A Master of Business Administration (MBA) in healthcare administration offers graduates a wide range of career possibilities that connect the business and healthcare fields. This degree provides professionals with the skills to manage healthcare organizations, lead teams and ensure smooth operations.
Graduates of the online MBA in Healthcare Administration program from the University of South Carolina Aiken (USC Aiken) can pursue roles such as program manager, administrative services manager, compliance officer, public relations manager, director of health services, grant administrator and clinical director. The following are common career options for graduates. Note that salary information is current as of March 2025, and actual salaries may vary depending on factors such as job location and work experience.
Program Manager
A program manager in healthcare oversees specific healthcare programs like wellness initiatives, health education or community outreach. These professionals work with various departments, manage program budgets and ensure that goals are met on time.
Strong communication and organizational skills are vital for this role, as program managers collaborate with medical teams, staff and occasionally patients. Salaries for healthcare program managers are $84,129 annually, depending on the program’s complexity and the organization.
Administrative Services Manager
An administrative services manager is responsible for managing the operational tasks within healthcare facilities such as handling records, overseeing office staff and ensuring daily administrative functions run smoothly. They may also manage procurement, maintenance and safety processes.
This role supports the organization’s efficiency by ensuring that non-medical operations are seamless. On average, administrative services managers earn $104,900 annually, making this position ideal for those interested in healthcare operations without direct involvement in patient care.
Compliance Officer
A healthcare compliance officer ensures that healthcare organizations follow all regulations and ethical standards. Their responsibilities include conducting audits, implementing compliance programs and training staff on regulations. Compliance officers play a key role in preventing legal issues and maintaining the facility’s reputation.
The average salary for a healthcare compliance officer is $103,000 per year, depending on the size of the organization. This role is perfect for those interested in law and regulations within healthcare.
Public Relations Manager
A public relations manager in healthcare is in charge of managing the organization’s image and communication efforts. Their tasks include writing press releases, handling media relations and managing crisis communication. Public relations managers help healthcare organizations maintain a positive public image and build trust with patients and the community.
The average salary for healthcare public relations managers is $83,626 annually. Good communication skills and an understanding of how the public views healthcare are crucial for this role.
Director of Health Services
A director of health services oversees all healthcare operations in an organization including patient care, budgeting, staffing and administration. They set strategic goals, ensure compliance with regulations and work closely with medical staff to improve patient outcomes.
Directors of health services also monitor patient care programs and may collaborate on introducing new services. The average salary for a director of health services is $80,298 per year but can be much more. This role requires effective leadership and a strong understanding of healthcare systems.
Grant Administrator
A grant administrator manages the process of securing funding for healthcare organizations, including finding funding opportunities, writing proposals and ensuring that fund use adheres to guidelines. This role supports research, program development and patient care initiatives.
The average salary for a grant administrator is around $69,535 per year. This position requires excellent writing skills, attention to detail and experience with financial management.
Clinical Director
A clinical director oversees clinical operations and ensures patient care meets high standards. They manage clinical staff, develop treatment protocols and coordinate care across departments. Clinical directors work closely with doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals to improve care outcomes and operational efficiency.
The average salary for a clinical director is $96,545 annually. Professionals need leadership skills and a solid medical background to succeed in this role.
Pursue a Healthcare Administration Career With an Online MBA From USC Aiken
The online MBA in Healthcare Administration program from USC Aiken provides graduates with a comprehensive understanding of business and healthcare systems. This degree prepares individuals for leadership roles by blending knowledge of finance, management, policy and healthcare delivery.
Program courses such as Healthcare Strategic Management and Specialized Topics in Business Administration prepare graduates to thrive and become highly valuable in any healthcare setting. As the need for skilled healthcare administrators grows, this MBA opens doors to diverse career paths across the healthcare industry.
Learn more about USC Aiken’s online MBA in Healthcare Administration program.
