Whether you want to advance your medical career or pursue a new path, healthcare administration is a growing sector where qualified individuals are consistently in high demand. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, health services management is expected to grow by 23 percent from 2024 to 2034
This field is one of the fastest-growing occupations in the healthcare industry. Administration is a viable option for current medical professionals seeking to transition into healthcare delivery at private or public medical facilities. It’s also a great career choice for undergraduates with degrees in business administration or management.
What is Health Services Administration (HSA)?
As a health services administrator, your role is essential to the smooth functioning of your healthcare center. It’s up to you to foster good working relationships with and among all employees at your facility and ensure that your patients receive the best possible care. You’ll coordinate health systems and patient care, set budgets and policies, and ensure your center operates transparently and professionally. Other duties might include:
- Recruiting and hiring new medical practitioners and support staff
- Training and evaluating staff
- Chairing facility board meetings
- Procuring and allocating resources
- Acting as spokesperson and advocate for your facility, staff, and patients
Education and Career Path for Healthcare Administrators
HSAs primarily originate from other areas of the healthcare industry, not just from doctors or nurses. This provides them with a solid understanding of how healthcare facilities operate and may offer some practical insights into enhancing service delivery and patient care. There’s also room for qualified applicants with management or business degrees who are interested in working in the healthcare industry as administrators, regardless of their medical background.
Outside of a medical care setting, HSAs may find employment in underserved communities, coordinating programs with social services and community health centers. There, you’ll have a rewarding future helping families and the communities they live in by improving access to wellness programs and critical care. Other possibilities include working in the health insurance industry as a coverage specialist or patient advocate to ensure proper compensation for services.
Candidates may find employment with a bachelor’s degree, but most hospitals and health facilities prefer candidates with a master’s degree. In addition to education and professional qualifications, you’ll need skills and personality traits that include:
- Comprehensive understanding of healthcare policy, laws, and regulations
- Ability to communicate effectively with staff, patients, shareholders, and the public
- Leadership and organizational skills
- Attention to detail
- Ability to identify and resolve budgeting and staff issues
- Ability to create and implement policy decisions
- Ability to build strong relationships within the facility and the community
The Pros and Cons of a Career in Health Services Administration
There are numerous positive aspects to a career in healthcare administration. It’s an equal-opportunity career path that’s gender-neutral and offers a promising outlook for job and salary growth. There’s also the potential for specialization in either the public or private sector, along with a high degree of job satisfaction. The prospects for employment are high.
Although health services management can be both personally and financially rewarding, it’s not without its challenges. It can be a demanding career with long hours. Because there’s such a demand for qualified candidates, competition is fierce and standards are high for applicants. Pay scales can vary widely from region to region.
Why Choose Florida National University for Your MHSA?
If you’ve got what it takes to enter this exciting and challenging field, Florida National University (FNU) is ready to help you achieve the credentials and support your academic and professional goals to success. Since 1982, we’ve helped students just like you earn a higher education. We’re regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. We award students associate, baccalaureate, and master’s degrees in several subject areas, including Health Services Administration.
With campuses in Hialeah and Miami, Florida National University is licensed by the Commission for Independent Education, a division of the Florida Department of Education. The university is approved by the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs to provide training for veterans and is federally authorized to enroll qualified non-immigrant foreign exchange students.
Our Master of Health Services Administration program is designed to give candidates a high-quality education. By the time you finish our program, you’ll be ready to become a leader in the healthcare industry, and we offer job placement assistance to all students upon graduation. We’ve structured our programs to accommodate graduate students who require scheduling flexibility, offering both on-site classes and an online master’s degree program for those who need to telecommute due to geographic considerations or work and family obligations.
Financial Aid and Admissions Information
As a fully accredited institution of higher learning, Florida National University is qualified to provide access to federal student loans and financial aid programs, as well as scholarships and honor tuition incentives for individuals with prior coursework, military training, or other qualifying training and education. Depending on your program, financing is available to both on-campus and distance-learning students.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’re ready to open the doors to your future, contact FNU to request an appointment with an admissions representative. Your enrollment specialist can provide more details on testing, financial aid, and program requirements. To begin the enrollment process, create an account and apply here. You can also use this interface to monitor your application’s status.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Master’s in Health Services Administration
1. What can I do with a Master’s in Health Services Administration?
Graduates can pursue leadership roles such as hospital administrator, clinic director, healthcare operations manager, or policy analyst. Many also find opportunities in public health agencies, insurance companies, and nonprofit organizations that focus on healthcare delivery.
2. How long does it take to complete the MHSA program at FNU?
The Master of Health Services Administration (MHSA) program can typically be completed in two years of full-time study. FNU also offers flexible scheduling and online options to accommodate working professionals.
3. Is the program available online?
Yes. FNU offers the MHSA program in both on-campus and fully online formats, providing students with the flexibility to balance work, family, and education while earning a respected graduate degree.
4. What are the admission requirements for the MHSA program?
Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and meet general FNU graduate admission requirements. Prospective students are encouraged to contact the Admissions Office for guidance on prerequisites and application materials.
5. Does FNU offer financial aid for graduate students?
Yes. FNU provides access to federal financial aid, scholarships, and tuition assistance programs for qualified students. Financial aid advisors are available to help you explore your options and create a personalized funding plan.
