Kristen Said:

What type of Job/Career can I get with a Bachelor's of Science in Health Administration degree?

We Answered:

According to the US Dept of Labor, here's the key points to keep in mind with your degree:

* Rapid employment growth is projected; job opportunities will be especially good in offices of health practitioners, general medical and surgical hospitals, home health care services, and outpatient care centers.
* Applicants with work experience in health care and strong business and management skills likely will have the best opportunities.
* Earnings are high, but long work hours are common.
* A master’s degree is the standard credential for most positions, although a bachelor’s degree is adequate for some entry-level positions in smaller facilities and in health information management.

Graduates with bachelor’s degrees in health administration usually begin as administrative assistants or assistant department heads in larger hospitals. They also may begin as department heads or assistant administrators in small hospitals or nursing care facilities.

Job outlook:
Employment of medical and health services managers is expected to grow faster than average for all occupations through 2014, as the health care industry continues to expand and diversify.

Salaries:
Average annual earnings of medical and health services managers were $67,430 in May 2004. The middle 50 percent earned between $52,530 and $88,210. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $41,450 (most likely the newbies), and the highest 10 percent earned more than $117,990 (most likely the most experienced working for the largest employers).

Average annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of medical and health services managers in May 2004 were as follows:
Federal Government $87,200
General medical and surgical hospitals 71,280
Offices of physicians 61,320
Nursing care facilities 60,940
Home health care services 60,320

Earnings of medical and health services managers vary by type and size of the facility, as well as by level of responsibility. For example, the Medical Group Management Association reported that, in 2004, median salaries for administrators were $72,875 in practices with 6 or fewer physicians, $95,766 in practices with 7 to 25 physicians, and $132,955 in practices with 26 or more physicians.

Good luck!