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The healthcare industry continues its rapid growth, and new career paths are emerging.
One of the most fulfilling options in this area is healthcare administration, which involves functions such as:
- Personnel Management – Overseeing staff and handling human resources.
- Operational Efficiency – Improving workflows to streamline processes.
- Financial Oversight – Managing budgets and monitoring expenses.
Healthcare administrators ensure that medical facilities operate smoothly, making them indispensable to the healthcare system.
If you’re drawn to a career in healthcare administration, there’s a wealth of opportunity to explore this expanding field.
Article Table of Contents
The Role of Healthcare Administrators in Virginia
Healthcare administrators are essential for the effective management of healthcare facilities.
Their responsibilities focus on identifying inefficiencies and implementing strategies to boost productivity and performance.
Their key duties include:
- Optimizing Workflows – Enhancing processes to increase operational productivity.
- Budget Management – Overseeing financial plans and controlling expenditures.
- Accurate Record Keeping – Ensuring the proper maintenance of medical records.
- Staff Coordination – Managing team schedules and organizing responsibilities.
- Recruitment and Compensation – Handling the hiring process and making salary decisions.
- Supporting Healthcare Teams – Providing vital support to medical personnel.
- Regulatory Compliance – Ensuring that facilities meet healthcare laws and regulations.
As the healthcare landscape shifts, administrators must continuously adapt to the evolving needs of the industry.
Traits of Successful Healthcare Administrators
Healthcare administrators with a clinical background, such as nurses, often excel in administrative roles.
This is due to their hands-on experience and comprehensive understanding of healthcare operations.
Essential qualities of successful healthcare administrators include:
- Attention to Detail – Ensures accuracy in managing various tasks.
- Multitasking Abilities – Balancing multiple responsibilities efficiently.
- Technical Proficiency – Mastering healthcare technologies and software.
- Leadership and Communication – Leading teams and effectively conveying information.
- Problem-Solving Skills – Tackling challenges and making informed decisions.
For those from non-clinical backgrounds, gaining a thorough understanding of healthcare systems is critical to excelling in this fast-paced field.
Steps to Becoming a Healthcare Administrator in Virginia
To start a career in healthcare administration, follow the next steps!
Earn the Right Degree
Begin with a high school diploma or GED, and then pursue a degree in healthcare administration or nursing.
Many start with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and advance to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), typically taking 2 to 4 years.
Pursue a Master’s Degree
To elevate your career, consider obtaining a Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA), which generally takes 1 to 3 years.
Public health degrees can also provide a solid foundation for leadership roles.
Get Professional Certifications
Certifications can boost your qualifications.
Nurses may pursue credentials such as the Nurse Executive Certification (NE-BC) or Certified Nurse Manager and Leader (CNML) to transition into administrative positions.
Gain Practical Experience
After completing your education, it’s essential to gain hands-on experience.
Roles like team leader, supervisor, or nurse manager help develop the skills necessary for a successful healthcare administration career.
Healthcare Administration Programs in Virginia
Now that you have all the info you need, let’s check out the programs available in Virginia.
Radford University 
All major classes are offered 100% online.
You can complete the program as a hybrid program such as on-campus and online.
You will have opportunities to learn in the company of:
- CEOs,
- COOs,
- Subject matter experts,
- Financial analysts,
- Human resources administrators,
- More national experts in the field of healthcare administration.
During your classes, you will have opportunities to interact and learn beside a broad range of healthcare providers so you’ll be prepared to collaborate across clinical and nonclinical specialties from the start of your career.
The B.S. in Healthcare Administration program is a member of the Association of University Programs in Health Administration.
To apply for admission, ensure you fulfill all the prerequisites.
This includes completing a set of core high school or college courses for incoming undergraduates.
Recent high school graduates (within the last three years) should submit SAT or ACT scores (SAT Code 5099, ACT Code 4367).
For additional general undergraduate requirements, refer to the Undergraduate Admissions page.
Submit your application through the Radford University Carilion online portal.
Send official transcripts from all educational institutions you have attended to the admissions office.
A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 is required, with a preferred minimum GPA of 2.8.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Radford University | 801 East Main Street, Radford, Virginia 24142 |
Salary Expectations for Healthcare Administrators in Virginia
Perhaps you got curious about the earning potential for healthcare administrators in Virginia?
The average annual salary for professionals in this field is approximately $104,837.
The table below has more data to show, from various cities in this state.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Arlington | $116,334 |
| Alexandria | $116,334 |
| Mount Vernon | $116,230 |
| Dulles | $116,125 |
| Chantilly | $116,021 |
| Woodbridge | $115,916 |
| Winchester | $115,812 |
| Fredericksburg | $115,812 |
| Sterling | $115,080 |
| Dogue | $112,153 |
Regional Salary in Virginia
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA | 190 | $100,380 | $48.26 | $137,700 | $47,770 |
| Charlottesville, VA | 350 | $135,460 | $65.13 | $216,960 | $72,160 |
| Harrisonburg, VA | 110 | $128,610 | $61.83 | $215,820 | $75,260 |
| Lynchburg, VA | 300 | $130,370 | $62.68 | $222,020 | $74,130 |
| Richmond, VA | 1,620 | $137,590 | $66.15 | $207,540 | $76,260 |
| Roanoke, VA | 490 | $127,100 | $61.11 | $189,220 | $77,300 |
| Staunton-Waynesboro, VA | 130 | $128,930 | $61.99 | $179,730 | $67,340 |
| Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC | 2,010 | $133,070 | $63.98 | $# | $74,810 |
| Winchester, VA-WV | 260 | $135,900 | $65.34 | $177,950 | $76,020 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an age limit for me to become a healthcare administrator in Virginia?
There’s no age limit to becoming a healthcare administrator in Virginia, or elsewhere.
You can be of any age when you decide to walk down this path, but be prepared for the hard work during your studies.
What degree is best for a healthcare administrator in Virginia?
Most candidates for the healthcare admin position don’t need a specific degree.
Many choose to graduate with a master’s because it opens more career doors.
Which abilities are important for a healthcare administrator in Virginia?
Healthcare admins in Virginia must have abilities such as:
- 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