How to Be Health Services Administrator - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

The shortage of mental health care professionals has led to an increase in the demand for health services administrators. As a result, this has created an opportunity for those with a passion for helping others, to pursue a career in the field. Health services administrators are responsible for the oversight of entire health care organizations, from budgets and personnel to patient care and programming.

They must also ensure that their staff is trained in the most current best practices and patient care standards, while also managing the financial aspects of the organization. In addition to the direct management of health care organizations, health services administrators must also be well-versed in the laws and regulations that govern them, and have the ability to identify and address any issues that may arise.

Steps How to Become

1. Obtain a bachelor's degree. Most health services administrators have a bachelor's degree in health administration, health management, business administration, public health, or a related field.
2. Consider earning a master's degree. Many employers prefer to hire health services administrators with a master's degree. Common degrees include a Master of Health Administration (MHA), Master of Public Health (MPH), or a Master of Business Administration (MBA).
3. Get work experience. Many employers prefer to hire administrators who have prior experience in the healthcare industry or in a related field. Ideally, you should look for positions related to healthcare administration, such as a health information manager or a medical office manager.
4. Get certified. Several professional organizations offer certifications for healthcare administrators. The American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) offers the Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE) certification. The Professional Association of Health Care Office Management (PAHCOM) offers the Certified Medical Manager (CMM) certification.
5. Obtain a state license. Depending on your state, you may need to obtain a license to practice as a health services administrator. Licensing requirements vary by state, so be sure to check with your state's licensing board for more information.
6. Stay up-to-date on industry trends and regulations. Healthcare is an ever-changing field, so it's important to stay abreast of the latest trends and regulations that may affect the industry. Consider subscribing to industry-related publications and attending conferences or seminars to stay current on changes in the field.

Good healthcare services administration requires staying up to date and efficient. To do so, administrators must stay informed of the latest healthcare industry trends, changes in regulations and technology, and advances in treatment methods. they must be able to effectively manage staff, resources, and budgets, as well as ensure compliance with all applicable rules and regulations.

By staying informed and implementing efficient methods to manage operations, healthcare administrators can guarantee a high level of quality care for their patients. they can ultimately save time and money for their organization, as well as help create a better overall healthcare experience for patients.

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Job Description

1. Manage the day-to-day operations of the health services department including budgeting, staffing, and scheduling.
2. Ensure that all staff members comply with legal and professional standards, maintain patient confidentiality, and adhere to the organization’s policies and procedures.
3. Develop and implement health service policies, procedures, and quality improvement initiatives.
4. Evaluate staff performance and provide guidance and leadership to ensure the effective operation of the department.
5. Monitor patient care activities and ensure that quality standards are met.
6. Collaborate with other departments and outside agencies to meet the needs of patients.
7. Act as a liaison between the health services department, patients, and their families.
8. Oversee the development of patient education materials and ensure the accuracy of health information.
9. Develop and manage the health services department budget and track expenditures.
10. Analyze data to identify trends in health service utilization and patient outcomes.

Skills and Competencies to Have

1. Knowledge of healthcare systems and regulations
2. Knowledge of finance, budgeting, and accounting
3. Excellent organizational and management skills
4. Ability to develop and implement strategic plans
5. Knowledge of medical technology and equipment
6. Excellent analytical, problem solving, and decision-making skills
7. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
8. Ability to negotiate and build relationships with stakeholders
9. Ability to effectively lead and motivate a team
10. Ability to remain calm in times of stress

Good health services administration requires a variety of skills to be successful. One of the most important skills for a health services administrator is the ability to effectively communicate. This involves the ability to clearly and accurately convey information, both verbally and in writing, to individuals and groups.

This ability is essential to ensure that all stakeholders involved understand their roles and responsibilities to ensure the delivery of effective healthcare services. an understanding of the legal, ethical and regulatory issues related to health services administration is also essential. This understanding helps ensure that all involved parties comply with applicable laws, regulations and policies.

Finally, an ability to think strategically and make decisions in a timely fashion is also essential for a successful health services administrator. By combining these skills, a health services administrator can ensure the most effective use of resources and the delivery of quality services to those in need.

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Frequent Interview Questions

• What experience do you have in the field of health services administration?
• What challenges have you faced while managing a healthcare organization?
• How do you ensure the quality of patient care in your organization?
• How do you stay abreast of advances in healthcare technology and trends?
• How do you prioritize tasks to ensure efficiency and accuracy?
• What strategies have you used to reduce costs while maintaining quality care?
• How do you build relationships with medical staff, patients, and other stakeholders?
• How do you handle complaints from patients or medical staff members?
• What strategies do you use to improve patient satisfaction ratings?
• What challenges do you anticipate in the role of a health services administrator?

Common Tools in Industry

1. Electronic Health Records (EHR) System. A computerized system used to store patient data and medical records. (e. g. Epic EHR System)
2. Practice Management Software. Software designed to help manage the administrative and operational aspects of a healthcare practice. (e. g. Athenahealth)
3. Data Analytics Software. Software used to analyze and interpret large amounts of data. (e. g. Tableau)
4. Human Resources Management Software. Software designed to automate HR processes such as recruitment, onboarding, and payroll. (e. g. BambooHR)
5. Financial Management Software. Software used to manage billing and financial operations for healthcare organizations. (e. g. MedEvolve)
6. Scheduling Software. Software used to manage patient appointments and staff schedules. (e. g. Athena Scheduler)
7. Telemedicine Platform. A secure online platform used to facilitate virtual visits between patients and providers. (e. g. Doxy. me)

Professional Organizations to Know

1. American College of Healthcare Executives
2. Medical Group Management Association
3. American Organization of Nurse Executives
4. National Association of Long Term Care Administrator Boards
5. National Association of Health Service Executives
6. Association of Health Care Auditors and Educators
7. American Medical Informatics Association
8. American Health Information Management Association
9. National Institute for Healthcare Management
10. Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society

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Common Important Terms

1. Healthcare Administration. The management of healthcare services, systems and organizations.
2. Quality Improvement. The practice of using data and analysis to identify areas for improvement within a healthcare system or organization.
3. Regulatory Compliance. The process of ensuring that a healthcare system or organization meets all applicable laws, regulations and standards.
4. Risk Management. The process of identifying, assessing, and taking steps to mitigate potential risks to a healthcare system or organization.
5. Financial Management. The practice of managing a healthcare system or organization's financial resources, including budgeting, forecasting, and cost control.
6. Human Resources Management. The practice of managing the human capital within a healthcare system or organization, including recruiting, hiring, and developing staff.
7. Data Analysis. The practice of collecting and analyzing data in order to identify trends and patterns that can be used to inform decision-making.
8. Strategic Planning. The practice of developing and implementing a long-term plan that outlines the goals, objectives, and strategies of a healthcare system or organization.

Frequently Asked Questions

What duties does a Health Services Administrator typically perform?

A Health Services Administrator typically performs duties such as managing daily operations, developing and implementing policies, budgeting and financial management, staffing, patient care services, and ensuring compliance with regulations.

How many years of experience are generally needed to become a Health Services Administrator?

Generally, a Health Services Administrator needs at least five years of experience in healthcare administration or related field.

What educational qualifications are required to become a Health Services Administrator?

Most Health Services Administrators need to have a bachelor's degree in health services administration, public health, business administration, or a related field.

What type of certification is required to become a Health Services Administrator?

Many Health Services Administrators require certification through the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE).

What is the average salary of a Health Services Administrator?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for Health Services Administrators was $100,980 in May 2019.

What are jobs related with Health Services Administrator?

• Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner
• Public Health Physician
• Health Care Aide
• Health Services Manager
• Health Educator
• School Health Nurse
• Mental Health Technician
• Health Care Manager
• Health Insurance Specialist
• Clinical Nurse Specialist

Web Resources

• What is Health Services Administration? - Florida National University www.fnu.edu
• Health Services Administration (MS) | College of Health and … hps.unt.edu
• Health Services Administration Degree | University of Central Florida www.ucf.edu