What Will I Learn in a Health Care Administration Degree Program?

If you'd like to help improve patient care and operations at hospitals big and small, consider earning a degree in health care administration. Through this degree program, you'll learn how to manage the operations of health care facilities, help modernize older buildings and equipment, and train staff. Many people come into this degree program from other fields like nursing, and it can be a great way to advance their careers. Students will learn about economics, health informatics, strategic planning, accounting and budget, and hospital management. Graduates should emerge with a solid foundation of knowledge in business and management as well as the skills necessary to help an organization optimize quality of care and profits.

AA in Healthcare Admin.	BS in Healthcare Admin.	MBA in Healthcare Admin.

What Can I Do With a Health Care Administration Degree?

Health care administration can be a rewarding career path for those interested in working on the business side of health care. Graduates of this program will find work in community health centers, hospitals, physicians' offices or large government health care organizations. Most grads will take on management and supervisory positions, though the level will be determined by education and experience. Some will choose to specialize in one area of health care administration, such as patient care, medical technology, budgeting or staffing. Those coming into the degree program from a profession such as nursing or business may find that the degree helps them get promoted to the next level in their current occupations.

What Is the Career Outlook for Health Care Administration Degree Students?

Those thinking of pursuing a career in health care administration will find a wide open job market upon graduation. Hospitals are growing around the nation, and many are seeking new ways to be more productive, provide better care and use more technology in their day-to-day operations. This growth and modernization requires individuals who can guide hospitals through the process, opening up new positions for those with health care administration degrees. The average income of a medical and health service manager is $73,000 a year.