Degree Overview: Associate of Arts (A.A.) Degree in Health Care Administration
Majors Overview February 17, 2014Receive information about an Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree in health care administration and its coursework, career choices, and continuing education choices.
A.A. Programs in Health Care Administration
Students enrolled in an associate’s degree program in Health Care Administration are trained to assume a leadership role in health care facilities by imparting knowledge of policy creation, management, finance, record keeping and laws related to health care. Students can expect to become adept in the management skills necessary for the supervision of administrative assistants and technicians, the hiring of new employees, the performance of administrative functions and resolution of interpersonal conflicts in a workplace setting. They are also taught about ways of analyzing data, reading charts and monitoring a patient’s progress. Admission criteria typically require applicants to hold a GED certificate or high school diploma, in addition to passing a criminal, background check.
Coursework
Apart from classroom lectures, supervised externships or internships are devised to give students real-time experience in health care administration. Students can also improve their employment opportunities through participation in the internships. Coursework may include topic areas such as:
•Legal issues in health care management
•Human resources management
•Health care quality management
•Health care coding/document processing
•Health facility maintenance and sanitation
•Medical terminology
•Anatomy and physiology
•Managerial accounting
•Patient care in health care facilities
Career Choices
Those who successfully complete these programs may seek entry-level occupations in nursing care facilities, physicians’ offices, clinics and hospitals; they can choose from various job titles including:
•Ambulatory clinic administrator
•Health services manager or supervisor
•Medical manager
Continuing Education Choices
Those who complete the associate’s degree program may seek entry-level jobs in the field or opt for continued education by earning a bachelor’s degree to increase their job opportunities. While recruiters for entry-level administration positions in health care administration prefer candidates who hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, on-the-job training and work experience can augment an associate’s degree to increase employment opportunities. Completion of an approved training program, holding of a bachelor’s degree and passage of a licensing exam will enable interested individuals to get employed in health care administration positions in nursing care facilities. Master’s degree holders can seek employment in manager roles in health care administration.
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