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Hospital Administrator

Also known as Health/Hospital Executive and Health Manager.

Hospital administrators plan, direct and coordinate health and administrative services provided by hospitals, community health services, aged-care facilities, private healthcare facilities and other health service organisations.

TASKS

Hospital administrators may perform the following tasks:

prepare annual funding estimates, forecasting the demand for services and allocating budgets
improve and maintain delivery of health services by planning the services and accounting for the cost of care and the distribution of staff
represent the health service by attending meetings, seminars and functions
talk to members of the community, local interest groups, politicians, industry associations and the media in relation to the organisation and the services provided
act as liaison officer between the governing body of the health organisation and health authorities
manage staff in areas such as cleaning, safety, maintenance, records and accounts
take part in identifying problems and needs within the health service by attending staff meetings
liaise with medical and nursing staff
interpret industrial awards and other regulations concerning staff employment contracts
develop and implement new policies and procedures
participate in the promotion of occupational health and safety management within the organisation

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

able to analyse and solve problems
good planning, organisational and decision-making skills
good communication and interpersonal skills

Interest Area

EDUCATION & TRAINING

To become a hospital administrator you usually have to complete a degree in health management at university. You may also consider a degree in business with a health-related major. To get into these courses you usually need to gain your HSC/ACT Year 12.

A number of universities in Australia offer degrees in these areas. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of English and mathematics are normally required.

Universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements or offer external study. Contact the universities you are interested in for more information as requirements may change.

Entry to this occupation may be improved if you have work experience in the health industry.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Hospital administrators are employed by public and private hospitals, community health centres, aged-care facilities and other health organisations. Their work may involve strategy, operations and managing clinical practices or entire health systems. Some are employed by health authorities or government departments. They may also work as self-employed consultants.

Demand for this occupation is largely influenced by government funding, and competition for available positions is strong. There is an increasing demand for administrators with postgraduate qualifications and good financial and management skills.