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The healthcare sector is growing rapidly.
As such, it presents a broad spectrum of exciting career opportunities for those seeking new professional directions.
For those who thrive in roles behind the scenes rather than in direct patient care, healthcare administration offers an ideal career path.
Healthcare administrators are crucial to ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of medical facilities.
Curious to learn more? Keep reading for further insights!
Article Table of Contents
Healthcare Administrator Roles in Montana
Healthcare administrators play a vital role in ensuring the smooth day-to-day operations of medical facilities.
They focus on identifying areas for improvement and implementing strategies to enhance overall performance.
Key responsibilities include:
- Streamlining workflow efficiency
- Managing financial planning and budgets
- Ensuring the accuracy of medical records
- Overseeing personnel and staffing needs
- Optimizing operational processes
- Managing financial performance
- Coordinating staff schedules
- Handling recruitment and compensation plans
- Supporting healthcare providers
- Ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations
As the healthcare landscape evolves, the role of healthcare administrators will adapt, offering new challenges and opportunities.
What Makes a Successful Healthcare Administrator?
Nurses who want a career change can consider administrative roles.
They often excel in such positions due to their experience with patient care, and comprehensive knowledge of staffing, inventory management, and medical logistics.
Highly successful healthcare administrators typically have:
- Strong attention to detail
- The ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously
- Proficiency with technology and healthcare software
- Excellent communication and leadership skills
- Quick decision-making and problem-solving abilities
Some individuals come from other industries where they have worked in the administrative sector.
They must develop a robust understanding of healthcare operations is crucial for success in this evolving field.
Steps to Becoming a Healthcare Administrator in Montana
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, then pursue an education focused on healthcare.
For individuals with a nursing background, the common path involves obtaining an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) followed by a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
These programs typically take 2 to 4 years to complete, with some institutions offering accelerated options to expedite your education.
Advance with a Master’s Degree
To advance in healthcare administration, many professionals opt to earn a Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA).
This degree usually takes 1 to 3 years to complete, depending on whether you attend full-time or part-time.
Alternatively, degrees in public health or interdisciplinary programs that combine nursing and management also offer a strong foundation for a career in healthcare administration.
Pursue Professional Certifications
Securing professional certifications can significantly boost your qualifications.
For example, nurses might pursue certifications like the Nurse Executive Certification (NE-BC) or the Certified Nurse Manager and Leader (CNML).
These credentials generally require prior leadership experience and passing a certification exam.
Gain Practical Healthcare Experience
After completing your education and certifications, gaining practical experience is crucial.
Roles such as nurse team leader, supervisor, or manager provide valuable opportunities to develop the skills required for a successful career in healthcare administration.
These positions help you build the confidence and expertise essential for excelling in this field.
Healthcare Administration Programs in Montana
Now you’re probably interested to see at least one example of healthcare administrators training in this state.
Montana State University Billings 
The Montana State University in Billings offers a Bachelor of Science in Health Administration.
This bachelor’s degree is offered completely online.
Students will have to earn the following credits:
- 32 credits in academic foundations classes
- 15 credits of supporting business classes
- 39 credits in Health Administration core classes
- 13 credits of required other courses
- 1 track concentration of the student’s choosing – 15 credits
- Business or long-term care
- Public health
The program includes an internship for senior students.
University of Providence 
This university created healthcare administration programs for everyone, regardless of the type of diploma they want.
For instance, you can earn these diplomas:
- Associate’s in Healthcare Administration
- Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration
- Master’s in Healthcare Administration
- 2 healthcare administration certificate programs:
- Health Justice Certificate
- Community Health Investment Certificate
Each type of degree has a different tuition cost, and you can visit the university’s website where you can use the Net Price Calculator tool.
With this tool, you can see how much you need to pay, with more accuracy, for the diploma of choice.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Montana State University Billings | 1500 University Dr, Billings, MT 59101 |
| University of Providence | 1301 20th Street South Great Falls, Montana 59405 |
Salary Outlook for Healthcare Administrators in Montana
Curious about the earning potential for healthcare administrators in Montana?
On average, professionals in this role earn around $97,625 annually.
Check out the table below for a detailed look at how salaries differ across various cities in the state.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Eureka | $105,777 |
| Westby | $102,328 |
| Billings | $101,178 |
| Poplar | $100,969 |
| Huntley | $100,865 |
| Laurel | $100,656 |
| Acton | $100,447 |
| Shepherd | $100,133 |
| Ballantine | $100,029 |
| Molt | $99,820 |
Regional Salary in Montana
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Billings, MT | 370 | $110,420 | $53.09 | $161,000 | $71,250 |
| Great Falls, MT | 170 | $98,170 | $47.2 | $135,320 | $60,580 |
| Missoula, MT | 260 | $101,440 | $48.77 | $146,220 | $63,930 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any secrets to getting hired as a healthcare administration in Montana?
Here is a brief list of secrets that can get you hired faster:
- 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 which institutions should I apply for a healthcare administrator in Montana?
This is a list of institutions hiring healthcare admins:
- Hospitals,
- Healthcare systems,
- Insurance companies,
- Long-term care facilities,
- Managed care organizations,
- Rehabilitation agencies,
- Public health clinics,
- State agencies
Which skills are the most important for a healthcare administrator in Montana?
The following skills are very important for healthcare admins in Montana:
- Knowledge of healthcare laws and regulations
- Leadership skills
- Technological proficiency
- Problem-solving abilities
- Communication skills
- Adaptability
- Business expertise
Read the full guide: How to Become a Healthcare Administrator
Healthcare Administrator by State