Position Titles
Chief executive officers, chief financial officers, chief operating officers, chief information officers
Primary Responsibilities
- Interact with the hospital's governing board and medical staff.
- Understand and further the hospital’s role in the community.
- Keep patient interests at the forefront of all decisions and activities.
Qualifications
A master’s degree in health administration or a related field, at least 10 years of progressive management experience, and a thorough understanding of clinical perspectives are required.
Expected Abilities, Skills, and Knowledge
- Ability to establish direction and lead changes
- Ability to develop top-performing teams
- Ability to be patient- and customer-conscious
- Ability to challenge the status quo
- Ability to interact effectively with the governing board and the community
- Advanced skills in understanding financial statements
- Knowledge of the importance of rewards and recognition in enhancing and maintaining the organizational culture
Salary Range
Compensation for senior-level healthcare executives can vary widely based on the size and complexity of the organization. For example, in a 2002 salary survey by the American Hospital Association, chief operating offices of hospitals with less than 100 beds had a median base salary of about $130,000, while those working in hospitals with 350-499 beds earned approximately $190,000. Chief executive officers and other senior executives who work for a large corporate system may earn substantially more.
Typical Hours per Week
Senior-level executives can expect to work 60 hours or more per week due to outside commitments that require less time in their healthcare facility and more time in the community.