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The healthcare industry is steadily expanding, creating a wealth of exciting career opportunities for those interested.
The healthcare administration field is ideal for individuals who prefer working behind the scenes rather than directly with patients.
Healthcare administrators play a crucial role in ensuring that medical facilities run smoothly.
Want to learn more?
Read my article to learn more!
Article Table of Contents
Healthcare Administrator Roles in Oklahoma
Healthcare administrators are vital to the smooth operation of medical facilities.
They focus on identifying areas for improvement and implementing strategies to enhance overall performance.
Key responsibilities include:
- Boosting workflow efficiency
- Managing financial budgets and planning
- Overseeing personnel management
- Streamlining facility operations
- Monitoring financial performance
- Ensuring accuracy in medical records
- Coordinating staff assignments and schedules
- Managing hiring and compensation
- Supporting healthcare providers
- Ensuring compliance with regulations
As healthcare evolves, the role of administrators continues to expand, presenting new challenges and opportunities.
Who Makes an Effective Healthcare Administrator?
Nurses transitioning into administrative roles often excel thanks to their clinical experience and deep understanding of healthcare logistics, staffing, and resource management.
Effective healthcare administrators generally possess:
- Strong attention to detail
- Decision-making abilities
- Multitasking skills
- Excellent communication
- Proficiency with healthcare software and technology
- Leadership capabilities
- Quick problem-solving skills
For those coming from other administrative fields, gaining a thorough understanding of healthcare operations is essential to succeed in this dynamic environment.
Steps to Becoming a Healthcare Administrator in Oklahoma
Thinking about a career in healthcare administration?
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you 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 nursing professionals, this journey usually begins with an Associate Degree in Nursing, followed by a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
These programs typically take 2 to 4 years to complete, though accelerated options are available for those seeking a faster track.
Pursue a Master’s Degree
To advance in healthcare administration, many professionals opt for a Master of Healthcare Administration.
This degree typically takes 1 to 3 years to complete, depending on whether you study part-time or full-time.
Alternatively, degrees in public health or interdisciplinary programs that combine nursing and management also offer a strong foundation for leadership roles in healthcare.
Obtain Professional Certifications
Obtaining professional certifications can significantly enhance your career prospects.
Nurses can pursue credentials such as:
- Nurse Executive Certification
- Certified Nurse Manager and Leader
These certifications typically require leadership experience and passing an exam.
Gain Practical Experience
After earning your degrees and certifications, gaining practical experience is crucial.
Roles such as nurse team leader, supervisor, or manager offer valuable opportunities to develop the essential skills needed for a successful career in healthcare administration.
Healthcare Administration Programs in Oklahoma
To find a school offering a program for healthcare administrators, you can look for institutions that provide degrees or certifications in healthcare administration, public health, or related fields.
Oklahoma State University 
At OSU, candidates have 4 programs to apply to:
- Masters of Health Care Administration Program
- Masters of Global Health Program
- Doctorate of Healthcare Administration
- Graduate Certificates
Master’s in Health Care Administration
This program can be attended either online or in person and is the one you should be interested in the most.
The other programs are good for those who want more from their degrees, such as more job opportunities.
Here are some of the topics you’ll attend:
- Survey of Health Care Administration
- Leadership Methods and Styles in Health Care
- Research and Evaluation Methods in Health Care
- Legal Issues in Health Care
To be accepted into this degree you must have a GPA of 3.0 earned in the last 60 hours of undergraduate work.
Hudson College of Public Health 
This public college has the only Master of Health Administration (MHA) program with accreditation from CAHME, in Oklahoma.
You can also apply to a few other programs at this college:
- The accredited MPH in Health Administration and Policy
- The dual degree MHA/JD – with the College of Law
- The Dual Degree MPH/JD – with the College of Law
- Healthcare administration certificate
One of the best parts of studying here is that you can use the labs for research work that can turn into an innovation!
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Oklahoma State University | 1111 W. 17 Street Tulsa Campus Tulsa, OK 74107 |
| Hudson College of Public Health | Health Sciences Center 801 N.E. 13th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73104 |
Salary Outlook for Healthcare Administrators in Oklahoma
Curious about the income of healthcare administrators in Oklahoma?
On average, professionals in this role earn about $96,684 annually.
To explore how salaries differ across various regions within the state, be sure to check out the table below.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Hendrix | $102,328 |
| Bennington | $102,328 |
| Tulsa | $98,879 |
| Jenks | $98,774 |
| Owasso | $98,670 |
| Broken Arrow | $98,565 |
| Bixby | $98,461 |
| Mannford | $98,356 |
| Vera | $98,147 |
| Claremore | $98,043 |
Regional Salary in Oklahoma
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Enid, OK | 80 | $114,610 | $55.1 | $132,370 | $58,950 |
| Lawton, OK | 170 | $107,460 | $51.67 | $150,450 | $73,940 |
| Oklahoma City, OK | 2,770 | $110,410 | $53.08 | $160,930 | $64,650 |
| Tulsa, OK | 1,420 | $124,730 | $59.97 | $169,890 | $62,170 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an age limit to become a healthcare administrator in Oklahoma?
No, there’s no age limit to get hired as a healthcare admin in this state.
You may find a position while studying though.
How much do healthcare administrators in Oklahoma earn?
As the salary table above shows that in this state, salaries are lower when comparing them to those in other states.
However, depending on the region you live in, you could earn over $100,000 per year.
Are there any secrets to getting hired faster as a healthcare administration in Oklahoma?
Of course there are some tips to get you hired faster and here are some of them:
- 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
Read the full guide: How to Become a Healthcare Administrator
Healthcare Administrator by State