What it is

Melissa, 22 Medical Transcriptionist training to be a Registered Nurse

What it's like

Cliff, 27 Medical and Health Services Manager

Healthcare administration jobs are available in hospitals, private practices, rehabilitation facilities and community clinics. Some health administration workers — like medical transcriptionists — are able to work from home as self-employed independent contractors. Most healthcare administration jobs are 40 hours a week, but it depends where one works.

To learn more about what working in health administration is like, see what Jennifer, a medical secretary, Melissa, a medical transcriptionist, and Cliff, a medical and health services manager, have to say about their jobs.

What it takes

Jennifer, 23 Medical Secretary

Healthcare administration jobs typically require strong knowledge of medical terminology, careful attention to detail, and office and computer skills. Certain jobs also call for special skills and certifications. For example, health and medical interpreters need to be proficient in English and another language and complete a certificate program.

Healthcare management jobs are senior positions that require more training and management experience. At large hospitals and medical centers, healthcare management jobs require a bachelor’s or master’s degree. However, some private doctor’s offices and other small employers may accept prior experience working in health administration in place of formal education.

To learn more about jobs in health administration, check out the job options to the right.

Jobs in this field

• Health/Medical Interpreter

  Salary range: $35,505 – $60,278 Minimum training:Language proficiency and certificate required Job description:A health interpreter translates information between patients who speak limited English and health care providers. More

• Medical and Health Services Manager

  Salary range: $69,848 – $117,987 Minimum training:Bachelor's degree Job description:Medical and health services managers plan, direct, coordinate and supervise the delivery of health care. More

• Medical Biller and Coder

  Salary range: $27,375 – $40,393 Minimum training:On-the-job training Job description:A medical biller or medical coder collects payments from patients and submits reimbursement claims to insurance companies. More

• Medical Records and Health Information Technician

  Salary range: $25,852 – $42,267 Minimum training:Associate's degree Job description:Medical records and health information technicians assemble patients’ health information. More

• Medical Secretary

  Salary range: $23,782 – $37,442 Minimum training:On-the-job training Job description:A medical secretary assists with the day-to-day management of medical offices. More

• Medical Transcriptionist

  Salary range: $33,361 – $46,621 Minimum training:1-year certificate program Job description:Medical transcriptionists listen to dictated recordings made by physicians and transcribe them into medical reports or correspondence. More