There are many inspiring stories of doctors and nurses at the front lines of the pandemic, but there’s another side to health care that rarely makes the headlines. Across India, health services administration (HSA) professionals are working hard to keep facilities safe, bring technology up-to-date, and stay on top of new regulations.

So how do you become a Health Care Administrator? The answer depends on what kind of role you want to play and how far you want to go. There is no single formula for success, but there are a few critical steps to succeed in this thriving industry.

1. Earn a bachelor’s degree

The basic requirement for entry-level jobs in health care administration is a bachelor’s degree from any accredited college or university. It’s helpful if your degree is related to health care administration (public health, human resources, accounting, business administration), but it’s possible to secure an entry-level position with any bachelor’s degree.

2. Find an entry-level position

Once you have a bachelor’s degree, the best way to start down the health care administration career path  is to apply for an entry-level job. Consider a role as a medical billing and coding specialist, patient account representative or patient/member advocate, Nursing staff.

3. Choose a master’s program

If you’re serious about a career in HSA, earning a two-year master’s degree can set you apart from other candidates. Nearly all management- or executive-level HSA jobs require a master’s degree, according to Henry. It equips professionals with specific skills, as well as a broader understanding of the health care industry. As you search for a graduate school, you’ll notice the following degree types:

  • Master of Health Services (MSHS)
  • Master of Health Care Administration (MHA)
  • Master of Business Administration (MBA)
  • Master of Public Health (MPH)

As mentioned, it’s a big advantage to hold a position in the health care industry during your master’s studies. This helps you visualize a career path, choose the right master’s program, and apply new skills as you go along. It also demonstrates your commitment and desire to learn, and people in the industry will notice.