How to Become a Healthcare Administrator in Minnesota

How to Become a Healthcare Administrator in Minnesota

As the healthcare industry continues to expand, it opens up a wide array of dynamic career opportunities for those interested in pursuing new professional pathways.

For individuals who prefer a behind-the-scenes role over direct patient care, healthcare administration offers a fulfilling and diverse range of career options.

Administrators play a pivotal role in keeping healthcare facilities running smoothly.

Want to learn more?

Keep reading to uncover additional insights!

Healthcare Administrator Roles in Minnesota

Healthcare administrators are essential to maintaining the efficient day-to-day operations of medical institutions.

They are responsible for identifying areas for improvement and implementing strategies to drive better performance across the board.

Their core duties include:

  • Enhancing Workflow Efficiency
  • Managing Financial Planning and Budgets
  • Ensuring Accuracy in Medical Records
  • Managing Personnel
  • Optimizing Operational Procedures
  • Overseeing Financial Performance
  • Organizing and Maintaining Staff Schedules
  • Handling Recruitment and Compensation Plans
  • Supporting Healthcare Providers
  • Ensuring Compliance with Industry Regulations

As the healthcare sector continues to evolve, the role of healthcare administrators will also change, presenting new opportunities and challenges.

What Makes a Successful Healthcare Administrator?

Nurses who transition into administrative roles often excel, thanks to their direct experience with patient care and a strong understanding of staffing, inventory management, and medical logistics.

Top-performing healthcare administrators typically possess:

  • Strong Attention to Detail
  • Ability to Manage Multiple Tasks Simultaneously
  • Technological Proficiency
  • Excellent Communication and Leadership Skills
  • Quick Decision-Making and Problem-Solving Abilities

For professionals transitioning from other administrative fields, gaining a solid understanding of healthcare operations is key to thriving in this dynamic sector.

Steps to Becoming a Healthcare Administrator in Minnesota

If you’re thinking about a career in healthcare administration, here’s a clear path to help you get started.

Earn a Degree from an Accredited Program

Begin by obtaining a high school diploma or GED, then pursue a healthcare-focused education.

For those with a nursing background, the typical route involves first earning an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), followed by a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

These programs generally take between 2 to 4 years, though accelerated options may be available.

Advance with a Master’s Degree

To progress in healthcare administration, many professionals choose to earn a Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA).

This degree typically takes 1 to 3 years to complete, depending on your enrollment status.

Alternatively, degrees in public health or interdisciplinary programs blending nursing and management can also provide a solid foundation for a career in healthcare administration.

Pursue Professional Certifications

Obtaining professional certifications can greatly enhance your qualifications.

For instance, nurses may pursue certifications such as the Nurse Executive Certification (NE-BC) or the Certified Nurse Manager and Leader (CNML).

These credentials often require prior leadership experience and passing an examination.

Gain Practical Healthcare Experience

Once your education and certifications are in hand, practical experience is key.

Roles such as nurse team leader, supervisor, or manager offer valuable opportunities to develop the skills necessary for a successful career in healthcare administration.

These positions help build the confidence and expertise needed to excel in this field.

Healthcare Administration Programs in Minnesota

Now you’re probably interested to see at least one example of healthcare administrators training in this state.

University of Minnesota – School of Public Health

This university offers the Master of Healthcare Administration degree.

If you’re interested in the Executive Master of Healthcare Administration degree, this university also has one to offer.

These 2 degrees are slightly different, especially when it comes to duration, number of credits, and who they are intended for.

The Master of Healthcare Administration degree has these characteristics:

  • In-person classes
  • For students with limited or no healthcare management experience
  • 60 credits to earn
  • Duration of 21 months
  • It’s a full-time program for residents
  • Integrated health sciences
  • Accreditation

The Executive Master of Healthcare Administration degree has these characteristics:

  • 42 credits to earn
  • Asynchronous online classes
  • Duration of less than 2 years
  • Ideal for those with a minimum of three years of management or clinical experience
  • Comprehensive curriculum

The curriculum focuses on in-depth knowledge of:

  • Healthcare systems,
  • Financing,
  • Population health management,
  • Business acumen,
  • Problem-solving,
  • Leadership development.

The tuition is based on the number of credits a program has.

The credits cost:

  • $1,156 for residents and $1,520 for non-residents, for the full-time Master of Healthcare Administration
  • $1,632 for both residents and non-residents, for the Executive MHA
School Name Address
University of Minnesota 420 Delaware St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455

Salary Outlook for Healthcare Administrators in Minnesota

Wondering about the earning potential for healthcare administrators in Minnesota?

On average, individuals in this profession earn approximately $106,927 per year.

The table below shows how salaries vary across different cities.

Annual Salary Range:
$94K
$10K
$12K
10%
50%
90%
Annual Salary by Location:
Location Avg. Annual Salary
Minnetonka $110,899
Minneapolis $110,899
Osseo $110,794
Navarre $110,690
Long Lake $110,586
Newport $110,481
Crystal Bay $110,481
Dayton $110,377
Victoria $110,272
Lakeville $110,167

Regional Salary in Minnesota

Region Employed Avg. Annual Salary Avg. Hourly Pay Top 10% Annual Salary Bottom 10% Annual Salary
Duluth, MN-WI460$105,750$50.84$134,190$65,240
Mankato-North Mankato, MN190$117,020$56.26$168,320$72,410
Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI6,270$137,370$66.04$198,000$77,720
Rochester, MN1,280$136,650$65.7$209,540$98,290
St. Cloud, MN340$118,860$57.15$173,260$75,840
* Salary information based on the May 2023 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Medical and Health Services Managers, OCC Code 11-9111, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I get hired faster as a healthcare administrator in Minnesota?

By following the next few tips, you’ll increase your chances of getting chosen for this position:

  • 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

At what age can I become a healthcare administrator in Minnesota?

There’s no specific age at which individuals can embark on the journey of becoming healthcare admins in Minnesota.

Do healthcare admins in Minnesota earn well?

The income of a healthcare administrator in Minnesota is almost equal to how much these professionals earn in other states.

USA Healthcare Administrator by State


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