6 Career Paths with a Bachelor's in Healthcare Administration
Table of Content
A bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration opens the door to a wide range of career opportunities in the fast-growing healthcare industry. Whether you’re interested in hospital management, medical billing, or health policy, this degree equips you with the leadership and organizational skills needed to succeed in healthcare administration jobs.
But what jobs can you get with a healthcare administration degree? What about an associate degree in healthcare administration—is it enough?
This guide covers:
✔ Top career paths with a healthcare administration degree
✔ Job opportunities for associate and bachelor's degree holders
✔ Online degree options and job outlook for healthcare administration
Why Choose a Career in Healthcare Administration?
Healthcare is one of the largest and fastest-growing industries in the U.S., and healthcare administrators play a crucial role in keeping medical facilities running smoothly.
✔ High Demand – The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 28% job growth for medical and health services managers from 2021-2031.
✔ Diverse Opportunities – Jobs range from hospital management to healthcare finance.
✔ Competitive Salaries – Many positions offer above-average salaries and career advancement.
💡 Pro Tip: If you’re looking for a stable and rewarding career, earning a healthcare administration degree is a smart investment.
6 Career Paths with a Bachelor's in Healthcare Administration
A bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration qualifies you for a variety of management and administrative roles in hospitals, clinics, insurance companies, and government agencies.
1️⃣ Healthcare Administrator (Hospital or Clinic Manager)
✔ Oversee daily operations in hospitals, clinics, and outpatient facilities.
✔ Manage budgets, policies, and compliance with healthcare regulations.
✔ Average salary: $101,340 per year (BLS, 2023).
💡 Best for: Those who enjoy leadership, problem-solving, and managing large teams.
2️⃣ Health Information Manager
✔ Maintain and secure patient records and electronic health systems.
✔ Ensure compliance with HIPAA and federal privacy laws.
✔ Average salary: $84,240 per year.
💡 Best for: Those with strong attention to detail and technology skills.
3️⃣ Medical Billing and Coding Manager
✔ Oversee insurance claims, medical billing procedures, and reimbursements.
✔ Work in hospitals, private practices, and insurance companies.
✔ Average salary: $55,000–$80,000 per year.
💡 Best for: Those interested in finance, coding, and insurance processing.
4️⃣ Healthcare Human Resources Manager
✔ Handle recruitment, employee training, and benefits management.
✔ Ensure compliance with labor laws and healthcare policies.
✔ Average salary: $85,000–$100,000 per year.
💡 Best for: Those with strong communication and organizational skills.
5️⃣ Pharmaceutical Project Manager
✔ Work with biotech and pharmaceutical companies to develop new medications.
✔ Manage research projects, budgets, and regulatory approvals.
✔ Average salary: $120,000+ per year.
💡 Best for: Those interested in business, science, and drug development.
6️⃣ Health Policy Analyst
✔ Research and analyze healthcare policies, laws, and regulations.
✔ Work for government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and research institutes.
✔ Average salary: $70,000–$90,000 per year.
💡 Best for: Those who enjoy public policy, research, and legislative work.
What About an Associate Degree in Healthcare Administration?
An associate degree in healthcare administration can qualify you for entry-level positions, but it may limit career advancement compared to a bachelor’s degree.
Jobs with an Associate Degree in Healthcare Administration
✔ Medical Office Assistant – $35,000–$45,000 per year
✔ Patient Services Coordinator – $40,000–$50,000 per year
✔ Health Information Technician – $45,000–$60,000 per year
💡 Best Option: If you start with an associate degree, consider earning a bachelor’s in healthcare administration online for better career prospects.
Can You Work in Healthcare Administration with an Online Degree?
Yes! Many healthcare administration programs are available 100% online, making it easier for working professionals to earn a degree.
Top Accredited Online Healthcare Administration Programs:
✔ University of Phoenix – Affordable and flexible
✔ Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) – Fast-track online programs
✔ Purdue Global – Strong reputation in healthcare management
💡 Pro Tip: Choose a program accredited by CAHME (Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education) to ensure job credibility.
With a healthcare administration degree, you can work as a hospital administrator, health information manager, medical billing manager, or healthcare HR specialist.
An associate degree can qualify you for entry-level jobs like medical office assistant or patient services coordinator. However, a bachelor's degree opens more career opportunities.
Most programs require a high school diploma or equivalent, completion of general education courses, and some may require healthcare-related experience.
Yes! Many accredited universities offer online healthcare administration degrees that are recognized by employers.
The job outlook is excellent, with 28% growth projected from 2021-2031, much faster than average for all occupations.
Final Thoughts
✔ A bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration offers diverse career paths with strong job demand.
✔ An associate degree can be a good starting point but may limit career growth.
✔ Online healthcare administration programs are widely accepted and offer flexibility.
