Graduate Certificate Programs in Health Administration Overview
Majors Overview March 6, 2016This article talks about graduate certificate programs in health administration and their educational requirements, coursework, career options, job and wage outlook, and continuing education options.
Information on Graduate Certificate Programs in Health Administration
Students enrolled in graduate certificate programs in health administration are provided with the managerial and organizational skills they need in overseeing healthcare systems and facilities. Students learn through classroom work and an independent study or internship. The organizational behaviors and structures in financial operations, healthcare industries, and payments, and the effects of legal and regulatory constraints are in the program. The technology used in healthcare management is also in the program.
Educational Requirements
Admission criteria typically require incoming students to hold a bachelor’s degree, along with providing a written essay and meeting GPA requirements. The completion of a prerequisite course in healthcare systems may be an additional requirement for admission.
Coursework
Program coursework incorporates courses in the areas of community health and health information management. Core coursework may cover topic areas such as:
•Healthcare Ethics
•Healthcare organizational behavior
•Healthcare law
•Strategic planning and management
•Financial management in healthcare
•Health Policy
•Statistical analysis
•Research methods
•Healthcare systems
•Quality and information management
Career Options
Health administrators involve themselves in the management and coordination of the delivery of healthcare services such as regulations, financing, and technological innovations. They find employment in physician’s offices and hospitals, among other healthcare facilities. They may also seek employment with:
•Outpatient Centers
•Government Facilities
•Insurance Carriers
Job and Wage Outlook
Over the 2012 – 2022 decade, medical and health services managers, including health administrators, are expected to see a faster-than-average job growth of 17% (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). In May 2012, medical and health services managers brought in an average annual wage of $92,810 (BLS).
Continuing Education Options
Program graduates who seek continuing education may pursue a master’s degree program in health administration and healthcare management aimed at career enhancement. Research in healthcare leadership and field experiences are in master’s programs where enrollees gain an advanced technical application.
