Healthcare Administrators (Officer)
Opportunities
Healthcare administrators manage military hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities. They oversee the medical and administrative functions of healthcare facilities, and they ensure the readiness of both personnel and equipment to meet the medical needs of service members and their families.
Training Provided
Healthcare administrators may have an education in medical administration. Job training for healthcare administrators primarily consists of on-the-job learning in various healthcare environments.
- Planning and directing health services
- Patient unit management
- Nursing service administration
- Facilities planning and medical logistics
- Patient care and administration
Officers typically enter the Military after they have completed a four-year college degree; enlisted service members can transition to officer positions through a variety of pathways and earn a degree while serving. LLike other officers working in healthcare, they complete a comprehensive training program covering responsibilities, orientation to military structure, healthcare and etiquette, traditions, and leadership development.
Earnings
Officers in the military can progress through ten officer pay grades during their careers. Pay grade and length of service determine an officer's pay. Most newly commissioned officers begin at pay grade O-1 ($3826/month basic pay in 2024). With certain professional qualifications, officers may enter at a higher pay grade. After two years, officers generally move up to O-2 ($5021/month basic pay in 2024). After an additional two years, the military generally promotes officers to O-3 ($6806/month basic pay in 2024) if job performance and other requirements are met. Cost-of-living increases usually occur once a year. Many officers and their families live free of charge in military housing on the base where they are assigned. Those living off base receive a housing allowance in addition to their basic pay. Officers also receive a monthly food allowance. These allowances, and associated tax savings, are substantial additions to basic pay. Other employment benefits for military officers include free health care, 30 days paid vacation each year, legal assistance, education assistance, military store privileges, and an excellent retirement program.
Services offering this occupation
Air Force
Army
Coast Guard
Navy