OVERVIEW
What Is a Public Health Administrator?
A public health administrator is a leader in healthcare with skills in both business management and public health. They use these skills to research, develop, and administer health policies and practices within their purview. Public health administrators may also perform managerial tasks that help keep healthcare facilities like hospitals running smoothly.
No matter where they work, public health administrators pay close attention to what is happening in the communities they serve so that they know what types of public outreach are needed to best address and prevent potential health hazards.
Many public health administrators have a professional background in business, health education, or both. This knowledge lends authority to the programs they manage and the counsel they provide to the public. Whether it’s an initiative to update statewide sanitation standards or a move to create a county board of health, public health administrators rely on a balanced skill set to realize the best outcomes.
RESPONSIBILITIES
What Does a Public Health Administrator Do?
Public health administrators work alongside health officials to establish effective healthcare operations in a variety of settings, including government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and the private sector. Common day-to-day job responsibilities of public health administrators include:
- Developing outreach programs for groups in need
- Educating the public on appropriate standards of health and safety
- Communicating with relevant healthcare leaders about health issues
- Managing budgets related to healthcare programs and facility management
- Writing grants to secure funding for research and projects
- Complying with government regulations
- Training healthcare employees
- Supervising healthcare facility operations
- Discussing strategic efforts via written reports, live presentations, and video broadcasts
EDUCATION & BEST DEGREES
How Do I Become a Public Health Administrator?
While you prepare for a career as a public health administrator, remember that you will most likely need a high level of education and ample work experience to succeed in the role. Consider the following steps:
- Earn a bachelor’s degree in public health, healthcare administration, business management, or a similar subject. A bachelor’s program is essential for understanding the fundamental skills required in public health administration.
- Earn a master’s degree in public health, healthcare administration, or business administration. Many public health administrators complete a master’s program to stand out in the job market and to be better qualified for their role.
- Gain work experience in a relevant healthcare job. You will need to develop leadership skills in a professional capacity before reaching an administrator-level position. For example, you might work as a public health educator or an assistant nursing home administrator.
- Get industry-certified to expand your skill set and demonstrate your commitment. The National Board of Public Health Examiners (NBPHE) offers the Certified in Public Health certification.
- Become a member of the American Public Health Association (APHA) to network with other healthcare administrators and stay up to date on valuable resources.
Best Degrees for a Public Health Administrator
Health & Nursing
Master of Public Health
This online Master of Public Health degree program is a perfect fit for...
This online Master of Public Health degree program is a perfect fit for students who want to make a difference in their community.
- Time: 60% of students finish similar programs in 21 months.
- Tuition: $4,995 per 6-month term
- Courses: 12 total courses in this program
Skills for your résumé you will learn in this program:
- Biostatistics and analysis
- Environmental health
- Epidemiology
- Global health
- Public health policy and advocacy
- Health education and promotion
This degree prepares you with relevant industry skills and experience that will help you move forward in your career.
Health & Nursing
Public Health - B.S.
This online bachelor's degree in public health will prepare you to impact...
This online bachelor's degree in public health will prepare you to impact your community and make a difference.
- Time: 63% of students finish similar programs in 24 months.
- Tuition: $4,210 per 6-month term
- Courses: 33 total courses in this program
Skills for your résumé you will learn in this program:
- Cognitive psychology
- Public health approaches
- Epidemiology
- Biopsychosocial health models
This degree prepares you with relevant industry skills and experience that will help you move forward in your career.
How Much Does a Public Health Administrator Make?
$104,830
Public health administrator salaries vary depending on experience level and place of work. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual salary in May 2022 for medical and health services managers was $104,830. The lowest 10% earned less than $64,100 while the highest 10% earned more than $209,990.
What Is the Job Outlook?
28%
The BLS states that employment of medical and health services managers is projected to grow by 28% from 2022 to 2032, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. Around 54,700 openings for medical and health services managers are projected each year on average over the decade.
SKILLS
What Skills Does a Public Health Administrator Need?
Since public health administrators are responsible for spearheading campaigns, managing business operations, and educating the public, they should be proficient in the following skills:
- Leadership and management: The success of any public health campaign or outreach program depends on the ability to organize, lead, and delegate tasks to those involved.
- Knowledge of current health challenges: Learning essential details of common illnesses and diseases can help inform effective healthcare policies.
- Understanding of business finances: Healthcare companies and organizations can’t properly serve their clients unless budgetary needs and financial goals are met.
- Cultural competency and awareness: Showing civility and respect toward individuals of diverse backgrounds can help healthcare leaders foster a welcoming work environment.
- Emotional intelligence: To forge meaningful relationships with patients and coworkers, public health administrators should practice empathy, especially in sensitive situations.
- Interpersonal communication: Successful communication involves active listening and speaking and writing clearly.
- Public speaking: Public health administrators should be able to comfortably present information in front of different audiences.
- Critical thinking: Solving complex health-related problems often requires thoughtfulness, concentration, and sufficient time for research.
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