Virginia Careers in Healthcare Management - VA

By RSWiese, allied health world contributing writer
Published: July, 14 2010

As healthcare services continue to change, the need for healthcare administrators will continue to rise. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for medical practice managers and healthcare administrators will continue to grow approximately 16 percent for the next several years, which is a faster average rate than for other occupations.  The prospect for healthcare administration jobs in Virginia is also good, as it is a population-rich state that boasts a temperate climate—both of which are good indicators of plentiful healthcare facilities to serve a growing and ageing community.

Healthcare administrators work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, private practices, and nursing care facilities. Applicants with work experience in healthcare and strong business and management skills are more likely to start their career at a management level. Those who are just starting in the field may begin their career as an assistant manager or manager of a specialty area within a larger practice. The experience gained from this type of position is helpful in moving up to a senior-level or chief administrator position.

Healthcare administrators serve as business managers for Virginia’s medical facilities and coordinate the various facets of healthcare delivery. They may be specialists who know the needs of both the clinical side of the business while also having a background in managing personnel, technology systems, financial issues, and governmental regulations. Healthcare administrators are responsible to improve both efficiency and quality of care provided by combining the expertise of the physicians, nurses, and technicians with the knowledge and strategic planning necessary for a business operation to succeed.