Degree Overview: Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) Degree in Healthcare Administration
Majors Overview June 22, 2014Those working in healthcare administration may find employment in various medical settings, such as clinics, home healthcare agencies, and hospitals. Students in Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree programs in Healthcare Administration will be prepared for jobs as health service administrators or managers for the purpose of supporting medical facilities’ business sides.
Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) Degree Programs in Healthcare Administration
Students enrolled in an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Healthcare Administration program are prepared to seek entry-level jobs in healthcare facility administration. They are imparted in-depth knowledge about medical computer technology, accounting, and healthcare management.
Course credit for life experience is issued by some programs. Community colleges and technical schools mainly offer these programs. Two-year programs in healthcare administration are offered exclusively in online and accelerated formats by some schools.
Admission criteria typically require applicants to hold a GED certificate or high school diploma.
Coursework
Coursework in a Healthcare Administration A.A.S. program focuses on the intricacies of the healthcare system and includes the modes of providing patients with quality customer service. Apart from core coursework, general education courses are also required to be completed by students. Coursework may include the following topic areas:
•Healthcare finance
•Human resource management
•Medical law and ethics
•Anatomy and physiology
•Medical tools and technology
•Medical terminology
Job and Wage Outlook
A high job growth rate of 16% has been predicted for medical and health service managers during the period of 2008 to 2018 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)). This optimistic projection is based on the assumption that the healthcare industry will expand continually and consequently there will be greater demand for managers to ensure smooth running of businesses.
In May 2010, medical and health service managers took home an average annual wage of $88,580 (BLS). A bachelor’s degree is the minimum qualification required by the majority of healthcare or medical managers; employers for most generalist positions prefer master’s degree graduates.
Continuing Education Choices
Those that successfully complete an associate’s degree program can seek entry-level occupations in healthcare administration or continue their education by earning bachelor’s or master’s degrees in healthcare administration, which would provide them with the additional training needed to advance in the profession (BLS).
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