An online degree in Health Services lets you pursue your dream of achieving a managerial position within a health institution on a flexible schedule.
With the current generation of Baby Boomers aging and slowing down of people having as many children as they did in the past, our nation is slowly becoming one where the elderly population will be larger than the working force. As a result, the demand for health care professionals is on the rise, not just for medical doctors or those with specific medical expertise, but also for those with health management knowledge.
A degree in Health Services is the study of health and applied science. Students will not only take basic courses in the natural sciences, but also in the humanities such as economics, finance, and management. Those who work in Health Services will be in constant communication with patients and other upper management workers in order to assure a smooth delivery of health care procedures.
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What kind of health service degree should you get?
The most common degree for Health Service majors is a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Health Administration. A BA program typically has more of a liberal arts curriculum, while a BS may focus more on science and medicine. Both degrees prepare students to go into management positions within the health field, but a BS may be better for students who wish to earn a more technical master's degree in the future.
An online degree may be the right choice for people who wish to continue working throughout college. Online degrees typically have shorter class rotations and classes can be accessed 24/7 on one's own time. Online courses are usually cheaper than on-campus ones.
Check out College Choice's ranking of the Best Online Colleges and Universities.
How much money do people make with a bachelor's in health services?
According to theBureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for medical and health service managers as of 2017 is $98,350 or $47.29 an hour. Those who make this much do not require a master's degree, and can be achieving this salary within 5 years of working depending on the location and institution. According toPayScale, other positions within this degree include human resources director ($68,949) and clinical operations manager ($88,297).
From 2016-2026, those within the health services management field are expected to experience a job outlook increase of 20 percent, much faster than the average. Within these years approximately 72,100 workers will be added to this field. With more demand, individuals may see a rise in salary.
What can you do with a bachelor's in health services?
A degree in Health Services prepares graduates for entry-to-mid-level management or administrative position within various health organizations. Workplaces may include hospitals, physicians' offices, nursing care facilities, or diagnostic laboratories.
While having a basic understanding of medical and health procedures, health service workers must also know the foundations for operation a health institution. Some possible career titles include health and wellness director, account manager, home health care administrator, or patient care representative.
What are the requirements for a bachelor's in health services?
Because of the vast knowledge required, students will take courses in liberal arts, biology, anatomy, accounting, management theory, etc. Students may also have the opportunity to specialize in a particular area. Many colleges offer internships or practicums to give students hands-on experience in an interested health institution.
In order to be eligible for admission, students should possess a strong high school GPA and SAT/ACT test scores. Working or volunteer experience is not necessary but highly recommended. In addition, any supplemental essays and letters of recommendations are also required.
What are the best online health services degrees?
College Choice has ranked the 15 best online health services degrees based on schools' overall institutional excellence and student success rate. These factors were calculated based on a variety of data points, including graduation rate, amount of financial aid given, early expected career salary for graduates, and entering students' test scores.
Data was compiled from the U.S. News & World Report, PayScale, the National Center for Education Statistics' IPEDS database, and individual college websites.
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