One of the most attractive and quickly-growing fields in the country, healthcare administration is a profession of vital importance, especially today. If you’re conscientious, motivated, and interested in the philanthropic aspects of business, then a job in health service administration may be for you.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that healthcare administrators earn a median salary of $100,980. A bachelor’s degree is sufficient for a high-paying job in this field. However, it is recommended to carry a master’s degree and have prior work experience in order to secure a better, higher-paying job. The projected growth rate in this field sits at 18% percent within the next eight years, which is much faster than the average rate.
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The COVID-19 pandemic has disturbed lives and industries, and the healthcare industry is at the forefront of dealing with its negative effects. As a worker in healthcare leadership, you’ll be able to make a big difference since healthcare administration professionals have several important roles. In this guide, we’ll cover the best degree programs and resources you’ll require to work in this incredible field.
Types of Healthcare Administration Degrees
There are four degrees we’ll be discussing in this article: an associate degree, a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree, and a doctorate degree. We’ll cover everything from the best programs to courses and career paths involved in each one, so read on!
Healthcare Administration Associate Degree
An associate degree in healthcare administration takes approximately two years to complete. Often containing 60 credit hours, this is the right path for anyone looking for entry-level employment in healthcare administration. An associate degree in this field will enable you to immediately start working in several care facilities such as nursing homes and hospitals. Even if you plan to achieve higher education in the field, an associate degree will help you reach those goals as well.
Healthcare Administration Associate Degree Coursework You Can Expect
Here are some courses you can expect to take during this degree program:
- Business Administration
- Introduction to Anatomy
- Healthcare Management
- Medical Coding
- Medical Law and Ethics
These courses will give you a basic, yet broad understanding of the managerial and medical aspects of healthcare administration.
Top-Rated Associate Degree Programs for Healthcare Administration
We found these to be the best online programs for you to easily get your associate degree in healthcare administration:
- Community Care College (Tulsa, OK)
- Colorado Christian University (Lakewood, CO)
- Keiser University (Fort Lauderdale, FL)
- St. Johns River State College (Palatka, FL)
- Concordia University Wisconsin (Mequon, WI)
Healthcare Administration Associate Degree Career Paths
- Health Information Technician
Duties: Health information technicians maintain the records of patient care using various coding systems.
2018 Median Salary: $40,350
Job Growth (2018-2028): 11% (much faster than average)
- Medical Assistant
Duties: Medical assistants take care of administrative and clinical duties in hospitals and other healthcare facilities.
2018 Median Salary: $34,800
Job Growth (2018-2028): 23% (much faster than average)
- Assistant Administrator
Duties: Assistant administrators help direct programs, perform clerical tasks, and uphold departmental standards in healthcare organizations.
2018 Median Salary: $35,110
Job Growth (2018-2028): 23% (much faster than average)
Healthcare Administration Bachelor’s Degree
A Bachelor’s Degree in Healthcare Administration is typically designed to be four years in length and contains 120 credit hours. This degree will prepare you for employment in a more challenging environment. Technological advancements, sporadic policy changes, growing organizational complexity, and several other factors will make this a demanding yet rewarding program.
You’ll be asked to study more advanced courses involving public health regulations, leadership roles, and healthcare quality assistance. With a Bachelor of Science in this field, you’ll be qualified for both entry-level administrative roles and leadership positions.
Healthcare Administration Bachelor’s Degree Coursework You Can Expect
Here are some courses you can expect to take for this degree:
- Healthcare Administration
- Medical Law and Ethics
- Human Resource Management
- Advanced Health Systems
- Organizational Leadership
These courses will give you a deeper understanding of the managerial and medical aspects of healthcare administration.
Top-Rated Bachelor’s Degree Programs for Healthcare Administration
We found these to be the best online programs for you to easily get your bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration:
- Ashford University (San Diego, CA)
- Purdue University Global (Indianapolis, IN)
- Capella University (Minneapolis, MN)
- Walden University (Minneapolis, MN)
- Western Governors University (Austin, TX)
Healthcare Administration Bachelor’s Degree Career Paths
- Medical and Health Service Manager
Duties: These healthcare executives deal with coordinating and supervising medical services and strategic plans in hospitals and healthcare facilities.
2019 Median Pay: $100,980
Job Growth: 18% (much faster than average)
- Administrative Services Manager
Duties: These professionals mostly oversee recordkeeping, resource distribution, and facility upkeep in healthcare facilities.
2019 Median Pay: $96,940
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Job Growth: 7% (faster than average)
- Human Resources Manager
Duties: Human resources managers plan and direct the administrative functions of their organizations by supervising recruitment, hiring, and business strategizing.
2019 Median Pay: $116,720
Job Growth: 7% (faster than average)
Healthcare Administration Master’s Degree
A Master’s Degree in Healthcare Administration will enable you to work as an executive in healthcare administration. You will be qualified to serve in a high-level administrative capacity and oversee changes to the directive aspects of your organization. A master’s program typically takes two years to complete, ranging from 32 to 60 credits. Though a bachelor’s degree will enable you to qualify for several administrative roles, a master’s will allow you to pursue many high-ranking jobs.
A master’s degree program will allow you to gain an even deeper understanding of the principles that govern healthcare administration. Prospective students should expect to cover several in-depth courses involving the medical and managerial aspects of the healthcare system. After completing your program, you will be a highly sought-after candidate for a number of executive positions in several healthcare facilities.
Healthcare Administration Master’s Degree Coursework You Can Expect
Here are some courses you can expect to take for this degree:
- Healthcare Marketing and Communication
- Financial Analysis and Management
- Global Health and Diversity
- Business Research Analysis
- Healthcare Governance
These courses will give you an exceptional understanding of managerial and medical aspects of healthcare administration.
Top-Rated Master’s Degree Programs for Healthcare Administration
We found these to be the best online programs for you to easily get your master’s degree in healthcare administration:
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Chapel Hill, NC)
- University of Southern California (Los Angeles, CA)
- George Washington University (Washington, DC)
- University of Minnesota – Twin Cities (Minneapolis, MN)
- Colorado State University (Greenwood Village, CO)
Healthcare Administration Master’s Degree Career Paths
- Director of Managed Care
Duties: A director of managed care is a middleman between managed care staff and healthcare administration in care centers and hospitals.
2020 Median Pay: $140,330
Job Growth (2018-2028): 18% (much faster than average)
- Nursing Home Administrator
Duties: These professionals oversee all activities of a nursing home in accordance with guidelines and are responsible for strategizing operations and programs.
2020 Median Pay: $116,650
Job Growth (2018-2028): 7% (faster than average)
- Clinical Manager
Duties: Clinical managers deal with planning and executing personnel actions such as promotions and disciplinary actions, and also resolve customer service issues.
2020 Median Pay: $71,785
Job Growth (2018-2028): 11% (much faster than average)
Healthcare Administration Doctorate
A doctorate in healthcare administration may be the right choice for you if you desire a career in research or as a professor. A PhD in this field may also qualify you for leadership positions that impact policies related to public health. Your skills will be highly sought-after in government-run agencies, NPOs, research institutes, and several other institutions.
Your coursework and responsibilities will largely depend on the concentration of your work and your professional ambitions. This program often contains an average of 60 credits and takes three to four years to complete.
Healthcare Administration Doctorate Coursework You Can Expect
Here are some courses you can expect to take for this degree:
- Health Policy, Law, and Regulation
- Healthcare Economics
- Health Leadership and Systems Thinking
- Healthcare Marketing
- Advanced Application of Practice-based Research in Health
These meticulous courses allow students to understand healthcare administration on several different levels, from public health policy to applied research.
Top-Rated Doctorate Programs for Healthcare Administration
We found these to be the best online programs for you to easily get your doctorate degree in healthcare administration:
- A.T. Still University of Health Sciences (Kirksville, MO)
- Central Michigan University (Mount Pleasant, MI)
- Franklin University (Columbus, OH)
- Keiser University (Fort Lauderdale, FL)
- University of Mississippi (University, MS)
Healthcare Administration Doctorate Career Paths
- Top Executive
Duties: These executives work closely with hospital employees to ensure that the highest standards of quality and service are upheld.
2019 Median Pay: $104,690
Job Growth (2018-2028): 6% (as fast as average)
- Professor
Duties: Professors teach healthcare students at universities, perform research and write articles, and attend and speak at conferences.
2019 Median Pay: $79,540
Job Growth (2018-2028): 11% (much faster than average)
- Postsecondary Education Administrator
Duties: These administrators take care of student services, academics, and faculty research at colleges and universities.
2019 Median Pay: $95,410
Job Growth (2018-2028): 7% (faster than average)
Things to Know Before Enrolling in Healthcare Administration
Today’s technology has influenced several aspects of our lives, especially education as more and more students turn toward online programs to earn their degrees.
An online degree is often more convenient and less expensive to achieve than one earned through the traditional college route. Especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, online learning seems to be the only feasible way to continue education.
Before enrolling in an online degree program, there are several factors you should consider. Firstly, you should try to pursue an affordable program that doesn’t require arbitrary fees, such as graduation or assessment fees. You should also make sure that you are well-equipped with the resources you’ll need to earn your degree in healthcare administration.
Furthermore, you should research whether your graduate program is asynchronous (self-paced) or not. A self-paced course is preferred by some because you do not have to worry about deadlines.
It is also important to make sure your program is accredited so that you don’t face issues later regarding credit transfers. You can do so by visiting school websites, checking program reviews, or by contacting schools directly for further information.
Ultimately, it is up to you to decide which program is right for you. Do you simply want an associate degree or do you want a master’s degree? Are you familiar with the software you’ll be using to pursue your education? Knowing the answers to these questions beforehand will ensure that you get your degree as soon as possible.
FAQs About Healthcare Administration Programs
● Are there any financial aid opportunities available to me?
Yes, each university listed above offers financial aid and scholarship packages with adequate information on how to achieve them. Furthermore, we think that this website will help you find sufficient financial aid information.
● Are there any internships I can take to boost my experience in the field?
Here are some relevant listings for internships and even full-time jobs that you can partake in to enhance your work experience.
● Are there any other resources available that will help me get my degree?
Here is a website that offers resources and news related to healthcare administration degrees. Here is another website that will enhance your knowledge and networking capacity in this field.
Conclusion
With a degree in healthcare administration, you’ll be working in one of the most prestigious and rapidly-growing industries in the country. You can choose challenging yet rewarding entry-level jobs or continue your education to advance to an executive role. With the tools and resources provided in this guide, we here at CareerKarma hope you have all the information you need to succeed.
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