How to Become a Healthcare Administrator in Massachusetts

How to Become a Healthcare Administrator in Massachusetts

The ongoing expansion of the healthcare industry has made it an increasingly attractive career option for job seekers.

For those who prefer working behind the scenes rather than directly with patients, healthcare administration provides a range of rewarding roles.

Healthcare administrators are key to ensuring the efficient operation of healthcare facilities.

Interested in learning more?

Keep reading!

Healthcare Administrator Job Overview in Massachusetts

Healthcare administrators are essential to the smooth operation of medical facilities.

They focus on identifying areas for improvement and implementing strategies to enhance efficiency.

Key responsibilities include:

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

As a healthcare administrator, your role will adapt to the evolving landscape of healthcare.

Who Excels as a Healthcare Administrator?

Nurses wanting to move into administrative roles often excel due to their hands-on patient care experience.

Their familiarity with staffing, supplies, and medication management provides them with a distinct edge in overseeing healthcare facilities.

In addition to experience, successful healthcare administrators typically have:

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

For those with administrative backgrounds in other fields, gaining a solid understanding of healthcare fundamentals will be crucial for success in this role.

Steps to Becoming a Healthcare Administrator in Massachusetts

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

Below is a roadmap for becoming a healthcare administrator in Massachusetts.

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

To advance your career, pursuing a Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) is often necessary, which typically takes 1 to 3 years depending on your study schedule.

Alternatively, degrees in public health or dual programs that combine nursing with management can also provide a strong foundation for a career in healthcare administration.

Both options offer valuable preparation for this field.

Obtain Professional Certification

Certifications can greatly enhance your qualifications.

Nurses might benefit from credentials such as the Nurse Executive Certification (NE-BC) or the Certified Nurse Manager and Leader (CNML).

These certifications typically require prior leadership experience and successful completion of a relevant exam.

Gain Practical Experience in Healthcare

Once you’ve completed your education and obtained certifications, gaining practical experience is crucial.

Positions like nurse team leader, supervisor, or manager provide opportunities to develop the skills necessary for a healthcare administrator role.

These roles help you build the expertise and confidence required to excel in healthcare administration.

Healthcare Administration Programs in Massachusetts

Ready to explore your options for studying healthcare administration in Massachusetts?

Below are some institutions and programs to consider.

University of Massachusetts

If you want a Bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Administration, then this university is one to consider.

The program is for those who already have an associate’s degree and hope to obtain a master’s degree later on.

Through this program, you’ll be able to:

  • Create evaluative techniques
  • Design and implement budgets
  • Effectively deploy quantitative skills
  • Evaluate management goals
  • Use theoretical concepts of social dynamics
  • Research healthcare and economic issues
  • Manage healthcare staff

This bachelor’s degree has 159 credits for you to accumulate.

However, 39 credits must come from related classes, like:

  • Health economics,
  • Human resource management,
  • A capstone in healthcare services administration

The other 120 credits can be in these types of studies:

  • Humanities,
  • Natural sciences,
  • Social sciences,
  • Free electives

It is also acceptable to choose a secondary major or minor, as long as you reach the number of credits required for graduation.

School Name Address
University of Massachusetts 285 Old Westport Road • Dartmouth, MA 02747-2300

Salary Outlook for Healthcare Administrators in Massachusetts

Curious about the earning potential for healthcare administrators in Massachusetts?

On average, healthcare administrators in the state earn approximately $113,721 per year.

For a detailed breakdown of salary variations across various regions in Massachusetts, check out the table below.

Annual Salary Range:
$10K
$11K
$12K
10%
50%
90%
Annual Salary by Location:
Location Avg. Annual Salary
Boston $117,171
Lexington $117,171
Dover $117,066
Lincoln $117,066
Marblehead $116,961
Sudbury $116,857
Westwood $115,603
Burlington $115,498
Cohasset $115,394
Lynnfield $114,244

Regional Salary in Massachusetts

Region Employed Avg. Annual Salary Avg. Hourly Pay Top 10% Annual Salary Bottom 10% Annual Salary
Barnstable Town, MA440$129,470$62.24$191,150$75,580
Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH14,960$165,940$79.78$#$81,800
Leominster-Gardner, MA230$123,930$59.58$169,830$64,130
New Bedford, MA280$115,870$55.71$175,610$68,630
Pittsfield, MA170$128,070$61.57$197,490$73,850
Springfield, MA-CT1,440$133,380$64.13$#$71,240
Worcester, MA-CT1,430$137,440$66.08$209,960$75,840
* 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

Where do healthcare administrators in Massachusetts work?

Healthcare administrators are usually hired by facilities like:

  • Hospitals
  • Nursing homes
  • Outpatient clinics
  • For the government
  • Physicians’ offices

What is the age limit to become a healthcare administrator in Massachusetts?

Technically, there is no age limit for this occupation.

However, considering the amount of time you spend studying and gaining some experience before getting hired, you won’t be eligible to get chosen for the job before or soon after you turn 21.

How does the income of a healthcare administrator in Massachusetts compare to those from other states?

Healthcare administrators in Massachusetts earn well above the national median salary.

Even those who just start can receive at least $100,000 annually.

USA Healthcare Administrator by State


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