Question regarding non-nursing Healthcare Administration Careers

Ok, I just found out yesterday that I failed out of nursing school after my second attempt at AH I and wasn't quite sure what route to take. My plan is to remain at the university I am currently attending, obtain my Bachelors of Science degree in May, and then enter a Masters in Healthcare Administration degree program. My problem is I noticed a lot of the administrative/management positions in the healthcare setting are nursing related. I wasn't sure if it would be a good idea to enter a non-nursing Healthcare Administration degree program and not know whether there will be any job opportunities out there for me to look forward to or go back to nursing.

My sister told me I should attempt nursing again, but as of now, I am quite traumatized at my experience with nursing school and can't think about doing it all over again. Maybe a few months from now I will feel differently about nursing school, who knows! Anyway, I'm just curious to know, if anyone knows, what career opportunities are out there for a non-nursing career in Healthcare Administration.

Thank you, any suggestions would be appreciated! Last edit by RonnieNichelle RN on Jul 30, '11
Is there a career counselor you have access to? There are a LOT of different administrative positions, from nursing homes, to hospitals (though they mostly care about $$$), and nursing administrators that almost always are RNs with advanced nursing degrees or additional healthcare related degrees. It depends on what you want to do... maybe try googling administration + healthcare and see what shows up????

Well, I don't know if I can be of much help. I received my Bachelors and Masters degree in Health Administration before I became a nurse. It was very difficult for me to find a position, everywhere I would look it seemed as if a nursing degree was necessary. I actually joke and say I went "backwards"...because I went to nursing school after I got my graduate degree. It worked out well for me. I guess there are positions out there, but I think they may be few and far between. One field that is lucrative would be a Nursing Home Administrator. You could go into that with the Masters, usually you precept with an administrator for so many hours, sit for the national licensure exam and usually start working as an assistant admin. It depends on where you are. I have several friends who went that route who went to graduate school with me and they are making about twice as much money as I make!!!! So, that's an option.Good luck.

Thank you for the suggestions and info xtxrn. I have googled the subject, but haven't tried a career counselor. That sounds like a wonderful idea. Thanks again.

Thank you for the suggestions diva rn. I will definitely look into the Nursing Home Administrator route. It is a little scary because I did notice most of the Administrative positions available are nursing related, but I guess it wouldn't hurt to talk to someone who took that route.

Quote from FutureNurse1982Thank you for the suggestions diva rn. I will definitely look into the Nursing Home Administrator route. It is a little scary because I did notice most of the Administrative positions available are nursing related, but I guess it wouldn't hurt to talk to someone who took that route.

[QUOTE=FutureNurse1982;5441777]Ok, I just found out yesterday that I failed out of nursing school after my second attempt at AH I and wasn't quite sure what route to take. My plan is to remain at the university I am currently attending, obtain my Bachelors of Science degree in May, and then enter a Masters in Healthcare Administration degree program. My problem is I noticed a lot of the administrative/management positions in the healthcare setting are nursing related. I wasn't sure if it would be a good idea to enter a non-nursing Healthcare Administration degree program and not know whether there will be any job opportunities out there for me to look forward to or go back to nursing. Well, I guess that explains the guy with the MPH that wants to go back to school and get an RN degree. Who knew we were that important!But seriously what are you graduating in? BS of what? And what did you mean you failed at AH? What is that?

Thank you again divarn. You brought hope to my heart. I was becoming pretty discouraged, but I know God has big plans for me.

At bugsy2902. AH I means Adult Health I. And I may get my Bachelors of Science in Business degree or Bachelors of Science in Psychology degree.

If you want a Psychology degree it will be BA not BS-I have a BA in Psych and got my LPN degree almost 2 years ago. I realized as much as I love to taking care of people there is also too much more going on. Bedside nursing is so stressful and I can't imagine living a life being stressed out. Nursing/patient ratio is horrible. Makes it even much more worse if you're a new grad. Of course, everyone's experience is different from mine. Everyone tells me I should get my BSN but I just realized that bedside is just not for me. I've been actually on a job hunt (I just recently moved to Nashville) and having such a hard time getting a job!! It gave me more time to really think about what I really want in my life.I'm also considering of maybe going into the Health Administration and still doing my research. I'm not quite sure if that career suits and honestly its not always about the $$. Oh BTW, I was thinking of getting my Masters in Health Admin since I have a B.A degree but the nursing director at a college in Nashville said that I should have my BSN FIRST before I can apply for the Masters program!! So, maybe you should think about getting your Bachelors in Health Admin? Just an advice, of course every school is different. I have a friend and she actually has a Bachorls in Health Admin and now she's in the masters program for it.

If you can achieve Bachelors of Science degree and then enter a Masters in Healthcare Administration degree program. You have lot of job opportunities in Healthcare Administration field.

While this is possibly true, I found that when I first recieved my Master's in Health Admin, it was very difficult for me to find a position without a nursing background....that's why I went back and got my RN.I am not saying that jobs don't exist.....there are many in Nursing Home Admin as I stated before....but the nursing background is really a plus.

Have you considered Health Information Management? I left nursing briefly and went after a BS in HIM, which leads to the credentials of RHIA (Registered Health Information Administrator). During clinicals for that program I met the person over HIPPA/ Security at Baylor in Dallas. He had a Masters in HA. Peaked my interest and I contacted a local school about going that direction, they required 2 years experience in health care to be accepted to the masters program. I don't know if the program you're looking at has the same requirements. In the end, I decided to go back for RN. :-)Good luck to you!