How to Launch a Career in Health Care Administration
Every health organization needs leaders who can keep things running smoothly behind the scenes. Whether you’re managing staff schedules or budgets, health care administrators are critical in ensuring patients get the care they deserve.
If you’re ready to start your career or step into a leadership role, the right degree can help you get there.
The University of Louisiana at Lafayette offers two 100% online programs designed for wherever you are in your career: a Bachelor of Science in Health Services Administration and an MBA in Health Care Administration. Both are flexible, affordable, and built for working professionals.
What Does a Health Care Administrator Do?
Health care administrators are the planners and decision-makers driving progress in hospitals, home health agencies, assisted living units, and healthcare systems. While they may not interact with patients directly, their work impacts the quality of care each patient receives.
Depending on the setting, administrators might oversee budgets, manage departments, coordinate staff schedules, or implement new policies. Others focus on patient experience to improve access, streamline operations, and increase satisfaction.
The scope of the role often grows with experience, and the demand for skilled professionals is rising fast.
Supporting both operations and outcomes is part of what makes this field so rewarding. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for medical and health services managers are projected to grow 29% by 2033. That equates to more than 61,400 new roles each year — nearly 10 times the national average.
As health systems evolve, organizations need professionals who understand both patient care and business operations.
Start Strong with a Bachelor’s in Health Services Administration
If you’re new to health care administration or work in a support role, a bachelor’s degree can open doors to advancement. UL Lafayette’s online Bachelor of S cience in Health Services Administration blends core business skills with health care knowledge.
You’ll dive into topics like health care ethics, policy, and leadership, plus managing data and finances.
Courses are offered in both 8- and 16-week terms, giving you the flexibility to pace your studies around work and life. Plus, as an online student, you'll have access to 24/7 tutoring, tech support, and an online support team from day one.
Thessalonia Joseph, a 2020 graduate of the program, found it to be a perfect fit.
“I had been in roles before that dealt with management and administrative tasks, and I knew I enjoyed those things. I thought if I could pair that with healthcare, that would be perfect.”
Graduates often move into roles such as medical office manager, patient access coordinator, program coordinator, and practice manager. The bachelor’s degree sets a strong foundation to start or advance your career in this growing field.
Advancing Your Career with an MBA in Health Care Administration
If you have experience in health administration or want to move into leadership, an MBA can help you reach the next level.
UL Lafayette’s online MBA in Health Care Administration, offered through the AACSB-accredited B.I. Moody III College of Business Administration, helps you build on your foundation with advanced skills in strategy, finance, and leadership.
The program covers key areas like health care economics, data-driven decision-making, human resources, and health law. This comprehensive approach prepares you to lead in today’s evolving health care environment. Because the program is fully online, you can continue advancing your career without pausing your life.
For Melody Afekare, nurse and graduate of the online health care administration program, exploring the industry’s operational side was a turning point in her career:
“It’s been really good to learn the business side of healthcare, and not just the everyday patient-facing aspect of it. It’s a business that you want to keep afloat so that it can serve patients and the community.”
Graduates often pursue roles such as hospital operations director, chief administrative officer, health care consultant, and department leader. This MBA prepares you to lead teams, manage resources, and drive innovation in a complex field.
Which Degree Is Right for You?
No matter where you are in your career, a health care administration degree can help you take the next step.
The online bachelor's in health services administration is a strong fit if you're entering the field or moving up in your role. If you already have a degree and want to advance, the online MBA in Health Care Administration can help you lead with confidence.
Both programs are fully online, designed for working professionals, and backed by the resources of Louisiana’s second-largest public university.
Amanda Terry, graduate of the health services administration program online, says mixing health care and business broadened her view:
“To have a great blend of health care and business helped to make me a well-rounded professional. I didn’t realize the vast amount of opportunities out there for someone with that degree.”
Your path may start at different points, but the goal is the same: make a lasting impact in an essential field.
Explore UL Lafayette’s 100% online undergraduate and graduate health care administration programs and find the one that moves your career forward.
