Getting a healthcare administration associates degree online is a solid investment for many. It can help ensure that you have plenty of job opportunities after you graduate.
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This field is growing by leaps and bounds, and earning your degree in healthcare administration online can help you become poised to take advantage of it.
Associates in Healthcare Administration Degrees Online
If you want to get your Associate’s in Healthcare Administration, there are plenty of schools that you can choose from. These days, it’s just as reputable to get your degree online as it is in the traditional way in the classroom.
Everyone’s definition of a great school is different. Still, many students prefer ones that give them a flexible class schedule, allow them to work remotely at their own pace, and offer plenty of internship opportunities for after graduation.
Two areas that you can specialize in are healthcare administration and healthcare management.
Both of these specialties can help set you on the right path for a good career after you graduate, but there are small distinctions between the two.
Healthcare Administration
Healthcare administration deals with the day-to-day operations of a specific facility or institution.
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You may be an office manager or work behind the scenes as an administrative professional. Being smart and following the rules can help you rise up quickly in administrative positions.
Healthcare Management
As the name suggests, healthcare management deals with the managerial side of things. People who specialize in this discipline usually find themselves running entire departments or overseeing plenty of people. There is a lot of demand for managerial jobs, so having additional schooling is considered a perk, but is not required.
Excellent communication skills can help you out in either field. Those that are able to talk to people on all levels of an organization and clearly communicate their needs tend to do well. Being able to take directions well and having a thick skin are beneficial as well.
It’s helpful to have an existing love of healthcare and want to help people. Having a natural empathy towards fellow humans and always putting other peoples’ best interests first are great qualities to have as well.
Flexibility and the ability to think on your feet are also great assets when it comes to succeeding in either healthcare management or healthcare administration.
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This field can be stressful, so knowing how to handle stress will be helpful as well. Healthcare is notoriously quick-paced, and plenty of curveballs will likely be thrown your way. The ability to bounce back from adversity and manage stress is an extremely useful ability for those working in healthcare.
Healthcare administration and healthcare management can be rewarding fields for the right people. If this sounds like you, this degree may be a good educational path for you.
Associates in Healthcare Administration Curriculum & Courses
Although all online Healthcare Associates Degrees differ, there are some standard classes that you can expect to take over the course of your schooling.
- English – This course teaches the basics of communication and can help people learn how to talk with people at all levels of an organization.
- Intro to Epidemiology – This class teaches about the spread and containment of diseases. Those with an interest in epidemiology may continue their studies in ongoing education.
- Anatomy 101 – This entry-level course explores the basics of anatomy and is designed to give students a basic understanding of how the human body functions.
- Coding – Medical coding is an important skill. This course teaches how to code, common medical terms, and why coding is useful.
- Medical Law – It’s important for students to learn the basics of medical law and the fundamentals of medical privacy. This course is an overview.
- Healthcare Terminology – There are common healthcare terms that are used in just about every facility and hospital in the country. This course teaches that terminology.
- Office Management – Understanding the basics of office management can be helpful for anyone who wants to work in the higher levels of administration.
- Health Records Compliance – There are plenty of things that those working in healthcare need to know about compliance. This entry-level course covers this information.
- Public Health 101 – Everyone working in medicine should understand public health concerns and threats that exist today.
- Business Administration – Knowing the fundamentals of how a business operates can be helpful if you want to work in an administrative setting.
Associates in Healthcare Administration Careers & Salaries
There are plenty of positions available in the healthcare field, from healthcare administrators to healthcare managers and everything in between. One of the biggest draws to this field is the fact that there is generally plenty of work to do, and there’s almost always job security.
You may be able to rise up pretty quickly through the ranks in almost any one of these jobs, which is a great incentive to those who want to be rewarded for their hard work.
In addition to the potential to move in many directions with your degree, you may also be able to specialize further in higher education, allowing yourself to have access to even more lucrative positions and make sure that you are a valuable asset to any team.
Salaries will differ depending on what state you live in, and how competitive the job market is. Still, these are the typical salaries for jobs in healthcare administration and healthcare management. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, graduates with this degree have the following job opportunities. Depending on the employer, you may need additional education or work experience to qualify for some of these jobs.
| Careers | Annual Median Salary |
| Health Services Manager | $104,280 |
| Medical Facility Manager | $87,920 |
| Medical Billing Supervisor | $58,450 |
| Health Information Technician in Hospitals | $46,880 |
| Medical Coder | $43,890 |
| Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerk | $42,050 |
| Community Health Worker | $42,000 |
| Cancer Registrar in Physician’s Offices | $39,190 |
| Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistant | $37,350 |
| Medical Transcriptionist | $35,270 |
Admissions Requirements
If you want to get your Associate’s degree in healthcare administration, you will likely be asked to provide a few certain documents when you apply at admissions. All schools are different, so you should check with the college of your choice to ensure that you have everything that they require.
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Most of the time, you will need the following documents to be considered for admission.
- You will need to have your high school diploma or G.R.E.
- Some schools ask for your S.A.T. scores, although not all of them do and it’s good to check in advance.
- You will most likely have to show your transcripts.
- A letter of recommendation might not be required, but it’s a nice touch.
Some schools have a minimum G.P.A., or grade point average that you have to meet in order to be considered for admission. If you have taken any advanced placement classes or have any other kinds of awards, make sure that you let the school know.
Accreditation
Regional accreditation is one of the most important qualities to look for in a school because it sets it apart as one that has been independently reviewed and found to be a reputable leader in the field.
Prospective employers will look at whether to not you graduated from an accredited school, so it is in your best interest to make sure that you attend one with this stamp of approval on it. You can generally find information on accreditation online, but do not hesitate to contact the school directly if you have any questions or can’t find it.
Many colleges will be completely forthcoming with the information. If they are not, consider it to be a red flag and look at other options.
Healthcare Administration Professional Organizations
As with many types of professions, healthcare has its own set of professional organizations. Joining one or several of them can help give you a leg up when it comes to getting a job. Most of them provide excellent networking opportunities.
- American College of Healthcare Administrators – This group is an excellent resource of mentors and can offer some amazing networking opportunities.
- Association for Healthcare Administrative Professionals – You can attend informational webinars and meet giants in the field when you join this organization.
- Health Care Administrators Association – This is one of the most acclaimed organizations for networking and informational seminars.
The group that you opt to join is totally up to you, but becoming a member of at least one of them may be very beneficial.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
If you want to go to college but worry that you can’t afford it, you are not alone. Plenty of people need financial assistance to attend the college of their dreams. Fortunately, there is help to pursue on the state, federal, and regional levels.
You may apply for grants and scholarships through your state or college. There are also federally sponsored scholarships available for students who excel in their fields or who qualify for low-income incentives. You don’t need to pay back scholarships or grants, making them ideal options for people who don’t want to worry after they graduate.
You may also take out loans to cover the costs of your education or materials. You do need to pay back these loans, so make sure that you don’t take out more than you can reasonably pay back. There is generally a grace period right after you graduate, but you will have to return loan money.
Whether you get your degree online or in a traditional classroom setting, there are plenty of options to look into to suit your needs.
What Can I Do With an Associates Degree in Healthcare Administration?
There are plenty of things that you may do with your Associate’s degree in healthcare administration. If you push yourself, the sky may be the limit when it comes to how far you can go in your field. Many people work as administrative managers or office personal, and some even find work as medical coders or transcriptionists.
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In addition, an associates degree may be a great start for those who wish to continue their education and potentially pursue a bachelors, or even an online masters in health administration program.
How Much Can You Make With an Associates Degree in Healthcare Administration?
What you will make it healthcare differs depending on where you live, what field you choose to pursue, and what your education level is. These factors will play heavily into what kind of salary you can expect to get.
Many people find themselves in a comfortable level of making above minimum wage.
How Long Does It Take to Get an Associates Degree in Healthcare Administration?
The length of time it takes you to get your healthcare administration associate’s degree varies depending on your schedule and what else you have going on in your life.
Generally speaking, these degrees take two years to obtain, but it could be more or less if you have other commitments going on.
What Is the Best Online School for Healthcare Administration?
What constitutes the best online school for healthcare administration really depends on your personal preferences and what you are looking for in an educational experience. Plenty of online schools offer flexible classes and opportunities for networking and internships.
Many students prefer those schools because they think it gives them an advantage after graduating.
What’s the Difference Between a Healthcare Administration vs. Healthcare Management Associates Degree?
Those who get a healthcare management degree are usually ones that want to work in managerial positions in hospitals or other facilities.
In contrast, a degree in administration can allow you to work in an office setting.
What Jobs Can You Get With an Associate’s Degree in Healthcare Administration?
There are many administrative or technical jobs in healthcare facilities all across the country.
An associate’s degree is often enough to get a person’s foot in the door, and generally, those in this field are able to climb through the ranks fairly quickly.
How Do I Know if a Healthcare Administration Associates Degree Online Is the Right Choice for Me?
If you have a passion for healthcare, love people, and have excellent stress management and organizational skills, a degree in healthcare administration might be the right move for you.
The great thing about getting your Associate’s degree is that typically only a two-year commitment, so you can change your mind if you’d like.
Are There any Affordable Online Healthcare Associates Degrees?
There are plenty of affordable online Associate’s degree programs, and many of them are accredited, making them potentially excellent options for anyone who wants to pursue this kind of degree.
Always check with the institution to see if there are any hidden costs or fees before applying, and remember to check for loans, grants, or scholarships that might offset the cost of your schooling as well.
How Much Can I Expect to Make After Graduating With an Associates in Healthcare Administration?
Although salaries vary, you can expect to make anywhere between $40,000 and $50,000 per year after graduation (Center on Education and the Workforce).
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Many entry-level jobs allow employees to work their way up, so you may not be at the bottom rung for very long. Even entry-level pay for this field is fairly competitive.
What Is a Healthcare Administration Associate’s Degree?
This degree can help you obtain a broad overview of how healthcare works and become trained in basic healthcare terminology, as well as administration duties in different facilities.
It can help set you up for a career where you can work at any number of different places.
Universities Offering Online Healthcare Administration Associate’s Degree Programs
Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.
As a postsecondary school that provides private education to students seeking an associate or bachelor’s degree, Bryant and Stratton College has been growing its programs since its opening in 1854.
With six colleges to choose from Bryant and Stratton have a variety of programs to choose from, including health care administration, business, and education.
- AAS in Health Services Administration
Bryant and Stratton College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Cambridge College opened in 1971 as a private facility offering higher education to students looking to pursue better vocational knowledge and academic distinction. Today Cambridge serves students across the nation in various degree programs, including undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral level education both online and on-campus.
Cambridge University excels in student services and academic excellence.
- AS in Healthcare Administration
Cambridge College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Serving students of all faiths since 1914, Colorado Christian University encourages students to achieve personal and educational fulfillment while attending class and in their future.
Offering a multitude of online and in-person degrees, Colorado Christian University incorporates philosophy and compassion into its associate, bachelor’s, and graduate programs. CCU is highly respected among the country’s top private schools (U.S. News & World Report).
- AS in Healthcare Administration
Colorado Christian University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
Science, technology, engineering, and math are a few examples of programs offered at Colorado Technical University. This private educational institution has been providing instruction at affordable prices since 1965. Individuals looking to gain an associate degree and beyond turn to CTU for its understanding of the needs of the busy student.
- AS in Health Administration Services
Colorado Technical University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Concordia University – Wisconsin started in 1881 and is affiliated with the Lutheran Church. This co-educational institution is grounded in liberal arts studies and gives private education to students who are looking to obtain an undergrad or graduate degree.
CU-Wisconsin offers students access to on-site learning and online classes. Their accelerated programs are popular with working adults.
- AA in Health Care Management
Concordia University Wisconsin is regionally accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
Florida Institute of Technology has been a global leader in adult public education since 1958. It helps students looking to obtain an undergraduate, graduate, or higher degree in some of the fastest-growing fields.
Research and technology are a crucial component in the many courses offered at FIT. Online and on-campus courses are available in most fields.
- AA in Healthcare Management
Florida Tech is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Guilford Technical Community College began in 1958 and sits in the heart of North Carolina. As a state’s leader in public vocational training, GTCC offers associate degrees, career certificates, and several non-degree programs to help students advance to the next level in their field or transfer to a four -year degree-awarding school.
- AAS in Medical Office Administration – Healthcare Administration
Guilford Technical Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Harrisburg Area Community College started in 1964 as a public community college, and today it serves 25,000 degrees and non-degree seeking students. HACC has a variety of associate degrees in arts, science, and applies science. Its online programs help busy students access educational opportunities needed to be successful in their field.
- AAS in Healthcare Management
HACC is accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
Recognized as a school of merit since 1965, Herzing University made its mark on private education by building cutting-edge programs filled with students looking to acquire an associate, bachelor, or graduate degree.
Herzing University has nine campus locations across the nation and a rigorous virtual learning format to help students develop skills for their future.
- AAS in Healthcare Administration
Herzing University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Established in 1967, Iowa Central Community College reaches thousands of students each year to assist them in achieving high education at a public school. With over 80 fields of study, ICCC has an array of vocational certifications, diplomas, and associate degree programs.
Most associate degrees obtained at ICCC can be easily transferred into a four-year degree program.
- APS in Health Care Administration
Iowa Central is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools.
Keiser University has been offering a top-notch private education to students for almost fifty years, one of the best universities in the nation (U.S. News & World Report). Opening in 1977, Keiser University set high standards for students pursuing degree programs that range from associates to doctorate. Keiser’s distance learning program extends to across the nation and into several other countries around the globe.
- AA in Health Services Administration
Keiser University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Known as a diverse community of higher education, Manor College opened in 1947 and is a private Catholic institution. Offering bachelor’s and associate degree programs, Manor welcomes students of all backgrounds and believes and strives to teach more than academia.
It seeks to engulf students in its rich history and educate on acceptance, tolerance, and goodwill.
- Associate’s in Healthcare Administration
Manor College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Minnesota West Community and Technical College started in 1997 as a public, academic facility. Today it has an assortment of liberal arts and science programs that lead to associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates.
Most associate degrees earned at MWCTC can be transferred into a four-year school and can jumpstart a bachelor’s degree in many fields.
- AAS in Healthcare Administrative Assistant
Minnesota West Community and Technical College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Mitchell Community College has roots that expand from 1856 when it opened as a women’s college in NC. In 1917, MCC opened its doors to both men and women and developed its degree programs. Today MCC is a public college that provides college transfer associate degrees in areas such as business, technology, and healthcare.
- AAS in Healthcare Management Technology
Mitchell Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Opening in 1946, The New England College meets the needs of students looking to earn an undergraduate, graduate, or doctorate in a wide variety of programs. With almost fifty programs to choose from, this private facility uses hands-on techniques to show students how to be successful.
Local partnerships bring research and technology to the forefront of every class.
- AS in Healthcare Administration
NEC is regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Pitt Community College offers an Associate in Medical Office Administration. Many graduates pursue administrative careers in settings like dental offices, clinics, insurance companies, hospitals, and laboratories. Courses cover core concepts like insurance and billing, electronic health records, medical terminology, and ethical issues in the field. The program is housed 100% online.
Pitt Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
With over forty program paths to an associate or bachelor’s degree, Oklahoma State University – Oklahoma City has been providing public education since 1961. With nine degrees that can be completed entirely online, OSU- Oklahoma City gives working adults a chance to participate in higher education on a schedule that works for them.
- Associate’s in Health Care Administration
OSU-OKC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
St. Johns River State College offers an Associate of Science in Health Services Management. New students can begin the program in the fall and can typically finish in 2 years of full-time study. Most graduates can easily continue their studies with a bachelor’s from SJR State. All classes can be completed online, but the program does require an in-person internship.
- AS in Health Services Management
St. Johns River State College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Opening in 1926, Tyler Junior Community College is a pillar of public adult education in the state of Texas. With more than one-hundred discipline areas, TJCC has a pathway to AS, AAS, AA, and bachelor’s degrees for students looking to boost employment skills and knowledge.
Offering both online and on-campus programs, TJCC touches thousands of lives every year.
- AAS in Healthcare Administration
Tyler Junior College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Leading the way in private education since 1903, Waldorf University delivers high-quality instruction to those looking to acquire an undergrad or graduate degree in an assortment of areas. Giving students a chance to take classes using its virtual platform, Waldorf University strives to develop new ways to deliver education to working adults.
- AA in Health Care Management
Waldorf University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Getting Your Associates in Healthcare Administration Degree Online
Getting your healthcare management associates degree or healthcare administration degree online may lead to tremendous opportunities right after graduation. It’s easier than ever to apply for your associates degree online, and there’s no reason why you shouldn’t take the plunge if that’s your goal.
If you feel like your career is stagnating, or you just want to do something new, healthcare might be precisely what you are looking for. With flexible programs and classes available, online learning has never been more accessible.
