Degree Overview: Bachelor of Health Care Administration (B.H.C.A.) Degree
Majors Overview August 22, 2014Receive information about a Bachelor of Health Care Administration (B.H.C.A.) degree program and its educational requirements, coursework, career choices, job and wage outlook, and continuing education and certification choices.
Bachelor of Health Care Administration (B.H.C.A.) Degree Programs
Students enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program in health care administration are prepared for management roles in both small and large medical facilities. They can expect to become adept at managing day-to-day functions of health care settings, such as nursing administration, finance, and human resources.
Health care administrators gain knowledge of both healthcare and business principles and become adept at adhering to strict federal and state safety regulations while earning a profit.
Health care administration programs typically add to coursework with experience training via completion of an internship in a facility supervised by a practicing health care administrator. Schools may also offer a professional practice session or a practicum.
Educational Requirements
Admission criteria typically require incoming students to hold a GED certificate or high school diploma, in addition to completing prerequisite courses with a minimum satisfactory grade point average before they are allowed to begin core coursework.
Coursework
The coursework of a health care administration program features program planning and leadership techniques. Additionally, coursework in business and science must typically be completed to supplement general education courses. Core coursework may include topic areas such as:
•Financial management in health care
•Health services planning
•Evaluation and measurement
•Health personnel management
•Quality assurance
Career Choices
Those who complete the bachelor’s degree program may seek entry-level careers with many employers in the private and public sectors. In addition to numerous positions in health care facilities, these professionals may also seek occupations with health care suppliers or insurance companies. They can choose from popular career options such as:
•Clinical director
•Health care executive
•Health service manager
•Health care administrator
•Health care program director
Job and Wage Outlook
Over the 2010 – 2020 decade, job growth rates of 22% have been predicted for medical and health services administrators (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). In May 2012, these professionals brought home an average annual wage of $88,580 (BLS).
Continuing Education and Certification Choices
Graduates from the bachelor’s degree program can seek continued education by earning master’s degree – either a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) or Master of Science (M.S.) – and doctoral degrees in the field. To earn a doctoral degree in health administration, an interested individual must complete a doctoral project, and the degree could enable them to enter careers in academia or research.
Directors at nursing care facilities, as well as those in assisted living centers are required in every state to obtain licensure (BLS). Each state may have its unique licensing standards; although, experience, education and age requirements appear to be common requirements among many states’ public health departments. Experienced health care administrators should look into professional certifications, such as the Professional Association of Health Care Office Management’s Certified Medical Manager credential.
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