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Bachelor's Degree in Healthcare Administration
Earning an online healthcare administration degree can prepare you for leadership roles within healthcare organizations. You can develop healthcare-focused business knowledge and skills to work closely with staff and other stakeholders to provide cost-efficient quality patient care.
A healthcare administration degree is versatile. It opens the door to many different roles in finance, communication, technology, communication, and more. Explore admission requirements, what you might learn, career options, and earning potential in this guide.
Healthcare administration degree programs prepare students for careers in healthcare management. Coursework centers around business topics within the healthcare industry. Students typically complete general education core requirements, including college writing, before moving into specialized topics.
Some common courses include:
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Introduction to Health Administration and Management
Introduces the fundamentals of management in healthcare settings, including organizational structure, performance management, governance, and basic managerial skills
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Healthcare Finance and Economics
Reviews financial concepts in healthcare, such as budgeting, cost accounting, and financial management, and how to apply them to decision-making
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Legal and Ethical Aspects of Healthcare
Explores various issues in healthcare from ethical, legal, and sociological perspectives and how to apply ethics and laws to healthcare dilemmas
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Health Information Systems
Offers an overview of how health data is collected, managed, and analyzed and explores the role of information technology in healthcare management and administration
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Strategic Planning and Marketing for Healthcare Organizations
Introduces concepts of strategic planning and getting stakeholder involvement to increase market share for a healthcare organization
Bachelor's in Healthcare Admin Admission Requirements
Although every school has specific admission requirements, you can expect most programs to have some variation of the following. Keep in mind that both on-campus and online healthcare administration degree programs require a minimum of a high school diploma or GED certificate.
For online study, you will need a computer that meets minimum requirements and a reliable internet connection. Other admission requirements may include:
Application with basic demographic information; for some schools, a Common Application (the universal application that allows you to apply to multiple colleges) Test scores Recommendation letters from teachers, employers, mentors, or others who can speak to your abilities and readiness for college Personal statement or essay Official transcripts from high school or any colleges previously attended Personal interview
Healthcare Administration Degree Salary and Career Outlook
The table below details salary data and projected job growth for some of the most common healthcare administration careers. These roles may require additional education and licensure beyond a bachelor's degree.
As with any career you wish to pursue, make sure to research the specific requirements for any healthcare administration-related position.
| Career | Annual Median Salary | Job Outlook (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Human Resources Managers | $126,230 | 7% |
| Training and Development Managers | $120,130 | 7% |
| Medical and Health Services Managers | $101,340 | 28% |
| Registered Nurses | $77,600 | 6% |
| Medical Records and Health Information Technicians | $46,660 | 7% |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Choosing an Online Bachelor's in Healthcare Admin Program
Online healthcare administration bachelor's programs offer the chance to earn your degree on your schedule. If you are already working in healthcare in a clinical or patient care role, choosing an online program allows you to continue working while you learn.
When comparing different programs, consider a few factors:
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1
Program Focus
While most healthcare administration degrees provide business education focused on the healthcare industry, students typically select a concentration or take electives in specific subfields. These might include marketing, finance, human resources, or informatics.
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2
Program Format
Many courses run asynchronously, allowing students to study when and where it is convenient. Some programs may require students to attend scheduled lectures or discussions. If the program has any in-person requirements, the location will also be a concern.
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3
Accreditation
Accreditation indicates that a program meets rigorous standards for educational quality set by a regional or national organization. Choosing an accredited program not only ensures you receive a quality education, but it also ensures the following: you qualify for federal financial aid, your credits will transfer if you switch programs, you qualify for postgraduate programs, and in some cases, meet employer requirements.
Top Accredited Online Bachelor's in Healthcare Administration Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About Healthcare Administration Degrees
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1
How do I start a career in healthcare administration?
When you earn a bachelor's degree in healthcare administration, you are qualified for entry-level positions within hospitals, health systems, long-term care facilities, and more.
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2
What does a healthcare administrator do?
Healthcare administrators do not provide direct patient care. They work behind the scenes overseeing the operations of the organization. They may be involved in finance, human resources, communications, or legal and regulatory issues.
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3
Who do healthcare administrators work with?
Depending on their position, healthcare administrators may work with other executives and administrative teams, healthcare providers (doctors, nurses, laboratory techs, and others), and outside stakeholders, such as insurance companies.
In some roles, administrators also work directly with patients and their families.
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4
How do healthcare administrators make a difference?
Healthcare administrators are in a position to create change. They can recommend and lead initiatives that improve the quality of care for patients and the overall efficiency and function of their organizations.
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5
Is being a healthcare administrator hard?
Healthcare administrators are often in leadership roles. They are typically responsible for guiding the organization's strategic direction, developing policies, and overseeing the overall operations of a healthcare organization.
This requires excellent communication, analytical, and decision-making skills. Although the work can be challenging or even stressful at times, it can be rewarding and fulfilling.
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