Although a doctor or a nurse might be the ones that are actually performing medical services, healthcare managers make your treatment possible.
As the Baby Boomer generation is aging and people are having more children, the need for healthcare workers is on the rise. Although when people think of "health" the first thing that comes to mind is doctors or nurses, the healthcare field is also made up of the people behind the scenes. Those people are healthcare managers who work to increase and/or improve actual health practices on the business side. These professionals are essential for everyday people getting the healthcare that they need. An undergraduate degree in Healthcare Management is the perfect place to start getting the skills you need to succeed in this growing industry.
Although it focuses on health and health services, Healthcare Management is actually a business-related field, not to be confused with healthcare administration. Instead of studying subjects such as biology and physiology (although these are helpful topics, too!), these majors will primarily study things like health care ethics or diversity in health practices. They will also learn basic business skills needed to operate a health institution from the bottom up. Because there are so many programs out there to choose from, College Choice has put together our pick of the top online Bachelor's programs for this field. Keep reading to find out which program might be right for you.
What are the Best Healthcare Management Degrees?
We've found that the best degrees are those that offer fair not only fair prices, but ample flexibility and convenience as well! To find the best degrees for you, we look at the best schools in the country based on reputation, student satisfaction, program quality, and return on investment. Then we review the bottom line – just how much is this going to cost?
Once we determine all of the above, we curate a list of stellar schools for you! These not only represent the best degrees you can get, but also ones that will fit your budget. Check out our picks below!
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What type of Bachelor's in Healthcare Management degree should you get?
The two most common degree for this major is the Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management, or a Bachelor of Business with a Healthcare Management focus. While both degrees are very similar and will prepare one for management positions within the healthcare field, business majors will be required to take more business classes with electives focusing on health. Rather than focusing on which degree title to get, students should look at if programs offer specific hands-on experiences such as a required internship.
An online degree may be favorable for those who are already working and may not have time for traditional on-campus courses. Online degree holders will possess the same degree and do not have to worry about having different employment opportunities compared with non-online students. Online courses are usually faster (about eight-weeks), cheaper, and can be completed on one's own time.
Looking for a similar degree? Check out College Choice's Best Online Bachelor's in Healthcare Administration degrees.
What can you do with an online Bachelor's in Healthcare Management degree?
An undergraduate degree in this major will prepare graduates for entry-level management positions within the healthcare industry. Healthcare managers coordinate services and therefore must have savvy business skills as well as awareness of health practices. These managers should be passionate about improving health outcomes. Common workplaces include hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, or private health facilities.
Those who have just graduated can expect to start as an office assistant or a similar position that is on track for management. Some common positions include a human resources manager, medical office administrator, medical assistant, or a health informatics officer. Experience is key in this industry, so new graduates should not be afraid of taking a job that may not have as prestigious of a title at first.
What are the requirements for an online Bachelor's in Healthcare Management degree?
Admission to an undergraduate program requires a high school diploma, along with the submission of transcripts and relevant test scores. For those programs that offer only upper division courses, students must have an associate's degree or have completed the general education requirements for the program. While schools look at applications holistically, a minimum GPA of 2.5 or higher is preferred. Throughout the degree, coursework will include a mixture of general business classes as well as specific healthcare management courses. Students will be exposed to finance, human resources, accounting, insurance, etc. as it relates health.
How much money do people make with an online Bachelor's Degree in Healthcare Management?
According toPayScale, those with a BS in Healthcare Management degrees earn an average annual salary of $53,000. However, this does not account for current job position, or an additional degree. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for medical or health services managers was $98,350 in 2017. Experienced managers who have worked several decades or who possess a Master's degree can expect to earn more than six figures.
From 2016-2026, health service manager jobs are expected to experience a growth of a whopping 20 percent. It is projected that about 72,100 jobs will be made available in the coming years. An increase in demand for these jobs will no doubt drive up the salary of top positions, making this degree very profitable.
