Explore Diverse Career Choices in Health Care Administration

Does any job title containing the word "administration" make you want to fall asleep? Don't judge a book by its cover. Health care administration is not only a critically necessary facet of health care, but it can also be an exciting and challenging career choice. In addition, there are so many options within health care administration that it's easy to find a niche where you can really live your passion.

For example, these three administrators each play distinctive roles in the health care field. Mary Navin is the Ambulatory Practice Director for The Children's Hospital, Jessie Tucker is the Deputy Commander for Administration at Womack Army Medical Center, and Mary Stefl is the chair of the department of health care administration at Trinity University.

Diverse Work Setting & Duties Offer Challenge

Not only do they work in very diverse settings, but their day-to-day job duties are quite different from one another. Navin, who started out in medical-surgical nursing, is now in charge of six hospital-based outpatient clinics, three of which provide primary care for children and adolescents. She is responsible for the range of services, staffing and budgets. Her workday begins at 5:30 am and she often spends most of her time in meetings. In between meetings, she creates plans and budgets, confirms department audits and doctors' schedules, checks up on children in the clinics, participates in committees, and works on quality of improvement projects. "It's like running your own business," Navin says. "There are no set hours."

In contrast to Navin, Tucker entered health care administration through his US Army career. With the help of the Army's long-term education program, he earned a doctoral degree in health services administration. Womack Army Medical Center serves the largest Army population in the world. Of the challenges he encounters in his important administrative role, Tucker says, "It's difficult at times to convince some clinical staff members that we can't do everything, and do it well, and that discontinuing or outsourcing a service is the answer because doing so makes the best clinical, business, and operational sense...A comprehensive review of opportunity costs and an understanding that resources are limited are concepts that Army healthcare is learning."

Last but not least, Stefl entered health care administration almost by accident. As a class project, she was assigned to evaluate a new community health administration program at the University of Cincinnati. Her interest was piqued by the program she was evaluating, and she ended up working for the department. Her years of experience there eventually led to an offer to teach healthcare management at Trinity University, and she is now the chair of the department. "Leadership is a matter of your vision and what you want to do," she says. "It is a matter of knowing why you are in this field; what kind of change you can effect and enact; what message and agenda you can drive forward; and how you can get something done, which partially depends on your problem-solving methods."

Have A Passion To Improve Health Care Delivery?

Despite the differences in their duties and responsibilities, all of these dedicated health care administrators have certain qualities in common-qualities that you will also need if you are to excel in this field. Every day in health care brings new challenges, so you'll need strong problem solving and critical thinking skills. You also need to be passionate about health care and have a genuine desire to provide the best quality health care to the largest number of people possible.

Nurses interested in moving beyond direct patient care and into a management role in nursing administration or hospital administration might find a dual-degree program such as the MBA and MS in Nursing: Nursing Leadership in Health Care Systems beneficial since it's specifically designed to prepare nurses for advanced management and executive positions.

Practicing EMS professionals seeking opportunities for career advancement while remaining in the exciting and rewarding field of EMS may find that the online Bachelor of Science in Health Science - EMS Management degree program offers just the ticket for expanding into careers as EMS instructors, supervisors, mid-level managers, and administrators.

Opportunities in healthcare management, health care administration, and health services administration abound for those with a previous background in health care, but even students who are new to the field can find success with an online degree in health care management.

Online healthcare administration degree programs, healthcare management programs, and health services management degree programs are available at the Associate, Bachelor's and Master's level. By studying healthcare management online, students can open the door to a career in a fast-growing, well-paying new field, and they can do it all from the comfort of their own computer screen.

Once you have your foot in the door of health care administration, you'll find that the possibilities are unlimited. This stimulating and influential career choice will allow you to find a niche where you can really make a lasting difference. Your future. Your choice. YOU can make a difference!

Explore Online Healthcare Administration Degree Programs

Take the next step towards earning an accredited Healthcare Administration degree online. Select Healthcare Administration degree programs that match your interests and fill out the short request form to receive free, no-obligation information about tuition, program length, admissions, and financial aid directly from school admissions counselors.

Keiser University

Campus

Keiser University eCampus Online offers degrees in fields that are in high demand and provides job placement assistance to all its students and alumni.

Programs:

• Health Services Administration, AA (Online)

Campus Locations:

Fort Lauderdale

Ultimate Medical Academy Online

Online

Boost your career with an education from Ultimate Medical Academy Online. We offer career-focused training in dental assisting, nursing assisting, medical billing and coding, basic x-ray, and more. Programs take as little as seven weeks.

Programs:

• Healthcare Management Associate
• Medical Administrative Assistant - Associates

Kaplan University

Campus

Advance your career and get the distinct competitive advantage you need with an online degree from Kaplan University. And do it without missing a day of work.

Programs:

• Master of Health Care Administration
• BS in Health Care Administration
• MS in Health Education

Campus Locations:

Fort Lauderdale

Grand Canyon University

Campus

Don't Miss a Day of Your Future! Grand Canyon University is offering Bachelor and Master degrees through our College of Education, Ken Blanchard College of Business, College of Nursing & Health Sciences, College of Liberal Arts, and College of Entrepreneurship. Classes start soon!

Programs:

• B.S. in Health Care Administration
• Master of Public Health

Campus Locations:

Phoenix

Westwood College

Campus

Westwood College is an institution of higher learning dedicated to providing quality, career-focused undergraduate and graduate programs that prepare students with the knowledge, skills, and credentials needed to launch, enhance, or change careers. The College offers broad access to education and serves a diverse, multicultural body of students in an environment that promotes pride, respect, and teamwork. The College's programs are designed to empower students to pursue their individual career goals.

Programs:

• Bachelor Degree - Business Administration: Major in Healthcare Management I
• Associate Degree - Medical Office Management
• Bachelor Degree - Business Administration: Major in Healthcare Management

Campus Locations:

Chicago
Los Angeles
Calumet City
Atlanta
Torrance
Woodridge
Anaheim
Arlington
Annandale
Upland
Denver

University of Phoenix

Campus

As the largest private university in North America, University of Phoenix has more than 200 locations, and is available online in most countries around the world. Whether you're seeking a college degree at an associate's, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral level, we can help you reach your academic goal—and sooner than you might think.

Programs:

• A.A. in Health Care Administration
• Master of Health in Administration/Health Care Education
• BS in Health Administration

Campus Locations:

Online
Burlington
Phoenix
Daytona Beach
Madison
Jacksonville
Fairfield
Visalia
Aurora
Springfield
Ontario
El Paso
Duluth
Chandler
Pleasant Grove
West Des Moines
Cordova
Elk Grove
Snellville
McDonough
Miami
Milwaukee
Maitland
San Diego
Las Vegas
East Lansing
Livermore
Hollywood
Manassas
Augusta
Orlando
Flint
Nashville
Metairie
Kansas City
Rancho Cordova
Indianapolis
Santa Teresa
Culver City
Tucson
Mesa
Rogers
Henderson
Clearfield
Murrieta
Atlanta
Saint George
Charlotte
Columbia
Salt Lake City
Marietta
Nogales
Brookfield
Oklahoma City
Washington
Fresno
Appleton
Saint Paul
Sugar Land
Portage
Westborough
San Antonio
Houston
Chattanooga
Columbus
Lancaster
West Chester
Tulsa
Fort Collins
Salida
Westminster
Fayetteville
Livonia
Sarasota
Renton
Troy
Lathrop
Raleigh
Plantation
Dallas
Oakland
Macon
Pittsburgh
Diamond Bar
Roseville
Chula Vista
San Jose
Costa Mesa
Independence
Murfreesboro
Saint Louis
Southfield
Gardena
Clarksville
Colorado Springs
Hurst
El Centro
Reston
Plainfield
Birmingham
Austin
Greensboro
Braintree
Beachwood
Bossier City
Fort Lauderdale
Bakersfield
Albuquerque
Pasadena
Baton Rouge
Harrisburg
Sandy Springs
Westlake
Bellevue
Meridian
Palm Beach Gardens
Overland Park
Woodland Hills
Savannah
Lone Tree
Sacramento
Yuma
Arlington
Reno
Mililani
Killeen
Clinton Township
San Bernardino
Kapolei
Carolina
St Louis Park
St. Louis
Clearwater
Spring
Minneapolis
Santa Fe
Tampa
Ann Arbor
Los Angeles
Fairfax
Irving
San Francisco
Grand Rapids
Temple Terrace
Flowood
Louisville
Beale AFB
Palm Desert

Independence University

Campus

You can advance your career 24/7 with online education at Independence University, your proven partner with over 30 years of experience in delivering quality distance education right to our students. Our programs are designed to allow you to continue working and earning as you pursue your online degree.

From associate's and bachelor's to master's degrees in health education and business, with Independence University you can achieve greater success through distance learning programs that suit your busy schedule, with experienced, student-oriented staff to assist you throughout your distance education.

Programs:

• BS - Health Services Management
• MS in Health Services - Health Promotion program
• MS - Healthcare Administration

Campus Locations:

Salt Lake City

National American University

Campus

Since its beginnings in 1941, National American University has been a cornerstone of higher education, keeping pace with the ever-changing advancements of technology, while holding onto core values that provide a caring and supportive environment for all students.

Programs:

• Medical Staff Services Management
• Health Care Management
• Electronic Health Record Support Specialist

Campus Locations:

Sioux Falls
Rapid City
Hopkins
Minneapolis
Watertown
Colorado Springs
Littleton
Rio Rancho
Tulsa
Albuquerque
Burnsville
Lees Summit
Wichita
Saint Paul
Bellevue
Austin
Mesquite
Saint Charles
Overland Park
Kansas City

Walden University

Online

Balance your personal and professional commitments while earning a respected Ph.D., master's degree, or bachelor's degree online at Walden University. Programs offered in management, education, psychology and health and human services.

Programs:

• Ph.D. in Health Services - Course-based - Self-Designed
• Ph.D. in Health Services - Self-Directed - Leadership
• Ph.D. in Health Services - Course-based - Health Care Admin

Strayer University

Campus

Get the right foundation for your future with a degree from Strayer University. Evening, weekend and online classes are all available to meet the needs of busy adults.

Programs:

• BBA: Health Services Administration
• Masters: Health Services Administration
• MBA: Health Services Administration

Campus Locations:

Raleigh
Manassas
Houston
Columbia
Irving
Feasterville Trevose
Washington
Pompano beach
Schaumburg
Tampa
Mason
Little Rock
Newark
Plano
Cedar Hill
Roswell
Fairborn
Austin
Cleveland
Memphis
Lexington
Birmingham
Suitland
Indianapolis
Sandy
Orlando
Florence
Millersville
Cincinnati
Philadelphia
Morrow
Greensboro
Scott Depot
Glen Allen
Piscataway
Atlanta
Rockville
Woodbridge
Huntersville
Alexandria
Lawrence Township
Columbus
Metairie
Palm Beach Gardens
Louisville
Charlotte
Miami
Downers Grove
Savannah
Fredericksburg
Morrisville
Greenville
North Charleston
Fort Lauderdale
Virginia Beach
Rosedale
Lithonia
Willingboro
Huntsville
Pittsburgh
King Of Prussia
Ashburn
Douglasville
Concord
Arlington
Warrendale
Springfield
Nashville
Maitland
Dallas
Center Valley
Jacksonville
Knoxville
Augusta
Newport News
Hollywood
Midlothian
Chesapeake
Owings Mills
Akron
Milwaukee

Daymar Institute

Campus

We Change Lives... One Person At A Time®. We offer certificate, associate degree, and bachelor's degree programs for careers in a variety of fields, including medical, criminal justice, computer technology, and business.

Programs:

• Health Care Administration

Campus Locations:

Clarksville

Baker College Online

Campus

Baker College Online is fully accredited and offers over 40 programs that will help you earn your Certificate, Associate, Bachelor, Master's or Doctorate degree affordably. Learn more now.

Programs:

• Bachelor of Health Services Administration
• Master of Business Administration - Health Care Management

Campus Locations:

Lisle

Charter College

Campus

Prepare for a better career and a brighter future with help from Charter College. Our accelerated Bachelors Degree, Associates Degree, and Certificate programs are designed to help you complete your education as quickly as possible. We offer year-round classes and flexible scheduling - study anytime from anywhere. Our small class sizes and dedicated instructors ensure a personalized education experience. We provide students not only with the technical skills necessary for success, but also job search and placement assistance so you can find the job that's right for you after graduation.

Programs:

• Health Care Administration

Campus Locations:

Vancouver
Bellingham
Oxnard
Anchorage

Florida Technical College

Campus

Florida Technical College has structured its Health Care, Technology, and Programming curricula to achieve one thing for its students: success in the real world.

Programs:

• Health Service Admn, Medical Asst and Health Info Tech

Campus Locations:

Orlando

Keiser University Graduate School

Campus

Keiser University offers accredited degree programs in today's high-demand careers: Healthcare, Technology, Paralegal, Business, Nursing and Legal Studies.

Programs:

• Health Services Management, Graduate Business Certificate
• MBA - Health Services Management (Online)

Campus Locations:

Fort Lauderdale