Salary The mean annual salary for Medical and Health Services Managers in Florida in 2006 was $823,726. Educational Programs Certificate Barry University Florida State University Lynn University Associate's Degree Brown Mackie College Bachelor's Degree Barry University Florida A & M University Florida Atlantic University Florida Gulf Coast University Florida International University Florida Memorial University Florida Metropolitan University International College Lynn University University of Central Florida University of North Florida University of Tampa Master's Degree Barry University Florida Atlantic University Florida Gulf Coast University Florida Institute of Technology Florida International University Florida State University Lynn University Nova Southeastern University St. Thomas University University of Central Florida University of Florida University of Miami University of North Florida University of South Florida University of Tampa Doctor of Philosophy University of Florida Professional Associations American College of Health Care Administrators American College of Health Care Executives

Health care administrators oversee delivery of health care at all type of healthcare facilities.

The administrator must see that all necessary elements are available to provide the best patient care, while interpreting and ensuring compliance with laws that affect healthcare providers, administrators and organizations. The administrator works closely with the institution's governing board and medical staff to address current and future space needs and to develop plans, policies, and procedures and ensure they are carried out. Budget responsibility, including establishing patient fee schedules and billing procedures, are also the administrator’s responsibility. The administrator may hire, train, and supervise staff, purchase supplies and equipment, prepare official reports. The administrator is normally the institution's representative to outside organizations such as civic organizations, businesses, and other health groups.

Since much of the job of an administrator consists of dealing with people, important assets include leadership qualities, tact, sympathy, self-control, and the ability to withstand the pressure and stress of a demanding job.

Areas of Specialization
Specific duties may vary with types of facilities—from hospitals, medical group practices, and outpatient clinics to health maintenance organizations. A large specialty area is nursing homes. The same skills are needed by nursing home administrators; but they are typically more involved in management detail due to smaller administrative staffs. Since nursing home residents also tend to be long term, creation of an environment to nourish residents' overall health demands more attention.

Work Environment
In smaller hospitals and nursing homes, health care administrators personally coordinate the day-to-day activities that make the organization run smoothly. In larger organizations there may be a staff of assistant administrators who direct specific aspects of the daily operation and report to a chief administrator. Most administrators have their own offices in comfortable surroundings. They often work long hours as these health facilities operate around the clock and the administrator must be available to make decisions in case of emergency. Travel is often involved to attend meetings or to inspect other facilities.

Job Outlook
The number of Medical and Health Services Managers in Florida is expected to grow at an annual average rate of 2.5% (247 positions per year) through the year 2014 as health services expand and diversify.

Length of Training/Requirements
A minimum of a bachelor's degree in business, health administration, or a related field is required. Most employers require a master's degree in health care administration, hospital administration, public health, or business administration. Competition for entry into these graduate programs is keen and applicants need above average grades to be accepted. The graduate program is generally a two-year program with academic course work and supervised practical training as an administrative resident. Certificate programs are available for those students holding degrees in related fields.

Advancement
Health care administrators sometimes begin their careers in small hospitals and advance by shifting to larger health care facilities. They may also begin their careers as assistants in a large medical institution in order to gain experience and advance by moving into more responsible, higher paying positions.

Licensure/Certification
Licensure is not required in most areas of health care administration, except for nursing home or long-term care administration. Licensure is required in the state of Florida for nursing home administrators. Candidates for licensure must meet the education requirements set by the Florida State Board of Nursing Home Administrators, which is regulated by the Department of Health, and must pass state and national examinations. Continuing education hours are required every two years for relicensure.