Online Bachelor’s in Health Care Administration/Management degrees prepare professionals with the knowledge and skills needed for the management of patient services and care. Through these online programs, students learn how to optimize administrative functions within health care facilities such as physicians’ offices, hospitals, and clinics. They create schedules, manage budgets, oversee facilities, and ensure services are compliant with state and federal regulations with the goal of providing a comforting, safe patient experience. Students looking to pursue positions at the management level require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree, developing the technical, problem-solving, and leadership skills employers are looking for in candidates. The following article recognizes the 25 schools that offer the best value when it comes to affordable online bachelor’s degrees in health care administration and management.
Methodology
If you are considering earning an affordable online Bachelor’s in Health Care Administration and Management but don’t know where to start, we can help. There are hundreds of flexible undergraduate programs designed for students looking to benefit from distance learning, but the process of narrowing them down can be overwhelming. Therefore, we have compiled the following list of bachelor’s programs that are considered a “top value” in the field of health care administration and management. We searched for the phrase “online Bachelor’s in Health Care Administration/Management degree” at the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and narrowed down the search results from more than 200 schools into the top 25 based on tuition and student-to-faculty ratios. We also looked at each school’s program website to ensure all information was accurate and current.
Average Cost of Attendance
Although some may feel that the most expensive programs provide the best education one can get, this is not always the case. In fact, several of the schools on the following list are among the most affordable and the most highly ranked across the country in terms of program offerings, student learning outcomes, and quality of faculty. Therefore, when considering the cost of a program, also think about whether it will meet your academic and career goals and not just whether it is the cheapest program available. In the following ranking, we provide out-of-state and in-state tuition rates for your reference, but we awarded points as indicated below based on the cost of one year of tuition for in-state students taking 15 hours of courses per semester.
Points:
Under $7,500: 3 points
$7,500 to $15,000: 2 points
$15,001 or more: 1 point
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
Another important factor to consider when finding the best Bachelor’s in Health Care Administration and Management is the type of learning environment the school offers as this will impact your overall experience within the program. Although there are benefits and drawbacks to both small and large schools and most institutions offer similar areas of specialization and curricula, smaller schools tend to offer more opportunities for personalized mentoring and learning, while larger schools tend to offer more concentration areas and greater class diversity. For the following list of undergraduate degrees in health care administration and management, we awarded the most points to institutions that indicated their class sizes typically consist of 10 or fewer students.
Points:
10:1 or lower: 3 points
11:1 to 15:1: 2 points
Higher than 15:1: 1 point
Ranking Top 25 Undergraduate Degree Programs in Health Care Administration/Management
25. University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, Alabama
Points: 3
Program Website
The University of Alabama at Birmingham offers a 120-semester-hour cheap online Bachelor of Science in Health Care Management designed to prepare undergraduate students for mid-level management positions in a variety of health care organizations. Students can choose from several concentrations based on their future goals, personal interests, current professional status, and academic work, including long-term care administration, pre-professional, and clinical manager. Three fast-track programs are also provided in health informatics, occupational therapy, and health care quality and safety. A management internship consisting of three-credit-hours for the clinical management track and six-credit-hours for all other tracks is required for the degree.
Degree Options:
B.S. in Health Care Management
In-State Tuition: $12,630
Out-of-State Tuition: $29,130
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
24. Liberty University
Lynchburg, Virginia
Points: 3
Program Website
The 120-credit-hour cheap online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a focus on health care management at Liberty University. Available entirely online through the School of Business, the program provides a blended approach to practical knowledge and skills with courses in health services, economics, business, and accounting. Students are also introduced to the concept of informed consent, medical record tools, contracts, law and ethics, and privacy laws. Students are able to take advantage of full-time research assistants, a cutting-edge distance learning platform, and a brick-and-mortar campus if they would like to visit for in-person events. Graduates can earn their online degree within three and a half years.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Healthcare Management
In-State Tuition: $11,700
Out-of-State Tuition: $11,700
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
23. Jackson State University
Jackson, Mississippi
Points: 3
Program Website
Jackson State University offers a cheap online Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration degree designed to provide students a sound practical and theoretical education as well as opportunities for in-person, real-world learning. Students are required to complete 122 credit hours of study, and required courses within the major cover financial management, law and ethics, information systems, applied research and management, medical and administrative terminology, planning and marketing, research and evaluation, accounting, and human resources management. A three-credit-hour health administration internship and a three-credit-hour health professional career development seminar are also required.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration
In-State Tuition: $10,980
Out-of-State Tuition: $10,980
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
22. University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Lafayette, Louisiana
Points: 3
Program Website
The low cost online Bachelor of Science in Health Services Administration at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette consists of 120 credit hours of study to be completed over four years. Required online courses include general education classes as well as topics in health care management, information systems, health promotion, and accounting. Students further develop their knowledge of human resources management, financial management, research methods, and strategic management. A health services administration capstone in which students apply what they have learned through case studies, a clinical practicum experience, teaching, and observation of work experience is required to graduate from the program.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Health Services Administration
In-State Tuition: $10,548
Out-of-State Tuition: $24,476
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 23:1
21. Colorado State University Global
Greenwood Village, Colorado
Points: 3
Program Website
Colorado State University Global provides an affordable online Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration and Management degree that allows students to build competencies in business-related skills such as communication, human resources, marketing, management, and strategic planning. Through the curriculum, students also gain in-depth knowledge of systems that relate to population health, laws and regulations, insurance, managed care, risk management, and quality assurance. The 120-credit cheap online program is comprised of 15 three-credit core courses, including a health care analysis and policy development capstone and a health care management practicum experience. A dual B.S. in Healthcare Administration and Management/Master of Healthcare Administration and Management is also available online.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration and Management
In-State Tuition: $8,400
Out-of-State Tuition: $8,400
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 31:1
20. University of South Dakota
Vermillion, South Dakota
Points: 3
Program Website
The cheap online bachelor’s degree in health sciences at the University of South Dakota features six academic pathways that prepare students for entry-level employment, career advancement, or graduate studies. Students may choose from concentrations in health care studies, pre-professional studies, undergraduate clinical informatics, health care advancement studies, undergraduate public health, or undergraduate research. Students complete a total of 120 credit hours in core areas such as public health, health care delivery, technology, patient safety, human anatomy and physiology, leading change, and patient safety. Graduates develop the interpersonal skills, values, and knowledge needed to succeed in today’s human services and health settings.
Degree Options:
Online Bachelor’s Degree in Health Sciences
In-State Tuition: $10,201
Out-of-State Tuition: $10,201
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
19. University of Toledo
Toledo, Ohio
Points: 3
Program Website
The University of Toledo’s cheap online Bachelor of Science in Health Information Administration degree combines the study of management, medicine, law, information technology, and finance. Students may follow a traditional four-year path or earn their degree in as few as two years if they have an associate degree in health information technology or a bachelor’s degree in another field. The online degree curriculum is comprised of an integrative capstone experience and a professional practice experience as well as structured online classes in areas such as health care content and record management, interpersonal communication, financial management, health information administration practices, and legal issues in health information administration. Graduates are prepared to take the national Registered Health Information Administration (RHIA) certification examination.
Degree Options:
Online Health Information Administration Bachelor’s Degree
In-State Tuition: $9,795
Out-of-State Tuition: $19,155
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 21:1
18. SUNY College of Technology at Canton
Canton, New York
Points: 3
Program Website
Through the affordable online Bachelor of Science in Health Care Management at SUNY College of Technology at Canton, students will gain knowledge in a number of areas, including legal and ethical issues in health care, public health, health care finance, and managed care. The program also delves into health care facility administration and explores the U.S. health care system and its functions. In addition, students develop a foundation in business-related fields such as economics, marketing, human resources, accounting, and finance. The cheap four-year degree is available entirely online, and students have the opportunity to complete an internship in their final semester. Students may choose to take additional courses in lieu of an internship or combine both classroom learning with a partial internship experience.
Degree Options:
Health Care Management – B.S.
In-State Tuition: $8,580
Out-of-State Tuition: $10,290
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
17. University of Northwestern Ohio
Lima, Ohio
Points: 3
Program Website
The cheap online Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration at the University of Northwestern Ohio is a 2+2 degree, meaning that prospective students may transfer associate degrees in health-related areas into the program. Through the curriculum, students acquire the management skills and knowledge needed to work across the health care continuum. Consisting of 90 credits in junior- and senior-level courses, the low cost online program investigates areas of study include economics, finance and accounting, health information technology, and public health and epidemiology. Students also build a foundation of health care management essentials and complete a health care capstone prior to graduating.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration
In-State Tuition: $8,250
Out-of-State Tuition: $8,250
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 28:1
16. Maryville University
St. Louis, Missouri
Points: 4
Program Website
Maryville University confers a fully online affordable Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management that puts insights in context through coursework in information technology, communication, human resources, management, population health management and patient partnerships, technology and software in health care, and financial management in health care. Students graduate with a foundation in strategic health care built upon a strong core of business classes. In addition to online coursework, students complete an immersive practicum experience in which they apply what they have learned in a health care setting. The program culminates in a capstone that requires students to identify an issue and develop a practical solution.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management
In-State Tuition: $15,000
Out-of-State Tuition: $15,000
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
15. Concordia University-Wisconsin
Mequon, Wisconsin
Points: 4
Program Website
Concordia University-Wisconsin provides a 120-credit cheap BA in Health Care Management that teaches students the supervisory skills they need for proper administration and management in any system of care, including long-term, community, and acute settings. Taught through a Christian worldview, the curriculum is comprised of coursework in health care planning and evaluation, eldercare, ethics, financial accounting, human resource management, and health care marketing. Students also participate in a health care practicum and complete an integrative project that serves as the program’s culminating capstone course. Students are eligible to take the Nursing Home Administrator examination after graduating from this affordable online program.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Health Care Management
In-State Tuition: $14,910
Out-of-State Tuition: $14,910
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
14. Viterbo University
La Crosse, Wisconsin
Points: 4
Program Website
The fully online Bachelor of Business Administration in Health Care Management at Viterbo University is designed to prepare students to attain leadership positions in health care administration. Through the curriculum, students gain in-depth knowledge of health care marketing, quality improvement, informatics, ethical and legal issues, and economics. Cheap online classes are offered in eight-week terms, and students benefit from small class sizes, personalized support services and advising, and the option to attend on a part- or full-time basis. This affordable online degree program is also approved for graduates looking to apply for their Nursing Home Administrator (NHA) licensure in Wisconsin.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Business Administration in Health Care Management
In-State Tuition: $14,100
Out-of-State Tuition: $14,100
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
13. Ohio Christian University
Circleville, Ohio
Points: 4
Program Website
The affordable online BA degree with a concentration in health care management at Ohio Christian University provides students the opportunity to develop the managerial skills needed to work in today’s complex, regulated health care field. The concentration consists of four out of five available five-week courses in areas such as corporate compliance and integrity, health care finance and reimbursement, legal and regulatory issues, health care informatics, and the health care industry. Graduates of this cheap online degree program are prepared for middle-management or supervisory positions in a variety of health care facilities such as physicians’ offices, community health centers, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, and managed care organizations.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Healthcare Management
In-State Tuition: $12,480
Out-of-State Tuition: $12,480
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
12. Park University
Parkville, Missouri
Points: 4
Program Website
The affordable online BS in Management/Healthcare at Park University is comprised of 63 hours of study within the major, including 39 credits of business core classes and 24 credits of health care courses. Students build a foundation on key areas such as marketing, business law, economics, and accounting as well as human resource management, health care policy, and community health. Students also choose two of six specialized electives in a particular subfield such as risk management or hospital administration. Graduates of this cheap online degree program are prepared for careers as hospital administrators, public health educators, health care network managers, and pharmaceutical project managers.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Management/Healthcare
In-State Tuition: $11,970
Out-of-State Tuition: $11,970
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
11. Columbia College
Columbia, Missouri
Points: 4
Program Website
Students may pursue a cheap online BA in Healthcare Management from Columbia College that is comprised of 120 semester hours of study. Students complete core business classes in key areas such as communication, statistics, finance, accounting, management, marketing, and law. Affordable online courses focused on health care are available in human resource management, organizational theory, economics, health care management, law, and biomedical ethics. Students may take up to two three-credit internships in business administration to gain hands-on, real-world experience. Graduates are prepared for master’s-level studies, advancement in their current roles, or for entry-level positions in health care administration and management.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Healthcare Management
In-State Tuition: $11,250
Out-of-State Tuition: $11,250
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
10. Granite State College
Concord, New Hampshire
Points: 4
Program Website
Through the cheap online BS in Health Care Management at Granite State College, students learn about the critical functions and best practices of health care administration. The low cost online degree program combines health care coursework with organization development, diversity management, and leadership to help graduates become well-rounded professionals. Students must complete 120 credits to earn their degree, including classes in human resource management, health care policy, law and ethics, statistics, reimbursement and financing techniques, health information systems, fiscal management, and community, culture, and health. An integrative health care management capstone is also required in order for students to graduate from the program.
Degree Options:
Health Care Management (B.S.)
In-State Tuition: $9,420
Out-of-State Tuition: $10,950
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
9. Drury University
Springfield, Missouri
Points: 4
Program Website
Drury University offers a cheap online Bachelor of Science in Health Services Management designed for students who want the administrative, supervisory, and leadership skills and degree necessary for career advancement within health care organizations. Students can choose from two tracks of study, the first of which is intended for emergency medical services personnel, occupational therapy assistants, physical therapy assistants, respiratory therapists, radiological technologists, and registered nurses. The second is designed for undergraduates who are participating in the Drury University/Cox College dual health degree cohort to earn a Bachelor of Science in Health Services Management and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. All students take 18 hours in major coursework in social gerontology, the biology of behavior, negotiation and conflict resolution, theories and models of leadership, financial basics for leaders, and foundations of leadership studies.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Health Services Management
In-State Tuition: $9,240
Out-of-State Tuition: $9,240
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
8. Oregon Institute of Technology
Klamath Falls, Oregon
Points: 4
Program Website
The cheap online Bachelor of Science in Health Care Management at the Oregon Institute of Technology prepares students for careers in managerial and administrative positions. The affordable online degree program offers two tracks for those with a background in health care: a radiologic science option and a clinical option, both of which involve the study of business and management subjects. In addition, an administrative option is available to freshman and students with no experience in health care, and students can choose from either a psychology option or a health data analytics option. Graduates are prepared for mid- and entry-level management positions as well as graduate programs in public health, hospital administration, or health care administration. Based on a foundation of common management classes, the curriculum builds on the students’ understanding of U.S. health care as well as its challenges, policies, and systems.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Health Care Management
In-State Tuition: $8,000
Out-of-State Tuition: $8,000
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
7. Weber State University
Ogden, Utah
Points: 4
Program Website
The Dumke College of Health Professions at Weber State University provides an affordable online BS in Health Services Administration with an emphasis in health services administration. The curriculum focuses on topics such as epidemiology and biostatistics, health informatics, law and ethics, financial administration, human resource development, marketing, and administrative and supervisory theory. Students must complete 120 hours for the degree, including a practicum/internship that provides opportunities for the practical application, participation, and observation of management and administrative skills in the institutional setting. Graduates of this cheap online degree program are prepared for leadership positions in skilled nursing facilities, rehabilitation centers, health departments, nursing homes, clinics, hospitals, and other types of health care organizations.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Health Services Administration, Health Services Administration Emphasis
In-State Tuition: $5,986
Out-of-State Tuition: $5,986
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 21:1
6. University of Central Florida
Orlando, Florida
Points: 4
Program Website
Through the College of Community Innovation and Education at the University of Central Florida, undergraduate students may earn an affordable online, 120-credit-hour BS in Healthcare Administration. In addition to completing general education coursework, students focus on specific areas within health care administration such as health information technology, organization and management, community health, economics, law and ethics, research methods, epidemiology, health care reimbursement and insurance, and long-term care and administration. Students are also required to complete a 150-hour internship in an approved health care organization, and the program culminates in a health services administration capstone.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration
In-State Tuition: $5,375
Out-of-State Tuition: $11,515
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 30:1
5. East Carolina University
Greenville, North Carolina
Points: 4
Program Website
Offered through the Department of Health Services & Information Management at East Carolina University, the cheap online BS in Health Information Management is the only bachelor’s program in the state accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). Students complete 126 semester hours of online coursework and are eligible to sit for the Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) credentialing examination. The program covers key areas within health information management such as human resources, health information technology, privacy and security, finance and accounting, and data management. The affordable online degree program culminates in an allied health management experience in which students complete professional shadowing, a cooperative practicum, specific project, or individual study relevant to the field.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management
In-State Tuition: $4,992
Out-of-State Tuition: $21,489
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
4. South Texas College
McAllen, Texas
Points: 4
Program Website
South Texas College’s cheap online Bachelor of Applied Technology in Medical and Health Services Management prepares graduates for entry- to mid-level management positions in medical or health care facilities. The affordable online 120-hour curriculum provides students with valuable expertise in project management, health statistics principles, risk management, privacy issues, electronic medical records, reimbursement mechanisms, medical staff responsibilities and roles, finance, and legal issues as they pertain to the health care industry. Students also complete a health care management practicum that serves as a capstone learning experience and provides onsite exposure to health care administration. Students are responsible for discussing what they have learned with their classmates and completing a project about their experience.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Applied Technology Degree (BAT) in Medical and Health Services Management
In-State Tuition: $2,310
Out-of-State Tuition: $6,000
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 22:1
3. Mercy College of Ohio
Toledo, Ohio
Points: 5
Program Website
Mercy College of Ohio confers an affordable online BS in Healthcare Administration that combines management competencies with business knowledge specific to the field of health care. In addition to taking general education classes, students complete 39 credit hours in the major in areas such as law and ethics, finance, accounting, marketing, information systems, human resource management, organizational behavior, economics, population health, reimbursement, and health care management. Students also have the opportunity to complete an elective practicum experience to gain hands-on, real-world training. Graduates of this cheap online degree program are prepared to become healthcare consultants, mid-level hospital managers, and public health, clinic, managed care organization, or long-term care administrators.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration
In-State Tuition: $13,350
Out-of-State Tuition: $13,350
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 7:1
2. Montana State University Billings
Billings, Montana
Points: 5
Program Website
Students may earn an excellent and cheap BS in Health Administration from Montana State University Billings entirely online. The affordable online degree program enhances the quality and depth of education via community partnerships and offers both a six-credit senior internship and field experience. Students take core business classes in management and organization, human resource management, finance, and accounting as well as health administration core courses in financial management, law and ethics, marketing, health informatics, managerial epidemiology, health policy and politics, and managing health care organizations. Students may further focus their degree by pursuing an optional, five-course concentration in business, health information technology, or long-term care management.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Health Administration
In-State Tuition: $6,909
Out-of-State Tuition: $12,671
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
1. SUNY Polytechnic Institute
Utica, New York
Points: 5
Program Website
The State University of New York (SUNY) Polytechnic Institute confers our top affordable BS in Health Information Management and a Bachelor of Professional Studies in Health Information Management. Both programs consist of 124 credits of study, including 56 credits in core health information management coursework. Students develop a foundation of knowledge and skills in areas such as health information management, law and ethics, research, electronic health records, data management and analysis, human resource management, and accounting. Students also participate in three professional practice experiences: technical, specialty, and management. Graduates are eligible to sit for the Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) certification examination.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management
Bachelor of Professional Studies in Health Information Management
In-State Tuition: $6,870
Out-of-State Tuition: $16,650
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Career Options for a Bachelor’s in Health Care Administration/Management Degree?
Professionals who have earned an online undergraduate degree in health care administration and management will agree that every day in their field is different. For instance, one day might be spent representing their organization at a meeting for investors, while the next might involve training new and current employees on updated regulations and laws. Settings in which health care administrators can work range from government health care organizations or behavioral health agencies to health insurance providers or pharmaceutical companies. The health care administrator profession often attracts students who are detailed-oriented, focused, able to handle multiple duties and tasks at the same time, and have a passion for caring for their patients. Four of the most popular career options for a bachelor’s in health care administration/management include:
- Assistant Administrator: Before one can seek employment as the manager or administrator of a large organization or facility, many attain roles as assistants first. Primary responsibilities are similar to the duties of their superiors, but assistant administrators work with less responsibility and on a smaller scale. Their main concern involves conducting the employee management and facility tasks assigned to them by the health care administrator.
- Health Information Manager: Whereas other professionals are tasked with overseeing people, this role involves ensuring that data and information systems are meeting medical, legal, and ethical standards. Their primary concern is keeping patient records and documentation secure while allowing care providers and doctors to quickly access the information they need to effectively treat their patients.
- Clinical Manager: These professionals spend most of their careers overseeing different staff members at their organizations, including employees in professional, clinical, clerical, and administrative roles. They may also be found purchasing necessary supplies, monitoring budgets, implementing recruitment initiatives, or implementing new policies with the goal of increasing levels of care and productivity.
- Nursing Home Administrator: These professionals are generally responsible for managing their direct staff and facility, but they may take on other tasks as well. Whether they are offering tours to future residents, developing and implementing a budget, or collaborating with the clinical staff to create a care plan for a patient, every day is different.
How Much Can You Earn in This Field?
Salaries for individuals who have earned a Bachelor’s in Health Care Administration and Management vary significantly, with professionals working in an assistant or support role earning less than managers or administrators with seniority and experience. However, all administrative professionals enjoy job stability and opportunities, and earning an online degree in health care administration serves as a wise choice for anyone interested in a career in the health care industry.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical and health services managers earned $99,730 per year as of May 2018. The highest 10 percent earned more than $182,600, while the lowest 10 percent earned less than $58,680. The top-paying industries for this occupation include:
- Government: $110,460
- Private, local, and state hospitals: $108,730
- Outpatient care centers: $92,390
- Physicians’ offices: $90,920
- Residential care and nursing facilities: $84,260
Similarly, administrative services managers across all industries and occupations earned $96,180 in May 2018. The highest 10 percent earned more than $165,470, while the lowest 10 percent earned less than $55,000. While many industries aside from health care employ administrative services managers, approximately 13 percent of all administrative services managers in the U.S. are employed in health care and social assistance, and the median annual wage specifically for these professionals in this field was $88,050 as of May 2018.
What Courses Will You Take in an Online Bachelor’s in Health Care Administration/Management Degree Program?
Depending on the concentration and school you choose, the courses you will take in your online undergraduate degree in health care administration and management will vary. However, some common courses included in most program investigate:
- Research and evaluation: Students learn how to assess health care programs within facilities and organizations through the application of various evaluation and research methodologies such as research design, assessment instruments, and data and statistical analysis.
- Quality management: Students explore different methods of improving patient care. These courses typically focus on ways to decrease patient costs and waste, improving the accessibility and storage of confidential patient records, and decreasing wait times for patients.
- Healthcare reimbursement: Students learn about important policy issues that involve health care reimbursement as well as how health care costs are reimbursed. Course topics typically include the application of supply and demand theories to the health care industries, government regulations as they pertain to health care, and how Medicaid and Medicare work.
The curriculum may also develop your skills and knowledge in the areas of organizational behavior in health care, health care delivery systems, and legal aspects of health management. Although some programs require students to participate in an internship, most culminate in a health care administration capstone course in which students put to use all they have learned with the purpose of addressing a question or issue in the field.
In addition, most programs do not prepare for certification or licensure as such is not required for most health care administration positions except for that of the nursing home administrator. Therefore, students considering licensure are encouraged to consult the licensing board in their location as these regulations are set by each state and not at the federal level. Certification is not mandatory, but earning a certificate may help professionals advance into senior roles or earn higher salaries. Through the American Association of Healthcare Administrative Management, students may pursue the Certified Compliance Technician, Certified Revenue Integrity Professional, or Certified Revenue Cycle Executive certifications.
Are There Any Professional Organizations for Health Care Administrators?
Regardless of whether you are just entering the field for the first time or you have been employed as a health care administrator for decades, administrators can benefit from joining a professional organization in their field. Professional organizations not only keep members apprised on the latest developments within health care, they also provide educational events, opportunities for networking, lectures and seminars, and opportunities to expand their knowledge of what is expected of them as well as of other roles in the field. The top professional organizations for professionals in health care include:
- Association of Healthcare Administrative Professionals (AHAP)
- American Association of Healthcare Administrative Management (AAHAM)
- Healthcare Administrators Association
The field of health care is complex and challenging, yet it is growing and changing every day. If you are considering a career in this industry and are looking to enjoy job stability, a decent salary, and the opportunity to help others, we hope that our list of the top 25 online affordable Bachelor’s in Health Care Administration and Management degrees serves as a solid starting point for your future academic career.
AS Staff
This concludes our ranking of the 25 Top Value Affordable Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Health Care Administration/Management.
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