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As the healthcare sector continues to grow, it opens up a variety of exciting career possibilities for those eager to explore different paths.
If you’re someone who prefers working behind the scenes instead of providing direct patient care, healthcare administration presents a broad spectrum of rewarding career choices.
Administrators are essential in keeping healthcare facilities operating efficiently.
Interested in learning more?
Keep reading for additional details and valuable insights!
Article Table of Contents
Healthcare Administrator Roles in New Mexico
The smooth operation of medical facilities heavily relies on the effectiveness of healthcare administrators.
Their core duties encompass:
- Improving workflow efficiency
- Overseeing financial planning and budgeting
- Ensuring accuracy in medical records
- Identifying opportunities for improvement
- Coordinating staff schedules and assignments
- Managing recruitment and compensation
- Supervising personnel
- Streamlining operations
- Monitoring financial performance
- Supporting healthcare providers
- Enhancing overall performance
- Ensuring compliance with regulatory standards
As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, administrators will face new challenges and opportunities, further shaping their role.
Who Makes an Effective Healthcare Administrator?
Some of the most successful healthcare administrators come from clinical backgrounds, such as nurses.
Their hands-on experience provides them with valuable insights into healthcare logistics, staffing, and resource management.
Effective healthcare administrators often have the following skills:
- Sharp attention to detail
- Ability to multitask efficiently
- Proficiency with technology and healthcare software
- Strong communication abilities
- Leadership and team management skills
- Quick decision-making
- Problem-solving expertise
For individuals transitioning from other administrative fields, gaining a thorough understanding of healthcare operations is essential to excel in this ever-changing environment.
Steps to Becoming a Healthcare Administrator in New Mexico
If you’re considering a career in healthcare administration, here’s a step-by-step guide to get started:
Earn a Degree from an Accredited Program
Start by earning a high school diploma or GED, then pursue specialized education in healthcare.
For nurses, the typical path begins with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), followed by a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
These programs typically take between 2 to 4 years to complete, though some accelerated options are available for quicker progression.
Pursue a Master’s Degree
To advance in healthcare administration, many professionals opt for a Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA).
This degree usually takes 1 to 3 years to complete, depending on whether you study full-time or part-time.
Alternatively, degrees in public health or interdisciplinary programs that combine nursing and management offer a solid foundation for leadership positions in the healthcare sector.
Obtain Professional Certifications
Earning professional certifications can greatly boost your career prospects in healthcare administration.
For nurses, some valuable certifications include:
- Nurse Executive Certification (NE-BC)
- Certified Nurse Manager and Leader (CNML)
These credentials typically require prior leadership experience and passing a certification exam.
Gain Practical Healthcare Experience
After completing your education and earning certifications, gaining hands-on experience is crucial.
Roles like nurse team leader, supervisor, or manager provide excellent opportunities to hone the skills essential for a successful career in healthcare administration, allowing you to build the confidence needed to excel in the field.
Healthcare Administration Programs in New Mexico
As mentioned, you’ll need some training and a degree for this job.
Let’s see where can you obtain a degree in New Mexico!
The University of New Mexico 
The School of Public Administration of this university offers a Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) program created with some unmet needs of the graduates.
These needs are related to the healthcare industry:
- Cost,
- Quality,
- Access
The classes of this program are offered during the evenings of weekdays, on Saturdays, in-class, or over Zoom.
Students who can attend full-time can graduate in as little as 2 years.
The program has 48 credit hours and a class has around 20 students.
Pima Medical Institute 
Pima Medical Institute offers 1 online program for those with limited time to attend in-person classes.
This program is an Associate Degree and its duration is 20 months.
Up to 28 credits from a past degree in the medical field can be transferred over.
Those who want higher degrees can enroll in these online programs:
- Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration
- Master of Science in Organizational Leadership
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| The University of New Mexico | Social Sciences Building (#78), 3rd Fl 1915 Roma Avenue, NE Albuquerque, NM 87131 |
| Pima Medical Institute | 4400 Cutler Ave NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110 |
Salary Outlook for Healthcare Administrators in New Mexico
It’s normal to be curious about the salary range for healthcare administrators in New Mexico.
Professionals in this role earn around $96,370 per year, on average, at the state level.
For a breakdown of how salaries differ across various regions within the state, check out the table below.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Des Moines | $100,133 |
| Santa Fe | $98,774 |
| Glorieta | $98,356 |
| Albuquerque | $98,252 |
| Lamy | $98,147 |
| Tererro | $98,043 |
| Rio Rancho | $97,938 |
| Navajo | $97,834 |
| Santa Cruz | $97,729 |
| Cedar Crest | $97,625 |
Regional Salary in New Mexico
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albuquerque, NM | 1,310 | $138,480 | $66.58 | $223,980 | $72,800 |
| Farmington, NM | 130 | $126,240 | $60.69 | $180,210 | $75,920 |
| Las Cruces, NM | 200 | $107,040 | $51.46 | $157,720 | $62,310 |
| Santa Fe, NM | 260 | $119,800 | $57.6 | $180,940 | $77,460 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a job faster as a healthcare administrator in New Mexico?
Here’s how to improve your chances of getting hired quickly:
- Network with healthcare professionals
- Attend industry events and conferences
- Emphasize your leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills
- Gain practical experience through internships or entry-level positions
- Develop a strong understanding of healthcare regulations, policies, and best practices
- Highlight your education, certifications, and any specialized skills or expertise you have
What degree is best for a healthcare administrator in New Mexico?
Among the four types of degrees available, a master’s degree is often the most advantageous to pursue for healthcare administration.
That said, it is not a strict requirement for entering this field.
What kinds of positions will I be qualified for with my training as a healthcare administrator in New Mexico?
Training as a healthcare administrator will open the doors to positions such as:
- Front desk supervisor
- Scheduling Coordinator
- Medical office specialist
- Patient representative
- Medical records clerk
- Office supervisor
- Insurance Coordinator
- Relations coordinator
Read the full guide: How to Become a Healthcare Administrator
Healthcare Administrator by State