Healthcare Human Resources Jobs and Skills Needed
Human resources professionals play an essential role in every industry by overseeing many administrative functions that drive organizational success. They perform duties like employee recruiting, onboarding, creating benefits packages and addressing personnel issues when they arise.
In the healthcare field, HR leaders do all of this and more. Their responsibilities go beyond standard HR practices, including duties specific to their work with health organizations and medical professionals. Explore this rewarding career path below.
The Role of HR in Healthcare Settings
The unique demands and challenges of the industry set healthcare human resources apart from HR in other settings. For example, due to a nationwide shortage of healthcare workers, job seekers often have a multitude of employment options from which to choose.1 HR professionals must implement recruitment strategies that attract top talent in a highly competitive environment. This also involves working with stakeholders to develop attractive total rewards packages for employees.
In addition, healthcare careers come with high rates of burnout and stress, so HR leaders must create policies and programs that build a positive workplace culture where employees feel heard and appreciated. Another way healthcare HR professionals support employees is by designing professional development and training programs that ensure personnel can advance within the organization while keeping up with new standards and requirements.
HR jobs in the healthcare industry involve navigating challenges beyond workforce management. Patient data privacy is a top concern for every health organization, so HR professionals may work with IT teams to ensure the right information systems and safeguards are in place.1 Monitoring patient satisfaction as a benchmark for success is another critical element of healthcare human resources.
Balancing such a range of responsibilities requires a skill set that combines principles from organizational leadership, project management, quality improvement, operations and more. Earning a healthcare administration degree can give you the advanced expertise you need to excel in this fast-paced, dynamic industry.
In-Demand Skills for HR in Healthcare
Developing competencies in the following skill areas will increase your marketability and signal to employers that you have the specialized knowledge to make an impact in hospitals, medical group practices and other health organizations.
- Compliance: HR leaders must have a deep understanding of industry-specific laws and regulations. They work with organizationsā legal teams to ensure compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA), Patient Safety and Quality Improvement Act (PSQIA) and more.1
- Data analysis: Healthcare organizations manage large amounts of data, and HR leaders should be able to use analytic tools to collect and analyze information related to employee performance, patient satisfaction and opportunities for organizational improvement.2
- Information systems: Human resources information systems (HRIS) have transformed how HR departments function. Familiarity with this software allows HR leaders to streamline administrative tasks and make data-driven decisions.2
- Strategic planning: HR professionals often collaborate with stakeholders to implement operational changes that improve organizational outcomes. The ability to think strategically is an asset in every HR role.
- Training and development: In healthcare, a properly trained workforce is vital for patient safety and organizational success. HR leaders are responsible for designing effective professional development programs, implementing them and putting policies in place to ensure participation.1
When you choose 51ĀŅĀ×ās online Master of Health Administration program, you will study these topics and more. Our comprehensive curriculum can prepare you for success in healthcare HR.
Prepare to Lead Healthcare Employees
Explore Healthcare Human Resources JobsāÆ
HR management jobs in the healthcare industry are rewarding and in demand. The median salary for human resources managers was $140,030 in May 2024. In addition, employment is expected to grow 6 percent through 2033, faster than the national average.3
Below, weāve highlighted other top roles in healthcare HR.
- Compensation and benefits manager: These professionals oversee pay and other benefits for healthcare organizations. The median salary for this role was $140,360 in May 2024.4
- Recruitment director: Recruiting directors create hiring policies and manage recruitment processes to attract the right applicants for open roles. They earn an average salary of $106,130.5
- Physician relations manager: These professionals provide a link between physicians and entities like insurance companies, vendors and other medical professionals. The average salary for this role is $84,475.6
- Compliance officer: Compliance officers ensure organizations meet licensing requirements and comply with government regulations. The average salary for this role is $80,816.7
OHIO's online Master of Health Administration (MHA) can help you open doors to careers like these. Our two-year, part-time program combines management training with immersive coursework specific to the healthcare field.
Take the Next Step in Your Healthcare Human Resources Career
If you are ready to pursue leadership roles in healthcare HR, the 100% online MHA from OHIO can help you achieve your goals. This flexible program features courses led by expert faculty in a format designed for busy working professionals.
You can complete 36 credits in just two years, including specialization options in business analytics, healthcare leadership, project management and quality improvement. You will graduate ready to make an impact and lead healthcare organizations.
Learn more about our online MHA and discover how an OHIO degree opens doors to lifelong success.
Related Resources
- Elevate Your Career with These Health Administration Jobs
- What are the Differences in These Healthcare Leadership Degrees? MHA vs. MSN NL
Sources
- Oracle. āThe Importance of Healthcare Human Resources.ā Retrieved June 9, 2025, from .
- LinkedIn. āWhat skills do you need to manage healthcare human resources?ā Retrieved June 9, 2025, from .
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook. āHuman Resources Managers.ā Retrieved June 10, 2025, from .
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook. āCompensation and Benefits Managers.ā Retrieved June 10, 2025, from .
- Payscale.com. āAverage Recruiting Director Salary.ā Retrieved June 10, 2025, from .
- Payscale.com. āAverage Physician Relations Manager Salary.ā Retrieved June 10, 2025, from .
- Payscale.com. āAverage Compliance Officer Salary.ā Retrieved June 10, 2025, from .
Your Future Starts Here
Call Us
740.924.5725
to speak with a knowledgeable Student Engagement Specialist.