Are you passionate about making a difference in the healthcare industry without directly providing clinical care? East Carolina University (ECU) offers exceptional Ecu Health Care Degrees designed to equip you with the leadership and management skills necessary to thrive in this rapidly growing field. The Bachelor of Science in Health Services Management (HSM) program at ECU is your pathway to becoming a vital part of the healthcare ecosystem, prepared for leadership roles and advanced studies.
Why Choose ECU for Your Health Care Degree?
ECU’s Health Services Management program stands out for several compelling reasons, providing a robust and enriching educational experience that sets graduates apart. Choosing ECU means opting for a program that is not only academically rigorous but also deeply connected to the real world of healthcare management.
AUPHA Accredited Program: A Mark of Excellence
The ECU HSM program proudly holds full certification from the Association of University Programs in Health Administration (AUPHA). This prestigious accreditation signifies that our curriculum meets the highest standards in health management education, ensuring that you receive a quality education recognized across the healthcare industry. AUPHA accreditation validates the program’s commitment to excellence and prepares you to excel in your future career.
Learn from Experienced Healthcare Professionals
Our faculty comprises both full-time professors and adjunct instructors who bring extensive practical experience in healthcare management to the classroom. This blend of academic expertise and real-world wisdom provides students with invaluable perspectives and insights. You’ll learn from professionals who have navigated the complexities of healthcare administration firsthand, gaining practical knowledge that goes beyond textbooks.
Flexible Learning Options to Fit Your Life
Understanding the diverse needs of today’s students, ECU’s HSM program offers a balanced combination of online and face-to-face classes. This hybrid approach enhances accessibility for students both within and outside of Greenville, NC, allowing for a flexible learning environment that can accommodate various schedules and lifestyles. Whether you prefer the structure of in-person classes or the convenience of online learning, ECU provides options to suit you.
Real-World Experience Through Internships
A cornerstone of the ECU HSM program is the internship component, offering students invaluable real-world experience. We partner with leading healthcare providers in Eastern North Carolina and beyond to provide hands-on learning opportunities. These internships allow you to apply classroom knowledge in professional settings, build your network, and gain a competitive edge in the job market.
Image: Elizabeth McAllister, the Interim Academic Advisor for the Health Services Management program at ECU, ready to assist students.
Career Paths with an ECU Health Services Management Degree
An ecu health care degree in Health Services Management from ECU opens doors to a wide range of career opportunities. Graduates are well-prepared for mid-level management positions within various healthcare settings, including:
- Hospitals
- Ambulatory Care Centers
- Long-Term Care Facilities
- Health Research and Clinical Trials Firms
- Home Health Care Agencies
Furthermore, this degree serves as an excellent foundation for those aspiring to pursue advanced studies. Our curriculum is designed to meet the prerequisites for master’s programs in health administration, business administration, and public health. For students interested in clinical graduate programs, the coursework also aligns with necessary prerequisites.
Consider this degree if you have goals such as:
- Entering healthcare as a mid-level manager directly after graduation.
- Advancing your career from a credentialed practitioner with an associate degree to a supervisory or managerial role through baccalaureate education.
- Preparing for a master’s program in allied health or related fields while earning a job-ready bachelor’s degree.
- Pursuing graduate studies in health and business administration or public health.
ECU HSM Program Mission and Values
Our mission is to empower students to develop the competencies and professional readiness needed to lead and manage in the ever-evolving healthcare landscape. To achieve this, we are committed to:
- Maintaining a faculty of excellence in teaching, research, professional development, and community service.
- Offering a curriculum focused on essential competencies: healthcare environment knowledge, business acumen, leadership and teamwork, communication and relationship management, and professionalism.
- Employing innovative teaching methods in both face-to-face and online formats to enhance student engagement.
- Educating students in critical areas such as population health management, quality assessment, health data management, and ethical patient care.
- Preparing students for both immediate employment and future graduate studies.
- Fostering a commitment to lifelong learning and professional growth.
- Providing practical experiences through practicums and service learning opportunities.
Our vision is to be the primary source of highly qualified healthcare management professionals for Eastern North Carolina, the state, and beyond. We are guided by core values that shape our program and graduates:
- Professionalism: Upholding ethical standards and respecting all healthcare professionals.
- Collaboration: Promoting partnerships within and outside the university.
- Discovery and Innovation: Continuously seeking improvements in healthcare management practices.
- Dedication: Actively engaging in professional development and networking.
- Excellence: Striving for the highest standards in all aspects of academic performance.
Excellent Career Outlook for Health Services Managers
The job market for health services managers is exceptionally promising. The demand for skilled mid-level managers in healthcare is strong and projected to continue growing. Nationally, job growth in this sector is estimated at 17%, significantly faster than the average for all occupations. The median annual salary for medical and health services managers was around $94,500 in 2015 (Bureau of Labor Statistics).
While North Carolina’s job growth rate is slightly lower at 13% between 2010 and 2020, this still translates to approximately 300 new positions annually. The average salary in North Carolina is also somewhat less than the national average, around $88,700 (O*Net). Starting salaries for recent graduates of health services management programs will typically be lower, but the potential for career advancement and increased earnings is substantial.
Image: Infographic promoting health administration as a career with significant growth, earning potential, community impact, and opportunities for personal and professional development.
For a deeper dive into this rewarding career field, download the AUPHA’s “Explore Health Administration” brochure. Discover why a career in Health Administration is a career with a calling:
- It is among the fastest-growing professions in the U.S.
- Earning potential is outstanding.
- Your work positively impacts community health and wellness.
- You’ll experience continuous personal and professional development through lifelong learning.
References
- Association of University Programs in Health Administration (AUPHA). https://www.aupha.org/
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Medical and Health Services Managers. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/medical-and-health-services-managers.htm
- O*NET OnLine. https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/11-9111.00
