How to Become a Healthcare Administrator in California

The healthcare industry is rapidly expanding, making it a popular field for job seekers.

If working directly with patients isn’t for you, there are plenty of opportunities in healthcare administration.

Healthcare administrators manage key responsibilities such as:

• Staffing coordination
• Enhancing operational efficiency
• Managing the facility’s finances

Interested?

Keep reading!

Job Description of a Healthcare Administrator in California

Healthcare admins are essential in keeping healthcare facilities running smoothly and efficiently.

Their role involves identifying areas for improvement and driving necessary changes.

Key duties include:

• Optimizing operational efficiency
• Overseeing financial management and budgeting
• Maintaining precise health records
• Coordinating staff schedules
• Managing hiring, compensation, and staffing
• Supporting medical professionals and staff
• Ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations and laws

As a healthcare administrator, your responsibilities can shift to the ever-changing needs of the workplace.

Ideal Candidates for a Healthcare Administrator

The ideal candidate for a healthcare administrator role is often a former nurse.

Their hands-on experience with diverse individuals, along with their knowledge of staff, supplies, and medication requirements, gives them a unique edge in managing hospital operations.

In addition to their background, the best candidate will possess a strong skill set that enhances job performance, including:

• Strong attention to detail
• Ability to multitask effectively
• Proficiency with computers and commonly used software
• Excellent communication skills
• Constant awareness and alertness

These qualities help ensure efficiency and success in the role.

Steps to Become a Healthcare Administrator in California

Typically, candidates for healthcare administration roles hold a master’s degree in this specialized field.

Every profession has a specific journey before securing a position in a desired role.

Here’s a look at the key steps to becoming a healthcare administrator in California!

Pursue a BSN Degree From an Accredited Program

To begin, you’ll need a high school diploma or equivalent.

Next, you should enroll in a nursing training program.

Nurses typically earn an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

This training usually takes about four years, though faster options, such as accelerated BSN programs or RN-to-BSN bridge programs, can shorten the timeline.

Build Experience in Nursing or Healthcare Administration

Registered nurses transitioning into administrative roles should first gain valuable clinical experience.

Key positions that can help build this foundation include:

• Nurse team leader
• Supervisor
• Manager

These roles are ideal for developing leadership and administrative skills, which will strengthen your resume.

Explore a Master’s Degree

Earning a Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) typically takes 1-3 years, depending on whether you enroll full-time or part-time.

Alternatively, degrees in public health or dual programs in nursing and management also provide excellent pathways into healthcare administration.

After completing your master’s degree, a wide range of career opportunities in healthcare administration becomes available to you.

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 California

Let’s see where you can train as a healthcare administrator!

California State University – Long Beach

You can study healthcare management through the university’s College of Health and Human Services department.

The university has 2 accredited programs for this specialty.

These are:

• The undergraduate program is fully certified by the Association of University Programs in Health Administration (AUPHA)
• The graduate program received accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Health Management Education (CAHME)

The undergraduate program is offered at the Bachelor of Science level although students can also choose the Certificate in Health Care Administration.

Along with it, you can pursue a minor in:

• Finance,
• Information Systems,
• Human Resources Management,
• Marketing

The graduate level is available at the master’s level.

It combines an accelerated study timeframe with classes on campus, and online.

The classes that are held in person take place on the weekends.

Income of a Healthcare Administrator in California

You’ve gained valuable insights into the healthcare administration profession, but let’s now explore the salary aspect.

In California, healthcare administrators typically earn around $115,419 per year.

To see which cities offer higher salaries for healthcare administrators, check out the table below for more details!

Regional Salary in California

Healthcare Administrator by State