Health Care Administration Career Information

Health Care and the U.S. Economy

Health care today accounts for 16% of the Gross Domestic product, with estimated annual per capita expenditures for 2006 of $6,870. The nation's 5,000 hospitals alone employ over 3.5 million people. As the population ages, opportunities in long term care are growing; there are over 15,000 nursing homes, 7,000 home health agencies 1,200 rehabilitation facilities and 3,500 hospice programs. Health plans, the pharmaceutical industry, medical groups and medical equipment and devices are other significant healthcare industry sectors.

Career Options

Health Care Administration graduates are involved in the business aspects of health care service delivery. Duties vary and may include planning and coordinating department activities in personnel and staffing, purchasing, public relations, fund raising, accounting, and program evaluation. They develop and implement budgets, analyze all types of data, and assure compliance with regulatory agency requirements or others work in marketing, finance, insurance, and information systems in health care and related organizations.

Typical Employers

Hospitals, health plans, insurance companies, nursing homes and other long term care facilities, home health agencies, medical and dental practices and practice management organizations, outpatient care facilities, public health organizations, medical device and equipment vendors.

Salary and Employment Outlook

Those with advanced degrees and extensive health related or specific managerial experience will do well in the growing health care market. Competition for hospital jobs is increasing. Opportunities in marketing, patient accounts management, financial management, information systems, and utilization review are slightly better.

Salary varies by experience, size, and type of institution. Consult the CSULB Career Development Center for current local and national salary information.

Jobs and Internships:

Job and paid internship announcements are posted for currently enrolled students on the BeachBoard online system; go to the "Organizations" Section and select "Health Care Administration Student Forum". This web site also contains information on scholarships and events--seminars, professional association meetings, and community trainings--for students preparing for health care administration careers. You may also stop by the Department Office in E-Tec Rm 101 to inquire about internship, job and scholarship opportunities.