A degree in medical administration could very well be your gateway to an impactful career in the healthcare industry, where administrative savvy meets healthcare expertise.
Rasmussen University only offers medical administration programs that award the credential of Medical Administrative Assistant Certificate and Healthcare Associate’s Medical Administrative Assistant Specialization. Rasmussen University does not offer any baccalaureate or advanced degree options in medical administration.
So, what can you do with a medical administration degree? It changes depending on the level of degree, but a graduate program (master’s level degree) will equip you with the skills to handle the day-to-day operations of a medical facility and positions you to take on roles that drive meaningful change in how healthcare is delivered.
Whether you're drawn to the challenge of running a busy medical office, improving healthcare systems as a consultant, or diving into the world of healthcare informatics – a graduate degree in healthcare administration could have the potential to open doors to a variety of exciting and fulfilling professional opportunities.
Medical administration vs. healthcare administration degrees
Both medical administration and healthcare administration degrees exist within the healthcare field, but their scope of practice differs significantly.
Medical administration is a path that leads to working with the clinical procedures, processes and records management in a healthcare organization. A healthcare administration degree is a path that leads to working with the business operations of a healthcare facility – things like budget, facilities management, staffing, trainings and more. There's definitely some overlap between these focuses.
Medical administration degree programs emphasize skills like patient record management, billing, coding and coordinating with healthcare providers. Graduates often pursue roles as medical office managers, medical coding specialists, or practice managers, working in smaller healthcare environments like outpatient centers or private practices. Graduates may pursue roles as Medical Office (Assistant) Managers, Administrators, Coordinators, Medical Secretary, Administrative Assistant, Receptionist, or Office Administrator.
In contrast, a healthcare administration degree, like the advanced degree option offered by Rasmussen, covers the broader management and leadership of entire healthcare organizations or systems, including hospitals and large networks.
Health administration degree programs focus on leadership, policy development, budgeting and regulatory compliance, equipping graduates for roles like Hospital Administrator, Clinical Director, Health Services Manager, and Practice Manager.
While both degrees prepare graduates to pursue medical and health administration careers, the scale of their responsibilities and the settings in which they work set them apart.
Exploring medical administration careers
A medical administration degree may offer various medical administration careers that cater to different interests and skills.
Medical office manager
One option in medical administration is becoming a medical office manager. In this role, you oversee the day-to-day operations of a medical facility, ensuring everything runs smoothly. From managing staff schedules to handling patient appointments and billing, your organizational skills will be invaluable.
Rasmussen University does not offer any certificate or degree programs that would lead to the career opportunity of Medical Office Manager.
Healthcare consultant
Medical administration graduates can also become healthcare consultants. These professionals work with healthcare organizations to improve their operational efficiency. By analyzing data and providing recommendations, you help healthcare providers deliver better care to their patients.
Rasmussen University does not offer any certificate or degree programs that would lead to the career opportunity of Healthcare Consultant.
Healthcare policy advocate
If you’re passionate about shaping healthcare regulations and advocating for change, a career in healthcare policy might be right for you. Working for government agencies, non-profit organizations, or think tanks, you can influence policies that significantly impact healthcare delivery.
Rasmussen University does not offer any certificate or degree programs that would lead to the career opportunity of policy advocate.
Healthcare informatics specialist
You may also consider a career in healthcare informatics. This field blends healthcare, information technology and business administration to enhance patient care quality. As a healthcare informatics specialist, you manage and analyze healthcare data to improve decision-making processes.
Rasmussen University does not offer any certificate or degree programs that would lead to the career opportunity of Healthcare informatics specialist.
Health information manager
Another important role in this field is that of a health information manager, who organizes and supervises clinical records and ensures the proper use of healthcare technology and informatics.
If you like technology, this role can be especially fulfilling. Check out What Is Health Information Management? The Intersection of Health, Business and IT for more details on this one.
Healthcare financial analyst
For those interested in the financial side of healthcare, becoming a healthcare financial analyst could be a rewarding choice. In this role, you analyze financial data, monitor healthcare costs, and identify areas for cost reduction or revenue enhancement, helping healthcare organizations operate more efficiently.
Rasmussen University does not offer certificate or degree programs that would lead to the career opportunity of Healthcare Financial Analyst.
Where can you work with a medical administration degree?
Medical administration professionals can find opportunities across diverse healthcare settings, like hospitals, public health organizations, clinics, rehab centers, oncology centers, birthing centers and pretty much any healthcare environment you can think of!
Hospitals and healthcare systems
Hospitals and healthcare systems offer potential opportunities. Health services managers, including roles such as outpatient supervisor, clinic administrator and nursing home administrator can be found in any type of healthcare system.
Check the employment requirements of any workplace you hope to work in.
Medical clinics and outpatient centers
Medical clinics and outpatient centers also need medical administrators to ensure efficient operations. You oversee patient flow and manage resources, contributing to the success of these vital healthcare providers.
This can include specialty clinics and centers dedicated to certain treatments or populations—even dentistry! Check the employment requirements of any workplace you hope to work in.
Pharmaceutical companies
Pharmaceutical companies provide another career avenue. Here, you support the development and marketing of pharmaceutical products, ensuring compliance with healthcare systems and regulations.
Check the employment requirements of any workplace you hope to work in.
Government agencies and public health organizations
Government agencies and public health organizations are significant employers for medical administrators. Within a healthcare organization, you can be involved in policy development, program management and delivering healthcare services to the public, promoting public health initiatives and addressing healthcare disparities. Check the employment requirements of any workplace you hope to work in.
Health insurance companies
Health insurance companies are another sector where medical administrators thrive. Managing healthcare plans, processing claims and ensuring appropriate coverage, you navigate the complex world of health insurance and advocate for patients’ rights. Medical records management is also crucial in this sector, involving the gathering, storage and retrieval of recorded information as part of healthcare informatics systems. Check the employment requirements of any workplace you hope to work in.
Skills you’ll develop in medical administration
Pursuing a medical administration degree equips you with a range of valuable skills.
Effective communication
Effective communication is essential. Whether interacting with patients, healthcare professionals, or collaborating with departments, clear and professional communication is key.
Proficiency in healthcare technology
You’ll also become proficient in healthcare technology and software systems. Managing electronic health records, conducting data analysis and navigating healthcare-specific software are crucial skills in today’s digitized world.
Understanding health services
Understanding health services is also critical. This includes various managerial and executive positions within healthcare organizations, postsecondary education in medical administration and responsibilities related to patient care and medical advancements.
Organizational and problem-solving skills
Strong organizational and problem-solving skills are other benefits. You’ll learn to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and solve complex challenges efficiently.
Leadership skills
As you progress through your program, you’ll enhance your leadership skills. Effective leadership is vital in healthcare, and your degree may prepare you to lead teams, make critical decisions and drive positive change.
Adaptability
Adaptability is another critical skill. The healthcare landscape is always evolving, and being able to adapt to new technologies, regulations and practices is essential. Your program may help you develop the flexibility and resilience needed to thrive.
The growing adoption of telemedicine and digital health platforms has led to a greater need for healthcare administrators who can navigate virtual healthcare systems efficiently. This opens up new possibilities, allowing you to explore innovative ways of delivering medical and health services.
Drive change in healthcare with a medical administration degree
A medical administration credential can help to equip you with the tools to navigate within the multifaceted world of healthcare.
As the healthcare industry continues to evolve, the demand for skilled administrators will remain strong, offering you a chance to play a pivotal role in improving the delivery of care and making a lasting impact on the health and well-being of communities.
Whether you're just starting your career or looking to advance in the field, the knowledge and skills gained from this degree can empower you to take on leadership roles and drive meaningful change in healthcare.
Take the next step
If medical administration sounds amazing to you—check out Rasmussen’s Medical Administrative Assistant program.
Or, look into the larger organizational side of things, and check out Rasmussen University’s Master of Healthcare Administration program page for all the key information you need to make an informed decision. Whether you're balancing work, family or other commitments, you'll find valuable insights into how this advanced degree program can help you achieve your career goals on your terms.
