How to Become a Healthcare Administrator in Kansas

How to Become a Healthcare Administrator in Kansas

The healthcare industry’s continued growth has become an increasingly appealing career path for job seekers.

For those who prefer working behind the scenes rather than directly with patients, healthcare administration offers a variety of fulfilling roles.

The smooth operation of healthcare facilities is usually ensured by healthcare administrators.

Curious to learn more?

Keep reading!

Healthcare Administrator Job Overview in Kansas

Healthcare administrators are integral to the seamless operation of medical facilities.

They identify areas for improvement and implement strategies to boost efficiency.

Primary duties include:

  • Optimizing operational workflows
  • Managing financial planning and budgeting
  • Ensuring accuracy in health records
  • Coordinating staff schedules
  • Overseeing recruitment, compensation, and staffing requirements
  • Supporting medical professionals
  • Ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations and legal standards

As a healthcare administrator, your responsibilities will evolve in response to the ever-changing landscape of healthcare.

Who Excels as a Healthcare Administrator?

Nurses transitioning to administrative roles are often successful due to their practical experience with patient care.

They also have a good understanding of staffing, supplies, and medication processes, which gives them a distinct advantage in managing healthcare facilities.

In addition to experience, top healthcare administrators typically possess:

  • Keen attention to detail
  • Strong multitasking abilities
  • Proficiency in software and computer systems
  • Excellent communication skills
  • High levels of alertness and situational awareness

For individuals with administrative experience in other fields, mastering the fundamentals of healthcare will be essential for excelling in this role.

Steps to Becoming a Healthcare Administrator in Kansas

To start a career in healthcare administration, most professionals pursue an advanced degree in the field.

Here’s a roadmap for becoming a healthcare administrator in Kansas.

Earn a Degree from an Accredited Program

Begin with a high school diploma or GED and continue by enrolling in a specialized educational program.

For those with a nursing background, a common route is to earn an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) followed by a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

Although some accelerated tracks are available, these programs typically take 2 to 4 years.

Consider a Master’s Degree

Advancing your career often requires pursuing a Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA), which can take 1 to 3 years depending on your schedule.

You might also consider a degree in public health or dual programs that integrate nursing and management.

These 2 programs are excellent foundations for healthcare administration.

Obtain Professional Certification

Certifications significantly boost your qualifications.

Nurses may benefit from certifications like the Nurse Executive Certification (NE-BC) or the Certified Nurse Manager and Leader (CNML).

These certifications usually require leadership experience and passing a relevant exam.

Gain Practical Experience in Healthcare

After completing your education and earning certifications, gaining hands-on experience is key.

Roles such as nurse team leader, supervisor, or manager allow you to develop the skills essential for a healthcare administrator.

These positions help build the expertise and confidence needed to thrive in the administrative side of healthcare.

Healthcare Administration Programs in Kansas

Let’s see your options for studying for a healthcare administrator in Kansas!

University of Kansas

Through this university, you can obtain the Master of Health Services Administration (MHSA) degree.

The Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME) fully accredited this program.

Students can attend classes part or full-time, usually in the evening and late afternoons, to make it easier for those who work.

If you enroll in this program, you can enroll in 5 dual programs as well:

  • Dual Degree Doctor of Physical Therapy and Master of Health Services Administration
  • Program in Master of Health Services Administration with Master of Science
  • Degree Program in Master of Health Services Administration with Doctor of Medicine
  • Degree Program in Health Policy and Management and Law
  • Health Information Management/Master of Health Services Administration Degree

Washburn University

At this university, you can earn a baccalaureate degree in Health Services Administration.

This program is offered completely online, and students can attend classes full-time.

However, the possibility of attending 3 credit hours per semester is also available.

Some of the classes you’ll attend are:

  • Regulatory compliance
  • Health care policy
  • Supervision
  • Population health
  • Quality improvement

Each credit costs $402 regardless of where the student comes from – in-state or out-of-state.

School Name Address
University of Kansas 3901 Rainbow Boulevard, Kansas City, KS 66160
Washburn University 1700 SW COLLEGE AVE TOPEKA, KANSAS 66621

Salary Outlook for Healthcare Administrators in Kansas

Are you curious about the earning potential for healthcare administrators in Kansas?

On average, healthcare administrators in the state earn around $99,506 annually.

For a detailed breakdown of salary variations across different regions of Kansas, refer to the table below.

Annual Salary Range:
$87K
$99K
$11K
10%
50%
90%
Annual Salary by Location:
Location Avg. Annual Salary
Goodland $102,851
Saint Francis $102,642
Kansas City $102,224
Shawnee $102,015
Lansing $101,806
Olathe $101,701
Tribune $101,597
Stilwell $101,492
Prescott $101,388
Elwood $101,283

Regional Salary in Kansas

Region Employed Avg. Annual Salary Avg. Hourly Pay Top 10% Annual Salary Bottom 10% Annual Salary
Lawrence, KS130$123,450$59.35$214,480$68,490
Manhattan, KS200$98,750$47.48$156,330$58,030
Topeka, KS410$125,890$60.52$190,480$63,880
Wichita, KS890$112,460$54.07$182,600$59,060
* Salary information based on the May 2023 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Medical and Health Services Managers, OCC Code 11-9111, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which are some of the secrets of getting hired as a healthcare administrator in Kansas?

The secrets of getting any job are very similar regardless of industry.

Here are some of them:

  • Connect with healthcare professionals
  • Attend industry events
  • Showcase your leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills
  • Gain relevant work experience through internships or entry-level positions
  • Develop a strong understanding of healthcare regulations, policies, and best practices
  • Leverage your education, certifications, and any specialized expertise

At what age will I become a healthcare administrator in Kansas?

Usually, individuals who want to enter the medical field won’t be younger than 21.

The age you’ll become a healthcare admin depends greatly of the age at which you decide to get this job and the training you may have to undergo.

Who hires healthcare administrators in Kansas?

In Kansas, these institutions need healthcare administrators the most:

  • Hospitals,
  • Consulting firms,
  • Healthcare systems,
  • Public health organizations
  • Doctor’s offices
  • Outpatient clinics

USA Healthcare Administrator by State


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