10 Non-Clinical Career Options for Health Administrators

Working in health administration doesn’t always mean working in a hospital. There are a variety of jobs for health care administrators with a Master of Health Administration (MHA) that do not involve working in a clinical setting. Co-Author of 101 Careers in Healthcare Management and MHA@GW program director, Dr. Leonard Friedman outlined the many non-clinical career paths for health care administrators, including the roles below.

1. Insurance Coordinator

Insurance coordinators are responsible for effective billing and claims management. They must send, track and process payments from customers. Insurance coordinators can earn up to $65,000 annually depending on experience.

2. Pharmaceutical Account Manager

Pharmaceutical sales managers are responsible for managing sales representatives and creating programs to meet sales goals. Pharmaceutical account managers can earn more than $150,000 annually.

3. Medical Equipment Sales Manager

Medical equipment sales managers are responsible for specific customer accounts or regional areas depending on company structure. They manage the sale of a wide variety of medical equipment, ranging from surgical tools such as respiratory tubes to critical care equipment such as vital signs monitoring devices. Managers in these roles supervise other sales representatives and develop strategies to meet sales goals. Medical equipment sales managers can earn more than $150,000 per year.

4. Claims Manager

A claims manager is employed by a commercial health insurance company and is responsible for the oversight of a claims division. Main responsibilities include ensuring that claims are complete and accurate, legal requirements are met and claims analysts are properly trained. Claims managers can earn between $75,000 and $100,000 annually.

5. Home Health Care Agency Director

Patients needing long-term care can opt to receive home health care. Home health care agencies coordinate the care of individuals who choose this option. Home health care agency directors plan the budget, manage performance, ensure legal compliance and more for these home care agencies. The median annual salary for this position is approximately $88,000.

6. Long-Term Care Administrator

Long-term care administrators can work in assisted living facilities and nursing homes. The aging baby boomer generation is contributing significantly to a growing need for long-term care facilities and, as a result, administrators are in demand. Administrators in this role are responsible for planning and managing the day-to-day care of the elderly or those who can no longer care for themselves. Long-term care administrators can expect to earn between $80,000 and $100,000 annually.

7. Indian Health Service Administrative Officer

The Indian Health Service (IHS) is a federal agency that is responsible for providing health services to American Indians and Alaska Natives. IHS administrative officers create, implement, manage and evaluate programs to improve and maintain the health of federally recognized tribes. Indian Health Service administrative officers can earn more than $150,000 annually.

8. Veterans Health Administration Health Systems Specialist

The Veterans Health Administration provides various health services to veterans of the U.S. armed forces. A health systems specialist in this capacity provides management services that include data analysis, financial planning and health care planning. A health systems specialist for the Veterans Health Administration can earn up to $105,900 annually.

9. Veterans Health Administration Program Analyst

Program analysts within the Veterans Health Administration implement business plans, maintain budgets and keep projects on schedule. The program analyst is also largely responsible for the planning, communication and completion of health care product life cycles. Program analysts can earn a salary of up to $105,900 per year.

10. Director of Government Affairs

The director of government affairs acts as a liaison between their organization and any relevant government entities. They are responsible for analyzing current legislation and its effect on their employer and then reporting their findings. The director of government affairs can earn between $75,000 and $200,000 per year depending on the size of the organization by which they are employed.

To learn more about career paths for professionals with an MHA, or to request information about the MHA@GW program, contact an Admissions Counselor at 1-855-642-2849 or via email.

Source:

Friedman, L., Kovner, A. 101 Careers in Healthcare Management. (Springer Publishing Company, 2013).