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The healthcare sector is a fast-growing industry and this aspect attracts many people in search of a job.
If you don’t want to be in direct contact with patients, for whatever reason, seek a position in the healthcare administration.
Healthcare administrators take care of:
- Handling the staffing,
- Improving operational efficiency,
- Overseeing the finances of the facility.
If you’re intrigued, then read on!
Article Table of Contents
Job Description of a Healthcare Administrator in Arkansas
Healthcare administrators play a vital role in ensuring their facilities operate efficiently and effectively.
They are responsible for pinpointing areas that need improvement and implementing necessary changes.
Key responsibilities include:
- Enhancing operational efficiency
- Managing finances and budgets
- Maintaining accurate health records
- Coordinating staff schedules
- Overseeing hiring, salaries, and staffing
- Addressing the needs of medical professionals and support staff
- Ensuring compliance with healthcare laws and regulations
As a healthcare administrator, your duties may vary depending on the needs of your facility.
Adjustments in responsibilities are a normal part of the role and often reflect the evolving demands of the workplace.
Ideal Candidates for a Healthcare Administrator
The best candidate for the healthcare administrator position is a former nurse.
They have first-hand experience in dealing with various types of people, as well as information regarding the staff, supplies, and medication needed by the hospital.
The ideal candidate also has a set of skills that allows them to be efficient on the job.
Some of these skills are:
- Detail-oriented
- Able to multitask
- Proficient with a computer, especially with the most used programs
- Very good communication skills
- Able to be alert at all times
Steps to Become a Healthcare Administrator in Arkansas
Typically, candidates for healthcare administration roles have a master’s degree in this particular field.
All occupations have a special path to follow before seeking employment in a predetermined role.
Let’s see the more important steps to becoming a healthcare admin in Arkansas.
Pursue a BSN Degree From an Accredited Program
To start, you’ll need a high school diploma or equivalent.
The next step is enrolling in nursing training.
Nurses should earn an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and then a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
Usually, this training lasts about four years, but there are quicker options like accelerated BSN programs or RN-to-BSN bridge programs that can expedite the process.
Build Experience in Nursing or Healthcare Administration
Registered nurses wanting to transition into administrative roles must first gain critical clinical experience.
Various roles can help you achieve this, such as:
- Nurse team leader
- Supervisor
- Manager
These positions are excellent for developing the leadership and administrative skills that will enhance your resume and prepare you for future career opportunities in healthcare administration.
Explore a Master’s Degree
Earning a Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) generally takes 1-3 years, depending on your enrollment status.
Alternatively, programs in public health or dual degrees in nursing and management also offer strong pathways into healthcare administration.
Once you earn your master’s degree, a broad array of career opportunities in healthcare administration opens up.
Pursue Professional Certification
Obtaining a specialized certification can enhance your expertise in healthcare administration.
Nurses might explore certifications such as the Nurse Executive Certification (NE-BC) or Certified Nurse Manager and Leader (CNML).
These credentials usually require a few years of leadership experience and passing a certification exam to achieve.
Schools for Healthcare Administrators in Arkansas
Let’s see where can you train as a healthcare administrator!
Southern Arkansas University 
This university offers an undergraduate major for the healthcare administration degree.
There will be 120 hours to complete either on-campus or online.
These are some of the topics you’ll study:
- Exploring Opportunities in Healthcare
- Healthcare Informatics
- Challenges in Patient Care
- Human Resource Management in Healthcare
- Internship or Senior Capstone experience
The course is accredited, thus you can rest assured about the high demands you might have to meet as a healthcare administrator in Arkansas.
Arkansas State University Three Rivers 
At this university, you can earn an A.A.S. in Healthcare Administration and Medical Coding.
These are the main areas in which you’ll receive instruction:
- Healthcare Administration
- Medical Coding and Billing
- Health Information Technology
- Legal and Ethical Considerations
- Soft Skills Development
You’ll also be ready to take the Certified Professional Coder or the Certified Coding Specialist exams.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Southern Arkansas University | 100 E. University, Magnolia, Arkansas 71753-5000 |
| Arkansas State University Three Rivers | One College Cir, Malvern, AR 72104 |
Income of a Healthcare Administrator in Arkansas
You’ve learned valuable details about this profession, but now let’s discuss salary.
Healthcare administrators in Arkansas usually earn approximately $95,328 annually.
For a closer look at which cities offer higher salaries for healthcare administrators, be sure to check out the table below!
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Marion | $98,048 |
| Edmondson | $97,734 |
| Crawfordsville | $97,630 |
| Turrell | $97,525 |
| Gilmore | $97,420 |
| Gosnell | $97,316 |
| Harrisburg | $97,316 |
| Jacksonport | $96,269 |
| Little Rock | $96,165 |
| Jacksonville | $96,060 |
Regional Salary in Arkansas
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR-MO | 790 | $100,720 | $48.42 | $152,090 | $56,520 |
| Fort Smith, AR-OK | 440 | $97,220 | $46.74 | $166,910 | $49,950 |
| Hot Springs, AR | 240 | $84,390 | $40.57 | $120,750 | $48,470 |
| Jonesboro, AR | 360 | $105,270 | $50.61 | $163,630 | $54,440 |
| Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR | 2,520 | $99,440 | $47.81 | $146,640 | $53,950 |
| Pine Bluff, AR | 150 | $87,590 | $42.11 | $133,870 | $51,650 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What degree is best for a healthcare administrator in Arkansas?
Among the four types of degrees available, a master’s is likely the most beneficial to pursue.
However, it is not a requirement for this role.
Why would anyone want to become a healthcare administrator in Arkansas?
This field is among the most critical in the medical sector.
Healthcare administration professionals balance both personnel management and healthcare operations with equal importance.
And let’s not forget, the salaries are quite rewarding as well.
Where does a healthcare administrator in Arkansas work?
Any facility that offers healthcare services needs an administrator:
- Hospitals
- Nursing homes
- Outpatient clinics
- For the government
- Physicians’ offices
Read the full guide: How to Become a Healthcare Administrator
Healthcare Administrator by State