There are a multitude of online and hybrid
degree programs for aspiring medical professionals interested in a
business degree. Bachelor's and master's degree healthcare management
programs combine fundamental business skills with an overview of the
healthcare industry.
Overview of an Online Healthcare Management Bachelor's Degree Program
For aspiring medical professionals interested in a business degree, an online healthcare management bachelor's degree program prepares graduates to pursue various management opportunities in the healthcare field. Emphasis is placed on organizational leadership, as well as containing the costs of and improving the performance and accessibility of health services. Healthcare management programs combine an extensive business education with a curriculum focusing on various issues within the healthcare industry.Students gain valuable accounting, marketing, management and human resource management skills. They should also be well-versed in areas such as organization of healthcare programs, healthcare delivery models and the role healthcare plays in the political process.
Program Information and Requirements
An online bachelor's degree in healthcare management is typically a 4-year degree, consisting of approximately 120 credits. Bachelor's degree programs are also sometimes offered as a business administration degree with a concentration in healthcare management. While it is possible to obtain a healthcare management bachelor's degree entirely online, some programs do combine online courses with campus-based instruction. Distance learning students use online learning systems such as Blackboard to turn in assignments, take advantage of online tutoring and communicate with professors as well as their peers.Students taking part in online classes should have access to a DSL or cable Internet connection, as well as an updated Internet browser such as Internet Explorer or Firefox. Software such as Apple QuickTime Player, Macromedia Flash Player and RealPlayer may also be required.
Sample Bachelor's-Level Healthcare Management Courses
A healthcare management curriculum draws from both business and health-related topics, equipping graduates with the overall business skills to thrive in a managerial healthcare setting.Healthcare Management Fundamentals Course
This course provides students with an overview of the organization and governance of healthcare organizations. Basic management issues such as performance improvement, leadership, workplace diversity, communication strategies and risk assessment are explored.Accounting Course
An online accounting course introduces the fundamental procedures and concepts in financial accounting. The course covers the basic accounting cycle, double-entry systems, corporate capital accounts, financial reports and budgeting.Healthcare Information Systems Course
This course details how information systems are utilized in various healthcare organizations. Emphasis is placed on the use of data management systems, implementing information systems, governmental security measures and emerging Web technologies.Human Resources Management Course
Focus is placed on human resource planning, organizational structure, performance evaluation and employee recruitment. Often times, human resource management classes offered as part of a healthcare management program emphasize the process of finding and hiring healthcare professionals.Career Information for Graduates
According to Payscale.com, the average entry-level salary for graduates of a bachelor's degree program in healthcare management was $35,000 in 2009. Employment settings may include hospitals, ambulatory care facilities, nursing homes, government agencies, outpatient care facilities, community health agencies and home health agencies. Potential job titles, meanwhile, include hospital human resources specialist, medical office manager, field health officer, managed health care administrator, health education supervisor, medical records administrator and billing supervisor.Overview of an Online Master's Degree Program in Healthcare Management
An online master's-level healthcare management degree prepares graduates to address the challenges and issues associated with the many technological, managerial and financial changes impacting the U.S. healthcare system. Focus is often placed on management skills in areas such as financing, leadership, risk assessment, ethical decision making and resource allocation, as well as making advanced assessment and judgment decisions in business situations. Topics covered include strategic planning, establishing community coalitions and the impact of politics and public policy on the U.S. healthcare system. Master's-level students are often times professionals already working within the healthcare industry.Program Information and Requirements
Online master's degree programs in healthcare management usually take around two years to complete; most require a combination of online and campus-based coursework. Programs are at times offered as a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree with a healthcare management concentration. Some online programs may require students to take part in real-time, online courses via chat sessions and videoconferencing, while others allow students to access course materials at their own convenience through podcasts and other formats.Online students have access to a number of traditional student services, including library materials, academic advising and career services. They are also able to interact with fellow students via blogs, discussion forums and more. Technical requirements may include a sound card and speakers, an operating system such as Windows XP or Vista and software such as Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat Reader.
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