A healthcare administration degree allows graduates to help plan and coordinate various functions within medical and healthcare facilities. Graduates can work as healthcare managers, medical managers, and facilities managers.
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People interested in running a medical or health services organization may consider a degree in healthcare administration. Healthcare administration positions help with the business management and the operations of healthcare facilities. Rather than managing a facility’s clinical aspects, healthcare administration professionals oversee duties such as budgeting, staffing, and strategic planning.
Healthcare administration positions typically require a bachelor’s degree. Prospective students seeking a bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration typically need a high school diploma or the equivalent. Enrolling in an online healthcare administration program offers greater flexibility for working students.
Graduates with a healthcare administration bachelor’s degree can work as administrative services or facilities managers. They can also work as medical or health services managers, although this position often requires a master’s degree.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects jobs for administrative services and facilities managers to grow 6% between 2019 and 2029, which is faster than average for other occupations. The BLS projects jobs for medical and health services managers to grow 32% between 2019 and 2029, which is much faster than average.
Explore our featured online programs and find the right match for you today.
Rank | School | Location |
---|---|---|
1 | Colorado State University-Global Campus | Greenwood Village, CO |
2 | Brigham Young University-Idaho | Rexburg, ID |
3 | Regis University | Denver, CO |
4 | Concordia University | Saint Paul, MN |
5 | Southern New Hampshire University | Hookset, NH |
6 | Indiana Wesleyan University | Marion, IN |
7 | Liberty University | Lynchburg, VA |
8 | University of Central Florida | Orlando, FL |
9 | Trevecca Nazarene University | Nashville, TN |
10 | Saint Joseph's College of Maine | Standish, ME |
A healthcare administration degree allows graduates to help plan and coordinate various functions within medical and healthcare facilities. Graduates can work as healthcare managers, medical managers, and facilities managers.
Full-time students typically need four years to complete a healthcare administration bachelor’s degree. Online healthcare administration degrees often offer accelerated tracks.
According to the BLS, administrative services and facilities managers earned a median annual salary of $96,940 in 2019. Medical and health services managers earned a median annual salary of $100,980 in 2019.
Managing healthcare facilities remains an important occupation. The BLS projects a faster-than-average growth rate for careers in healthcare administration between 2019 and 2029.
Greenwood Village, CO
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Overview
Founded in 2007, CSU-Global Campus is the online campus of the public Colorado State University system. Headquartered in Greenwood Village, Colorado, the school offers flexible, high-quality (and highly ranked) online programs to meet the educational needs of adult learners in Colorado and beyond.
Program Features
For those who want to lead healthcare and medical facilities into the future, CSU-Global offers an online Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration and Management. With a focus on evolving technology and regulation, the curriculum builds foundational business skills in management, marketing, human resources, communication, decision-making, and finance as they apply to healthcare settings. Courses include:
Details
CSU-Global’s online Healthcare Administration major consists of 15 three-credit core courses as part of a full 120-credit bachelor’s degree. CSU-Global offers monthly term starts and accelerated 8-week courses so that your course schedule can fit around your other commitments. And every class is offered every term.
Rexburg, ID
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Overview
Ranked as one of the top ten Western Regional Universities (US News and World Report), Brigham Young University – Idaho (BYU Idaho)is a private university located in Rexburg, Idaho. Founded in 1888, the school is owned and operated by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The vast majority of its students are members of the LDS church, though admission is open to non-members as well.
Program Features
The Department of Health, Recreation and Human Performance at BYU Idaho offers an online Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration that prepares students to thrive in an evolving healthcare industry. Covering a wide range of foundational business topics, the program prepares students for graduate work as well as for entry-level jobs in the administration and management of smaller healthcare facilities. Courses include:
Details
BYU Idaho’s online BS in Healthcare Administration consists of 62 credits of major coursework (part of the 120 credit degree) which are entirely online. This degree program also features an internship in a healthcare provider organization in which students participate as an active member of the administration team.
Denver, CO
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Overview
Located in Denver, CO, Regis University is a private, Catholic (Jesuit) university that ranks among the best regional universities in the West. Comprised of five colleges, the school has been offering online undergraduate degrees since 1997. Regis seeks to provide values-centered education to both traditional and nontraditional students and their online programs rank highly nationally.
Program Features
The Hartman College for Health Professions at Regis University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration that will prepare you with the necessary analytical, leadership, communication and technical skills you’ll need in a management position. The curriculum provides valuable strategies for hiring, training and evaluating staff, coordinating accreditation and managing financial operations. Courses include:
Details
Regis University’s online BS in Healthcare Administration consists of 39 credits of required HCA coursework as part of a 120 credit degree program. Students also complete a capstone project and a hands-on internship in areas such as hospital accounting, marketing or public relations. Courses are eight-weeks long and begin in January, March, May, August, October.
Saint Paul, MN
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Overview
A small, private, Lutheran-affiliated liberal arts university, Concordia University – St. Paul has been making a big name for themselves in online learning. Established in the late nineteenth century, the school is a member of the ten-school Concordia University System. Concordia is also home to a top ranking online bachelor’s program (US News and World Report).
Program Features
Concordia University – St. Paul offers an online Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration that is designed to give students the knowledge and skills to become leaders in any health care field. Students will gain practical experience and confidence as they explore current trends and events in the healthcare industry, and evaluate the various business principles that shape and affect these trends. Courses include:
Details
Concordia – St Paul’s online Bachelor’s in Health Care Administration program consists of 40 credit hours of required coursework as part of a 120 credit Bachelor’s degree. Courses are in asynchronous format (no live lectures) so you can participate on your own schedule. The ten required courses are seven weeks in length.
Hookset, NH
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Overview
Founded in 1932, Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is private, non-profit regional university which currently ranks as the most innovative school in the country (US News and World Report 2017). Students can access their programs at their traditional campus in Hookset, NH, at one of their five regional centers, or through one of their accredited online programs.
Program Features
Southern New Hampshire University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration that focuses on healthcare as it relates to business, technology, quality management, ethics and policy. The curriculum equips students with the knowledge and skills to develop careers in leading healthcare organizations such as hospitals, physician offices, care facilities and other healthcare organizations. Students may choose from two concentrations in:
Details
Students in SNHU’s online Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration program are able to complete their undergraduate degree at their own pace, over six 8-week terms per year. SNHU has a generous transfer policy (up to 90 credits), and the school also offers a 30 percent tuition discount for active-duty service members and their spouses.
Marion, IN
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Overview
Located in Marion, Indiana, Indiana Wesleyan University is a regionally accredited, evangelical, Christian university (affiliated with the Wesleyan Church denomination). The school ranks among the top 30 regional universities in the Midwest (US News and World Report) and has been pioneering adult education since 1985. The school currently enrolls over 10,000 students in their acclaimed online courses and education centers.
Program Features
The Devoe School of Business at Indiana Wesleyan University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration that will help you integrate a biblical framework into the practices of a healthcare administrator. The curriculum stresses ethical standards in decision-making and strategy development as well as creating appropriate communication strategies to achieve organizational goals. Courses include:
Details
Indiana Wesleyan University’s online Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration is comprised of 48 credits of required HCA major coursework as part of a 120 credit Bachelor’s program. Students generally take classes sequentially, one at a time, and the program has three start dates throughout the year. Students may earn a maximum of 40 hours of credit through a prior learning assessment.
Lynchburg, VA
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Overview
Established by evangelical Christians in 1971, Liberty University is a private, Christian university located in Lynchburg, VA. The University has invested heavily in its online programs (currently enrolling around 100,000 students) which have consistently garnered national acclaim – US News and World Report ranks their online Bachelor’s program in the top 100 nationally.
Program Features
Liberty University’s School of Business offers an online Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration in which students explore the necessary administrative and financial principles for making informed decisions in the healthcare field. With a focus on commitment, service, and learning, the curriculum hones skills for furthering organizational excellence, strategic planning, and proven business management techniques. Courses include:
Details
Students in Liberty’s online Bachelor of Healthcare Administration take 57 credit hours of core coursework in the Healthcare Administration major as part of a 120 credit Bachelor’s degree. Courses are delivered in 8 week terms year round. Liberty University has a generous transfer policy and students with work or military experience also have the opportunity to earn additional credit toward their degree through a variety of options.
Orlando, FL
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Overview
The largest university in the United States (by undergraduate enrollment), the University of Central Florida is a public research university located in Orlando, Florida. With an original mission of supporting the growing U.S. space program at the Kennedy Space Center, the school now offers over 200 innovative and highly ranking programs both on campus and online. Their online Bachelor’s program ranks at #36 nationally (US News and World Report).
Program Features
The University of Central Florida offers an online Bachelor of Science in Health Services Administration which delivers the necessary skills to plan, direct and coordinate the delivery of health care in an efficient manner. The undergraduate program will also prepare students for an advanced degree in Health Services Administration or other related disciplines. Courses include:
Details
UCF offers a Bachelor of Science in Health Services Administration as well as a minor in Health Services Administration. Courses are taught in a blended learning environment, with a mix of online and face-to-face components, although students can complete the degree entirely online. The program is certified by the Association of University Programs in Health Administration.
Nashville, TN
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Overview
A private, Christian liberal arts college in Nashville, Tennessee, Trevecca Nazarene University is one of eight colleges in the United States that are affiliated with the Church of the Nazarene denomination. In line with their mission to provide Christian education for leadership and service, the school has developed a robust online program to help working adults complete undergraduate and graduate degrees.
Program Features
Trevecca Nazarene University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration that focuses on developing fundamental business and healthcare management competencies. The curriculum is taught from a biblical foundation and closely aligns with the requirements from the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education and the Association of University Programs in Health Care Administration. Core courses include:
Details
Trevecca Nazarene University’s online BS in Healthcare Administration is offered 100% online. Students can complete the 24 credits of coursework (part of a 120 credit Bachelor’s program) `in as few as 18 months. Lectures are delivered asynchronously, so students can work at any time. Applicants should have completed at least 40 credit hours from an accredited institution for admission.
Standish, ME
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Overview
A private, nationally ranking, Catholic liberal arts college, Saint Joseph’s College is situated on the shores of Sebago Lake in Standish, Maine. The only Catholic college in Maine, the school emphasizes personalized, career-focused education both on-campus and online. St Joseph’s has been delivering distance education courses since the 1970s, providing nontraditional learners with high-quality programs.
Program Features
Saint Joseph’s College of Maine offers an online Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration that prepares students for administrative positions in a wide range of healthcare organizations. The program delivers the necessary foundation for success as a health care manager or administrator in many healthcare organizations as well as preparation for graduate work. Courses include:
Details
Saint Joseph’s offers their BS in Healthcare Administration in a flexible online format that allows you to study at your own schedule, with no on-campus residency required. The degree consists of a total of 128 credits (including 21 credits of core Healthcare Administration coursework), and students have considerable flexibility in designing individualized programs of study to meet specific career needs.
Jackson, MS
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Overview
A nationally ranked historically black university (HBCU) located in Jackson, Mississippi, Jackson State University (JSU)is a public research institution and the fourth largest HBCU in the country. The first university in the state to establish a School of Public Health, Jackson State aims to produce technologically advanced, diverse, ethical, global leaders.
Program Features
Jackson State University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration that is designed to prepare students for entry-level management positions in health care and position them for long-term career growth. The program curriculum offers graduates a sound theoretical and practical education, along with opportunities for direct field experience. The Health Care Administration program also prepares students to advance their educational career in graduate school at the graduate level. Courses include:
Details
Jackson State University Online has designed the coursework in the HCA major to be manageable for working adults. Students can take JSU Online’s Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration (122 credits) completely online at JSU, or transfer a maximum of 62 credits from another accredited institution.
Phoenix, AZ
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Overview
Located in Phoenix, AZ, Grand Canyon University is a private, for-profit, Christian liberal arts university that is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Originally founded by Arizona Southern Baptists, the school now offers undergraduate and graduate (including doctoral) programs through its eight colleges to both traditional students and working professionals
Program Features
Grand Canyon University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration that provides the conceptual and analytical foundation required to manage operations within modern healthcare organizations. Students will examine the structure of various healthcare organizations and how to implement new processes while learning how to work within, and collaborate with other, healthcare organizations. Courses include:
Details
Courses in Grand Canyon University’s online Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration are 100% online and delivered in seven or eight-week terms with multiple start times throughout the year. The 120 credit program includes 54 credits of major coursework – students can transfer up to 90 credits into the program.
Lima, OH
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Overview
Located in Phoenix, AZ, Grand Canyon University is a private, for-profit, Christian liberal arts university that is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Originally founded by Arizona Southern Baptists, the school now offers undergraduate and graduate (including doctoral) programs through its eight colleges to both traditional students and working professionals
Program Features
Grand Canyon University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration that provides the conceptual and analytical foundation required to manage operations within modern healthcare organizations. Students will examine the structure of various healthcare organizations and how to implement new processes while learning how to work within, and collaborate with other, healthcare organizations. Courses include:
Details
Courses in Grand Canyon University’s online Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration are 100% online and delivered in seven or eight-week terms with multiple start times throughout the year. The 120 credit program includes 54 credits of major coursework – students can transfer up to 90 credits into the program.
Portland, OR
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Overview
Nestled in the Pacific Northwest, Concordia University Portland is a private, non-profit Christian liberal arts university open to students of any faith. The school, which is a member of the nationwide Concordia University System and the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod, has more than 3,500 students enrolled in 28 undergraduate and four graduate degree programs on campus and online.
Program Features
Concordia University Portland offers an online Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration designed for working professionals who want to move ahead in the healthcare industry. The curriculum prepares students to step into healthcare middle management positions with a solid management foundation they can build upon to move into upper management and executive positions during their careers. Courses include:
Details
Students in Concordia Portland’s Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration program take 54 credits of core coursework and also choose two specializations. Additionally, The Concordia HCA program includes an intensive internship in your area of study, giving you the real-world experience today’s employers are looking for.
Waleska, GA
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Overview
A private, comprehensive liberal arts university located in the town of Waleska, Georgia, Reinhardt University ranks among the top regional universities in the South (US News and World Report). The school has programs in more than 40 fields of study including undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs and offers adult-focussed programs through an off-campus center in Alpharetta, Georgia and online.
Program Features
Reinhardt University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration that prepares students for success in public or private healthcare administration. The curriculum addresses local, state and national mandates and will provide a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare delivery system in the United States as well as the skills and knowledge to function as a professional manager in the field. Courses include:
Details
Reinhardt’s online Bachelor of Health Administration degree is a 48-credit program that is part of a 120 credit bachelor’s program. Students can complete the program in as little as 16 months, and the school offers three start dates throughout the academic year in January, May, and August.
Indianapolis, IN
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Overview
Purdue University Global, which is based in Fort Lauderdale, FL, may have a bit of a checkered history as a for-profit university, but in recent years, the school’s online programs have been garnering national respect, with programs listed in prestigious rankings such as the US News and World Report. In 2016, Purdue’s University Global online bachelor’s programs ranked among the top 150 in the country.
Program Features
Purdue University Global offers an online Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration that is designed to prepare students for a career in healthcare administration. Graduates will be ready to take on industry updates and innovations and meet the need for well-prepared health care managers across the country. The curriculum provides a solid foundation in the core disciplines of health care administration and management as well as real-world experience. Courses include:
Details
Students at Purdue University Global take 60 courses in the Healthcare Administration major as part of a 180-credit Bachelor of Science degree. Purdue Global offers multiple start dates throughout the year for added flexibility. Students also have the option of enrolling in a dual-degree program in which students earn credit for their bachelor’s and master’s degrees simultaneously.
Burlington, VT
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Overview
Ranked among the top 100 regional universities in the North, Champlain College is a private, undergraduate college located near Lake Champlain in Burlington, Vermont. The school has attracted career-minded students since its inception and has greatly extended the reach of its programs through online programs – with its online bachelor’s program earning national recognition (US News and World Report).
Program Features
Built for students already working in healthcare, Champlain College Online offers an online Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration that challenges students to build on existing knowledge. The curriculum builds familiarity with relevant laws and regulations that govern the healthcare industry, as well as the latest health information technologies, and best practices in improving individual and organizational performance. Courses include:
Details
Courses in Champlain College’s online Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration program are focused, relevant, and delivered in accelerated 7-week terms. The program is designed to be manageable for working students and provides highly applicable learning outcomes from the outset. Champlain also has a generous transfer policy which allows students to transfer up to 90 credits into the program, with the potential to earn credit for professional experience and training.
Minneapolis, MN
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Overview
Based in Minneapolis, MN, Capella University is a regionally accredited (HLC), for-profit institution that specializes in online learning for non-traditional students. The school offers over 150 graduate and undergraduate specializations and certificate programs with over 1600 online courses. Capella prides itself on being competency-based, meaning that all coursework is directly applicable to professional and standards.
Program Features
Capella University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration with a specialization in Leadership that equips students with the skills to drive change and transform systems. This online degree program builds knowledge and skills in health information management, financial management, leadership, and communications with a focus on health care. Courses include:
Details
Capella’s competency-based, online Healthcare Administration program consists of 180 quarter credits total – with 42 credits of core courses, 36 quarter credits of Leadership Specialization courses and a 6-credit capstone project. Courses are either 5 or 10 weeks in length, and the school offers multiple start dates throughout the year as well as a generous transfer policy. Students may transfer up to 135 credits into the program.
Lakewood, CO
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Overview
Nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in the city of Lakewood, Colorado, Colorado Christian University is a private, interdenominational Christian, liberal arts university. Founded in 1914, the school currently offers a number of undergraduate and graduate programs on campus and online, in line with its mission to “cultivate knowledge and love of God in a Christ-centered community of learners and scholars.”
Program Features
Colorado Christian University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration that develops an understanding of critical healthcare issues including ethical considerations and quality of life. Coursework lays a foundation for improving patient outcomes and employee productivity with a comprehensive knowledge of statistics and informatics. The curriculum also focuses on recent laws and regulations affecting health care, and fiscal concerns affecting efficient delivery of care. Courses include:
Details
Colorado Christian University’s online Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration is a 120 credit hour degree program (students can transfer in up to 90 credits). Students can complete the 36 credits of coursework in the HCA major over four semesters, and online courses typically run for five weeks with weekly assignments that students complete around their schedule.
Henniker, NH
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Overview
Situated in the idyllic New England town of Henniker, New Hampshire, New England College is a small, private liberal arts college which has greatly expanded its reach through online education. The school has developed an impressive online presence – several programs have ranked nationally – which provides quality, affordable education to students who are unable to attend their courses on campus.
Program Features
New England College offers an online Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration that builds foundational knowledge of administrative and patient care concepts. The curriculum will familiarize students with organizational theory, as well as the varied and complex administrative roles within the healthcare industry. Students will also learn about recent laws and regulations that govern the delivery of healthcare services. Courses include:
Details
New England College has a generous transfer policy that allows students to transfer up to 90 credits into the 120–credit online Bachelor’s of Healthcare Administration. The HCA major requires 52 credits of coursework (4 credits per course) which are delivered in 7-week terms. The school also offers multiple start dates for added flexibility.
Healthcare administration degrees prepare students to efficiently lead and manage the operations of a healthcare facility. This includes managing staff, organization finances, and business operations. Students also learn about different types of healthcare services, care strategies, and healthcare policies. Healthcare administrators generally work in hospitals, nursing homes, and group medical practices.
Students interested in coordinating activities in a healthcare setting pursue degrees in healthcare administration. Healthcare administration bachelor’s programs may use different names, such as healthcare management, clinical operations management, and healthcare services administration. Many programs offer specializations such as healthcare leadership, health policy, and healthcare safety.
Bachelor’s programs in healthcare administration offer courses to help students develop the skills needed to succeed in the field. Courses include public health management, healthcare policy, and health science leadership. Many learners also study health services writing and research in healthcare.
Earning a healthcare administration degree offers a variety of personal and professional benefits. Enrolling in an online healthcare administration program offers additional benefits such as saving time and money. The following list includes some of the top benefits of graduating with a degree in healthcare administration.
Admission requirements for healthcare administration programs vary by school and program. Programs typically require at least a high school degree or equivalent to qualify for admission. Some programs require an associate degree in a related field, such as medical laboratory technology or radiology. Applicants submit transcripts demonstrating completion of these degrees. If a program requires previous professional experience, applicants generally submit a resume or CV.
Students in healthcare administration programs complete coursework that often covers finance in healthcare, ethical decision-making, and epidemiology. Many programs also require students to complete an internship in a healthcare setting. Other programs require students to complete a capstone project to demonstrate healthcare project development, implementation, and management.
What is Accreditation and Why Does it Matter?
Professional organizations offer opportunities for healthcare administrators to network and advance their careers. Membership to professional organizations often provides continuing education resources, special access to conferences, and networking opportunities. The following list provides some examples of professional organizations available to aspiring healthcare administrators.
Scholarships help students pay for their degree and do not require repayment. Many aspiring healthcare administration professionals find scholarships to help fund their education. Students enrolled in an online healthcare administration program also qualify for a variety of scholarships. This list includes scholarships availastrongle to students earning a degree in healthcare administration.
Who Can Apply: Students enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program in healthcare administration may apply. Their attended program must stronge accredited strongy the Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education. Applicants must hold memstrongership with the Medical Group Management Association. The American College of Medical Practice Executives sponsors this scholarship.
Amount: $3,000
Who Can Apply: Students enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program in medical practice management may apply. Fields related to medical practice management include healthcare administration, pustronglic health, and strongusiness administration. Applicants must demonstrate Medical Group Management Association memstrongership.
Amount: $2,500-$5,000
Who Can Apply: North Texas high school graduates who plan to pursue a medical-oriented program at a two- or four-year college or university may apply. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and must sustrongmit an essay and an educator recommendation. Applicants should also demonstrate community service, volunteerism, and a commitment to leadership development.
Amount: $2,500
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