An online associate degree in healthcare administration may equip individuals with the training needed to complete administrative tasks in a medical setting. In this two-year program, students may learn how to improve the efficiency of a medical office, manage patient relationships, and develop marketing plans for healthcare services. Program coursework may include some general education requirements as well as major-specific classes including medical coding, health records management, and introduction to business.

Graduates may either seek entry-level employment or they may further their education by enrolling in a baccalaureate degree program. Associate-level graduates may seek employment in hospitals, nursing homes, outpatient care facilities, medical laboratories, and physician’s offices.

Program Overview

• Prerequisite: High School Diploma or GED
• Program Length: Two years to complete
• Post-Grad Options: Entry-Level Employment or Bachelor’s Program
• Projected Employment Growth: 22% (2010-2020)*

Program Coursework

Curriculum for associate-level healthcare administration degree programs may include a few general education requirements and electives alongside core courses. These classes may teach students how to process insurance and coding, maintain health records, and provide administrative assistance in a medical setting. Core online healthcare administration courses may include the following:

• Medical Office Management
• Medical Coding
• Medical Terminology
• Health Records Management
• Anatomy and Physiology
• Introduction to Business
• Business Law

Career Options

Associate-level graduates in healthcare administration may seek employment in emergency clinics, adult care facilities, rehabilitation centers, physician’s offices, and surgical facilities. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of medical and health services managers is projected to increase by 22% from 2010-2020.*

Possible careers include:

• Patient Relations Coordinator
• Health Information Manager
• Assistant Administrator
• Assistant Medical Office Coordinator
• Nursing Home Administrator

Continuing Education

Graduates may have the opportunities to further their education by enrolling in a four-year baccalaureate degree program in the same or related field. A bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration may provide students with enhanced skills in human resources management, healthcare finance, and organizational management. Employers may prefer individuals seeking medical and healthcare management positions to hold a bachelor’s degree at minimum to qualify for upper-level employment.

*U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook