The term health services administrator, or health care administrator, encompasses individuals in many different positions who plan, organize, coordinate, and supervise the delivery of health care. They are also concerned with community outreach, planning, policy making, and complying with government regulations. Long-term care administrators are responsible for directing the overall management of a long-term care facility, such as a nursing home.
Health care administration requires a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in health administration, business administration, health policy and administration, or a related field such as accounting or human resources. Most larger organizations require a master’s degree in health care, hospital administration, or business administration. Course work includes financial management, policy development, administrative theory, organizational dynamics, and business principles.