Degree Overview: Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration Degree
Majors Overview August 24, 2014Receive information about a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration (B.S.H.A.) degree program and its education requirements, coursework, career choices, job and wage outlook, and continuing education and licensing choices.
Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration Degree Programs
Students enrolled in a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration degree program are prepared for work involving overseeing the business operations, nursing homes, business operations and community services at hospitals, human resources and finances at many medical facilities, including nursing homes and hospitals, among others.
Students are taught business fundamentals, in addition to specialized skills devised to assist them in the effective coordination of resources, people and technology efficiently in healthcare facilities. Effective policy-making skills, critical thinking abilities, and computer technology knowledge may be gained by students. Universities, and private and public colleges offer health administration bachelor’s degree programs.
Education Requirements
Admission criteria at some schools require incoming students to hold a GED certificate or high school diploma. However, those seeking admission to some programs may be required to have relevant work experience, in addition to a specified number of college credits at an accredited institution with a minimum grade point average. They may also be required to complete certain prerequisite courses.
Coursework
Coursework covers many managerial skills including personnel management, communication, marketing, accounting, and public health regulations. They also learn about the structure and operation of health care systems. Core coursework may include topic areas such as:
•U.S. healthcare system
•Medical ethics
•Public relations
•Medical records management
•Healthcare economics
•Healthcare law
•Personnel management
•Operations management
•Marketing
•Accounting
Career Choices
Those who complete a bachelor’s degree program may want to enter the workforce as administrative assistants working with large healthcare organizations; alternatively, they may try to join smaller companies in more advanced positions. Nursing homes, community health organizations, home health businesses and hospitals are among the mainstream employers for these professionals. They can choose from popular career options such as:
•Health information manager
•Assistant department head
•Assistant administrator
•Nursing home administrator
Job and Wage Outlook
Over the 2010 – 2020 decade, job growth rates of 23% have been predicted for medical and health services managers (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). In May 2012, these professionals brought home an average annual salary of $88,580, with the lowest wage of $53,940 (BLS).
Continuing Education and Licensing Choices
Graduates from the bachelor’s degree program can seek continued education by earning master’s degrees (BLS). Prospective students to the graduate degree program are required to have work experience, in addition to holding a bachelor’s degree. Licensure is compulsory in all states for health administrators working at nursing homes. Some states have also made licensure compulsory for individuals in assisted living services.
