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The ongoing expansion of the healthcare industry has made it an increasingly attractive career option for job seekers.
For those who prefer working behind the scenes rather than directly with patients, healthcare administration provides a range of rewarding roles.
Healthcare administrators are key to ensuring the efficient operation of healthcare facilities.
Interested in learning more?
Keep reading!
Article Table of Contents
- 1 Healthcare Administrator Job Overview in Massachusetts
- 2 Who Excels as a Healthcare Administrator?
- 3 Steps to Becoming a Healthcare Administrator in Massachusetts
- 4 Healthcare Administration Programs in Massachusetts
- 5 Salary Outlook for Healthcare Administrators in Massachusetts
- 6 Frequently Asked Questions
Healthcare Administrator Job Overview in Massachusetts
Healthcare administrators are essential to the smooth operation of medical facilities.
They focus on identifying areas for improvement and implementing strategies to enhance efficiency.
Key responsibilities include:
- Optimizing operational workflows
- Managing financial planning and budgets
- Ensuring accuracy in health records
- Coordinating staff schedules
- Overseeing recruitment, compensation, and staffing needs
- Supporting medical professionals
- Ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations and legal standards
As a healthcare administrator, your role will adapt to the evolving landscape of healthcare.
Who Excels as a Healthcare Administrator?
Nurses wanting to move into administrative roles often excel due to their hands-on patient care experience.
Their familiarity with staffing, supplies, and medication management provides them with a distinct edge in overseeing healthcare facilities.
In addition to experience, successful healthcare administrators typically have:
- Sharp attention to detail
- Strong multitasking skills
- Proficiency with software and computer systems
- Excellent communication abilities
- High levels of alertness and situational awareness
For those with administrative backgrounds in other fields, gaining a solid understanding of healthcare fundamentals will be crucial for success in this role.
Steps to Becoming a Healthcare Administrator in Massachusetts
To begin a career in healthcare administration, most professionals pursue an advanced degree in the field.
Below is a roadmap for becoming a healthcare administrator in Massachusetts.
Earn a Degree from an Accredited Program
Begin with a high school diploma or GED and continue by enrolling in a specialized educational program.
For those with a nursing background, a common route is to earn an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) followed by a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
Although some accelerated tracks are available, these programs typically take 2 to 4 years.
Consider a Master’s Degree
To advance your career, pursuing a Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) is often necessary, which typically takes 1 to 3 years depending on your study schedule.
Alternatively, degrees in public health or dual programs that combine nursing with management can also provide a strong foundation for a career in healthcare administration.
Both options offer valuable preparation for this field.
Obtain Professional Certification
Certifications can greatly enhance your qualifications.
Nurses might benefit from credentials such as the Nurse Executive Certification (NE-BC) or the Certified Nurse Manager and Leader (CNML).
These certifications typically require prior leadership experience and successful completion of a relevant exam.
Gain Practical Experience in Healthcare
Once you’ve completed your education and obtained certifications, gaining practical experience is crucial.
Positions like nurse team leader, supervisor, or manager provide opportunities to develop the skills necessary for a healthcare administrator role.
These roles help you build the expertise and confidence required to excel in healthcare administration.
Healthcare Administration Programs in Massachusetts
Ready to explore your options for studying healthcare administration in Massachusetts?
Below are some institutions and programs to consider.
University of Massachusetts 
If you want a Bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Administration, then this university is one to consider.
The program is for those who already have an associate’s degree and hope to obtain a master’s degree later on.
Through this program, you’ll be able to:
- Create evaluative techniques
- Design and implement budgets
- Effectively deploy quantitative skills
- Evaluate management goals
- Use theoretical concepts of social dynamics
- Research healthcare and economic issues
- Manage healthcare staff
This bachelor’s degree has 159 credits for you to accumulate.
However, 39 credits must come from related classes, like:
- Health economics,
- Human resource management,
- A capstone in healthcare services administration
The other 120 credits can be in these types of studies:
- Humanities,
- Natural sciences,
- Social sciences,
- Free electives
It is also acceptable to choose a secondary major or minor, as long as you reach the number of credits required for graduation.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| University of Massachusetts | 285 Old Westport Road • Dartmouth, MA 02747-2300 |
Salary Outlook for Healthcare Administrators in Massachusetts
Curious about the earning potential for healthcare administrators in Massachusetts?
On average, healthcare administrators in the state earn approximately $113,721 per year.
For a detailed breakdown of salary variations across various regions in Massachusetts, check out the table below.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Boston | $117,171 |
| Lexington | $117,171 |
| Dover | $117,066 |
| Lincoln | $117,066 |
| Marblehead | $116,961 |
| Sudbury | $116,857 |
| Westwood | $115,603 |
| Burlington | $115,498 |
| Cohasset | $115,394 |
| Lynnfield | $114,244 |
Regional Salary in Massachusetts
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barnstable Town, MA | 440 | $129,470 | $62.24 | $191,150 | $75,580 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH | 14,960 | $165,940 | $79.78 | $# | $81,800 |
| Leominster-Gardner, MA | 230 | $123,930 | $59.58 | $169,830 | $64,130 |
| New Bedford, MA | 280 | $115,870 | $55.71 | $175,610 | $68,630 |
| Pittsfield, MA | 170 | $128,070 | $61.57 | $197,490 | $73,850 |
| Springfield, MA-CT | 1,440 | $133,380 | $64.13 | $# | $71,240 |
| Worcester, MA-CT | 1,430 | $137,440 | $66.08 | $209,960 | $75,840 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do healthcare administrators in Massachusetts work?
Healthcare administrators are usually hired by facilities like:
- Hospitals
- Nursing homes
- Outpatient clinics
- For the government
- Physicians’ offices
What is the age limit to become a healthcare administrator in Massachusetts?
Technically, there is no age limit for this occupation.
However, considering the amount of time you spend studying and gaining some experience before getting hired, you won’t be eligible to get chosen for the job before or soon after you turn 21.
How does the income of a healthcare administrator in Massachusetts compare to those from other states?
Healthcare administrators in Massachusetts earn well above the national median salary.
Even those who just start can receive at least $100,000 annually.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Healthcare Administrator
Healthcare Administrator by State