The role of a healthcare administrator is pivotal in every healthcare institution. Jobs related to healthcare administration are much sought after in Australia and across many countries globally. The proper administration of healthcare institutions and facilities contributes to providing quality medical services to patients.

Here is a look at the job role of a health administrator and how to choose your career in health administration.

What is a health administrator?

A health administrator plays a crucial role in any health facility. He is in charge of overseeing the daily functions of doctors, nurses, and other medical and healthcare workers. He is required to communicate with health professionals to coordinate the needs of different medical facilities. Health administrators typically don’t need to interact with patients. However, they require good communication, leadership, organization, teamwork, and time management skills to do well within their job role.

Responsibilities of a health admin professional

A health administrator must ensure that the health facility is able to meet the patients’ requirements in terms of quality medical and healthcare-related services. Health managers may work in administration for different businesses in the sector, including general practitioner (GP) hospitals and nursing homes. Here are a few of the roles and responsibilities of a health administrator:

Communicate about the business policy

Health administrators often need to communicate business policies with the staff in the health facility. It includes sending group emails to staff to communicate about the policy and to conduct meetings in relation to it. The health administrator should ensure that all employees of the healthcare facility are aware of the changes in the policy.

Monitor budgets

The health administrator needs to keep track of the health facility’s budget to keep expenses aligned and ensure that the facility is able to meet its financial obligations like functional bills and inventory. He should also provide regular reports to the management with regard to the performance of the health facility.

Maintain patient records

Health administrators must ensure that patient records of the health facility are up-to-date. Keeping updated medical records allows health professionals to apply the correct treatments for patients.

Maintain schedules

Health administrators plan staff rosters in a health facility according to a monthly schedule. They manage these tasks adhering to the facility’s private calendar and scheduling systems. It helps identify scheduling conflicts and fill gaps where staff need to be replaced.

Ensure compliance with regulations

Health administrators should be updated with the latest healthcare laws and regulations and ensure that all departments within the facility comply with these.

Coordinate with healthcare specialists

Health administrators must assist to resolve problems that healthcare specialists such as doctors and nurses. They should also coordinate with staff from other departments like IT and HR to ensure that all functions run smoothly.

Why pursue a career in health administration

Working as a health administrator is challenging and highly rewarding at the same time. Here are the best reasons why you should pursue a career in health administration.

Strong industry growth

Australia’s healthcare industry is facing increased pressure, mainly due to the aging population and a rise in instances of chronic disease. As these numbers increase, so is the demand for health administrators who need to manage health facilities that treat and take care of these patients. There, health administration is a job role that shows strong growth.

High earning potential

Based on their qualifications and experience, health administrators can earn above-average salaries, ranging anywhere between $56000 and $104000.

Career advancement opportunities

The role of a health administrator is expansive with varying levels of seniority within team structures. Health administrators can obtain entry-level jobs to positions with leadership roles based on skills and experience. Earning a specified qualification related to health administration can take you up the ladder in a short time.

What are the skills of a health admin professional?

The following are some of the essential skills that health administrators should possess to perform well in their job roles.

Communication

Effective communication skills are vital for health administrators. It includes writing emails notifying changes in schedule and explaining healthcare procedures to staff members clearly.

Problem-solving

Problem-solving skills are essential for health administrators as they are required to identify solutions for unexpected challenges that may crop up suddenly. It also enables them to anticipate potential problems and prepare for contingencies well in advance.

Organization

Organizational skills in a health administrator enable medical and health professionals to keep track of different responsibilities they have within the organization.

Data analysis

 Interpreting data to make decisions  based on them is a skill that a health administrator must possess. Health institutions have databases that store patient records that require inspection periodically.

Business administration

An excellent understanding of business administration is essential for health administrators to be able to enhance present business plans, and develop new initiatives and innovative solutions to expand the business.

Australia’s best jobs in health administration

There are several different types of jobs in health administration. Here are some of Australia’s best jobs in health administration:

Health practice manager

Health practice managers assist dentists, physiotherapists, chiropractors, and other health practitioners in handling administrative tasks while they focus on treating their patients. A health practice manager’s task involves hiring and training staff, overseeing payroll details, and ensuring the practice complies with local laws and regulations.

This job role provides family-friendly work hours, excellent work-life balance, and above-average salaries.

Health and welfare services manager

Health and welfare services managers oversee the health and welfare programs of staff in the healthcare facility. They often manage budgeting and resource allocation along with recruiting, hiring, and training employees.

This job role has strong future growth as it is a profession that is in high demand besides having an excellent pay scale.

Health information manager

Health information managers are responsible for managing the systems in the healthcare facility, including updating medical forms that hold patient records. This job role offers great pay, family-friendly work hours, and enhances work-life balance.

Nursing clinical director

Nursing clinical directors generally work in various healthcare settings, including hospitals and aged care centers. They are primarily responsible for managing nursing functions on behalf of the facility. They oversee regular operations of the healthcare facility, including budgeting, resource allocation, and scheduling staff.

This job role has a very strong demand and a high pay scale. Nursing clinical directors are most likely to work during business hours and may not have to work night shifts constantly as most nurses do.

How to Become a health administrator

Here are the steps required to become a health administrator:

Obtain a formal qualification such as a Certificate IV in Health Administration or a Bachelor of Health Management.

Highlight your qualifications, job-related skills, and any work history in your resume.

Apply for related jobs and gain more experience.

Undertake higher studies in this field, which includes pursuing a master’s in health services management or a related course. You can study for this course while working part-time as a health administrator or related job role.

Medfuture has always been at the forefront as a reputed healthcare recruitment agency. We strive to connect qualified, skilled, and experienced healthcare employees from around the world. Visit the Medfuture job board for the latest jobs in healthcare administration.