A Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration prepares graduates to lead and manage healthcare organizations, such as hospitals, long-term care facilities, medical practices, and insurance companies.
With this degree, graduates will have the skills to lead and supervise healthcare teams, manage budgets, ensure compliance with laws and regulations, and develop strategies to improve healthcare operations.
A career in Healthcare Administration is an excellent choice for anyone interested in pursuing a career in the healthcare industry.
The industry is growing rapidly, and the outlook for healthcare administrators is very positive.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the job outlook for health services managers is projected to grow 18% from 2018 to 2028.
The average national job growth rate of 5-8%.
This growth is due to an aging population and the need for healthcare services.
Healthcare Administrators are in high demand and earn lucrative salaries.
The median annual salary for healthcare administrators in 2022 was $83,455.
Top earners bring home an annual salary of $101,438 or higher, while the lowest-paid Healthcare Administrators earn an annual salary of $65,797.
Starting salaries increase significantly for those who go on to pursue a Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration.
Are you considering pursuing a Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration?
If so, read on to learn more about the curriculum, costs, career outlook, and more.
What Will I Learn in a Healthcare Administration Program?
A Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration is a four-year undergraduate degree program that provides students with a comprehensive understanding of healthcare delivery systems, health policy, and healthcare management.
While each program is unique and course names will vary, the core healthcare administration classes include topics such as:
- Medical terminology/coding
- Healthcare leadership
- Healthcare ethics
- Sustainability
- Health economics
- Accounting/finance management
- Technology/information systems
- Healthcare statistics
- Public relations
- Patient Care
- Project management
- Healthcare policies and regulations
- Strategic planning
- Human resources management
- Marketing
You may also be required to complete a practicum or internship to gain hands-on experience.
Many programs also offer a capstone project in which you will have the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills you have learned to a real-world situation.
This allows you to gain on-the-job experience and gain valuable insight into the field.
Internships may be completed in a variety of contexts including a hospital, medical office, or other healthcare organization.
How to Choose a Good Program
Choosing a program to get a BS in Healthcare Administration requires a lot of research and consideration.
You want to make sure that the program you select aligns with your career goals and provides you with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in the field.
The following tips will help you choose the education program that best fits your needs and career goals:
- Research different education programs to determine their areas of focus and the types of courses they offer. Make sure the program you are considering provides the courses you need to gain the knowledge, skills, and credentials you need for a career in healthcare administration.
- Check to see if the program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME). Accredited programs meet quality standards and provide a comprehensive education in healthcare administration.
- Look for programs that offer flexible learning options such as online classes, hybrid courses, and part-time study options. This will allow you to fit your studies into your current lifestyle and commitments.
- Compare the tuition and fees of the programs you are considering to ensure you are getting the best value for your money.
- Talk to current students or alumni of the program. Ask them what they like and don’t like about the program, and if they would recommend it to others.
- Reach out to the program’s admissions office to ask questions and get more information. This will help you determine if the program is a good fit for you.
- Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, make a decision based on the information you have gathered and your own personal preferences.
How Long Does It Take to Earn a Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration?
A bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Administration typically takes 4 years to complete, although the exact time frame may vary depending on the institution and program requirements.
Students may also choose to pursue an accelerated program, which can take as little as three years to complete.
If you have already taken courses toward your undergraduate degree, you may be able to transfer some of those credits and apply them toward your degree.
The admissions representative can help determine which credits are transferable.
How Much Does it Cost to Get a Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration?
The cost of a Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration varies depending on the type of institution you attend, whether you attend in-state or out-of-state, and whether you pursue an online or traditional program.
Generally, tuition for a Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration is between $20,000 and $44,000 per year for a four-year institution, depending upon whether you opt for a public institution or a private college.
Out-of-state tuition is typically higher than in-state tuition, and online programs may be slightly cheaper than traditional programs.
Additionally, some universities offer reduced tuition for online programs or for students who take a certain number of credits each semester.
What Can I Do With a Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration?
A Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration can open up many doors to a wide range of career paths in the healthcare field.
With a degree in Healthcare Administration, you can pursue a career in a variety of fields, including:
Director of Compliance and Risk Management
A Bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Administration can provide you with the skills and knowledge necessary to become a Director of Compliance and Risk Management.
You will learn about the regulations and laws governing healthcare organizations and their operations, as well as gain an understanding of the principles of risk management, compliance, and quality assurance.
With this knowledge, you will be prepared to develop, implement, and monitor compliance and risk management programs for healthcare organizations.
The demand for Directors of Compliance and Risk Management is on the rise.
Healthcare organizations are increasingly looking for experts to help them meet the growing demands of regulatory compliance.
As of 2022, the median salary for this job was $144,734.
This is a relatively high-paying job and the demand is expected to continue to grow in the coming years.
Practice Manager
With a degree in Healthcare Administration, you are eligible to apply for positions such as Practice Manager, Practice Administrator, or Medical Office Manager.
Practice Managers are responsible for the overall management of practice.
This can include administrative responsibilities such as managing budgets, overseeing staff, and managing billing and coding procedures.
They are usually the go-to person for doctors and other medical staff.
The current salary for a Practice Manager varies based on location and experience but ranges between $45,000 and $90,000.
This can be a great job for someone with a passion for the healthcare field and excellent communication and leadership skills.
The industry demand for Practice Managers is expected to remain strong in the coming years, as medical practices become increasingly complex and more reliant on technology.
With a Bachelor’s Degree in Healthcare Administration, you can be well-positioned to take advantage of this growing demand.
Hospital Administrator
Hospital Administrators have a wide range of responsibilities, such as managing personnel, developing policies and procedures, overseeing budgeting and financial operations, and ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
Having a Bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Administration can help you demonstrate the necessary knowledge and skills to be successful in this role.
The demand for Hospital Administrators is expected to grow at a rate of 7% through 2028, which is faster than average for all occupations.
The median pay for Hospital Administrators is $243,361 per year, with the top 10% earning more than $351,000.
Additional career opportunities include:
- Medical or Health Services Manager
- Healthcare Consultant
- Patient Relations Specialist
- Healthcare Recruiter
- Health Information Technician
You may also be able to use your degree to pursue a career in the medical or pharmaceutical industry or to pursue further education in order to become a physician or a nurse.
With a Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration, you can also explore different opportunities in the government and nonprofit sectors.
Should I Get a Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration?
A Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration is a great way to get started in the healthcare industry and make a positive impact on other people’s lives.
As a healthcare administrator, you would be a key part of making sure that patients are receiving the best possible healthcare, and that their needs are being met.
You will be able to help ensure that healthcare organizations are running as efficiently and effectively as possible, making a real difference in people’s lives.
As healthcare continues to become more complex and challenging, a healthcare administrator’s expertise and knowledge will be invaluable to the healthcare industry in ensuring the delivery of quality healthcare to those in need.
Best Healthcare Administration Schools by State
Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
| Rank | School | |
|---|---|---|
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#1 | James Madison University |
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#2 | Radford University |
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#3 | Liberty University |
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#4 | ECPI University |
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#5 | Mary Baldwin University |
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#6 | Devry University |
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#7 | Old Dominion University |
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#8 | University of Charleston |
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#9 | Arcadia University |
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#10 | Johnson and Wales University |
