11 Things I Wish I Had Known Before Starting a Healthcare Administration Career

Are you thinking about starting a healthcare administration career? If so, you're making a great decision! Healthcare administration is an exciting and growing field. But before you leap, there are some things you should know. In this blog post, we will discuss 11 things that we wish we had known before starting our careers in healthcare administration. Read on to learn more!

Decide On Which Setting You Want To Work

Healthcare administration is a broad field. There are many different specialties and sub-specialties within healthcare administration. So, before you choose a healthcare administration career, it's essential to do your research and figure out which area of healthcare administration is the best fit for you. One way to narrow down your options is to think about what kind of healthcare setting you would like to work in. Do you want to work in a hospital, a private practice, or another type of healthcare facility? Once you've decided on the setting you'd like to work in; you can start looking into specific healthcare administration careers that would be a good fit for you. For example, if you're interested in working in a hospital, you might want to consider a career as a hospital administrator, a human resource executive, or a department coordinator. If you're interested in working in private practice, you might want to become a healthcare consultant or a health insurance agent. There are many different healthcare administration careers out there, so it's essential to do your research and find the one that's the best fit for you.

Be A "T-Shaped" Healthcare Administrator

If you're looking to move into healthcare administration, you'll need to demonstrate a well-rounded understanding of the various moving parts within a healthcare facility. That's where the "T-shaped" healthcare administrator comes in. A T-shaped healthcare administrator has deep expertise in one particular area (the vertical line of the T) and less in-depth but broad knowledge of adjacent focus areas (the horizontal line of the T).

For example, let's say you're a nurse looking to move into healthcare administration. You probably understand how nursing units operate and what needs to be done to keep them running smoothly. But if you're unfamiliar with other key focus areas like HR, billing, or marketing, you may struggle to coordinate cross-departmental initiatives or navigate issues that cut across multiple departments.

If you're willing to broaden your horizons and gain a better understanding of the various focus areas within healthcare administration, you'll be well on your way to becoming a T-shaped healthcare administrator. And that will put you in a much better position to succeed in today's rapidly changing healthcare landscape.

Plan And Invest In Your Education

Suppose you're considering a healthcare administration career, factor in the time and money required for education and training. While you can find entry-level positions with just a bachelor's degree, many jobs require a master's degree or higher. So, if you're planning on pursuing a healthcare administration career, be prepared to invest time and money into your education. Healthcare administration is a complex field, and the best way to ensure success is to get the best teaching and training possible. With the proper foundation, you can build a successful healthcare administration career that makes a difference in the lives of others.

Find A Mentor

A healthcare administration career can be gratifying, but it can also be challenging. There are many moving parts, and it cannot be easy to keep everything straight. That's where experienced administrators come in. They can provide invaluable guidance and advice, helping you navigate the challenges of healthcare administration. Whether you develop a formal relationship with a mentor or seek out the counsel of more experienced colleagues, their perspectives can be invaluable. Even if some of their feedback is tough to hear, it can be essential for your development as a healthcare administrator. So don't be afraid to reach out and ask for help. The people who have been there before can make all the difference in your healthcare administration career.

Learn To Navigate Internal Politics In Healthcare

A healthcare administrator's career can be full of challenges, but one of the trickiest challenges to navigate can be internal politics. From Doctors to other highly educated stakeholders, getting everyone on board with a plan can be difficult. This is where healthcare administrators need to be especially careful not to disrupt the delicate balance already in place. By being aware of the potential obstacles and being proactive in your approach, you'll be well to a successful healthcare administration career.

Plan To ALWAYS Stay Current In Healthcare

One important thing that many people don't realize is that the healthcare field is constantly changing and evolving. New technologies and treatments are continually being developed, so healthcare administrators must stay on top of the latest trends. If you're interested in a healthcare administration career, you need to be prepared to stay current on the latest industry news.

Healthcare Moves Slowly

A healthcare administrator in a high-level leadership position is responsible for setting policies that can have a ripple effect on an entire community. This is a career that requires the ability to lead and have the knowledge and experience to make informed decisions that will benefit everyone involved. Sometimes the role of a healthcare administrator is more akin to steering a cruise ship than a speed boat, as change comes gradually and only after great effort to get everyone moving in the same direction. However, the rewards of this career are great, as healthcare administrators have the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of others.

Healthcare is Very Demanding

Another essential thing to remember is that healthcare administration can be a demanding career. You may have to work long hours, weekends, and holidays. And depending on your position, you may also be responsible for managing a team of employees. If you're considering a healthcare administration career, make sure you're prepared to handle the job's demands.

You Are Making A Difference

One final thing to remember is that healthcare administration careers can be advantageous. You will have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others and help improve the healthcare system. If you're looking for a challenging and rewarding career, healthcare administration may be the right choice for you.

We hope this blog post has been helpful! If you're considering a healthcare administration career, we encourage you to do your research and figure out if it's the right fit for you. And, if you decide to pursue a healthcare administration career, we wish you all the best!

What other advice would you give someone considering a healthcare administration career? Let us know in the comments below!