Health Administration Associate's and Bachelor's Degrees at a Glance
A health administration professional manages the daily operations of a medical institution, such as a long-term care facility, hospital or practitioner's office. This can include setting schedules, supervising administrative workers, communicating with medical staff and finding ways to improve delivery of healthcare services. In an entry-level position, you might perform tasks including medical billing and coding, insurance claim processing and electronic health records (EHR) management.
Many health administration careers are expected to experience employment growth. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that medical records and health information technicians could see employment grow 21% from 2010-2020 (www.bls.gov). The BLS predicts 22% growth for medical and health services managers over that same time period.
| Associate's | Bachelor's | |
|---|---|---|
| Who is this degree for? | Individuals seeking entry-level jobs in healthcare environments | People interested in a career in medical administration and facility management |
| Common Career Paths (with approximate mean annual salary) | - Medical secretary ($32,000)* - Medical records and health information technician ($36,000)* | - Medical and health services manager ($96,000)* |
| Time to Completion | 2 years full-time | 4 years full-time |
| Common Graduation Requirements | Roughly 60 credits | Roughly 120 credits |
| Prerequisites | High school diploma or equivalent | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Online Availability | Yes | Yes |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2011 figures).
Associate's in Health Administration
Associate's degree programs in health administration offer a strong foundation in medical terminology and medical office management. Students gain an understanding of the growing EHR industry. You'll also learn the basics of human anatomy and medical coding. Some programs provide a strong background in the sciences and might require that you spend time in a laboratory environment.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Might be advantageous when competing against individuals with just a high school diploma
- Credits earned in an associate's program might transfer to a bachelor's program should you decide to continue your education
- Programs deliver a foundation in business, medical and financial management principles
Cons
- Advancing to positions in management at larger facilities generally requires a bachelor's degree, at minimum
- Employers often prefer candidates with relevant certification, which is an added expense
- A bachelor's degree is typically the minimum requirement for state licensure as a nursing care facility administrator
Courses and Requirements
Associate's degree programs offer a range of courses that prepare students for entry-level medical administration positions. You'll learn the basic skills required to manage daily operations of a range of healthcare facilities. Keep in mind that some programs offer an externship that might require a background check. The following are some common courses offered:
- Health facility maintenance and sanitation
- Fiscal management in healthcare
- Healthcare facility labor practices
- Anatomy and physiology
- Medical office management
- Health records management
Online Degree Info
Online associate's degree programs in health administration are available. These programs offer courses similar to their on-campus counterparts. Some schools offer their online programs in an accelerated format with classes delivered in weekly sessions.
Stand Out with This Degree
Some employers prefer candidates with professional certification. Medical records and health information technicians generally pursue the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) certification offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). Keep in mind that RHIT eligibility requirements include a degree issued by a school accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education.
Also, consider taking advantage of externships, field experiences or capstone projects to gain experience in your preferred healthcare setting. You should familiarize yourself with EHR systems and other relevant software systems.
Bachelor's in Health Administration
Bachelor's degree programs offer courses similar to associate's degree programs, although many schools deliver advanced coursework and a wider range of electives. You'll learn theories of healthcare facility management through the professional core and major coursework in financial management, organizational behavior and management principles. In addition, elective courses in information systems and community health help students focus their studies.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Might be advantageous when competing against individuals with an associate's degree
- Typically required for work as a medical or health services manager
- Programs provide the foundation required to pursue a master's degree in health administration
Cons
- Competition against master's degree holders will present a challenge for some opportunities in larger facilities
- Accepting lower-level administrative assistant positions might be required to advance to assistant administrator or managerial positions
- Pursuing a master's degree for higher-level positions will require additional time and money
Courses and Requirements
Bachelor's degree programs offer the foundation required for management roles through curricula that explore business, medical and technical concepts. Programs prepare students for medical generalist and specialist management opportunities. Some programs offer an internship or capstone project that provides hands-on learning opportunities. Some of the courses you might take include:
- Law and healthcare management
- Public health
- Healthcare informatics
- Emergency management
- Healthcare outcomes
- Medical information systems management
Online Degree Info
Online bachelor's degree programs deliver curricula similar to traditional programs that emphasize the business side of healthcare facilities. Online programs often are designed to meet the needs of working professionals, including those seeking advancement opportunities.
Stand Out with This Degree
Similar to associate's degree graduates, job candidates should possess experience when seeking an entry-level management position. Consider taking advantage of a range of field experiences, including internships and externships. Being knowledgeable about EHR systems also could prove helpful.
