Health Care Administration Degree Programs

Health care degrees provide students with the potential for job and income growth. While the health care industry is growing in new ways to accommodate changing laws and rising costs, people are also enjoying longer lives and seeking ways to enhance good health. As a result, a host of opportunities will continue to open up for health care administration jobs and degree programs.

A Health Care Administration Career

Health care administration is a fast-paced, constantly evolving, professional-level field. Every facility, business and organization requires skilled management to survive. Administrators handle the business side required for financial growth and economic survival. Administrators must also be people-oriented and trained in a wide variety of tasks that involve day-to-day operations.
 
Those pursuing a health care management degree have options other than employment in hospitals. The opportunities are widely dispersed across private and public sectors. Some of the trends in administration jobs include:
  • in-home service and product companies
  • long-term care facilities
  • managed care organizations
  • nursing homes
  • outpatient clinics
  • residential living facilities.
These are just a few of the possibilities for employment. An administrator may also achieve the level of chief executive officer of a hospital or foundation. Specialties exist as well, including clinical oversight.
 
The varied duties of a health care leader include:
  • business development
  • financial oversight
  • staff management.
Regardless of the type of facility, increasing profits, understanding government laws and taking care of everyday duties are typically part of the job. Specialty fields will have their own requirements, in addition to these.

Preparing for a Health Administration Degree Program

High school is not too early to begin preparing for a job in the health care industry. Advanced math and science classes will give students an edge when planning for college coursework. In addition, low-end jobs in any health facility will also be a boost on the resume. In fact, many health care positions require some type of medical or health-related background, along with a master's degree.
 
Anyone considering a health care administration degree should talk to others and research opportunities first. It's easier to select the right career path and course of study with an idea of both personal and job expectations.

Health Care Degrees and Requirements

With the growth in health care, competition is rising for jobs. While this is one field that experts say will continue to expand at a fast rate, the growth of the health care industry also means more candidates will enter the race for top positions.
 
Many accredited institutions offer programs for beginning a successful career in health care administration. Associate and bachelor's degrees provide the basics for some entry-level positions. However, to advance to higher paying positions with greater responsibility, experts recommend earning a master's degree.

Types of Degrees for Health Care

A Master's of Healthcare Administration (MHA) and a Master's of Business Administration (MBA) are two standard programs offered at most universities. Both offer in-depth training for administrators. Newer MBA programs also generally include a health care focus, and some universities are offering accelerated dual degree programs.
 
Along with traditional degree programs, an increasing number of universities and colleges also offer health care degrees online. These sometimes combine distance learning with intervals of on-campus meetings. At the lower end, associate and bachelor's programs are available with accredited hours that can be applied towards a master's degree.
 
Niche specializations are also plentiful and will provide the necessary learning environment for career advancement. Some of these specializations include:
  • long-term health care: Long-term health care is a specialty choice with accredited programs available at select locations. These programs focus on geriatrics, hospice and the ethics of medical treatment.

  • management: A healthcare management degree can teach students about core subjects, including marketing and sales. Some programs provide tracks for human resources and nursing leadership.

  • pharmacy administration: Pharmacy administration degrees are graduate-level programs available through select institutions. Courses prepare students for career choices in pharmaceuticals, academics and the field of insurance.
In addition to education, having other skills, such as mediation and critical thinking skills, will help make candidates more qualified for certain positions. Being levelheaded and understanding insurance are also beneficial for applicants seeking health care administration jobs.

Approximate Costs and Health Care Courses

The costs of obtaining a health care management degree will vary per institution, location and path of study. Average course fees can range from $300 to $450 per credit. Room and board, as well as books and necessary supplies, will cost extra.
 
Basic courses at associate and bachelor's levels include:
  • billing practices
  • coding procedures
  • health care system history
  • mathematics
  • medical terminology
  • office procedures
  • psychology
  • sociology.

Advanced degrees offer a range of courses that cover specialized topics related to health care, including:

  • decision making
  • policies analysis
  • organizational structuring
  • quality assurance tools
  • strategic planning and management.
Many institutions, including online health care degree programs, allow students to take evening courses or continue working while earning a degree.
 
Growth in health care administration is expected to continue through the next decade. Earning a degree in health care administration can help put you at the top of the candidate pool for these growing opportunities.
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