Health Science: Health Care Administration Career Options

What can you do with a bachelor degree in health care administration? 

Much of the Information in this document comes from the Association of University Programs in Health Administration (AUPHA).
 
If you're wondering what exactly you will be able to do with a B.S. in health care administration, it may be helpful to think of your options in terms of the four employment sectors specified by the AUPHA:
  1. Health Care Providers: Hospitals, group physician practices, clinics, nursing homes, outpatient care centers, mental health organizations, rehabilitation centers, dental offices, and chiropractic offices.
  2. Health Care Suppliers: Healthcare management companies, pharmaceutical firms, durable goods and medical equipment companies, disposable medical supply companies, biotechnology companies, and educational organizations.
  3. Insurance Organizations: Health maintenance organizations (HMOs), preferred-provider organizations (PPOs), state-administered health insurance programs, and private insurance companies that cater to the healthcare market.
  4. Policy Organizations: Federal and State public health agencies, and nonprofit organizations with health-oriented missions.

Jobs you may be hired at or promoted to

Account Manager, Administrative Assistant/Associate, Admitting Clerk, Admissions Coordinator, Application Analyst/Specialist, Appointment Coordinator, Billing Specialist, Claims Manager, Clerical, Clinical Liaison, Customer Service Agent/Representative, Operations Manager, Compensation and Benefits Manager, Health Services Manager, Health Unit Coordinator, Human Resources Manager, Managed Care Analyst, Medical Biller and Coder, Medical Office Assistant, Medical Receptionist, Medical Records Technician, Medical Secretary, Medical Service Representative, Nursing Home Administrator, Office Manager, Office Support, Patient Access Coordinator, Patient Accounts Analyst, Patient Representative, and for individuals with advanced foreign language skills—Medical Interpreter.

Use the internet to search for jobs in the broadest possible geographic region

If looking in a particular area, you may find searching specific company/organization websites more useful than national search engines. Use the non-comprehensive list of Wisconsin companies included at the end of this document to familiarize yourself with different types of employers, positions, and job requirements.

Gain practical work experience by completing an experiential internship

Courses such as HS 498 or by securing an entry-level healthcare office job while you’re a student.

Complete dual degrees

Combine the health care administration B.S. with a clinical specialty (e.g. nursing, dental hygiene, radiography, physical therapy assistant) to lead and manage within the clinical specialty practice.

Pursue a graduate degree

Healthcare executives and upper level management careers in a hospital or larger organization will require a Master’s degree. Depending on your interests, you can obtain a master’s degree in business (MBA), health or hospital administration (MHA), or public health (MPH).

Become a health care administration college professor.

A doctoral degree (Ph.D.) in health care administration, research and policy or a related discipline with a focus in health, such as economics, epidemiology, medical ethics, political science, etc. is typically required to teach at the college level.

Non-comprehensive list of potential employers

(listing is not an endorsement by UW-Stevens Point)