What You Should Know About This Degree
Healthcare management, also called healthcare administration, is a field that offers a variety of administrative, leadership, and support roles in healthcare facilities such as hospitals and clinics. However, healthcare managers are not directly involved in patient care. If you’re interested in clinical occupations, you may want to consider related degrees such as a bachelor of science in nursing.
As you research healthcare management programs, it’s important to look for a program that is accredited by the Council on Higher Education Accreditation or the U.S. Department of Education, which gives an institution and its graduates credibility with other institutions and employers.
Certifications and licenses are not typically required to enter the field of healthcare administration or healthcare management. Many employers instead require prospective healthcare managers to have some work experience in either an administrative or clinical role in a healthcare setting.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of medical and health services managers is projected to grow 32% over the next decade.
What’s Next?
Here are some questions to ask when researching online bachelor’s in healthcare management programs:
- Am I eligible for this program? Admission into a bachelor’s degree program in healthcare management requires, at minimum, a high school diploma or equivalency. In addition, some colleges and universities make admissions decisions based on academic credentials, such as GPA and SAT/ACT scores. Check the program’s admissions requirements before applying to confirm that you meet their qualifications.
- Are courses offered synchronously or asynchronously? For online programs, synchronous courses meet at designated times, but students attend remotely. Asynchronous courses do not require students to meet at specific times. Instead, students can access lessons according to their own schedules. Many programs in healthcare management are offered both synchronously and asynchronously.
As you research programs, make note of application deadlines and submit application materials in a timely manner. You can usually find information about a program’s admissions process on the school’s website or by contacting their admissions department.
Financing your education is another important consideration. You may be eligible for financial aid from the federal government and other sources. Assistance may include grants and scholarships, student loans, and work-study programs. If you are currently employed, find out if your employer offers tuition assistance benefits.