There is probably no faster growing career path in the United States than healthcare. This is an industry that has a broad spectrum of employment opportunities in clinical services (i.e., nursing, counseling, radiology, etc.) and non clinical services (i.e., social work, food service, marketing and graphic services, etc.).
Patient care comes in a variety of settings: hospitals, healthcare systems, physician groups, long term care facilities, insurance companies, etc.). But, wherever the care is being provided or supported, healthcare organizations need strong leadership to assure quality patient care is being provided and that necessary regulations are being followed. This is the role of the Healthcare Administrator.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 23% growth rate for this field from 2012-2022. Salaries for this career ranges from $53,990 for the lower 10% and reaching to $150,000 for the upper 10% of administrators. Median salaries for Healthcare Administrators is around $88,580.
Paying for Education
College tuition is a stumbling block for many people wishing to obtain their degree; but, it doesn't need to be frightening. There are a variety of avenues to search for help in paying for your college degree.
Employee Benefits
If you are currently working, many employers will offer, as part of the employee benefit package, tuition assistance. Additionally, if your company or employer offers a 401k retirement plan, often, you may borrow tuition money from your plan. Check with your Human Resources department to determine if either of these options are available to you.
Federal Financial Aid
The federal government offers grants, scholarships and student loans for qualifying students. Application for federal assistance is on the Department of Education website Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
Veterans, Spouses and Dependents
Many schools discount tuition for active, or retired, military personnel. This information is provided on the school's website.
Accreditation
School accreditation is important. As more schools offer online educational program, accreditation assures you that the school you choose meets specific standards defined by the U.S. Department of Education. Further accreditation may be required for licensure in specific areas, so check to see if your profession requires licensure and that your degree program meets the necessary requirements for licensure.
The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) is an independent, accrediting organization and recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a qualified accreditor for academic standards. Regional accreditation organizations include: The Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, The New England Association of Schools and Colleges, The North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges, The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and The Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Reviewing information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. News and World Report, information provided by schools of their tuition costs and program length and school accreditation, Best Medical Degrees has assembled a list of some of the 10 cheapest online bachelor degrees in Healthcare Administration.
1. Trevecca Nazarene University
This Nashville, Tennessee school was founded in 1901 as a pastor's training class for Christian workers. Today's university is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and provides a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration which may be completed within 18-24 months. The program offers three concentrations in health informatics, general health management or long-term care administration.
Those students pursuing the healthcare administration path will take courses in conflict and change management, leadership in the 21st century, human resources management and health research, analysis and planning. These courses are in addition to core coursework in Biblical perspectives and the Christian worldview, health regulations and policies and quality initiatives and healthcare administration. The degree is provided 100% online and is designed to accommodate working professionals.
Length of Program: 36 Credit Hours
Estimated Program Tuition Cost: $14,241
2. Indiana Wesleyan University
Located in Marion, Indiana, describes itself as "an evangelical Christian comprehensive university of The Wesleyan Church" founded in 1920. The school is accredited by Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and offers an online Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration designed for students who hold 60 credit hours from an accredited university and/or an Associates Degree. Indiana Wesleyan University has been ranked #27 in U.S. News and World Report's Regional Universities Midwest category.
This 100% online program includes studies in healthcare management and leadership, healthcare principles and policies, healthcare marketing, accounting principles, issues for healthcare administrators, business statistics and a capstone project. The online program offers four admission dates throughout the year which are listed on the webpage.
Length of Program: 48 Credit Hours
Estimated Program Tuition Cost: $20,352
3. University of Central Florida
This Orlando, Florida university was founded in 1963 and offers 13 colleges and 210 degree programs for its 63,000 students. Ranked by U.S. News and World Report in its Most Innovative Universities and has been rated as one of the nation's best values by Kiplinger and the Princeton Review. UCF is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
The University of Central Florida offers a Bachelor of Science in Health Services Administration which includes studies in medical terminology, health law and ethics, health care finances, community health, U.S. healthcare systems, quality management as well as long term health administration and others. Because of state regulations, students from all states may not qualify for this program. Be sure to check the states approved on the UCF website.
Length of Program: 120 Credit Hours
Estimated Program Tuition Cost: $21,502 (Residents) $46,080 (Non Residents)
4. University of Northwestern Ohio
This online bachelor degree is classified as a 2+2 degree, meaning students may transfer credits from accredited associate degree programs in Medical Assisting or Medical Management. Established in Lima, Ohio, the University of Northwestern Ohio offers five colleges, with degrees in Business, Applied Technologies, Health Professions, Occupational Professions and the Graduate College. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and holds program specific accreditation from organizations such as The Medical Assisting Technology program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and the Commission on Accreditation of Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).
The Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration requires coursework in healthcare management, public health and epidemiology, healthcare economics, corporate finance, human resource management, and moral issues in business.
Length of Program: 90 Credit Hours
Estimated Program Tuition Cost: $24,300
5. Hodges University
Formerly International College, this school opened in 1990 in Naples, Florida and was recognized in 2015 as one of the Best Online Schools by U.S. News and World Report. With an enrollment of 1,700 students, Hodges University is accredited by The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
This Bachelor of Science in Health Services Administration degree requires students have either an Associate Degree or 60 college credit hours to transfer to the program. This program may be completed within three years. Coursework will include study in U.S. healthcare system, financial management in healthcare, healthcare ethics, quality management in healthcare and policy and law in healthcare.
Length of Program: 60 Credit Hours
Estimated Program Tuition Cost: $33,000; $15,000 (active duty military)
6. Southern New Hampshire University
This New England Association of Schools and Colleges accredited school is located in Manchester, New Hampshire began in 1932 as a secretarial school before it was granted a state charter in 1963, allowing it to award degrees. A small, private institution, SNHU has been ranked #1 in Most Innovative Schools and #101 in Regional Universities Northeast by U.S. News and World Report.
Southern New Hampshire University offers an online Bachelor of Healthcare Administration with two concentrations from which students may choose in Health Information Management and Patient Quality and Safety. There are 45 credit hours of core, general education course and studies in healthcare marketing, healthcare economics, healthcare delivery systems, healthcare reimbursement, healthcare quality management, organizational behavior and others.
Program Length: 120 Credit Hours
Estimated Program Tuition Cost: $38,400; $26,640 (Active military and spouse)
7. Champlain College
This is an accelerated program, specifically designed for students who currently have an Associates Degree or 60 equivalent college credits which will transfer. Located in Burlington, Vermont, Champlain College was established in 1878, this college is a non-private, private school which has been recognized by U.S. News and World Report as #1 Most Innovative Schools and one of America's Best Universities. Additionally, Champlain has been noted by the Princeton Review as one of the Best 381 Schools. Champlain College is regionally accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).
This is a Bachelor Science in Healthcare Aministration and students will study a broad range of topics including organizational development, navigation of the U.S. health system, managing talent, healthcare communication; as well as generalized coursework in statistics, communication and ethics. The courses are offered in an accelerated 7-week format.
Length of Program: 60 Credit Hours
Estimated Program Tuition Cost: $38,485
8. Colorado State University-Global Campus
Established in 1870 in Fort Collins, Colorado, the school has been recognized by U.S. News and World Report as #86 Best Colleges for Veterans, #61 in Top Public Schools and #129 National Universities. Specifically, the Global Campus of Colorado State University has been ranked by U.S. News and World Report at #86 Best Online Undergraduate Programs.
Bachelor of Science Healthcare Administration and Management degree is offered 100% online and includes studies in introduction to U.S. healthcare system, health law, economics of healthcare, healthcare operations management and ethical decisions in healthcare management. CSU Global Campus also provides a dual enrollment option which allows students the opportunity to configure undergraduate coursework to lead to an early admissions into the masters program.
Length of Program: 120 Credit Hours
Estimated Program Tuition Cost: $42,000
9. Saint Joseph College
A Roman Catholic liberal arts school in Standish, Maine, St. Joseph College holds accreditation from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). St. Joseph College is ranked #137 by U.S. News and World Report's Regional Universities Northeast. St. Joseph College provides a Bachelor of Science in Health Administration degree offered online.
Core coursework involves studies in American healthcare system, healthcare human resources management, legal aspects of healthcare administration, ethics in healthcare administration and healthcare administration financial management. Additionally, electives are suggested in healthcare informatics, emergency preparedness, introduction to community health, aging in America, medical terminology and quality in healthcare administration.
Length of Program: 128 Credit Hours
Estimated Program Tuition Cost: $47,360
10. Middle Tennessee State University
This public school, located in Murfreesboro, Tennessee was established as a teaching college in 1911. MTSU now has nine colleges, including the University College which offers a Bachelor of Science in Professional Studies with a concentration in healthcare administration. MTSU holds accreditation from the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of College and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). MTSU has consistently been named a best school by G.I. Jobs magazine.
The program is designed for students who may have previous college experience or students who have an Associate Degree or are working towards an Associate Degree. MTSU offers online advising and library services for students enrolled online. This degree in multidisciplinary in approach and allows students to choose courses from a variety of disciplines to apply toward their degree.
Length of Program: 120 Credit Hours
Estimated Program Tuition Cost: $59,160