Online Health Services Administration Degrees

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Enrolling in an online health services administration program prepares students for a variety of career paths in medical and health services. Some online health services administration degree-holders work with staff members to drive the highest-quality patient care. Others work with numbers and data.

Aspiring health services administrators should obtain a health services administration degree from an accredited college or university. Full-time students typically complete their bachelor's degree in four years. Graduates can pursue many different health services administration jobs in various settings, such as nursing homes and hospitals. They can also pursue certification from the American Association of Healthcare Administrative Management (AAHAM) to advance their careers.

Continuing education requirements vary by position. Professionals may not need to complete any continuing education coursework. However, those in leadership roles may need to complete regular continuing education credits to maintain current licensure.

Health services administrators earn a median annual salary of $104,280, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The lowest 10% of these professionals earn less than $59,980 per year. The highest 10% earn more than $195,630.

Read on to learn about the best online health services administration degrees, including common courses and certification opportunities.

FAQs

Why Get a Degree in Health Services Administration?

Earning an online health services administration degree can help graduates pursue a variety of career paths. Learners who enjoy leading others and ensuring proper procedures may especially find value in this degree.

Students who enroll in an online program in health services administration can continue their careers while they earn their degree. A flexible schedule allows them to view lectures, participate in classroom discussion boards, and take exams on their own time.

How Much Does a Health Services Administration Degree Cost?

The cost of an on-campus or online health services administration degree varies depending on many factors, including the school type and learners' residency. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, undergraduate tuition, fees, and room and board cost about $17,800 at public institutions and $42,690 at private institutions for the 2017-18 academic year.

Online enrollees typically spend less on their degree than on-campus learners since they do not incur fees for commuting, parking, or living on campus. Online learners also do not pay for campus resources, such as health services. However, online students may need to pay additional fees for their major. The section below outlines these fees, which vary by institution.

Additional Online Student Fees for Health Services Administration

In addition to tuition, prospective online students should budget for books, online course materials, distance learning fees, and graduation fees. Additional technology costs may make up $250 more in fees than students in similar in-person classes.

In 2019-20, students spent an average of $410 on required materials, a slight decrease from the previous year. However, students' average spending on digital course materials and technology for classes increased by about $105.

Learners should also factor in certification fees. Certification allows students to stay current on healthcare trends and improve their earning potential. Health services administrators do not typically need to complete continuing education coursework. However, earning specialty certifications, such as certified revenue cycle specialist (CRCS) can help them advance their careers. The CRCS full exam costs $100 and section retakes cost $50 each.

To help cover the cost of tuition and fees, learners should research each prospective school's financial aid options.

How Much Do Health Services Administration Majors Make?

Medical and health services managers earn a median annual salary of $104,280, significantly exceeding the median annual salary of $41,950 for all occupations. Graduates who work as top executives earn a median annual salary of $107,680.

Health services administrators who work in hospitals may recruit and train staff, oversee hospital policy, and supervise policy implementation. They may also manage organizational resources and oversee their facility's general management. This responsibility level may require certifications or additional education. Health services administration majors may want to pursue an MHA.

Courses in Health Services Administration

An online health services administration degree at the bachelor's level requires about 120 credits and takes full-time students four years to complete. Learners develop research and analytical skills, learn planning initiatives, and work to solve challenges in the healthcare field. Students develop these skills through projects, class discussions, and exams.

Enrollees may take specialized courses in areas such as long-term care administration, health services policy, and managed care. Learners may also explore key health legislation such as Medicare and Medicaid, cost controls, and regulatory compliance and oversight.

See below for some common courses in health services administration programs.

How to Become a Health Services Administrator

Aspiring medical and health services managers need at least a bachelor's degree. Many graduates must attain a master's degree to apply for administrative roles in hospitals or other healthcare facilities.

Health services administrators can also progress from an associate degree to a bachelor's and then a master's degree. Some students also choose to get their Ph.D. in administration.

Those in the field do not necessarily need to major in health services administration or health administration. Many health services administrators boast previous experience as registered nurses or nurse practitioners. Others may earn business degrees as an undergraduate, then tailor their master's degree toward health services administration.

Certifications and Licensure for Health Services Administration

Certifications can help health services administrators expand their career opportunities and boost their earning potential. Some certifications require specific prerequisites. See below for some potential certifications for health services administrators.

Best Online Health Services Administration