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A bachelor’s healthcare, healthcare management degree, or healthcare administration degree can create a world of possibilities. The term healthcare is often open to interpretation, particularly regarding career opportunities for allied health professionals while not including those who have an active medical practice. Generally speaking, many individuals who pursue a bachelor’s in healthcare are interested in healthcare management or a health services administration program rather than a general health science degree or healthcare finance. However, this is not always the case.
Once you complete a bachelor’s health degree program, or one focused on health services administration, you can continue your education with further university programs to specialize in a specific field or you can find a rewarding career in the healthcare system immediately. Many institutions within healthcare systems are looking for healthcare administrators, human resource management professionals, and financial management professionals with knowledge of healthcare services, health insurance, and the healthcare industry in general. The types of degrees and concentrations in healthcare you can consider and some of the titles of these degrees ou might see are extensive including healthcare administration, healthcare management, health services administration, health sciences, public health, healthcare informatics, health education, medical ethics, public health, and more. At the end of the day, healthcare professionals must choose the path that’s right for them in the healthcare field. Healthcare organizations also need those who are versed in health insurance, coding and billing, human resource management, general business administration, and more.
A health science bachelor's, bachelor's in healthcare administration degree program, or online healthcare management degree from accredited college or university programs will prepare students to work in a wide variety of locations by giving them valuable, real-world experience within the healthcare industry. They may find jobs in long-term patient care facilities, residential care facilities, physician offices, outpatient care centers, private practices, and other health services and healthcare organizations. They can work in healthcare professions such as medical and health services managers, doctor's office or other healthcare managers, public health educators, a health information manager, or a nursing home administrator, health insurance managers, etc. Online bachelor's in healthcare administration, health services administration, and healthcare management are accessible from all over the country. These programs in health education will offer core courses in the following subjects.
- Health Information Systems
- Medical Terminology
- Healthcare Informatics
- Patient Care and Effecting Positive Patient Outcomes
- Electronic Health Records
- Health Management or Healthcare Administration
- Organizational Communication
- Health Services Financial Management
- And More
PROS
- The benefits of completing a bachelor’s degree — in healthcare or healthcare management include the possibility of a more stable future and increased financial security. Whether you are in pursuit of a career in medicine, administration, research, technology, or another health-related field; a healthcare bachelor’s degree or other health degree program can be the first step to great healthcare job opportunities. A bachelor’s degree is a basic requirement for most healthcare professions that are not medical personnel positions, including allied health professionals. This degree is also essential if you wish to pursue any career advancement opportunities.
- Such opportunities may also require continued education — in the form of certificates or advanced degrees. To gain these, a bachelor’s degree is necessary. Additionally, individuals who complete a bachelor’s degree typically earn between $10,000 and $15,000 more a year than someone who has not yet completed this degree. This can add up to hundreds of thousands of dollars over a lifetime. And, if you wish to seek out promotions, you can move up the proverbial ladder much faster with a bachelor’s degree than without one.
CONS
- If you are thinking of stopping your education — at a bachelor’s degree, you may want to rethink this. Many managerial, supervisory, and promotional positions will require a master’s degree. Without an advanced degree, you are limiting your career and earning potential. It will take you significantly longer to achieve promotions and pay raises over people with a master’s degree or a PhD, especially as you may not be able to complete various certificate specializations and skill developments for better positions with only a bachelor’s degree.
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Certificate Vs. Bachelors
Certificates and online bachelor’s degrees in healthcare management serve quite different purposes. First, certificates are available at a variety of levels throughout your educational journey and career path. Some certificates can be earned before you complete a bachelor’s; whereas, other certificates may require an online master’s degree and you’re more likely to earn these later in your career. You can also pursue skill-based professional certificates offered by leading industry organizations. Certificates may take a few months or up to a couple years to complete based on the online program and specialization.
Online bachelor’s degrees, on the other hand, are often a prerequisite to even apply to most entry-level positions within healthcare careers in non-medical positions.
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What Healthcare Bachelor’s Degrees are Available Online?
The primary types of bachelor’s degrees in healthcare-related fields are a bachelor of arts (BA) and a bachelor of science (BS). It is also possible you might find a bachelor of applied sciences (BAS) at some colleges or universities. The primary difference between a BA and BS is that a BA will require that you take more liberal arts courses, whereas a BS will require that you take more science and math courses. A BA will spread your focus to non-technical information; a BS will be more clinical and technical, which is more suitable for future doctors and medical staff.
Many people choose a degree in healthcare so that they have a greater understanding of science; this is especially important given that you will be working in the medical field and quite possibly with medical professionals. If you are working in IT, administration, management, etc., it is a good idea to have a balance of both liberal arts and the sciences.
Admission Requirements to Enter an online Bachelor’s Healthcare Degree Program
An online bachelor’s in healthcare administration program will have some prerequisites. Depending on the exact focus of your online degree program, you will have to complete various math and science credits. Many people have the opportunity to complete these courses in high school as college credit for free. You may also need to complete various prerequisite courses at your college or university before you are permitted into the healthcare management program. These requirements will vary greatly based on the type of healthcare degree you are pursuing (health management, healthcare administration, risk management in the healthcare industry, health services management, business administration with a focus on healthcare facilities, human resources in healthcare settings, etc.) and your higher learning institution. If you know what degree you are interested in, you should make sure to check with the department at each school you are considering so you know what will be expected for entry into their specific program. Most of these bachelor's programs are going to require a high school diploma, GED or an associate in healthcare diploma along with your GPA at a minimum.
How long does it take to earn an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Healthcare?
An online bachelor’s in healthcare management education should typically take around four years to complete. It is important to look at the graduation times at the college or university of your choosing. Some higher learning institutions work hard to ensure students graduate in four years, while at others, students are likely to take longer to complete their studies. The longer it takes, the higher the cost and the longer you will be delayed in entering your career path and reaching your earning potential.
Today, many people combine online bachelor’s degrees and master’s degrees and complete them in four or five years. If you complete an online bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree separately, you will have to meet specific requirements to enter a healthcare master’s program, and it will take you more time and more money to complete. And keep in mind that, if you complete a degree online while working, it could take a few additional years due to your part-time attendance.
Potential Careers in Healthcare with an online Bachelor’s Degree
- Healthcare Administrator:
Job responsibilities in healthcare administration and healthcare management will vary based on your employer. In many instances, you will be responsible for the oversight of the entire organization, including staff. This will also be considered an upper-management role with significant responsibilities, including staff training and organizational compliance. You could work anywhere from a hospital to a correctional facility.
Salary: $66,500 - Medical and Public Health Social Worker:
Jobs in public health are often within a government agency whether local, state, or federal. You might be based out of a government building and make visits to other locations or you might be based out of a hospital. It will be your responsibility to provide adequate and responsible health information to the community you serve. You will also provide them with the proper tools and resources to make well-educated health decisions.
Salary: $50,000 - Healthcare Consultant:
As a healthcare consultant, you will specialize in identifying problems and implementing solutions for medical facilities. Your clients will vary but may include hospitals, specialized clinics, or even colleges and universities. It will be a large part of your responsibility to speak with the employees of your clients, conduct meetings, and write reports.
Salary: $77,500 - Healthcare Program Director:
As a healthcare program director, you will be in charge of individuals employed at surgical facilities, hospitals, or other large medical institutions. You will be tasked with the challenge of ensuring departments are meeting the operational standards as established by the organization. You will also spend time coordinating the activities of employees to ensure they meet the organization’s goals.
Salary: $81,500Find Online Healthcare Schools
- Medical Biller:
A medical biller is an entry-level position in healthcare for many people. In fact, you might even work as a part-time medical biller while you complete your degree to gain invaluable work experience in a medical setting before you graduate. Medical billers send medical bills to patients and work with said patients to may payments in a timely manner. Medical billing can be excessively complicated, so there are certifications just for this type of position.
Salary: $39,000
Salary by Occupation
| Occupations | Entry-Level | Mid-Career | Late-Career |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare Admin | $55,800 | $75,000 | $91,800 |
| Healthcare Manager | $49,900 | $64,700 | $75,300 |
| Dietician/Nutritionist | $44,200 | $50,800 | $62,400 |
| Registered Nurses | $56,500 | $67,200 | $72,900 |
| Recreational Therapists | $40,300 | $41,300 | $50,000 |
| Nurse Practitioners | $90,800 | $101,200 | $109,200 |
| Veterinary Technicians | $30,400 | $36,500 | $41,300 |
| Radiation Therapists | $61,900 | $77,100 | $90,900 |
Options to Advance
If you have a degree in healthcare of any kind, your long-term opportunities are nearly endless. It is important to understand that it will be beneficial to complete an online master’s degree if you wish to pursue management and administration positions. You can do so while you work to gain essential experience. Keep in mind that top employers may offer tuition reimbursement of some sort and certificates can also be critical to your career growth potential. Certificates help you to specialize in subjects and skills. Don’t forget that, in today’s working world, information and technology change almost daily. Continue your education if you wish to make more money and receive career advancements.
Colleges That Offer Traditional Bachelor’s Degrees in Healthcare
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University of Iowa
Iowa City, IowaThe University of Iowa has a long-standing tradition of being one of the top schools in healthcare and medical fields. Each degree offers a variety of different tracks so that you can specialize in different areas of health studies including exercise science, general health studies, health promotion, and global health.
Degrees Offered:
- Biomedical Sciences, General – Bachelor’s, Master’s & Doctorate Degrees
- Neuroscience – Bachelor’s Degree
- Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering – Bachelor’s, Master’s & Doctorate Degrees
- Audiology/Audiologist and Speech-Language Pathology/Pathologist – Bachelor’s, Master’s & Doctorate Degrees
- Clinical Laboratory Science/Medical Technology/Technologist – Bachelor Degree & Postgraduate Certificate
- Family Practice Nurse/Nursing – Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate Degrees & Postgraduate Certificate
- Nuclear Medical Technology/Technologist – Bachelor’s Degree & Postgraduate Certificate
- Public Health, General – Bachelor’s, Master’s & Doctorate Degrees
- Radiologic Technology/Science – Radiographer – Bachelor’s Degree
- Registered Nursing – Bachelor’s Degree
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University of North Carolina
Chapel Hill, North CarolinaThe public health degree at the University of North Carolina is available with a variety of majors and minors, including a health and society minor, health policy and management major and environmental health sciences majors. You will be required to know basic science and mathematics to complete these degree programs
Degrees Offered:
- Biostatistics – Bachelor’s, Master’s Doctorate Degrees
- Neuroscience – Bachelor’s, Master’s & Doctorate Degrees
- Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering – Bachelor’s, Master’s & Doctorate Degrees
- Foods, Nutrition, and Wellness Studies, General – Bachelor’s Degrees
- Clinical Laboratory Science / Medical Technology / Technologist – Bachelor’s & Master’s Degrees
- Environmental Health – Bachelor’s Degree
- Health/Healthcare Administration/Management – Bachelor’s, Master’s & Doctorate Degrees
- Medical Radiologic Technology/Science – Radiation Therapist – Bachelor’s Degree
- Registered Nursing – Bachelor’s Degree
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University of Minnesota – Twin Cities
Minneapolis, MinnesotaThe University of Minnesota is home to prestigious health services and medical laboratory sciences degree programs. These courses will combine classroom lectures, online activities, and laboratory studies.
Degrees Offered:
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other – Bachelor’s, Master’s & Doctorate Degrees
- Neuroscience – Bachelor’s, Master’s & Doctorate Degrees
- Physiology, General – Bachelor’s Degree
- Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering – Bachelor’s, Master’s & Doctorate Degrees
- Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services – Bachelor’s Degree
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions – Bachelor’s Degree
- Audiology/Audiologist and Speech-Language Pathology/Pathologist – Bachelor’s Degree
- Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science and Allied Professions – Bachelor’s Degree & Undergraduate Certificate
- Health/Healthcare Administration/Management – Bachelor’s, Master’s Degrees & Undergraduate Certificate
- Registered Nursing – Bachelor’s, Master’s Degrees & Postgraduate Certificate
- Respiratory Care Therapy/Therapist – Bachelor’s Degree
- Nutrition Sciences – Bachelor’s, Master’s & Doctorate Degrees
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Cornell University
Ithaca, New YorkCornell University has an outstanding academic offering in public health. These courses center around the promotion of community wellness and the prevention of illness. The school offers a global and public health sciences major that focuses on research, as well as action.
Degrees Offered:
- Biological and Biomedical Science – Bachelor’s Degree
- Biometry/Biometrics – Bachelor’s, Master’s & Doctorate Degrees
- Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering – Bachelor’s, Master’s & Doctorate Degrees
- Foods, Nutrition, and Wellness Studies – Bachelor’s Degree
- International Public Health/International Health – Bachelor’s Degree
- Nutrition Sciences – Bachelor’s, Master’s & Doctorate Degrees
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Rush University
Chicago, IllinoisRush University in Chicago offers an exceptional healthcare degree in health sciences. You can customize your degree program to better suit your long-term career goals. And you will have an outstanding teacher to student ratio in each classroom. Many students use this degree as a stepping stone for a master’s degree or medical school.
Degrees Offered:
- Cardiovascular Technology/Technologist – Bachelor’s Degree
- Clinical Laboratory Science/Medical Technology/Technologist – Bachelor’s & Master’s Degrees
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Services – Bachelor’s Degree
- Radiologic Technology/Science – Radiographer – Bachelor’s Degree
- Respiratory Care Therapy/Therapist – Bachelor’s & Master’s Degrees
Colleges That Offer Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Healthcare
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University of Central Florida
Orlando, FloridaThe University of Central Florida is quite possibly located at the epicenter of healthcare activity in the US due to the aging population of the state. As such, this higher learning institution offers a number of online degree programs centered around healthcare and you can choose either a pre-clinical track or a health promotion track.
Degrees Offered:
- Bachelor of Science in Health Informatics and Information Management
- Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences
- Bachelor of Science in Health Services Administration
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Colorado State University
Greenwood Village, ColoradoColorado State University offers a variety of degrees in health-related fields. However, they also specialize in their health concentrations, including a health and medical sciences concentration in biology, environmental, and a public health concentration in biomedical sciences and a concentration in health promotion in health and exercise science.
Degrees Offered:
- Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences
- Bachelor of Science in Biology
- Bachelor of Science in Health and Exercise Science
- Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies
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Charter Oak State College
New Britain, ConnecticutCharter Oak State College has some of the top online programs for healthcare administration and health information management. These degrees are often used as a precursor to advanced degrees and those individuals who are interested in taking on upper-management and executive roles in the future.
Degrees Offered:
- Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration
- Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management
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University of Mary
Bismarck, North DakotaThe University of Mary offers some top programs in healthcare areas. They also offer minors for an even more specialized education, including a minor in health education and a minor in wellness. You will be prepared to work for a variety of healthcare environments upon graduation.
Degrees Offered:
- Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration
- Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science
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Brigham Young University
Provo, UtahBYU offers an online degree in applied health. They also offer several classroom-based degrees in four different types of public health concentrations and several online certificates including community health methods and evaluation, community health planning and implementation, epidemiology, human services, and occupational safety and health. You will also have access to internships.
Degrees Offered:
- Bachelor of Science in Applied Health
Frequently Asked Questions
What can you expect from an online bachelor’s in healthcare administration?
For the most part, you can expect your online healthcare administration program to be the same as those you would attend on-campus. There may be fewer group projects, but you will learn the same things and expect the same outcomes. The courses taken through online programs are otherwise practically identical to those taken in more traditional classrooms, including those in healthcare finance, health law, ethics, healthcare systems, patient experience, and more.
Why earn a bachelor’s in healthcare administration degree?
While many earn a degree in healthcare administration as an entry-level degree to get into the industry, those with previous healthcare experience can use the degree to propel them upward in their career. After all, with this degree, you can find work in consulting and insurance firms as well as in the upper echelon of hospitals and other medical facilities.
Why choose an online degree?
You may choose to take an online degree because you already have a job. For example, many nurses decide to take the plunge and move into administration after several years on the job. Or you might know that you want to work in healthcare but not be sure you could make it as a nurse. Healthcare administration lets you find a career in which you can help people without risking the same type of burnout that often affects those in healthcare, and every hospital needs administrative staff.
Is a degree in healthcare or health sciences the same as a degree in healthcare administration?
While these degrees have different titles, many of the courses you take will be the same. Both will provide you with foundational knowledge of the healthcare system, insurance, patient care, and more and how these things work across the country. Those degrees focused on management are likely to give you a slight edge when you start looking at promotions and upward mobility in the field, but by the time you reach that point, you might be ready to earn a master’s degree or MBA.
What can you do with a bachelor’s degree with a concentration in healthcare?
A bachelor’s degree in healthcare or health studies will give you access to careers in the health world that are non-clinical in nature. This might mean working in inventory or health sales or even finding an entry-level position in healthcare administration and moving your way up over time. You may find that you prefer to work within a community and make your way to a community health services position or you can work in health education. With a degree in healthcare, you’ll have access to a myriad of positions.
What should I consider next if I want to earn a master’s degree?
One of the best ways to move up is to earn a higher-level degree in healthcare administration or management. A master’s can provide you the management techniques and specialized knowledge you need to work in a hospital, medical office, run a community health program, and more. Or, you can opt to earn an MBA with a healthcare or healthcare administration specialization, which will provide you with a greater depth of business knowledge while still preparing you for the specialized field of healthcare management.