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Master's Degree in Health Care Administration

Job prospects in the health care industry are very promising. Out of the twenty fastest growing occupations, seven of those are health care related. Between 2006 and 2016, the health care industry is expected to generate more wage and salary jobs than any other industry, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
 
Due to the current shortage of skilled workers in the health care field, many universities are now offering online health care degrees. For those interested, a health care job is only a few clicks away.

Educational Requirements for Health Care Jobs

To qualify for professional positions within the health care industry, you need at least a bachelor's degree and, in particular cases, higher education as well. Some of the health care positions that require an advanced degree include:
  • dentists
  • physical therapists
  • physicians
  • registered nurses
  • social workers
  • surgeons.
Positions such as medical records technicians or dental hygienists only need one to two years of education after high school. These positions do not need a four-year college degree. For service workers, such as a nursing aide or medical assistant, little to no higher education is required.
Looking for a school that focuses on this subject?
Here is a list of institutions and the number of programs they offer.

Master's Degree in Health Care Administration

For those looking to be directors of staff or administration, a master's in health care administration is usually a requisite. These degrees help a person learn how to manage health care operations within a variety of facilities.
 
In the health care field, some of the different types of masters students can earn include:
  • MBA – Master of Business Administration: Health Sector Concentration
  • MHA – Master of Health Care Administration
  • MHSA – Master of Health Services Administration
  • MPH – Master of Public Health.
Because these degrees differ in some coursework, think about what degree is preferred at the organization you would like to work.
 
In obtaining these degrees, a student can expect to study:
  • accounting
  • business management
  • financial management
  • health law and regulations
  • health systems
  • policy making
  • public relations
  • statistics.
These degrees are usually about 40 to 50 credit hours, with each course costing anywhere from $300 to $400 depending on the school.

Online Health Care Degrees

Many universities offer a variety of online degree programs through which diligent students can earn a master's degree in health care. When searching for a program, however, make sure to note the difference between a MBA, MHA, MHSA and MPH. Some popular programs for online health care degrees are:
  • Arizona State University
  • George Washington University
  • Keller Graduate School of Management
  • University of Phoenix
  • Walden University.
Keep in mind that many more options are available online.

What Can I Do With a Masters in Health Care

The possibilities are endless with a master's in health care. Still, most people with these degrees find themselves working in four main sections of health care: insurance companies, policy organizations, providers and suppliers.
 
In the insurance industry, for example, a person can work as a research analyst, a client manager or a director of strategic planning.
 
Some options in the policy organization route are to work for health-related charities or government organizations, such as the American Cancer Society or the Center for Disease Control.
 
Health care providers typically provide most recent masters graduates with the most options for job opportunities. These positions can include administrator, executive director and chief nursing officer.
 
Lastly, pharmaceutical or biotechnology organizations are another source of jobs for those who have recently earned their master's in health care. In working with suppliers, graduates can be sales directors, product managers and analysts.
 
In addition to the above opportunities, there are always more positions being created as the health care industry continues to rapidly expand.
Do you have a program in mind?

Research different schools that offer any of the below programs with the links below.

Associate's Programs
Bachelor's Programs
Master's Programs
Doctoral
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