How to Become a Healthcare Administrator in Montana

How to Become a Healthcare Administrator in Montana

The healthcare sector is growing rapidly.

As such, it presents a broad spectrum of exciting career opportunities for those seeking new professional directions.

For those who thrive in roles behind the scenes rather than in direct patient care, healthcare administration offers an ideal career path.

Healthcare administrators are crucial to ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of medical facilities.

Curious to learn more? Keep reading for further insights!

Healthcare Administrator Roles in Montana

Healthcare administrators play a vital role in ensuring the smooth day-to-day operations of medical facilities.

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

Key responsibilities include:

  • Streamlining workflow efficiency
  • Managing financial planning and budgets
  • Ensuring the accuracy of medical records
  • Overseeing personnel and staffing needs
  • Optimizing operational processes
  • Managing financial performance
  • Coordinating staff schedules
  • Handling recruitment and compensation plans
  • Supporting healthcare providers
  • Ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations

As the healthcare landscape evolves, the role of healthcare administrators will adapt, offering new challenges and opportunities.

What Makes a Successful Healthcare Administrator?

Nurses who want a career change can consider administrative roles.

They often excel in such positions due to their experience with patient care, and comprehensive knowledge of staffing, inventory management, and medical logistics.

Highly successful healthcare administrators typically have:

  • Strong attention to detail
  • The ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously
  • Proficiency with technology and healthcare software
  • Excellent communication and leadership skills
  • Quick decision-making and problem-solving abilities

Some individuals come from other industries where they have worked in the administrative sector.

They must develop a robust understanding of healthcare operations is crucial for success in this evolving field.

Steps to Becoming a Healthcare Administrator in Montana

If you’re thinking about a career in healthcare administration, here’s a clear path to help you get started.

Earn a Degree from an Accredited Program

Start by earning a high school diploma or GED, then pursue an education focused on healthcare.

For individuals with a nursing background, the common path involves obtaining an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) followed by a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

These programs typically take 2 to 4 years to complete, with some institutions offering accelerated options to expedite your education.

Advance with a Master’s Degree

To advance in healthcare administration, many professionals opt to earn a Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA).

This degree usually takes 1 to 3 years to complete, depending on whether you attend full-time or part-time.

Alternatively, degrees in public health or interdisciplinary programs that combine nursing and management also offer a strong foundation for a career in healthcare administration.

Pursue Professional Certifications

Securing professional certifications can significantly boost your qualifications.

For example, nurses might pursue certifications like the Nurse Executive Certification (NE-BC) or the Certified Nurse Manager and Leader (CNML).

These credentials generally require prior leadership experience and passing a certification exam.

Gain Practical Healthcare Experience

After completing your education and certifications, gaining practical experience is crucial.

Roles such as nurse team leader, supervisor, or manager provide valuable opportunities to develop the skills required for a successful career in healthcare administration.

These positions help you build the confidence and expertise essential for excelling in this field.

Healthcare Administration Programs in Montana

Now you’re probably interested to see at least one example of healthcare administrators training in this state.

Montana State University Billings

The Montana State University in Billings offers a Bachelor of Science in Health Administration.

This bachelor’s degree is offered completely online.

Students will have to earn the following credits:

  • 32 credits in academic foundations classes
  • 15 credits of supporting business classes
  • 39 credits in Health Administration core classes
  • 13 credits of required other courses
  • 1 track concentration of the student’s choosing – 15 credits
    • Business or long-term care
    • Public health

The program includes an internship for senior students.

University of Providence

This university created healthcare administration programs for everyone, regardless of the type of diploma they want.

For instance, you can earn these diplomas:

  • Associate’s in Healthcare Administration
  • Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration
  • Master’s in Healthcare Administration
  • 2 healthcare administration certificate programs:
    • Health Justice Certificate
    • Community Health Investment Certificate

Each type of degree has a different tuition cost, and you can visit the university’s website where you can use the Net Price Calculator tool.

With this tool, you can see how much you need to pay, with more accuracy, for the diploma of choice.

School Name Address
Montana State University Billings 1500 University Dr, Billings, MT 59101
University of Providence 1301 20th Street South Great Falls, Montana 59405

Salary Outlook for Healthcare Administrators in Montana

Curious about the earning potential for healthcare administrators in Montana?

On average, professionals in this role earn around $97,625 annually.

Check out the table below for a detailed look at how salaries differ across various cities in the state.

Annual Salary Range:
$86K
$97K
$11K
10%
50%
90%
Annual Salary by Location:
Location Avg. Annual Salary
Eureka $105,777
Westby $102,328
Billings $101,178
Poplar $100,969
Huntley $100,865
Laurel $100,656
Acton $100,447
Shepherd $100,133
Ballantine $100,029
Molt $99,820

Regional Salary in Montana

Region Employed Avg. Annual Salary Avg. Hourly Pay Top 10% Annual Salary Bottom 10% Annual Salary
Billings, MT320$115,040$55.31$166,080$69,640
Great Falls, MT180$108,880$52.35$159,930$66,170
Missoula, MT290$117,010$56.26$219,760$66,510
* 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

Are there any secrets to getting hired as a healthcare administration in Montana?

Here is a brief list of secrets that can get you hired faster:

  • 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 which institutions should I apply for a healthcare administrator in Montana?

This is a list of institutions hiring healthcare admins:

  • Hospitals,
  • Healthcare systems,
  • Insurance companies,
  • Long-term care facilities,
  • Managed care organizations,
  • Rehabilitation agencies,
  • Public health clinics,
  • State agencies

Which skills are the most important for a healthcare administrator in Montana?

The following skills are very important for healthcare admins in Montana:

  • Knowledge of healthcare laws and regulations
  • Leadership skills
  • Technological proficiency
  • Problem-solving abilities
  • Communication skills
  • Adaptability
  • Business expertise

USA Healthcare Administrator by State


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