Career Definition for Medical Facility Administrators
Much like an office manager, a medical facility administrator is responsible for all day-to-day operations of medical practice. Managing staff, setting schedules, implementing organizational systems and overseeing facility finances are just a few of the skills involved in a medical facility administration career at a hospital, physician's office or long-term care facility. Larger facilities often require generalist medical facility administrators to oversee a team of administrators for different specialty areas, while smaller offices and clinics may employ only one medical facility administrator to carry out all operations.
| Education | Bachelor's degree or master's degree depending on level of employment |
| Job Skills | Multitasking, communication skills, delegating responsibilities, leadership, management ability |
| Median Salary (2021)* | $101,340 (medical and health services managers) |
| Career Outlook (2021-2031)* | 28% (medical and health services managers) |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Required Education
Some entry-level positions require only a bachelor's degree in health services administration or a related field, but career-focused medical facility administrators should devote the additional two to three years to earning a master's degree in health services administration from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME). Such programs train students in health policy, ethics, financial analysis and information systems management, among other topics, preparing them for a certification exam administered by the Professional Association of Health Care Office Management (PAHCOM). Passing the exam will earn medical facility administrators the professional designation of Certified Medical Manager (CMM).
Skills Required
Along with the comprehensive healthcare management knowledge imparted through an accredited degree program, medical facility administrators should possess excellent organizational and leadership skills. Financial and information systems should be second nature, and communicating with and motivating others should come naturally. Successful medical facility administrators must also be capable multi-taskers, with the ability to be flexible and diplomatic in delegating responsibility.
Career Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) forecasts 28% job growth for medical and health services managers, including medical facility administrators, from 2021-2031, a rate of growth much faster than the average for all occupations. As of May 2021, the median annual salary for these professionals was $101,340.
Alternate Career Options
Individuals with leadership and interpersonal skills may consider the following similar careers:
Social and Community Service Manager
With a bachelor's degree in urban studies, social work or public administration, in addition to some related work experience, these managers supervise programs and staff for public social service offerings. Much faster than average employment growth of 12% from 2021-2031was projected by the BLS. In 2021, a median annual wage of $74,000 was reported by the BLS for social and community service managers.
Human Resources Manager
As fast as the average job growth of 7% was anticipated by the BLS during the 2021-2031 decade for these professionals. Human resources managers plan and direct the hiring of new staff members, make plans in conjunction with top executives and serve as a liaison between the employees and the management of an organization. They normally have a bachelor's degree in business administration or human resources. This job paid an annual median salary of $126,230 in 2021, per the BLS.
