital Administrator resumes?
D. Keith Robbins Ph.D.: That part hasn't changed a lot. Of course GPAs are still important, but beyond that leadership roles in student organizations, internship experience, and technical skills will get you to the interview. It will be the self-presentation skills that will make the difference in an increasingly competitive market. Oral and written communication skills are a large part of that, as well as emotional intelligence and poise. In terms of sectors seeking employees, the health care industry will see explosive growth. The CBA has an excellent Health Care Management Program - the best in the state of South Carolina - and those students all have excellent jobs by graduation, but the industry will need more entry-level folks than health care programs are able to supply.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Hospital Administrators to find work opportunities?
D. Keith Robbins Ph.D.: Demand for health care is everywhere, but it is especially concentrated in areas where the prevailing demographic is a high concentration of the aged. This typically means areas where folks tend to go for retirement. We live in such a part of the country. Sun Belt states will see more intense demand for health care as the baby boomers continue to set records for percentage of the population in the 70 to 79, 80 to 89, and over 90 brackets. Further the lasting influence of agencies and industries being caught short or unprepared by the pandemic will lead to massive governmental investments in personnel and infrastructure in agencies and their contractors and outsourcers.
What general advice would you give to a Hospital 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.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Hospital 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.
Jerome Bozek
Medical practice administratorGeorge Mason University
Healthcare Administration Program
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Hospital Administrator job market given the pandemic?
Jerome Bozek: The biggest issue is the overall economic uncertainty. Will the pandemic get worse over the next few months? More shutdowns? More government assistance? What will be the impact of the vaccine? Many businesses are afraid to hire because of these reasons. It makes it challenging for new grads in finding a position.
What Hospital Administrator skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Jerome Bozek: I am not big on gap years, per se. With that said, it is important to use any opportunity to gain skills in certain areas, such as public speaking, enhancement of computer skills, and obtaining a basic understanding of accounting and finance, for both business and personal use. It is also good to volunteer for an organization or cause you to believe in it. Plus, you will meet many new people in doing so.
What general advice would you give to a Hospital Administrator?
Jerome Bozek: 1. Start creating your professional network. Develop mutually beneficial business relationships primarily with those in your field, although everyone adds value. Most jobs are found through personal contacts vs. published job listings. Being active on Linked-in is a priority.
2. You may have to start at a job that is not in your chosen field/salary level lower than you expected, based on current times. Use it as an opportunity to gain experience and skills which you may not have.
3. Don't get discouraged; things will get better. You have a long working career ahead.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Hospital 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 are the biggest trends we'll see in the Hospital 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.
What skills stand out on Hospital 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.
Jacqueline Strenio Ph.D.
Assistant ProfessorSouthern Oregon University
Economics Affiliated Faculty, Healthcare Administration Affiliated Faculty, Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies Program
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Hospital Administrators?
Jacqueline Strenio Ph.D.: It's hard to predict the full effect of the novel coronavirus pandemic on graduates as it is, indeed, novel. It has drastically changed the overall macroeconomy and the landscape of work itself by necessitating the rapid transition to remote work and accelerating disruptions in major industries. However, in terms of the coronavirus pandemic's recessionary effects on graduates, we can look to past recessions to make predictions about potential enduring impacts.
Previous research on the effects of graduating into a recession finds that it is associated with initially lower earnings and more job switching, effects that can linger for years. It has even been linked to poorer health in middle age. A lot of these impacts result from the fact that fewer jobs are available overall, reducing the quality of the initial employment offer or the match between employee and employer.
These effects may be amplified for women and BIPOC graduates who already face labor market discrimination. On the demand side, this means employers must evaluate their hiring criteria, making sure they are not disproportionately disadvantaging these populations. On the supply-side, I would encourage graduates to be open to various jobs that may be different from those they initially imagined. Continuing to look for new and better matches as the economy improves will also help combat these initial earnings losses.
However, there is good news for college graduates: recent research has found that these impacts are less severe for those with college degrees than those with high school degrees. So, for those close to graduating, I would strongly encourage them to complete their degrees despite the challenges of remote learning.
What type of skills will young Hospital Administrators need?
Jacqueline Strenio Ph.D.:
If the pandemic has taught us anything, it’s the importance of data literacy and the social sciences. Employers will be looking for evidence of these skills on resumes and expect them of new hires.
Data literacy refers to interpreting data and understanding its limitations and the ability to communicate with data clearly. This doesn’t just mean having the technical skills to manage and analyze data and convey insights from such analyses. Employers will be looking for workers who can describe the results and implications of those analyses, requiring strong written and oral communication skills.
The pandemic has also highlighted the importance of the social sciences. Although a vaccine didn’t emerge from the social sciences, insights from such disciplines are critical in constructing vaccine rollouts and other socially-acceptable policies that account for human behavior. The social sciences, including economics, will also help rebuild our communities in more sustainable and inclusive ways in the post-pandemic world. Young graduates entering the workforce that understand human nature and can critically evaluate policies and procedures from a social scientific perspective will be invaluable to employers for their ability to think technically and creatively and account for social norms and human behavior. More generally, creative and innovative thinking and the ability to be flexible are imperative. These things are a core part of any liberal arts curriculum. Graduates should emphasize these liberal arts skills in addition to technical career training.
What experience really stands out on Hospital Administrator resumes?
Jacqueline Strenio Ph.D.: See Question 2.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Hospital Administrator job market given the pandemic?
Karla Sluis: I think there will be an increased need for community-based behavioral healthcare (counseling, psychiatry, and substance-use treatment). I’m hopeful that more funding will support the need for additional behavioral healthcare providers across the country – particularly in schools and underserved rural areas like Southwest Colorado. Telehealth has been a successful experiment in our agency, and I think there will be an increasing need for IT professionals who can help bridge the gap of customer service and connect patients to their healthcare providers.
What Hospital Administrator skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Karla Sluis: Graduates in all health fields should study the model of integrated healthcare and learn best practices for communicating and working with diverse providers outside their specific field. It would be helpful to study the approach to care for underserved populations, such as youth, seniors, LGBTQ, and migrant workers. An exploration of telehealth would be useful, including familiarity with various video chat platforms. Improving customer service skills is also helpful when Google Reviews can make or break a business reputation. Grads might also learn another language to better serve patients in their region. The app Duolingo is my personal favorite, and it’s fun!
What general advice would you give to a Hospital Administrator?
Karla Sluis: Your career will likely be a winding journey – not a single destination. You may end up in a totally different role than you thought you would. Follow your interests and be open to changing jobs. Be grateful for the experience you gain, and don’t make the mistake of flaming or bad-mouthing an employer when you move on. Heal thyself! Remember self-care in this giving profession, and be mindful of your inner slave-driver. Take your lunch breaks, schedule your vacations, and practice what you preach with a healthy diet and exercise.
Teresa C. Smith MBA, PHR
Executive Director of Human ResourcesSIU School of Medicine
Office of Human Resources
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Hospital Administrator job market given the pandemic?
Teresa C. Smith MBA, PHR: I believe the biggest trend we will see in the job market is a shift to remote work and alternative work arrangements. The days of onsite, 8-hour shifts will not be as prevalent or required any longer. Companies have been forced to find solutions to maintain operations while following stringent health and safety protocols, which include limited space capacity and functioning during the stay at home orders. This has pushed us into being more flexible and creative. We have pushed our boundaries and have grown as a result.
What skills stand out on Hospital Administrator resumes?
Teresa C. Smith MBA, PHR: Skills that stand out to me on resumes are solution building, collaboration, and an eagerness to learn. Communication is such a critical component of effectiveness, especially now. Given the pandemic, we have all had to learn to continue to connect in the midst of turmoil and disruption.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Hospital Administrators to find work opportunities?
Teresa C. Smith MBA, PHR: Springfield, of course! J SIU Medicine is an outstanding place to work, and that has really shined in the midst of this pandemic. We have responded to the needs of our employees, patients, students, and community in a way that makes me do nothing but smile.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Hospital 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.
What type of skills will young Hospital 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
What general advice would you give to a Hospital 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.