Degree Overview: Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Degree in Health Care Management
Majors Overview August 17, 2014Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree programs in Health Care Management provide students with the business, leadership, and management skills needed for the guidance and direction of personnel in the industry of health services. These programs prepare graduates for jobs in administrative and management positions in various clinical and medical settings, including managed care facilities and hospitals.
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Degree Programs in Health Care Management
Students enrolled in degree programs in health care administration or management may be awarded either a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree. While schools may have different terminology to describe the program, coursework is similar among all academic institutions.
Students learn about the managerial, financial and legal aspects of delivering health care services to various populations. Those who graduate from these degree programs can expect to become adept at planning and delivering health care programs, implementing policies, guiding the activities of personnel and making effective business decisions for health care organizations or systems.
Admission criteria typically require incoming students to hold a GED certificate or high school diploma. Apart from high school graduates, associate degree holders and practicing health professionals may also be admitted to a health care management bachelor’s degree program.
Coursework
The program coursework emphasizes on the business side of the healthcare services industry. Core coursework may include topic areas such as:
•Health system management
•Health information systems
•Community and consumer relations
•Research and analysis
•Finance and budgeting
•Organizational communications
•Health care law
Career Choices
Those who complete a bachelor’s degree program may seek entry-level or mid-management careers in the health services industry, in such institutions as retirement facilities, nursing homes, private group medical practices, clinics and hospitals. They can work as managers and administrators directing and planning the methods of offering services.
Companies involved in providing services related to health care, such as pharmaceutical and insurance companies, may also hire these graduates. They can choose from popular career options such as:
•Medical services coordinators
•Nursing home administrators
•Health personnel directors
•Clinical directors
•Health care advocates
Career Outlook and Salary Information
Over the 2010 – 2020 decade, job growth rates of 22% have been predicted for medical and health services managers (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). In 2012, these professionals brought home an average annual wage of $88,580, while mainly working in hospitals (BLS). However, these professionals earned the highest wages in the computer systems design and pharmaceutical manufacturing industries, in that order.
Continuing Education Information
Graduates from the bachelor’s degree program can seek continued education by earning a master’s degree in health services administration, health care management, or a related field, after which they may assume top leadership roles in the industry.
While various occupations are available in health care management, employers for supervisory and administrative jobs prefer candidates who hold a master’s degree. Continuing education and licensure are mandatory for some jobs, such as nursing care management (BLS).
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