Explore Diverse Career Choices in Health Care Administration

Does any job title containing the word "administration" make you want to fall asleep? Don't judge a book by its cover. Health care administration is not only a critically necessary facet of health care, but it can also be an exciting and challenging career choice. In addition, there are so many options within health care administration that it's easy to find a niche where you can really live your passion.

For example, these three administrators each play distinctive roles in the health care field. Mary Navin is the Ambulatory Practice Director for The Children's Hospital, Jessie Tucker is the Deputy Commander for Administration at Womack Army Medical Center, and Mary Stefl is the chair of the department of health care administration at Trinity University.

Diverse Work Setting & Duties Offer Challenge

Not only do they work in very diverse settings, but their day-to-day job duties are quite different from one another. Navin, who started out in medical-surgical nursing, is now in charge of six hospital-based outpatient clinics, three of which provide primary care for children and adolescents. She is responsible for the range of services, staffing and budgets. Her workday begins at 5:30 am and she often spends most of her time in meetings. In between meetings, she creates plans and budgets, confirms department audits and doctors' schedules, checks up on children in the clinics, participates in committees, and works on quality of improvement projects. "It's like running your own business," Navin says. "There are no set hours."

In contrast to Navin, Tucker entered health care administration through his US Army career. With the help of the Army's long-term education program, he earned a doctoral degree in health services administration. Womack Army Medical Center serves the largest Army population in the world. Of the challenges he encounters in his important administrative role, Tucker says, "It's difficult at times to convince some clinical staff members that we can't do everything, and do it well, and that discontinuing or outsourcing a service is the answer because doing so makes the best clinical, business, and operational sense...A comprehensive review of opportunity costs and an understanding that resources are limited are concepts that Army healthcare is learning."

Last but not least, Stefl entered health care administration almost by accident. As a class project, she was assigned to evaluate a new community health administration program at the University of Cincinnati. Her interest was piqued by the program she was evaluating, and she ended up working for the department. Her years of experience there eventually led to an offer to teach healthcare management at Trinity University, and she is now the chair of the department. "Leadership is a matter of your vision and what you want to do," she says. "It is a matter of knowing why you are in this field; what kind of change you can effect and enact; what message and agenda you can drive forward; and how you can get something done, which partially depends on your problem-solving methods."

Have A Passion To Improve Health Care Delivery?

Despite the differences in their duties and responsibilities, all of these dedicated health care administrators have certain qualities in common-qualities that you will also need if you are to excel in this field. Every day in health care brings new challenges, so you'll need strong problem solving and critical thinking skills. You also need to be passionate about health care and have a genuine desire to provide the best quality health care to the largest number of people possible.

Nurses interested in moving beyond direct patient care and into a management role in nursing administration or hospital administration might find a dual-degree program such as the MBA and MS in Nursing: Nursing Leadership in Health Care Systems beneficial since it's specifically designed to prepare nurses for advanced management and executive positions.

Practicing EMS professionals seeking opportunities for career advancement while remaining in the exciting and rewarding field of EMS may find that the online Bachelor of Science in Health Science - EMS Management degree program offers just the ticket for expanding into careers as EMS instructors, supervisors, mid-level managers, and administrators.

Opportunities in healthcare management, health care administration, and health services administration abound for those with a previous background in health care, but even students who are new to the field can find success with an online degree in health care management.

Online healthcare administration degree programs, healthcare management programs, and health services management degree programs are available at the Associate, Bachelor's and Master's level. By studying healthcare management online, students can open the door to a career in a fast-growing, well-paying new field, and they can do it all from the comfort of their own computer screen.

Once you have your foot in the door of health care administration, you'll find that the possibilities are unlimited. This stimulating and influential career choice will allow you to find a niche where you can really make a lasting difference. Your future. Your choice. YOU can make a difference!

Explore Online Healthcare Administration Degree Programs

Take the next step towards earning an accredited Healthcare Administration degree online. Select Healthcare Administration degree programs that match your interests and fill out the short request form to receive free, no-obligation information about tuition, program length, admissions, and financial aid directly from school admissions counselors.

University of Phoenix

Campus

As the largest private university in North America, University of Phoenix has more than 200 locations, and is available online in most countries around the world. Whether you're seeking a college degree at an associate's, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral level, we can help you reach your academic goal—and sooner than you might think.

Programs:

• A.A. in Health Care Administration
• Master of Health Administration
• Doctor of Health Administration

Campus Locations:

San Jose
Bakersfield
Fairfield
Beale AFB
Los Angeles
Online
Lathrop
Livermore
Fresno
Salida
Roseville
Costa Mesa
Pasadena
Culver City
San Bernardino
Chula Vista
San Diego
Sacramento
San Francisco
Oakland
Gardena
Visalia
El Centro
Murrieta
Lancaster
Diamond Bar
Ontario
Woodland Hills
Rancho Cordova
Elk Grove
Palm Desert

DeVry University

Campus

A graduate degree really can make a difference, especially when it's from DeVry University's Keller Graduate School of Management. Online, evening and weekend classes are available.

Programs:

• Graduate Certificate-Health Services Management
• Bachelor's - Business Administration - Health Services Management

Campus Locations:

Long Beach
Fremont
Daly City
San Diego
Colton
Palmdale
Alhambra
Irvine
San Jose
Elk Grove
Anaheim
Sherman Oaks
Oakland
Pomona
Chicago

Virginia College

Campus

Virginia College Online continues the tradition ofgiving lives new direction, fulfilling our mission statement tostudents wherever they live and offering the chance to pursue adegree while maintaining commitments to work and family.

Programs:

• BS - Health Services Management
• MBA - Healthcare
• AS - Medical Office Administration

Campus Locations:

Birmingham

Walden University

Online

Balance your personal and professional commitments while earning a respected Ph.D., master's degree, or bachelor's degree online at Walden University. Programs offered in management, education, psychology and health and human services.

Programs:

• Ph.D. in Health Services - Self-Directed - Self-Designed
• Ph.D. in Health Services - Course-based - Leadership
• Ph.D. in Health Services - Self-Directed - Health Care Admin

Colorado Technical University Online

Campus

Take your career to new heights with Colorado Tech Online! Since 1965, Colorado Technical University has helped thousands of students achieve success in business, management and technology careers. Learn more today.

Programs:

• Bachelor of Science in Health Services Administration
• Associate of Science in Health Administration Services
• Bachelor of Science in Business Administration - Health Care Management

Campus Locations:

Colorado Springs

American InterContinental University Online

Campus

American InterContinental University Online's flexible curriculum allows you to study when and where it's most convenient. Earn your degree at an accelerated pace from an accredited school that is respected by employers.

Programs:

• Bachelor's of Business Administration in Healthcare Management
• MBA - Healthcare Administration

Campus Locations:

Schaumburg

Baker College Online

Campus

Baker College Online is fully accredited and offers over 40 programs that will help you earn your Certificate, Associate, Bachelor, Master's or Doctorate degree affordably. Learn more now.

Programs:

• Bachelor of Health Services Administration
• Master of Business Administration - Health Care Management

Campus Locations:

Lisle

Regis University

Campus

Regis University offers a rich tradition of Jesuit education to enrich your life and further your career.

Programs:

• MBA: Health Systems Management
• MBA: Health Industry Leadership

Campus Locations:

West Jordan

Northcentral University

Campus

Earn your degree online and boost your career at Northcentral University. We offer online doctoral, master's, and bachelor's degree programs in education, behavioral and health sciences, and business.

Programs:

• Health Care Administration - PhD in Bus. Admin.
• Health Care Administration - D.B.A.

Campus Locations:

Prescott Valley

Argosy University

Campus

Argosy University offers doctoral, master's, and bachelor's degree programs to students through its five colleges: Psychology andBehavioral Sciences, Education, Business, Health Sciences, and Undergraduate Studies, as well as certificate programs in many areas.

Programs:

• Health Care Management (BS)
• Health Care Administration (MBA)

Campus Locations:

Santa Monica
Alameda
San Bernardino
Orange
San Diego

California College San Diego

Campus

California College San Diego (CCSD)offers degree programs in Medical Specialties, Respiratory Therapy, Healthcare Administration, Business Management and Accounting, Computer Technology and Networking, Computer Programming, and Computer Science. Online programs are offered by our affiliated college, Stevens-Henager College, Salt Lake City/Murray.

Programs:

• Master of Science in Healthcare Administration (Online)
• Master of Science in Healthcare Administration
• Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration

Campus Locations:

San Marcos
San Diego
National City

Santa Barbara Business College

Campus

California is home to beautiful landscapes, a diverse population and countless things to do. Santa Barbara Business College is a California technical school that helps people just like you learn skills for their career. After all, without a good career, it can be difficult to enjoy all the wonderful things California has to offer.

SBBCollege is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools. For information on graduation rates, median debt of graduates who completed these programs and other important information, visit http://www.sbbcollege.edu/consumerinformation/disclosures.php. SBBCollege offers financial aid to those who qualify.

Programs:

• Healthcare Administration
• Medical Office Administration

Campus Locations:

Ventura
Santa Barbara
Santa Maria
Rancho Mirage

Carrington College California

Campus

Carrington College California offers the programs you need to begin a career in healthcare. Choose from Healthcare, Massage Therapy, Dental Assisting, Pharmacy Technology, or Veterinary Services.

Programs:

• AS in Health Care Administration
• Certificate in Health Care Administration

Campus Locations:

Sacramento
Stockton
Pleasant Hill
Citrus Heights

Jones International University

Campus

Earn a high quality degree in Business, IT, Education, or Communications. Jones International University® offers self-paced bachelor's and master's degrees tailored to your needs.

Programs:

• BBA Health Care Management
• MBA in Health Care Management
• MABC in Leading the Customer-Driven Organization

Campus Locations:

Englewood

The University of Liverpool

Campus

Advance your career and increase your earning potential with a masters or a doctoral degree from the University of Liverpool. Study online in small groups of business professionals.

Programs:

• MSc in International Management (Management of Health Systems)
• Master of Public Health (Epidemiology)
• Master of Public Health

Campus Locations:

Online

University of St. Mary

Online

Give your career a boost with University of Saint Mary. We offer online degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels to help make your educational and professional goals a reality.

Programs:

• Master's in Business Administration - Health Care Management

Charter College

Campus

You can prepare for a new career with help from Charter College. Our accelerated Bachelors Degree, Associates Degree, and Certificate programs are designed to help you complete your education as quickly as possible. We offer year-round classes and flexible scheduling - study anytime from anywhere. We provide students not only with the technical skills necessary for success, but also job search and placement assistance so you can find new opportunities after graduation.

Programs:

• BS - Health Care Administration
• Diploma - Medical Office Administrative Assistant

Campus Locations:

Oxnard
Canyon Country
Lancaster

Grand Canyon University

Campus

Don't Miss a Day of Your Future! Grand Canyon University is offering Bachelor and Master degrees through our College of Education, Ken Blanchard College of Business, College of Nursing & Health Sciences, College of Liberal Arts, and College of Entrepreneurship. Classes start soon!

Programs:

• M.B.A. and M.S. in Nursing: Nursing Leadership in Health Care Systems (dual degree)
• M.S. in Nursing: Nursing Leadership in Health Care Systems
• M.S. in Health Care Informatics

Campus Locations:

Phoenix

Charter College Online

Online

You can advance your career with a degree from Charter College Online. We offer several Associates and Bachelors degrees in the business, health care, accounting and legal fields. Our accelerated programs are designed to help you complete your degree as quickly as possible. We offer year-round classes and flexible scheduling - study anytime from anywhere. We help students get not only with the technical skills necessary for success, but also job search and placement assistance so you can find new opportunities after graduation.

Programs:

• Health Care Administration

Ashworth College

Campus

Get the hands-on training and skills it takes to succeed with Ashworth College, a respected, worldwide leader in distance education. Study at the times and places most convenient for you.

Programs:

• Associate of Science Degree in Health Care Administration

Campus Locations:

Norcross

Keiser University

Campus

Keiser University eCampus Online offers degrees in fields that are in high demand and provides job placement assistance to all its students and alumni.

Programs:

• Health Services Administration, AA (Online)

Campus Locations:

Fort Lauderdale

Platt College

Campus

Turn your talents into a career. Nationally recognized and accredited Platt College offers degree programs in Graphic Design, Multimedia, IT Networking and Paralegal.

Programs:

• Medical Administrative Specialist

Campus Locations:

Alhambra
Riverside
Ontario

Heald College

Campus

Heald College offers 18-month associate degree programs that will prepare you for a career in Business, Technology, or Healthcare. Small class sizes, hands-on instruction.

Programs:

• Medical Office Administration

Campus Locations:

Milpitas
Salinas
Salida
Roseville
Fresno
Rancho Cordova
Concord
Stockton
Hayward
San Francisco

Bryan College

Campus

Get your career started with training from Bryan College! We offer programs in Court Reporting, Advanced Health & Fitness Training, and Health Information Management & Coding at both our Sacramento and Los Angeles campuses.

Programs:

• Health Information Management and Coding

Campus Locations:

Rancho Cordova

Summit College

Campus

Get your career started with an education from Summit College. We offer programs in legal office assisting, licensed vocational nursing, office administration, administrative and clinical medical assisting, medical billing and coding, dental assisting, and accounting assisting.

Programs:

• Electronic Health Records

Campus Locations:

Anaheim
Colton

WyoTech

Campus

The career-focused programs at WyoTech can give you the hands-on training you need to succeed. Program areas includemechanics, technician training, and technology.

Programs:

• Applied Service Management

Campus Locations:

West Sacramento
Long Beach
Fremont

Bryan University

Online

Earn your post-baccalaureate certification online from Bryan University. We offer an e-discovery project management certificate that can be completed 100% online.

Programs:

• Master of Science in Applied Health Informatics