Essential Information
The Bachelor of Arts in Health Care Management is a four-year program that emphasizes the business side of the health care services industry. Some schools offer concentrations such as entrepreneurship, finance, information systems or human resources management as part of these programs. A number of schools provide an online degree program in health care management. Practicing health professionals, associate degree holders or high school graduates may enter a health care management bachelor's degree program.
Bachelor of Arts in Health Care Management
Students in a Bachelor of Arts in Health Care Management program learn to plan and deliver health care programs, implement policies, guide the activities of personnel, and make effective business decisions for health care systems or organizations. Courses students may take include:
- Health care law
- Finance and budgeting
- Organizational communications
- Health information systems and system management
- Research and analysis
- Community and consumer relations
Popular Career Options
Graduates hold entry-level or mid-management positions throughout the health services industry. Hospitals, clinics, private or group medical practices, nursing homes, retirement facilities or other institutions require administrators and managers to direct and plan how services are offered. Graduates may also work for companies that provide services related to health care, such as insurance and pharmaceutical companies. Whether working in the public sector or for private companies, degree holders might find employment as:
- Clinical directors
- Health personnel directors
- Medical services coordinators
- Health care advocates
- Nursing home administrators
Employment Outlook and Salary Information
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts a much faster-than-average 32% employment increase for medical and health services managers between the years of 2019 and 2029. The average salary for these professionals as reported by the BLS in 2019 was $115,160 per year.
Continuing Education Information
Although there are a wide variety of careers in health care management, the BLS says many employers expect education beyond a bachelor's degree for administrative and supervisory positions. Some occupations, such as nursing care management, also require state licensing and continuing education, according to the BLS. A master's degree in health care management, health services administration or a related field can help medical and health services managers advance to top leadership roles in the industry.
A Bachelor of Arts in Health Care Management trains students in the business and management side of the health care field. Graduates often pursue advanced degrees, but can expect faster-than-average growth as medical and health services managers. It's important to note that managerial positions typically require prior work experience, in addition to a relevant degree.
