How to Become a Healthcare Manager in Kentucky

Online Associates (AS)

Associate degrees in health administration generally consist of 60 credit hours of coursework that take full-time students approximately two years to complete. As undergraduate programs, they are typically comprised of both liberal arts and major-specific classes. Curriculums differ by institution, but students are likely to receive instruction in communication, mathematics, and the sciences, as well as healthcare technology, medical terminology, marketing, and medical office administration. Those enrolled might spend time developing fundamental skills necessary to work in medical offices. This may include learning how to utilize a variety of popular technologies, data systems, and medical coding methods common to the field.

This type of associate degree is optimal for individuals seeking employment as medical secretaries, medical assistants, and medical records technicians. Graduates may qualify for other entry-level administrative jobs in healthcare as well. Associate degrees can also be optimal for those hoping to limit the accumulation of student debt. Most of these programs are offered by community colleges, which typically charge less in tuition and fees. The fact that they can be completed in as few as two years is also appealing.

While many graduates seek employment right away, some choose to continue their education by enrolling in bachelor’s degree programs. This is often more beneficial than people realize as undergraduate credits can be transferred and applied towards new enrollments. Most colleges and universities accept up to 60 or 90 class hours from equally accredited institutions. As a result, incoming students with associate degrees may be designated as juniors instead of freshmen, with only two years of additional classes needed before attaining a higher level of education.

Online Bachelors (BS)

Bachelor’s degrees in health administration generally consist of 120 credit hours of coursework that take full-time students approximately four years to complete. As undergraduate programs, they are typically comprised of both liberal arts and major-specific classes. Curriculums differ by institution, but students are likely to receive instruction in communication, mathematics, and the sciences, as well as healthcare law, management information systems, and budgeting in healthcare. Those enrolled are also likely to study other topics relevant to the field, such as principles in marketing, business law, and ethics.

In addition to standard coursework, it’s common for healthcare administration or public health management students to complete residencies or internships. These experiences are designed to supplement and support classroom learning. Those enrolled are often placed in healthcare facilities and expected to complete designated tasks. This provides real-world, hands-on experience in the field, which is often invaluable after entering the workforce. While the primary purpose is to help students hone their knowledge and skills, internships also provide opportunities to build connections with professionals in the field. In some cases, they can even lead to full-time employment after graduation.

This type of bachelor's degree is ideal for those who plan to pursue jobs as medical office administrators, healthcare human resources managers, health information officers, and community service managers. Graduates typically work in positions that deal with the business side of medical facilities and organizations.

Again, not all graduates seek employment right away. While qualified to many professions in the field, some opt to enroll in graduate school programs in order to further develop the skills and improve job prospects in the future. Those interested in furthering their education should be prepared to provide grade point average (GPA) records and Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) score results to gaining institutions.

Online Masters (MS)

A Master of health administration generally range from 30 to 45 credit hours of coursework that take full-time students approximately two to three years to complete. Notably, undergraduate credit hours may not be transferred or applied towards learning at this level. Certain undergraduate courses may, however, be required as prerequisites for admittance. Typically, these must be met prior to enrollment.

While curriculums vary by institution, students can expect to receive instruction in subjects solely relevant to the field of health administration. Subjects most commonly covered include management, business, accounting, and healthcare, as well as medical terminology, hospital organization, health information systems, health services management, human resources administration, strategic planning, and health economics.

Those enrolled are also likely to participate in supervised administrative experiences to gain hands-on experience in the field. Students are typically placed in hospitals and/or various healthcare consulting settings similar to those required at the undergraduate level. These opportunities can last much longer, however, with some taking place over an entire year.

This type of master's degree is ideal for those interested in pursuing jobs as medical records supervisors, hospital administrators, health information management managers, and healthcare consultants. They may work in health services organizations, health planning agencies, public health agencies, group medical practices, etc. While not necessarily required by employers, master’s degrees often lead to more advanced employment opportunities and higher pay.