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As the healthcare sector continues to grow, it offers increasingly attractive career opportunities for those seeking new professional paths.
For individuals who prefer working behind the scenes rather than directly interacting with patients, healthcare administration offers a wide array of fulfilling career options.
Healthcare administrators are key to the smooth operation of medical facilities.
If you’re interested in learning more, read on!
Article Table of Contents
Healthcare Administrator Role Overview in Louisiana
Healthcare administrators are crucial to the efficient management of medical facilities.
They identify areas for improvement and implement strategies to boost overall performance.
Core responsibilities include:
- Streamlining workflows and improving efficiency
- Managing financial planning and budgeting
- Ensuring the accuracy of health records
- Coordinating staffing and scheduling
- Handling recruitment, compensation, and staffing needs
- Supporting medical professionals
- Maintaining compliance with healthcare laws and regulations
As a healthcare administrator, your role will continue evolving as the healthcare industry demands shift.
Who Excels as a Healthcare Administrator?
Nurses transitioning into healthcare administration often excel because of their first-hand experience in patient care.
Additionally, they have a deep knowledge of staffing, supply management, and medication logistics.
Successful healthcare administrators generally demonstrate the following:
- Meticulous attention to detail
- Strong multitasking abilities
- Proficiency with technology and software systems
- Excellent communication skills
- Sharp awareness and quick decision-making
For individuals with administrative backgrounds in other industries, gaining a solid understanding of healthcare fundamentals is essential to thrive in this field.
Steps to Becoming a Healthcare Administrator in Louisiana
If you’re considering a career in healthcare administration, here’s a guide to the steps you’ll need to take.
Earn a Degree from an Accredited Program
Start by obtaining a high school diploma or GED, then enroll in a specialized healthcare education program.
For those with a nursing background, the common path involves earning an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and then progressing to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
These programs typically take 2 to 4 years, with some schools offering accelerated options.
Pursue a Master’s Degree
To advance in healthcare administration, obtaining a Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) is often a key step.
This degree can take 1 to 3 years, depending on your chosen study schedule.
Alternatively, degrees in public health or dual programs that combine nursing and management are also great foundations for a career in healthcare administration.
Obtain Professional Certifications
Earning certifications can significantly enhance your qualifications.
Nurses, for example, may benefit from certifications like the Nurse Executive Certification (NE-BC) or the Certified Nurse Manager and Leader (CNML).
These credentials often require leadership experience and passing a certification exam.
Gain Practical Healthcare Experience
Hands-on experience is crucial after earning your degree and certifications.
Roles such as nurse team leader, supervisor, or manager are excellent opportunities to develop the skills needed for healthcare administration.
These positions help build the confidence and expertise required to thrive in the administrative side of healthcare.
Healthcare Administration Programs in Louisiana
Let’s see some healthcare administration programs in this state!
LSU Online – Alexandria 
LSU in Alexandria offers an Online Bachelor of Science in Long-Term Care Administration.
This program equips students with the skills to plan, implement, and assess programs for elderly care.
It does this by providing an in-depth focus on:
- Collaborative care,
- Evidence-based practices for vulnerable groups,
- Effective communication,
- Financial management of healthcare services
A key component of the program is an intensive internship.
Through it, students participate in a structured, hands-on experience within healthcare settings, like nursing homes and long-term care facilities.
This internship requires students to complete a minimum of 260 hours in each of the four courses and maintain a detailed journal of their activities and working hours.
Students must submit weekly reports and a final paper reflecting on their internship experiences and the skills they gained.
Interns are also required to engage in group and individual sessions with their instructor to enhance their learning experience.
Application to the internship must be made the semester before enrollment, and securing an internship is mandatory before registering for the course.
At this time, the program is only available to students residing in Louisiana.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| LSU Online - Alexandria | online program |
Salary Outlook for Healthcare Administrators in Louisiana
Wondering about the earning potential of healthcare administrators in Louisiana?
On average, professionals in this field earn around $99,402 annually.
For more details on salary ranges across different regions of Louisiana, check out the table below.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Metairie | $100,865 |
| New Orleans | $100,865 |
| Violet | $100,865 |
| Ama | $100,656 |
| Destrehan | $100,551 |
| Lafitte | $100,447 |
| Boutte | $100,342 |
| Hahnville | $100,238 |
| Paradis | $100,133 |
| Saint Benedict | $100,029 |
Regional Salary in Louisiana
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alexandria, LA | 270 | $104,770 | $50.37 | $155,940 | $51,170 |
| Baton Rouge, LA | 1,260 | $112,050 | $53.87 | $167,140 | $65,250 |
| Hammond, LA | 180 | $104,850 | $50.41 | $169,120 | $60,370 |
| Houma-Thibodaux, LA | 220 | $104,230 | $50.11 | $162,370 | $50,310 |
| Lafayette, LA | 490 | $105,640 | $50.79 | $154,490 | $55,720 |
| Lake Charles, LA | 130 | $101,730 | $48.91 | $135,220 | $44,900 |
| Monroe, LA | 250 | $106,700 | $51.3 | $161,610 | $51,110 |
| New Orleans-Metairie, LA | 1,810 | $120,950 | $58.15 | $172,770 | $65,520 |
| Shreveport-Bossier City, LA | 810 | $108,540 | $52.18 | $159,050 | $49,040 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any secrets to getting hired as a healthcare administration in Louisiana?
The main secrets to getting hired as a healthcare administration in Louisiana, are:
- 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
Where do healthcare administrators in Louisiana work?
Healthcare administrators are needed by medical facilities like:
- Hospitals
- Nursing homes
- Outpatient clinics
- For the government
- Physicians’ offices
Is there an age limit to become a healthcare administrator in Louisiana?
There’s no age limit to become healthcare admins in any state.
The youngest age at which you can get hired for this position depends on the age at which you decide to follow this path.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Healthcare Administrator
Healthcare Administrator by State