The Benefits of Earning Your Medical Administration Degree Online
Studying online for a medical administration degree has some major perks.
1. First, the flexibility and convenience can’t be beat. You can log in and complete your courses whenever and wherever works for your busy schedule. No commuting to campus or rushing between classes.
2. Another benefit is that many online programs are designed for working professionals. The curriculum focuses on practical, real-world topics that you can apply immediately in your healthcare organization.
3. An online degree also allows you to learn at your own pace. If you need to spend more time on a certain topic, you have the freedom to do so. And if you have experience in some areas already, you may be able to breeze through faster.
4. While earning an online medical administration degree, you’ll interact with and learn from experienced professors and connect with other students – all from the comfort of your home.
Virtual classrooms, live chats, and online discussion boards allow for engaging and collaborative learning.
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Top Online Medical Administration Degree Programs
Online medical administration degrees provide a flexible path to a career as a healthcare administrator. Here are some of the top programs:
1. University of Central Florida
UCF offers an online Bachelor of Science in Health Services Administration. This 120-credit hour program teaches you healthcare systems, policy analysis, financial management, and more. It’s accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education.
2. Colorado State University-Global Campus
CSU-Global’s online Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration covers the business and management side of healthcare. The 120-credit hour program includes courses in healthcare finance, project management, healthcare policy, and healthcare information systems. CSU-Global is regionally accredited.
3. Southern New Hampshire University
SNHU’s online Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration provides a broad overview of healthcare management and administration. The 120-credit hour program includes healthcare finance, policy, ethics, and strategic planning. SNHU is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
4. Purdue University Global
Purdue Global offers an online Bachelor of Science in Health and Wellness with a concentration in Health Services Administration. The program provides a foundation in healthcare systems, policy, finance, and management. Purdue Global is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
5. Herzing University
Herzing’s online Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management teaches you leadership, critical thinking, and communication skills for healthcare administration. The 120-credit hour program covers healthcare finance and budgeting, policy, information systems, ethics, and project management.
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Career Paths for Graduates With a Medical Administration Degree
Here are some of the popular career options for graduates:
1. Medical Records Manager
As a medical records manager, you’ll oversee the maintenance and security of patient records. You’ll ensure records are complete, accurate, and properly stored according to legal requirements. This role typically requires at least 2 years of related work experience.
2. Medical Office Manager
As a medical office manager, you’ll handle the daily operations of a healthcare facility like a doctor’s office or clinic. Your duties may include supervising staff, maintaining budgets, purchasing supplies, and ensuring high quality customer service. This role typically requires at least 2-5 years of related experience.
3. Health Services Manager
As a health services manager, you’ll plan, organize, and direct healthcare facilities or departments. You’ll be responsible for coordinating a wide range of services including staffing, equipment maintenance, and implementing policies and procedures. This role typically requires a bachelor’s degree and several years of related experience.
4. Healthcare Recruiter
As a healthcare recruiter, you’ll work to place qualified healthcare professionals in jobs at hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare organizations. You’ll source candidates, screen applications, conduct interviews, and match healthcare professionals with appropriate job openings. This role typically requires a bachelor’s degree and on-the-job training.
Conclusion
With the right experience, medical administrators can advance into higher-level leadership roles like medical director or chief executive officer. The career opportunities for those with a medical administration degree are abundant and the earning potential is strong.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for medical and health services managers in 2020 was over $100,000 per year.