Australia’s healthcare industry doesn’t only rely on doctors and nurses — it also needs skilled administrators who can manage systems efficiently.
Health Services Administrators play a vital role in coordinating resources, managing services, and ensuring the quality of healthcare delivery. This is an exciting career path for those who wish to combine management expertise with a passion for healthcare.

What to Study to Become a Health Services Administrator in Australia?
What to Study to Become a Health Services Administrator in Australia?

 

1. What Is a Health Services Administrator in Australia?

A Health Services Administrator (also known as a Healthcare Manager) in Australia is responsible for managing, organising, and overseeing operations in healthcare facilities such as hospitals, clinics, aged care centres, and community health organisations.

Rather than treating patients directly, they focus on managing systems, people, finances, and service quality — ensuring the facility operates effectively, complies with regulations, and delivers the best possible care.

Key Roles and Responsibilities

Operations Management

  • Plan, organise, and supervise day-to-day healthcare operations.
  • Manage rosters, allocate staff, and monitor performance.

Human Resources Management

  • Recruit, train, and develop healthcare and administrative staff.
  • Handle HR issues and maintain team engagement.

Financial Management

  • Develop and oversee budgets.
  • Manage costs, prepare reports, and ensure efficient use of resources.

Quality and Compliance

  • Maintain high standards of safety and service quality.
  • Conduct audits and ensure compliance with government and health regulations.

Strategy and Development

  • Analyse community needs and healthcare trends.
  • Develop growth strategies, improve processes, and enhance patient experience.

In short, Health Services Administrators are the driving force behind smooth, safe, and effective healthcare operations — supporting both patient wellbeing and organisational success.

2. Education and Experience Requirements

To become a Health Services Administrator in Australia, you’ll need relevant academic qualifications, practical experience, and management skills.

Minimum Qualifications
  • A Bachelor’s degree in Health Administration, Health Services Management, Public Health, or Business Administration/Management.
  • A Master’s degree (such as Master of Health Administration, Health Management, or MBA in Healthcare) is a strong advantage for senior roles.
Beneficial Certifications

While not mandatory, the following certifications can help strengthen your employability:

  • Leadership & Management – Certificate IV or Diploma in Leadership and Management.
  • Practice Management / Health Administration – Short courses from TAFE or universities.
  • Work Health and Safety (WHS) – Certificate IV in WHS.
  • Health Informatics / Digital Health / EHR – Courses on medical data systems.
  • Project Management – PMP, PRINCE2, or Agile certification.
  • Additional Skills – First Aid, CPR, and Communication & Conflict Resolution training.

3. Career Opportunities in Australia

Australia’s healthcare sector continues to expand due to an ageing population and rising healthcare demands — creating strong job growth for Health Services Administrators.

Employment Sectors

Graduates and professionals in this field can work in:

  • Public and private hospitals (Hospital Administrator, Operations Manager).
  • GP and specialist clinics (Practice Manager).
  • Aged care and residential facilities (Aged Care Manager, Facility Manager).
  • Community health organisations (Community Health Services Coordinator).
  • Government and non-profit agencies (Health Policy Officer, Program Manager).
  • Health corporations and insurance companies (Health Services Consultant, Project Manager).
Career Progression: From Aged Care to Health Services Administrator

A typical career pathway may progress as follows:

Entry-level roles:

Intermediate roles:

Service coordination and management:

Senior management:

  • Facility Manager / Centre Manager / Aged Care Manager / Health Services Administrator
  • Focus: operations, staffing, budgeting, and compliance in healthcare or aged care facilities.

Executive roles:

  • Director of Nursing (with a clinical background)
  • Operations Manager / Regional Manager
  • Executive Director in Aged Care or Healthcare

4. Salary Expectations

The salary for Health Services Administrators in Australia is highly competitive and varies by location, experience, and organisation size.

  • National average: around AUD 124,500/year (Indeed).
  • Jobs & Skills Australia: Health and Welfare Services Managers (ANZSCO 1342) earn approximately AUD 2,016/week, or about AUD 105,000/year full-time.
  • In Adelaide (South Australia): salaries range between AUD 107,000 – 145,000/year, depending on the facility and management level.

This demonstrates that Health Services Administration offers strong financial stability and upward mobility — ideal for those pursuing long-term careers in healthcare and community services.

5. How to Start a Career as a Health Services Administrator

If you’re interested in pursuing this profession, here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Complete a relevant Bachelor’s degree

  • Study Health Administration, Business Management, Public Health, or Community Services to build foundational knowledge.

Step 2: Gain practical experience

  • Work in entry-level healthcare or administrative roles — such as Health Coordinator, Team Leader, or Administrative Officer — to understand operational systems.

Step 3: Obtain additional certifications

  • Earn credentials in Leadership, Project Management, or Work Health and Safety to strengthen your professional profile.

Step 4: Advance your qualifications

  • Pursue a Master of Health Administration or postgraduate studies for senior or executive roles.

Step 5: Apply for Health Services Administrator positions

  • With the right education, experience, and certifications, you’ll be ready for roles in healthcare management — and may progress to Director or Executive-level positions.
Conclusion

A career as a Health Services Administrator in Australia offers more than just a competitive income — it provides the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on community wellbeing.
If you’re seeking a sustainable and rewarding career in the healthcare and community sector, this is an excellent pathway to explore.

>> Interested in studying and working in the Health sector in Australia?
NextGem is here to help you choose the right course, plan your career pathway, and stay updated with the latest job opportunities.