A healthcare management degree could help you grow your qualifications for a job in the rapidly growing field of medical and health services management.
In this degree program, you’ll study healthcare concepts, business principles, and leadership strategies. You might graduate ready to work as a business leader in the world of healthcare.
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If you’re interested in getting your bachelors in health care management, let’s take a closer look at the benefits of earning this degree through online study.
Online Healthcare Management Degrees
Healthcare management deals with the business of healthcare. People who study healthcare management in college typically aspire to be leaders in health and medical organizations. They intend to provide direction and oversight that helps healthcare facilities achieve excellence.
If you’re interested in becoming a business leader in a health and medical services organization, you might consider getting an online bachelors degree in healthcare management. In college, you’ll study:
- Communication
- Finance and economics
- Information technology and health data
- Healthcare delivery and reimbursement
- Organizational leadership
- Public health
- Quality management
- Regulations and ethics
- Senior care
You can even earn a health management degree online, including both a bachelors as well as an online MBA in Healthcare Management, which some professionals pursue after graduation. Many colleges deliver classes like these through an online format. You might be able to complete your entire degree without ever going to campus. Even still, there may be in-person experiences that you can engage in during your studies.
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For example, some colleges have students complete practicums in local healthcare facilities. Such hands-on opportunities could provide an additional way to develop your skills and knowledge. A healthcare management degree may also offer concentration options or the chance to earn a specialized certificate.
For example, you might take multiple classes on senior care. Your in-depth knowledge in that area could be useful for getting a state license as a nursing home administrator. In addition to nursing home administration, there are many other jobs that graduates might pursue with this degree. Examples include being a clinical director, a medical records manager, or a medical secretary.
Some people head up departments like finance or technology in health organizations. Others run medical practice offices. Jobs could be available in hospitals, doctor’s offices, insurance companies, residential facilities, public health departments, medical supply companies, or the pharmaceutical industry.
Healthcare Management Careers & Salaries
With a degree in healthcare management, you may take a position related to leading and directing a healthcare organization.
Your work might be influential in setting the direction for the organization and making sure that all of the different departments are working together. There are many different titles for healthcare managers. For example, many health organizations have chief officers. Jobs may be available in hospital systems, pharmaceutical companies, insurance companies, and more.
Clinical managers oversee specific departments. Some of the departments that could benefit from the training provided in a healthcare management bachelors degree program include surgery, nursing, information technology (IT), compliance, and finance. Nursing home administrators are leaders in long-term care facilities, and this job typically requires state licensure.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, here are some career paths related to the field of healthcare management.
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | $159,010 |
| Financial Managers | $131,710 |
| Medical and Health Services Managers | $101,340 |
| Top Executives | $98,980 |
| Management Analysts | $93,000 |
| Social and Community Service Managers | $74,000 |
| Compliance Officers | $71,650 |
| Medical Records Specialists | $46,660 |
| Office and Administrative Support Workers | $38,050 |
| Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants | $37,450 |
Many people with this degree do jobs related to medical records. At first, a recent graduate might work as a health information technician or a medical records specialist. After gaining experience, they might have the opportunity to become a health information manager. In fact, some universities offer health information management degree online or on-campus programs specifically.
Some health managers work in social service or community agencies rather than hospitals. Your work in such a position might connect people in need to health and medical services. Not everyone graduates with this degree and automatically enters a management role.
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To gain industry experience, you could start as an office worker. You’d likely be more than qualified for a job as a medical secretary. Other office or administrative support roles might be available as well. If you gain management experience, you might be able to share that knowledge with others.
A management analyst, also known as a management consultant, helps medical organizations improve their management structure and operations. Getting a master’s degree in healthcare management could expand your job opportunities and help you qualify you for some of the highest leadership positions.
Bachelor of Healthcare Management Curriculum & Courses
Bachelor’s degree students typically have to complete 120 credit hours before graduation. In an online healthcare management bachelor’s degree program, you’ll study the healthcare system. You’ll also take an assortment of business-focused classes.
Your curriculum might include:
- Communication for Health Professionals: You can learn important skills for communicating with team members, superiors, clinicians, patients, family members, and others in healthcare settings.
- Compliance Matters: This course will focus on ensuring that your organization complies with rules and regulations for healthcare services, health insurance, safety, and employment.
- Financial Management for Healthcare: You’ll study managerial finance topics, such as budgeting and financial planning, particularly as they relate to health organizations.
- Healthcare in the US: This class will cover the American healthcare system and the role that management professionals play in it.
- Healthcare Revenue: A payment-focused class may cover medical coding and classification as well as insurance reimbursement.
- Information Technology for Health Services: You might discuss the importance of electronic medical records and explore specific software systems that are popular in healthcare organizations today.
- Long-Term Planning in Healthcare: In this course, you’ll pay attention to strategies you can use for making extended business plans and helping your employees catch your vision.
- Public Health System: You’ll learn about the field of public health and discuss ways that public health departments meet community needs.
- Quality Management: You’ll explore what it takes to ensure that your healthcare facility delivers quality care, and you’ll also talk about ways to address needed improvements.
- Research in Healthcare: A class on research will teach you about study methods used in this field, introduce you to scientific literature, and prepare you to incorporate research-backed ideas into your professional practice.
In addition to taking courses like these, you might also complete a practicum.
How to Choose an Online Healthcare Management Degree Program
Many schools offer degree programs for people who want to become healthcare leaders. To help you figure out where to study, you could consider what kind of college experience you’d like to have.
You might ask yourself questions like:
- Do I have any college credits? Some schools cater to people with a large number of transfer credits. In that case, you might be able to complete your degree in as little as 18 months.
- Do I want to work in senior living? A school that emphasizes senior care could help you prepare for a career as a nursing home administrator. That role requires a license, so specialized training is necessary.
- How do I want to take classes? Online coursework is typically flexible, which is helpful for those with busy schedules. At some colleges, the online classes involve live sessions. Others allow 24/7 access to the course materials so that you can complete them on your own time.
- How much can I afford to spend? Tuition rates vary based on the per-credit-hour cost. Also, your financial aid package will vary from one school to another.
- Is the college accredited? There are numerous benefits to attending a college or university that holds regional accreditation.
- What services does the school offer? Tutoring, online clubs, and career services can contribute to your college experience.
You may have additional questions as well. To learn more about the schools you’re interested in, you can check with each of their admissions departments.
Admissions Requirements
After deciding to get a bachelor in healthcare management degree online and searching for schools, it’s time to send in college applications.
Possible admissions requirements include:
- Application form and a small fee
- Official transcripts from your high school and any colleges you’ve been to
- Reference letters from past teachers or work supervisors
- Test scores, such as the SAT or the ACT (required only for some schools)
Colleges may also want resumes, writing samples, or interviews. Some schools set a minimum high school GPA for admission, but they may also accept those with lower scores on a provisional basis.
Accreditation
When browsing for healthcare management colleges, it’s strategic to pay attention to accreditation. It’s beneficial to only consider schools that hold regional accreditation. That’s a valuable designation because it tells you that a college knows what it’s doing when it comes to educating students.
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Regional accreditation has multiple benefits. For one thing, federal financial aid can be used only at accredited schools. Also, regionally accredited studies often transfer from one school to another. Regional accreditation remains impactful after graduation as well. An accredited degree may be a prerequisite for getting into grad school. It can also bolster your resume and your employment opportunities.
Healthcare Management Majors Financial Aid and Scholarships
Financial aid programs may help you achieve your dream of a college education. To start the process of applying for financial aid, you can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The information you enter on this form will determine your eligibility for federal programs like loans, grants, and work-study arrangements.
Based on your FAFSA results, you might be able to receive state aid as well. State programs are often similar to federal ones. For example, they might offer grants or loans. Scholarships may help cover a portion of your schooling, too. You can apply for scholarship programs from industry organizations and community groups. Your college may also award scholarship money to students who qualify.
In addition, some employers help their workers get college educations. Some workplaces cover a set tuition amount each year.
What Is a Healthcare Management Degree?
A healthcare management degree is an undergraduate program for people who want to be leaders in health and medical organizations. This bachelor’s degree focuses on the business and decision-making aspects of healthcare leadership.
Commonly, the classes cover topics like finance, information technology, and organizational leadership. Those subjects are addressed from a healthcare perspective. There are also courses specifically focused on the healthcare system. They might deal with healthcare delivery, medical coding, reimbursement, and public health.
At some schools, students can choose to take multiple classes on senior care in preparation for licensure as a nursing home administrator.
Is Healthcare Management a Good Degree?
Yes, healthcare management is a good degree for many undergraduate students. Health and medical managers play a key role in their communities. Their work helps keep health services organized so that people can get the care they need.
Their efforts also contribute to quality improvement, regulatory compliance, and innovative ideas in healthcare facilities. In addition to these noble goals, healthcare management often pays well. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, health and medical services managers earn a median annual salary of $101,340. Most earn at least $60,780 annually, and some make over $205,620. Hospital and government jobs often pay the most.
What Can You Do with a Healthcare Management Degree?
Healthcare management graduates often go on to become health or medical services managers. That category can include clinical managers who oversee specific departments, medical records managers, and healthcare facility administrators, among others.
Other professionals use this degree to work in medical offices. That could include being an administrative support worker or a medical secretary. Those who gain experience may become office managers. Healthcare consulting is another line of work to consider. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, most management analysts earn between $50,190 and $163,760 each year.
What Does a Healthcare Manager Do?
Healthcare organizations need business leaders who can direct their finances, technology, and future planning. Healthcare managers can fill those roles.
Some managers are over specific medical departments, such as surgery or nursing. Others oversee records management. There are also people who work on the finance or technology aspects of running an organization.
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Health managers may invest their time in staffing departments, coordinating schedules, and keeping track of budgets. Regulatory compliance and quality management may also be part of their responsibilities.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Bachelor Degree in Healthcare Management Online?
Many online college students who enroll full-time finish a bachelor’s degree within 3 to 4 years. On-campus bachelor’s degrees usually take 4 years to complete, but online students sometimes move through their studies more quickly if they take classes year-round. Accelerated course schedules contribute to the faster pace.
Some healthcare management online students enter the program with transfer credits from previous college experiences. Transfer credit can significantly reduce your time in school. On the other hand, enrolling part-time may extend your time to completion.
What’s the Difference Between a Bachelors Degree in Healthcare Administration vs. Healthcare Management?
Both administrative and management professionals provide essential leadership in healthcare settings. A bachelors degree in healthcare administration has a lot of overlap with a bachelors degree in healthcare management, but here’s how they compare.
| Bachelors in Healthcare Administration | Bachelors in Healthcare Management |
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While the curricula vary from one degree to the other, you may have similar career options either way. Both can help prepare you for leadership positions within the healthcare industry.
Is a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Care Management Worth It?
Yes, a bachelor’s degree in health care management is worth it for many professionals. Many professionals find this line of work quite fulfilling because they know that their efforts make it possible for people to receive healthcare services. Also, this is an in-demand field. Healthcare, in general, is a growing sector.
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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the overall category of healthcare occupations is expected to see a 13% growth rate over the next ten years. In particular, positions for medical and health services managers are projected to grow by 28%.
Universities Offering Online Bachelors in Healthcare Management 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.
American InterContinental University offers a Bachelor of Healthcare Management. Students can select concentrations in either Gerontology Management or Health Services Administration Management. The curriculum is designed to help students develop interpersonal, leadership, analytical, and technical skills that will help them excel in a variety of roles in healthcare. All classes meet fully online.
American InterContinental University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Brazosport College offers a Bachelor’s in Health Services Management. Students interested in mid-level leadership or administrative roles may find an excellent fit in this program. Classes utilize an accelerated, 8 week format. The program offers specialties in Risk Management, Forensic Science, Public Health, Nursing Management, Information Systems, Emergency Medical Services, and more.
Brazosport College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The Bachelor of Business Administration program at Campbell University offers a specialization in Healthcare Management. Classes cover topics like human resource management marketing, communication, health information technology, and health policy and law. This program requires the completion of 124 total credit hours. Students can attend classes in-person at one of two campuses or fully online.
Campbell University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Carlow University offers a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management. This program is designed to help non-clinical professionals develop the skills needed to serve as leaders in healthcare. On average, students can complete the program’s 120 required credits in 4 years. Classes meet primarily online, though students can participate in hands-on learning opportunities or complete an internship in the field.
Carlow University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Colorado Technical University offers a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management. Students can complete this degree as a general track or select the Health Informatics concentration. This 180 credit program can be completed in a convenient online learning format. Potential classes include Quality Management, Healthcare Statistics and Research, Health Policy and Politics, and Global Health Systems.
Colorado Technical University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Excelsior University offers a 100% online program for a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management. This program aims to equip students with foundational skills to help them flourish in diverse administrative roles in healthcare.
To graduate, students must complete 120 credit hours. Many graduates pursue careers as healthcare project managers, medical office managers, records coordinators, long-term care managers, or other administrative roles.
Excelsior University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Franklin University offers a Bachelor of Sciences in Healthcare Management. Students can choose an optional concentration in Emergency Management, Human Resources, Supply Chain Management, or Public Administration. Classes can be attended fully online or fully in-person. To graduate, students must complete a minimum of 120 credit hours while maintaining a 2.25 GPA or higher in major-specific coursework.
Franklin University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
LeTourneau University offers a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management. Students who are passionate about becoming innovative leaders in the field of healthcare may find an ideal next step in this program. This 120 credit program utilizes a convenient online learning format. Classes are typically taken one at a time, and each one is 3 to 7 weeks long.
LeTourneau University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Misericordia University offers an online program for a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management. This degree is intended for students planning on continuing their post-baccalaureate education in physical therapy and other medical disciplines. Graduates often pursue work in settings like hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, insurance companies, government agencies, or nonprofit organizations.
Misericordia University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
National American University offers a Bachelor’s in Healthcare Management. Classes cover core concepts like leadership skills, healthcare policy, law and ethics in health services, compliance, financial management, and strategic planning. Students can complete the program’s 180 required credit hours fully online. Graduates often pursue careers as medical office managers, healthcare administrators, or physician practice managers.
National American University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
South University offers a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management. The program aims to graduate students who know how to address critical issues in healthcare by integrating marketing, information management, finance, and human resources principles. To graduate, students must complete 180 credit hours. All classes can be completed conveniently online.
South University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Southeast Missouri State University offers a 100% online program for a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management. Graduates often pursue careers as clinical analysts, health informatics specialists, medical records managers, or patient safety specialists. Students must complete a minimum of 120 credit hours to graduate. The program may offer credits to students for previous professional or educational experiences.
SEMO is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Southern Illinois University—Carbondale offers a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management. Students can choose a specialty in Long Term Care Administration, Infection Prevention and Control, or Health Information Management and Informatics. This program blends concepts from business, economics, sociology, and health sciences. Students can attend classes either fully online or fully in person.
SIU – Carbondale is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Thomas Jefferson University offers a Bachelor’s in Health Services Management. This program may be a good fit for students interested in pursuing administrative roles in settings like hospitals, government agencies, or nonprofits. Classes in this 120 credit program are typically 8 weeks long and meet online. On average, students can complete the program’s requirements in just 2 to 3 years.
Thomas Jefferson University is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
The University of Maryland Global Campus offers a Bachelor’s in Health Services Management. The curriculum emphasizes process evaluation, research, problem-solving, and leadership skills. Students may be able to transfer in up to 90 approved credits from outside institutions toward their 120 required credit hours. This program is housed entirely online.
The University of Maryland Global Campus is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
The University of Minnesota offers a Bachelor of Science in Health Services Management. Many graduates pursue positions in settings like hospitals, clinics, health insurance organizations, assisted living facilities, or medical device companies. Students in the program can attend their courses using a combination of online, in-person, and hybrid learning formats. The program admits new students three times a year.
The University of Minnesota is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The University of St. Francis offers a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management. The program seeks to prepare students for careers in healthcare administration by helping them develop essential skills in communication, team development, and organizational change.
Incoming students must have a minimum of 64 qualifying transfer credits to be admitted to the university. Students can complete their major requirements fully online.
The University of St. Francis is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The University of Virginia offers a Bachelor of Professional Studies in Health Services Management. This program is intended for individuals interested in pursuing leadership roles in the field of healthcare. This program’s convenient online learning model is designed with working adults in mind. On average, students can complete the program’s 120 required credit hours in 3 to 4 years.
The University of Virginia is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Utica University offers an online program for a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management. This interdisciplinary program blends concepts from health studies, business, psychology, economics, social studies, anthropology, and ethics. Admitted students can select one of six yearly start dates. Most students attending classes full-time can complete the degree requirements in 4 years.
Utica University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Waldorf University offers a Bachelor’s in Healthcare Management. The curriculum is designed to help students develop the foundational knowledge needed to excel in administrative and leadership roles in the field of healthcare. Students must complete a minimum of 120 credits while maintaining a 2.0 GPA or higher to graduate. The program utilizes a 100% online attendance model.
Waldorf University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Getting Your Healthcare Management Bachelor’s Degree Online
Healthcare management is a field that often pays well while also making a difference for other people. If you want to pursue a job in this field, your first step could be studying healthcare management in college.
You don’t need to let a busy lifestyle hold you back from earning a college degree in healthcare management. Instead, you might look into the possibility of getting your degree online. Today’s accredited colleges do an excellent job of providing a robust online education that prepares students for the modern workforce.
You can start exploring the various options for accredited online degrees in healthcare management, and you can begin making a plan for which school you’d like to attend.
