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The growth of the healthcare sector presents a wealth of exciting career opportunities for those looking to explore new professional avenues.
For those who favor a behind-the-scenes role rather than direct patient care, healthcare administration offers the ideal job.
In many medical facilities healthcare administrators play an important role in the seamless operation of said facility.
Interested in learning more?
Continue reading to discover further details and insights!
Article Table of Contents
Healthcare Administrator Roles in Missouri
Healthcare administrators are responsible for spotting areas that need improvement and crafting strategies to enhance overall performance.
They have duties such:
- Enhancing Workflow Efficiency
- Managing Financial Planning and Budgeting
- Ensuring Precision in Medical Records
- Organizing Staff Schedules and Assignments
- Managing Staff
- Streamlining Operational Processes
- Supervising Financial Performance
- Overseeing Recruitment and Compensation
- Supporting Healthcare Providers
- Upholding Compliance with Regulatory Standards
Since the healthcare sector continues to expand, the role of healthcare administrators will also evolve, presenting new challenges and opportunities.
What Defines a Successful Healthcare Administrator?
A successful healthcare administrator is someone who is familiar with the healthcare system and ensures all their daily tasks are completed.
As such, nurses make very good candidates for administrative positions in a medical facility.
This is thanks to their deep understanding of staffing, resource management, and healthcare logistics.
Effective healthcare administrators typically exhibit the following:
- Strong Attention to Detail
- Ability to Juggle Multiple Responsibilities
- Proficiency with Technology and Healthcare Software
- Outstanding Communication and Leadership Skills
- Fast Decision-Making and Problem-Solving Capabilities
Persons coming from a different industry but from an administrative position will have to become familiar with the healthcare field, terminology, and other aspects.
Steps to Becoming a Healthcare Administrator in Missouri
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
Start by earning a high school diploma or GED, followed by a specialized education in healthcare.
For those with a nursing background, the standard path includes completing an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), and then progressing to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
These programs usually take 2 to 4 years, with some accelerated options available.
Continue with a Master’s Degree
To advance in healthcare administration, many professionals pursue a Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA).
Depending on whether you study full- or part-time, this degree typically takes 1 to 3 years to complete.
Alternatively, degrees in public health or interdisciplinary programs combining nursing and management also offer a strong foundation for a career in healthcare leadership.
Pursue Professional Certifications
Earning professional certifications can significantly boost your credentials and career prospects.
For example, nurses can pursue certifications like the:
- Nurse Executive Certification (NE-BC)
- Certified Nurse Manager
- Leader (CNML)
These certifications typically require prior leadership experience and passing an exam.
Gain Hands-On Healthcare Experience
After completing your education and obtaining certifications, gaining real-world experience is essential.
Positions such as nurse team leader, supervisor, or manager provide excellent opportunities to develop the skills needed for a successful career in healthcare administration.
These roles help you build the confidence and expertise necessary to thrive in the field.
Healthcare Administration Programs in Missouri
Let’s see which school offers a healthcare administration program!
Missouri State University 
If you meet the admission criteria, you can start taking graduate-level courses during your senior year.
Up to six credit hours can be applied toward both your bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
The Master of Health Administration (MHA) degree, offered through the College of Business, features a range of interdisciplinary courses from various campus colleges.
This program is tailored for individuals with at least an undergraduate degree who aim to advance their careers in managing health organizations.
This includes roles in integrated systems, hospitals, group practices, long-term care facilities, clinics, managed care organizations, and other healthcare settings.
The MHA program holds accreditation from AACSB International—The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
The program is delivered entirely online and includes 12 core courses.
To qualify for admission, applicants must fulfill the Graduate College’s admission criteria.
The program necessitates a minimum of 36 graduate credit hours, plus any required prerequisite courses.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Missouri State University | 901 S. National Ave. Springfield, MO 65897 |
Salary Outlook for Healthcare Administrators in Missouri
Curious about how much healthcare administrators earn in Missouri?
On average, professionals in this role make about $99,611 annually.
For a closer look at salary variations across different regions in Missouri, refer to the table below.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Kansas City | $102,328 |
| Saint Louis | $102,328 |
| Independence | $102,224 |
| Florissant | $102,119 |
| Fenton | $102,015 |
| Lee's Summit | $101,910 |
| Smithville | $101,806 |
| Saint Charles | $101,701 |
| Kearney | $101,597 |
| Bismarck | $101,492 |
Regional Salary in Missouri
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cape Girardeau, MO-IL | 210 | $114,350 | $54.97 | $172,350 | $58,580 |
| Columbia, MO | 430 | $119,330 | $57.37 | $170,020 | $64,060 |
| Jefferson City, MO | 190 | $107,610 | $51.73 | $181,580 | $59,500 |
| Joplin, MO | 210 | $106,740 | $51.32 | $154,210 | $60,280 |
| Kansas City, MO-KS | 3,880 | $123,340 | $59.3 | $184,750 | $65,670 |
| St. Joseph, MO-KS | 200 | $113,930 | $54.77 | $180,090 | $59,870 |
| St. Louis, MO-IL | 4,280 | $119,940 | $57.66 | $181,030 | $63,880 |
| Springfield, MO | 580 | $110,230 | $53 | $166,650 | $58,460 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do healthcare administrators in Missouri work?
Healthcare administrators will be working in these settings, but not only:
- Hospitals
- Nursing homes
- Outpatient clinics
- For the government
- Physicians’ offices
Do healthcare administrators in Missouri earn well?
While the median salary per year at the state level is lower than in many other states, there are many cities where healthcare administrators earn over $100k annually.
At what age can I become a healthcare administrator in Missouri?
You can become a healthcare administrator at any age.
Just remember that you may have to undergo some training first, and this will impact the age at which you can apply for your desired position.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Healthcare Administrator
Healthcare Administrator by State