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Keep reading if you want a well-paying job!
This job is in the medical industry, as a healthcare administrator.
This industry expands like a snowball, and there’s a big demand for personnel for all positions in a healthcare facility.
In the healthcare administration sector, you won’t interact directly with the patients.
Article Table of Contents
Job Description of a Healthcare Administrator in Illinois
Healthcare administrators are crucial to the smooth and efficient operation of healthcare facilities.
Their main focus is on identifying areas for improvement and implementing necessary changes.
Key responsibilities include:
- Improving operational efficiency
- Managing financial planning and budgeting
- Maintaining accurate health records
- Coordinating staff schedules
- Overseeing hiring, compensation, and staffing
- Supporting medical professionals and staff
- Ensuring compliance with healthcare laws and regulations
Depending on their workplace, they may also take on additional tasks.
Ideal Candidates for a Healthcare Administrator
All jobs have an ideal candidate.
For the position of healthcare administrator, nurses are the perfect candidates.
Nurses have a lot of knowledge regarding patients, supplies, staff, and other aspects of working in a medical facility.
Someone who has a background in administration is also a good candidate, but they will need to learn some basics regarding the medical field.
Top candidates will bring valuable skills to the role, including:
- Keen attention to detail
- Strong multitasking abilities
- Proficiency with computers and commonly used software
- Excellent communication skills
- Constant awareness and alertness
Steps to Become a Healthcare Administrator in Illinois
Many jobs require the candidate to follow a path that will teach them everything they need to know for their ideal job.
Future healthcare administrators in Illinois will have to follow more or less the steps below.
Pursue a Degree From an Accredited Program
The journey to becoming a healthcare administrator begins with earning a high school diploma or GED.
To enter this profession, you’ll need to enroll in a specialized educational program.
Nurses, who are often strong candidates for this role, should first obtain an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and then pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
These programs usually take 2 to 4 years to complete, though accelerated options are available for faster completion.
Explore a Master’s Degree
Completing a Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) usually takes 1-3 years, depending on whether you study full-time or part-time.
Alternatively, you could pursue a degree in public health or choose dual programs that combine nursing and management, both of which can lead to a career in healthcare administration.
Earning a master’s degree is one of the most effective ways to unlock a wide array of career opportunities in the medical field.
Pursue Professional Certification
Earning a specialized certification can further enhance your expertise in healthcare administration.
Nurses may consider certifications like the Nurse Executive Certification (NE-BC) or Certified Nurse Manager and Leader (CNML).
These credentials typically require several years of leadership experience and passing a certification exam to obtain.
Build Experience in Nursing or Healthcare Administration
After completing your training, gaining practical experience as a nurse is crucial.
Consider roles such as:
- Nurse Team Leader
- Supervisor
- Manager
These positions will provide the valuable experience and skills necessary for a future role as a healthcare administrator.
Schools for Healthcare Administrators in Illinois
Reading thus far means you are curious about the schools offering training for healthcare administrators in Illinois!
University of Illinois 
This university offers 3 programs in the healthcare administration field through its School of Public Health.
The programs have these codes:
- 20FS4060MHA
- 2PFS5394MHAU (EMHA)
- 2PFS5394NDEU (EMHA Nondegree)
The MHA (Master of Healthcare Administration) program lasts 2 years.
There is a selection of mandatory core classes you’ll attend:
- Accounting,
- Economics,
- Finance,
- Human resources,
- Strategic population-based planning,
- Informatics,
- Marketing,
- Management
The School of Public Health also offers a graduate program lasting 2 years.
This program is composed of 48 semester hours and those who graduate will become Executive Master of Healthcare Administrators.
Candidates must meet a set of requirements that set the bar of acceptance very high.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| University of Illinois | 1206 S. Fourth Street Champaign, IL 61820 |
Income of a Healthcare Administrator in Illinois
It’s normal to know how much you’ll get paid for any job you may want to get hired for.
In Illinois, healthcare administrators earn an average annual salary of approximately $106,927.
Refer to the table below to discover which areas in the state offer higher earning potential for healthcare administrators.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Chicago | $109,645 |
| Cicero | $109,645 |
| Niles | $109,540 |
| Willowbrook | $109,436 |
| Glencoe | $109,331 |
| Des Plaines | $109,331 |
| Crestwood | $109,300 |
| Darien | $109,227 |
| Geneva | $109,018 |
| Aurora | $108,704 |
Regional Salary in Illinois
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bloomington, IL | 160 | $116,310 | $55.92 | $203,250 | $60,190 |
| Carbondale-Marion, IL | 220 | $116,680 | $56.1 | $173,950 | $61,290 |
| Champaign-Urbana, IL | 310 | $128,970 | $62 | $209,750 | $65,900 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI | 11,980 | $135,990 | $65.38 | $219,660 | $75,810 |
| Danville, IL | 90 | $118,740 | $57.09 | $162,760 | $76,090 |
| Decatur, IL | 110 | $110,900 | $53.32 | $169,160 | $58,800 |
| Kankakee, IL | 150 | $114,990 | $55.28 | $186,200 | $63,060 |
| Peoria, IL | 590 | $119,300 | $57.35 | $205,710 | $62,400 |
| Rockford, IL | 410 | $124,140 | $59.69 | $200,900 | $72,880 |
| Springfield, IL | 330 | $118,470 | $56.96 | $205,910 | $61,130 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I don't like working as a healthcare administrator?
Depending on your level of education and interests, these professions might be a good alternative for you:
- Biostatistician
- Community health specialist
- Cytotechnologist
- Epidemiologist
- Healthcare administrator
- Health science writer
- Patient care advocate
- Substance abuse counselor
Where do healthcare administrators in Illinois work?
The following medical institutions all need healthcare administrators:
- Hospitals
- Nursing homes
- Outpatient clinics
- For the government
- Physicians’ offices
How does the income of a healthcare administrator in Illinois compare to those from other states?
Healthcare administrators in Illinois earn on average over $100k per year.
In most other states, the income for this occupation is on par with the income in Illinois.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Healthcare Administrator
Healthcare Administrator by State