Healthcare Administration Careers and Programs
The Healthcare Administration Field Offers In Demand, High Paying Jobs
When you think about jobs in the health care industry you probably first think about doctors and nurses saving lives, but the enormous healthcare industry needs talented healthcare administration workers to make sure healthcare facilities run smoothly and don't grind to a halt.
In the fast-paced world of healthcare, administrators oversee the work of physicians, nurses, technicians and clerical staff. The specific role you'll play as a healthcare administrator depends on the type and size of the facility. You might manage a specific department, such as finance or patient care services or you may end up managing an entire facility.
If You have the Skills You'll be in Demand
Job opportunities are good, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects above average employment growth for healthcare administrators. You can get an entry-level job in healthcare administration with a bachelor's degree but in a tight job market an MBA is the preferred choice. A master's degree, such as a Master of Health Administration (MHA) really helps in landing a job and is especially helpful when it comes time to compete for a higher management position. A MHA or an MBA also helps you grab a bigger salary. The average healthcare administrator earns more than $90,000 per year. Some senior healthcare executives make $250,000 a year!
The Type of People Attracted to the Job
The job is a good fit for people who have strong leadership, analytical and motivational skills and have a flair for diplomacy. You'll also need good written and oral communication skills. Attention to details is also vital. Your success in the job depends a lot on your ability to get along with people.
In this job, you may have to work long hours. You may, at times, have an unusual work schedule because many healthcare facilities operate around the clock. Occasionally, you may have to stop surfing the Internet at home and go back to the facility to deal with problems.
Health Care Administration Career Outlook
A Healthy Job Market
The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts a 16 percent employment growth from 2008 to 2018 for medical and health services managers, which is faster than average for all occupations. The BLS expects hospitals to continue to have the most medical and health services manager positions through 2018 because of the huge size of the hospital sector. The BLS expects employment to grow fast in the offices of health practitioners. Home healthcare is another fast growing field.
Having a good grasp of finance and information systems is a big plus. Also, if you gain specialized expertise in one type of healthcare facility you'll likely have an easier time finding a job in the industry.
Employers are seeking people who know how to improve the quality and efficiency of a healthcare facility's operation and reduce costs. If you're knowledgeable about healthcare information systems you'll be in demand. If you know how to implement new technology and help healthcare facilities follow new regulations you'll increase your chances of getting a good job.
If you're interested in earning a degree in healthcare administration, click here to request more information or click here to learn about more opportunities in the healthcare administration field.
Health Care Administration Salary Information
Earn a Great Salary
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2009 managers and administrators in the health care industry received an average yearly salary of $90,970. Salaries vary based on responsibilities, experience and the type and size of the facility. According to a report by the Medical Group Management Association, the more doctors working at a facility, the higher the salary for health services managers.
Here's a list of the highest salaries in the sectors employing the largest number of health care administrators:
- 1. General and medical surgical hospitals
- 2. Outpatient care centers
- 3. Offices of physicians
- 4. Home health care services
- 5. Nursing care facilities
The American Health Information Management Association provides a Registered Health Information Administrator credential. The American Hospital Association (AHA) also has certification programs. These certifications indicate you have strong knowledge in a specific area and may lead to an increase in salary.
PayScale.com reports the average salary of people with an MHA depends on the job title:
Health Care Administration Required Job Skills and Knowledge
A master's degree is the standard in the field. Many administrators have a Master of Health Administration (MHA) degree; you have more than 70 schools to choose from.
To enroll in some graduate programs you'll need an undergraduate degree in health administration or business, but some graduate programs accept you if you have a liberal arts background. Also, if you have experience in healthcare it's easier to get admitted in a master's degree program. You can complete the program in about two to three years.
With a bachelor's degree you may be able to grab an entry-level position in a small facility or a department level job in some health care organizations or even in health information management. Some doctors' offices and other facilities actually hire people who don't have a degree but have plenty of on-the-job experience.
To land a great job in the field it's best to get a master's degree. It's difficult to get a top-level job in a small facility or a middle-management job in a large facility with only a bachelor's degree.
The popular master's degrees in healthcare administration:
- • Health services administration
- • Long-term care administration
- • Public health
- • Hospital administration
- • Nursing administration
- • Health sciences
- • Public administration
- • Business administration
Accredited Colleges and Universities
Online Schools with Health Care Administration programs
University of Phoenix
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AA - Health Care Administration
The Associate of Arts in Health Care Administration focuses on health care organizations, the roles of health care workers, public policy, information technology, financial management, and regulatory and ethical issues of health care. In this degree program, students will examine current strengths, weaknesses and challenges of the U.S. health care system.
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B.S. in Health Administration/Health Management
The Bachelor of Science in Health Administration program integrates a foundation of general education and applied sciences with the skills needed in today's health-related settings. The curriculum addresses the basic body of knowledge, understanding and skills identified as relevant to health care services.
The Health Management concentration is designed to expand the students' health care management focus. Courses will include content in leadership theory, the legal and regulatory aspects in health care, facility planning, community health as well as an introduction to health care policy. In addition to the required course of study, students must satisfy General Education and Elective requirements to meet the 120-credit minimums (124 for Kansas) required for completion of the degree.
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Master of Health Administration
The Master of Health Administration program is designed to provide the skills and knowledge needed to effectively respond in today's health care industry. Students learn to critically examine and evaluate issues and trends. Incorporating the latest theories and contemporary practice applications, the curriculum provides content in finance, policy, research, technology, quality improvement, economics, marketing, and strategic planning. Prospective students should hold a bachelor's degree prior to enrollment.
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Doctor of Health Administration
Ashford University
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BA/Health Care Administration
Earn your Bachelor of Arts in Health Care Administration degree online from Ashford University, and benefit from an interdisciplinary and integrated learning approach, reflecting the realities of the health care system. Build a solid foundation for career mobility among health care professionals. Explore administration, regulation and financing, planning, and policy. Delve into the social, political, ethical, legal and economic factors contributing to the complexity of the US health care system. You'll find the program integrates the learning needs of health care professionals and others to gain knowledge in health related topics, operations, and applications.
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MA/Health Care Administration
Foster your health care career goals by earning your Master of Arts in Health Care Administration online from Ashford University. Deepen the value of your services with the expertise that derives from an advanced degree. This graduate degree empowers you to assume leadership positions in health care organizations. You will study such areas as finance, biostatistics, and strategic planning. The program incorporates applied health care theories across the domains of organized health care. With your Master of Arts in Health Care Administration, you demonstrate your expertise in directing health care organizations, leading health professionals, and delivering invaluable services to people in need.
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BA/Health Care Studies - Psychology
Make a difference in peoples' health! With your Bachelor of Arts in Health Care Studies earned online from Ashford University, you demonstrate your knowledge and skills to provide quality service in the health care industry. The health care industry is one of the largest in the United States and will continue to grow. In this curriculum, you will learn about the US health care system, as well as medical ethics and law. Your courses cover subjects from community health to special populations. Use previous education or work experience to enhance and personalize your Bachelor of Arts in Health Care Studies degree when you pair it with a transfer concentration.
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BA/Organizational Management - Health Care Administration
Earn your Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Management degree online from Ashford University, and examine the human side of managing organizations. Learn to facilitate better communication, group behavior, decision-making, and human resources management while observing a code of ethics. Improve your understanding of how organizations function and develop effective skills in management and leadership. Define and understand strategic planning, financial management, law and marketing and other areas in which an organizational leader must be knowledgeable in order to be effective. Use previous education or work experience to enhance and personalize your Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Management degree when you pair it with a transfer concentration.
Strayer University
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Bachelor of Business Administration: Health Services Administration Concentration
The Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) prepares graduates for a wide range of managerial positions in business, government, and non-profit organizations. Business administration students acquire fundamental as well as practical and professional skills in all phases of business, including decision-making and problem-solving. The BBA program offers area concentrations that enable students to tailor their degrees to their career and educational goals.
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Master of Business Administration: Health Services Administration Concentration
The MBA program offers a broad set of business management tools while also allowing students a choice of concentration in order to tailor their degrees to fit their careers and learning goals. The program curriculum prepares working professionals to become effective decision makers and managers in a world increasingly affected by globalization, technology, and ethical challenges. It is designed for working professionals from a wide range of backgrounds who wish to advance or enhance their business careers.
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Master of Health Services Administration
The Master of Health Services Administration (MHSA) program is designed to meet the needs of healthcare professionals and others in health services support industries that wish to obtain the knowledge and skills needed to assume mid-level and executive level managerial positions in health services organizations. Health Services Administration degrees prepare students by training them to manage and direct the business aspects of healthcare. Specific careers, as identified by the Accrediting Commission on Education for Health Services Administration (ACEHSA), include working as hospital administrators, healthcare managers, managed healthcare plan coordinators, and administrators of short and long-term residential facilities.
Walden University
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Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Healthcare Management
Gain the knowledge and expertise you need to advance your career and meet the increasing demand for highly skilled managers in the healthcare industry. This program focuses on issues like patterns of disease and injury, assessment of global health issues, and application of healthcare management concepts and theories. You can position yourself for a career in hospitals, clinics, retirement communities, ambulatory care centers, rehabilitation and long-term-care facilities, and home healthcare settings.
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Master of Healthcare Administration - General
This practice-oriented online degree program features a relevant, current curriculum that addresses the core competencies and best practices of the profession. It emphasizes understanding clinical service delivery through the analysis of the day-to-day operations in clinical support service activities and includes a practicum to give you hands-on experience in the field. The cutting-edge curriculum will help you develop the skills, knowledge, and expertise in health care management needed for leadership positions across the spectrum of health care delivery organizations.
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Post-Master's Certificates in Nursing - Nursing Leadership & Management
The demand for nurse leaders in education, technology, clinical settings, and at the upper levels of management is increasing. As a professional nurse seeking to meet this growing demand, you must have access to the most current thinking and best practices. Earning a Post-Master's Certificate in Nursing can help you bolster your skills so you can help meet rapidly growing demands for better patient care, achieve greater professional recognition, create new career opportunities or improve long-term career prospects, and improve your position with regard to compensation.
Certificates:
- Nursing Education
- Nursing Leadership & Management
- Nursing Informatics
Walden University's M.S. in Nursing (MSN) is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), a national accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. CCNE ensures the quality and integrity of baccalaureate and graduate education programs in preparing effective nurses. For students, accreditation signifies program innovation and continuous self-assessment. Graduates recognize that, as they seek new positions or entry into doctoral programs, accreditation is valued and may be required.
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Ph.D. in Health Services - Self-Directed - Health Care Administration
Meeting the demand for high-quality, accessible healthcare is one of society's most critical challenges. Walden's Ph.D. in Health Services can help prepare you for decision-making roles at a range of healthcare organizations in the private and public sectors. This degree program offers three ways to learn. Depending on your specialization, you can choose from the course-based, self-directed, or mixed-model format.
Specializations
- Community Health Education and Advocacy
- Health Care Administration
- Health Management and Policy
- Leadership
- Public Health Policy
- Self-Designed
Health Care AdministrationLearn to apply best practices in leadership, ethics, and strategic planning as you prepare to administer healthcare programs and services in a range of economic and political settings.
Rasmussen College
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Associate - Medical Administration
You can learn how to successfully manage a medical office with an Associate degree in Medical Administration from Rasmussen College. The Medical Administration degree prepares you for multiple challenges you will encounter in the office including coding, understanding medical terminology, recognizing medical law and ethics, learning proper medical insurance and billing procedures and success strategies in the office.
In the Medical Administration program, students will study core courses to develop communication, critical thinking and decision making skills. Students will also have the opportunity to take specialty courses including Medical Transcription, Anatomy and Physiology, Medical Office Procedures, and computer courses.
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Bachelor's - Healthcare Management
The Healthcare Management Bachelor's of Science degree will give students the
education and practical experience they need to work at the forefront of the
healthcare industry — the largest and one of the fastest–growing
industries in the United States. Students of the Healthcare Management program
will study multiple facets of healthcare, including medical law and ethics,
psychology, physiology, management, planning, and regulation and compliance in
healthcare. Graduates will leave with the skills necessary to work in the
management sector of the healthcare industry and will be equipped with the
knowledge to manage a healthcare organization successfully.
Grand Canyon University
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B.S. in Health Care Administration
This professional degree program equips students for entry-level supervisory roles in health care organizations. Ideal candidates for this program are students looking for career entry in health care administration and those looking to advance from clinical or technical roles to supervisory roles.
The program emphasizes both the conceptual and analytical skills required to manage in contemporary health care organizations. The program also prepares students who wish to eventually seek their master's degree in order to obtain senior health care executive positions.
The curriculum features investigative and experimental opportunities in project management, teamwork, and leadership. Students of this program will have the opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of the health care organization, strategic management and decision-making, finance, human resources, marketing, information management, and quality improvement. In addition, the impact of various dynamics, including regulatory, legal, ethical and public policy, are explored. Graduates of this program are prepared for administrative positions in hospitals, long-term care, outpatient facilities, physician offices, mental health organizations, insurance companies, public health agencies, and other types of health organizations.
Prospective students should have some previous college experience.
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M.B.A. Health Systems Management
Grand Canyon University's Master of Business Administration with an Emphasis in Health Systems Management program provides students with the capacity for transformational leadership through the application of business practices.The program highlights the impact of the global economy on organizational decision making, planning, and sourcing of organizational resources. Students draw upon interpersonal skills to address each practice, as well as to comprehend the influence that diverse cultures have on it. The use of telecommunications, emerging technologies, and e-commerce applications combine with essential business principles that encompass finance, accounting, economics, marketing, and management, providing students with the capacity to lead and manage business enterprises both effectively and ethically.The program encourages students to be informed critical thinkers and decision makers through active research and the application of quantitative methods that transform raw data into useful information. The program prepares students to compete for critical leadership roles in current and future organizations through coursework that addresses leadership theory, problem solving, organizational leadership, self-leadership, and highly effective teams. The program prepares students for advanced management or senior administration positions in the health care industry through coursework that addresses the legal and ethical concerns in health care and health care policies and economics.Prospective students must hold a bachelor's degree prior to enrollment.
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B.S. in Health Sciences: Professional Development & Advanced Patient Care
The nursing practice continues to change and become more complex. As a result there is an increasing demand for nursing professionals with training in areas such as communication, leadership and critical thinking, and a bachelor's degree or higher is often required for greater effectiveness and promotion to management and leadership positions. This very current and relevant curriculum is a degree completion program designed for health care professionals who graduated from accredited certificate and/or associate degree program and who wish to acquire baccalaureate level competencies in health sciences theory and in health care professional issues. Courses include advanced patient care, health care systems and trends, risk management, health care regulations, pharmacology, statistics, transcultural health care, and spirituality in health care In addition, a capstone course is designed to aid in the development of inquiry and research skills. Graduates of this course are equipped with the knowledge, skills and academic credentials to taken on greater responsibility and be more effective nursing professionals.
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M.S. in Health Care Administration
The health care industry will continue to expand and diversify, requiring qualified managers to improve quality and efficiency of health care, while controlling costs, as insurance companies and Medicare demand higher levels of accountability.This comprehensive and current degree program provides the skills and experience necessary to perform as middle- and upper-level managers in a variety of health care organizations, and to serve as innovative change agents and leaders of organizational improvement and adaptation within the health care industry. The program emphasizes the conceptual, analytical, and application skills required to manage in contemporary health care organizations. Courses include an in-depth examination of health sciences, contemporary health care, research, leadership, organizational structure, human resources, marketing, and business and project planning. Graduates prepare themselves to excel in administrative positions in hospitals, long-term care facilities, outpatient facilities, physician offices, mental health agencies, insurance companies, public health agencies, and other types of health organizations.Prospective students must hold a bachelor's degree prior to enrollment.
South University Online
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Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management
The Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management at South University can prepare you to find your place in one of today's fastest-growing professions. Designed for working adults, students can gain a real-world understanding of the skills and capabilities needed to succeed in a healthcare management setting.
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Master of Business Administration Healthcare Administration Specialization
The South University Master of Healthcare Administration online program is designed for those individuals who want to excel at every level of decision-making. This MBA program provides a sound foundation in business analysis and a rigorous specialization in healthcare administration.
Northcentral University
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CAGS-Bus/Health Care Administration
Our Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in Health Care Administration program examines issues relating to the quality of management in the health care industry. Today's administrators need to know how to analyze and identify potential problems and methods to intervene and propose alternative outcomes within financial constraints as well as the legal, ethical, and global issues that relate to managing health care facilities successfully. Prospective students should hold a master's degree prior to enrolling in this 18-credit hour program that can also transfer directly into a doctoral program at NCU.
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DBA/Health Care Administration
Earning a Doctor of Business Administration degree in Health Care Administration provides training for students to bring managerial expertise to the health care industry. Health care administrators are in demand at entry and advanced managerial positions in hospitals, in health insurance companies, and in governmental and public health agencies. Prospective students must meet certain prerequisite requirements such as a bachelor's or master's degree or relevant work experience prior to enrolling. These requirements can be discussed with the career counselor when they call.
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MBA/Health Care Administration
Earning a Master of Business Administration in Health Care Administration degree provides training for students to bring managerial expertise to the health care industry. Health care administrators are in demand at entry and advanced managerial positions in hospitals, in health insurance companies, and in governmental and public health agencies. This specialization develops the essential managerial perspective and skills for this industry. Prospective students should currently hold a bachelor's degree and can complete the master's program in approximately 2 years.
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Ph.D.BA/Health Care Administration
Our Ph.D. in Business Administration/Health Care Administration degree program provides training for learners to bring managerial expertise to the health care industry. Health care administrators are in demand at entry and advanced managerial positions in hospitals, in health insurance companies, and in governmental and public health agencies.
Prospective students must meet certain prerequisite requirements such as a bachelor's or master's degree or relevant work experience prior to enrolling. These requirements can be discussed with the career counselor when they call.
Virginia College
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Master of Business Administration - Healthcare
This program is designed for those already working in the healthcare field who seek advancement as well as for those who desire a career in the business side of healthcare. A master's degree in such areas as health services administration, long-term care administration, health sciences, public health, public administration, or business administration is the standard credential for most generalist positions in this field. The program offers business management skills needed within today's health care systems, emphasizing core management, strategy and analytics. The concentration includes courses in marketing for health care organizations, health care accounting, and health care law.
Globe University
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Bachelor of Science in Health Care Management
Our Bachelor of Science in Health Care Management degree program prepares individuals to become leaders that are capable of understanding the politics and policies that move or block health care initiatives and ways of designing proposals and logical presentations to support change initiatives. Courses will examine the history of past and present policies, analyze trends in market forces, and investigate different health care models that are currently in place in the United States and elsewhere. The program also emphasizes development of leadership skills that enable graduates to coordinate others' contributions and become future-thinking strategists able to have an impact on effecting change through health care reform initiatives.
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Master of Science in Management - Health Care Management
The Master of Science in Management (MSM) program couples graduate studies in general leadership principles with focused studies in a specific field. Every health-care related organization recognizes the need for professional managers with industry-specific skills. The Master of Science in Management: Health Care Management (MSM:HCM) program fulfills that demand, providing health care professionals with leadership training that addresses local, national and international issues in health care.
Program highlights
- Program accommodates full-time working professionals
- Classes can be completed online or on-campus
- Each class is six weeks long
- Full-time students take two consecutive classes per quarter
- Program can be completed in 18 months
Colorado Technical University
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Associate of Science in Health Administration Services
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Bachelor of Science in Business Administration - Health Care Management
Earning a bachelor's degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Health Care Management can help students develop specific skills and knowledge relating to managing health care settings. Courses will cover current legal, ethical, and regulatory issues in health care and managing techniques unique to this industry. Within the program at no additional cost or coursework graduates can earn Academic Certificates in Basics of Accounting and Finance, Business Fundamentals, Business in the Global Environment, Management Essentials, Organizational Systems Improvement, and Project Planning to enhance their education credentials.
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Bachelor of Science in Health Services Administration
The Bachelor of Science in Health Services Administration (BSHSA) degree program is designed for students with an Associate degree* in a health services field and/or those with an unrelated Associate degree who are currently working in a health services field. This program is designed to help prepare you to become an administrative leader in a health services organization.
The BSHSA degree program includes a comprehensive overview of healthcare systems that can help provide you with knowledge regarding the complexity and interrelatedness of the delivery of healthcare services. This program also includes a unique opportunity to spend two quarters in a healthcare organization exploring the intricacies of health services administration. At the completion of the externship, you will be expected to make a professional presentation to the host organization and your peers.
*Degree must be from an institution holding a regional accreditation recognized by CTU.
Argosy University, Online
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Bachelor of Science (BS) in Business Administration in Healthcare Management
The four-year Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree program is designed for students with clearly defined career goals in the business field. Through the completion of core business courses, students engage in solving global, real-world problems. Students learn to diagnose, research, solve, execute, and evaluate business problems in a team environment. Interactivity of students, coursework, faculty, and peers enhance critical skills of collaboration and cooperation. The program is geared towards coursework that students can apply in ways that are meaningful for professional and personal success. The bachelor's degree program prepares students for entry- to mid-level positions within the public or private sector and for continuing education in graduate business programs. We also offer degree completion opportunities that allow students who have begun their study at another institution to complete their bachelor's degree.
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Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Fraud Examination
Argosy University's Master of Business Administration (MBA) Program is focused on identifying solutions, putting the solutions to work, and evaluating the consequences of those actions. Students acquire skills to be a new kind of leader – one who can identify challenges and opportunities, draw on the latest technology and information; use advanced analytical and planning approaches, and execute plans for positive change. Businesses need leaders who can act and realistically evaluate how to maximize the impact of the solution. Argosy University's curriculum embraces solutions, leadership, and action. The program is designed to serve the needs of talented students, regardless of their undergraduate degrees.
Westwood College
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Medical Office Management (A)
With an associate degree in medical office management you will learn to plan, direct, coordinate and supervise the delivery of healthcare so that the clinical experts can focus on patient care. Our faculty of professionals who work in their field will guide you through:
•courses that cover a wide range of topics critical to managing the business side of a medical practice
•training in commonly used computer applications to make front-office operations run smoothly and accurately
•an understanding of accounting and insurance issues that relate to managing a medical practice
Program names, course topics and outcomes may vary by location. Please speak with a Westwood College admissions representative for full program details.
American InterContinental University Online
Daymar College Online
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Associate - Medical Assisting: Administrative Track
The Medical Assisting: Administrative Track program at Daymar College Online will teach students about the modern medical office practices so they can excel in these environments. The course focuses on medical terminology and office procedures. Graduates will gain confidence and skills in their abilities so they will be prepared for careers such as Medical Assistant and Medical Office Manager.
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Bachelor's - Health Care Administration
Your new health care career is within reach with the help of an education from Daymar College Online. Our comprehensive Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration can provide you with the knowledge you need to successfully manage health care organizations and services.
In our Health Care Administration program, you can learn key business administration techniques as you tailor your skills to fit the health care industry. Upon your completion of Daymar College Online's Health Care Administration major, you can be prepared to pursue health care-related careers such as:
- Clinical Director
- Health Services Manager
- Hospital Administrator
- Nursing and Residential Care Administrator
- And more!
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Certificate - Medical Assisting: Administrative
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Diploma - Medical Assisting - Administrative
The Medical Assisting: Administrative diploma program provides learners training in the knowledge and ability to perform various administrative duties in medical facilities at an entry level. Students will become familiar with front office procedures including greeting patients, scheduling appointments, and insurance billing procedures. Graduates will gain confidence in their training and abilities through hands-on learning exercises.
* Area of Study
