Health care management, often referred to as health care administration, is a dynamic field focused on the leadership and operational aspects of health care systems. Professionals in this area are responsible for the intricate task of managing today’s complex health care delivery systems and facilities. For individuals seeking to enter or advance in this vital sector, Health Care Management Programs Online offer a flexible and accessible route to gaining the necessary expertise.
Health care managers are essential, highly-skilled professionals who plan, direct, and coordinate medical and health services. They ensure that healthcare institutions and systems not only run efficiently but also adhere to all health care laws and regulations, and remain at the forefront of new technologies. These leaders may oversee an entire hospital, manage specific clinical areas or departments, direct emergency services, or administer medical practices for individual physicians or groups.
The Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management Online Program
For those aspiring to leadership roles in healthcare, a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management (BSHM) program delivered online provides comprehensive preparation. These health care management programs online are designed to equip students with the broad skills, in-depth knowledge, and critical abilities required to excel in management and leadership positions within diverse healthcare organizations. Recognizing the varied academic backgrounds of students, many online BSHM programs, like the one discussed, allow for the transfer of college credits, making it easier to reach the 120 credit hour requirement for a bachelor’s degree. Transfer credits are typically evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and it’s common for programs to require students to complete a certain number of final academic hours within their specific BSHM curriculum.
These online programs often offer specialized concentrations to tailor the learning experience to different career paths. Common concentrations include options like a Healthcare Professional Concentration, designed for those already working in clinical roles, and an Executive Management Concentration, geared towards individuals aiming for broader administrative and leadership positions.
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Healthcare Professional Concentration in Online Programs
Many health care management programs online offer a Healthcare Professional Concentration, specifically designed for individuals who already hold a certification, license, or registration in a health science field and have completed a general education curriculum. This concentration recognizes the valuable experience of healthcare professionals and builds upon their existing knowledge base. Professionals who may find this concentration beneficial include:
- Certified Radiology Technologists
- Emergency Medical Services Personnel
- Respiratory Care Practitioners
- Occupational Therapy Assistants
- Physical Therapy Assistants
- Licensed Vocational Nurses
- Clinical Laboratory Technicians
- Medical Assistants
- Dental Hygienists
- Pharmacy Technicians
- Medical Sonographers
- Nuclear Medicine Technologists
- Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors
- Invasive Cardio Technologists
- Surgical Technicians
These programs often allow for the transfer of a significant number of technical credit hours related to the student’s prior healthcare training, sometimes up to 48 credits, reducing the overall time and coursework needed to complete the bachelor’s degree. Typically, applicants to these concentrations need a minimum GPA, often around 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
Executive Management Concentration in Online Programs
For students interested in a broader leadership and administrative focus, health care management programs online frequently offer an Executive Management Concentration. This path is generally open to students who have completed a general education curriculum and meet a minimum GPA requirement. Students in the Executive Concentration often complete a set of technical credits, which may need to be pre-approved to ensure they align with the program’s objectives and the student’s career goals.
Learn how to apply to theBACHELOR OF SCIENCE in HEALTHCARE MANAGEMENT
Career Paths After Online Health Care Management Programs
Graduates of health care management programs online are well-prepared for a diverse array of roles across the healthcare spectrum. The flexibility of online learning allows working professionals to advance their education without interrupting their careers, making it an ideal choice for career advancement. Common work environments for healthcare managers and administrators include:
- Hospitals
- Outpatient health care facilities
- Nursing homes and assisted living facilities
- Group medical practices
- Government and public health agencies
The job outlook for health care managers is exceptionally strong. The healthcare industry is experiencing rapid growth and expansion, leading to a high demand for skilled administrators and managers.
- The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a significant job growth rate for medical and health services managers, indicating a much faster than average growth compared to all other professions.
- A bachelor’s degree is generally the minimum educational requirement for these roles, and a master’s degree can often be a pathway to further career progression and higher-level management positions. Practical experience in a healthcare setting is also highly valued.
Curriculum in Online Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management Programs
The curriculum of health care management programs online, like traditional on-campus programs, is designed to provide a robust understanding of healthcare systems, management principles, and industry-specific knowledge. BSHM programs typically combine upper-level undergraduate courses with foundational credits from prior education or general education requirements.
For example, a Healthcare Professional Concentration curriculum may include:
- Core Healthcare Professional Concentration Courses focusing on healthcare-specific management topics.
- Advanced Case Studies related to clinical disciplines, providing practical application of learned concepts.
- Technical or Approved Health Professions Credits, recognizing prior healthcare-related education and experience.
An Executive Management Concentration curriculum might feature:
- Core Healthcare Management Concentration Courses with a broader focus on executive-level management skills.
- Healthcare Management Advanced Case Studies examining complex administrative and leadership challenges.
- Healthcare Management Electives allowing for specialization in areas of interest.
- Technical or Approved Credits to ensure a well-rounded educational foundation.
Transferring Credits to Online Healthcare Management Programs
One of the significant advantages of health care management programs online is the ease of transferring previously earned college credits. This can significantly reduce the time and cost of completing the bachelor’s degree. Most programs evaluate transfer credits on a case-by-case basis. However, it’s common for accredited institutions to accept credits from regionally accredited colleges and universities. Many programs also have a requirement that the final academic hours of the degree must be completed within their specific program to ensure program quality and integrity.
Graduating from a BSHM program signifies a strong commitment to a healthcare management career and provides graduates with a recognized and valuable credential.
Explore our curriculum and learn more about transfer credits.
The faculty and staff in the BSHM program care about our success and make sure they do what they can to help you achieve your goals. I really like the smaller class sizes. The focus on student support can lead to a more personalized education experience. I also like the fact the SHP programs have strong ties to healthcare institutions and clinics.
