An online bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration may provide students with the skills needed to manage various types of clinical areas such as nursing or medical records. In this four-year program, students may learn how to develop reports and budgets, manage health information, and direct activities in clinical areas. Program coursework may include general education requirements alongside major-specific courses including human resources management, healthcare finance, and introduction to public health.

Upon graduation, students may either seek entry-level employment or enroll in a graduate degree program. Baccalaureate-level graduates may find employment in outpatient centers, hospitals, medical laboratories, adult care facilities, and home health programs.

Program Overview

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

Program Coursework

Curriculum for baccalaureate-level healthcare administration degree programs may integrate general education requirements, core healthcare administration classes, and electives in the student’s chosen specialty. These online classes may teach students how to implement human resources strategies in a healthcare setting, utilize effective communication strategies, and strategically plan and manage health information systems. Core online healthcare administration courses may include the following:

• Human Resources for Healthcare Organizations
• Healthcare Administration
• Introduction to Public Health
• Finance for Healthcare
• Biostatistics
• Information Technology Systems
• Research Methods for Health Sciences

Career Options

Baccalaureate-level graduates may gain employment in hospitals, physician’s offices, nursing care facilities, home health care centers, and outpatient care centers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical and health services management employment opportunities are projected to increase by 22% from 2010-2020.*

Possible careers include:

• Care Coordinator
• Account Manager
• Practice Administrator
• Billing Administrator
• Case Manager

Continuing Education

Students who successfully complete a baccalaureate degree may decide to advance their studies by enrolling in a graduate degree program in the same or related field. A graduate degree in healthcare administration may provide students with enhanced leadership and business skills required for executive positions. Employers may prefer students to have a bachelor’s degree at minimum to pursue entry to upper-level employment opportunities in healthcare administration.

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