Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration

Earning a degree while working full-time or raising a family has never been more possible. Here’s why adult students are thriving and reaching their goals at SNU:

• Classes take place entirely online.
• Students focus on one class at a time to ensure true mastery and prevent overwhelm.
• You can earn up to 30 hours of college credit for what you already know.
• Earn up to 9 hours of college credit from field-specific credentials, certifications, or other professional development
• Students study alongside other adults in similar stages of life.
• Instructors with vast amounts of industry experience guide students through courses.
• Textbooks are delivered directly to your door at the beginning of each class.
• A dedicated student success advisor guides students through the duration of your studies.

A Bachelor's degree in Healthcare Administration can significantly enhance a student's prospects when entering the workforce. This degree equips graduates with a strong foundation in healthcare management, including knowledge of healthcare systems, operations, finance, and regulations. Graduates can pursue various roles within healthcare organizations, such as hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and insurance companies.

Positions typically available to those with a Bachelor's in Healthcare Administration include healthcare coordinator, medical office manager, healthcare consultant, and administrative roles in human resources, patient services, and quality management. The degree also prepares students for entry-level management positions, where they can oversee departments, manage budgets, and contribute to policy development.

The healthcare industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors, with a rising demand for skilled administrators due to an aging population, increasing healthcare needs, and ongoing changes in healthcare laws and technology. A Bachelor's in Healthcare Administration provides a solid platform for career advancement and further education, such as a Master's degree in Healthcare Administration (MHA) or related fields, enabling graduates to move into higher-level leadership roles in the future.

Students should consider pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Healthcare Administration for several compelling reasons:

• The healthcare industry is expanding rapidly, driven by an aging population, advancements in medical technology, and evolving healthcare policies. This growth is increasing the demand for skilled healthcare administrators who can efficiently manage healthcare organizations and navigate the complexities of the industry.
• A degree in Healthcare Administration opens doors to a wide range of career opportunities. Graduates can work in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, insurance companies, public health organizations, and long-term care facilities. Positions such as healthcare manager, medical office administrator, and health services coordinator are just a few of the roles available to those with this degree.
• Healthcare administrators play a crucial role in ensuring that healthcare facilities run smoothly, providing quality care to patients while managing resources effectively. This field allows graduates to make a meaningful impact on patient care and the overall efficiency of healthcare systems.
• Healthcare administration offers competitive salaries, especially as professionals gain experience and advance into leadership roles. The degree provides a solid foundation for career growth, with opportunities for promotions and higher earning potential.
• A Bachelor's degree in Healthcare Administration serves as an excellent stepping stone for those interested in furthering their education. Many graduates choose to pursue a Master's in Business Administration- Healthcare Administration (MBA-HC) or related fields, which can lead to even more advanced positions in healthcare leadership.
• The skills gained in a Healthcare Administration program, such as leadership, communication, financial management, and strategic planning, are highly transferable. This versatility allows graduates to adapt to various roles within the healthcare industry or even transition to related fields.
• Obtaining a Bachelor's degree in Healthcare Administration not only provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in a growing and dynamic industry but also offers a pathway to a fulfilling and impactful career with strong potential for advancement.

Candidates with a Bachelor's degree in Healthcare Administration are hired by a wide range of employers across the healthcare industry and related sectors. Some of the key employers include:

• Large hospitals and healthcare systems often hire healthcare administration graduates for roles such as department managers, patient services coordinators, and administrative assistants in various departments like finance, human resources, and operations.
• Clinics and Medical Offices: Private practices, outpatient care centers, and specialty clinics hire healthcare administrators to manage day-to-day operations, oversee staff, handle billing and coding, and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Long-Term Care Facilities: Nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and rehabilitation centers need healthcare administrators to manage operations, handle staffing, and ensure the delivery of quality care to residents.
• Health Insurance Companies: These companies employ healthcare administration graduates for roles in claims management, provider relations, patient advocacy, and policy analysis.
• Public Health Organizations: Government agencies and non-profit organizations in public health hire healthcare administrators to manage programs, oversee community health initiatives, and ensure efficient use of resources.
• Home Healthcare Agencies: These agencies require administrators to manage the logistics of home care services, coordinate with healthcare providers, and ensure compliance with healthcare regulations.
• Pharmaceutical Companies: Some pharmaceutical companies hire healthcare administration graduates for roles in regulatory affairs, compliance, and healthcare marketing.
• Health Information Technology Firms: Companies specializing in healthcare IT, such as electronic health records (EHR) providers, may hire graduates to work in roles that bridge the gap between healthcare providers and technology solutions.
• Consulting Firms: Healthcare consulting firms look for healthcare administration graduates to work on projects related to healthcare management, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance.
• Rehabilitation Centers: These facilities, focused on physical and mental rehabilitation, often hire administrators to manage operations, staff, and patient care services.
• Graduates may also find opportunities in academic institutions, research organizations, and non-profit agencies focused on health advocacy and policy. The versatility of a Bachelor's in Healthcare Administration allows graduates to pursue careers in various settings within and related to the healthcare industry.

A Bachelor's degree in Healthcare Administration prepares graduates for a variety of roles within the healthcare industry such as:

• Healthcare Administrator/Manager: Oversee the operations of healthcare facilities, such as hospitals, clinics, or nursing homes. Responsibilities may include managing budgets, staffing, regulatory compliance, and patient services.
• Medical Office Manager: Manage the day-to-day operations of a medical practice or clinic, including scheduling, billing, patient records, and office staff supervision.
• Health Services Manager: Coordinate and direct health services in a variety of settings, ensuring that the facility complies with laws and regulations and that patient care meets established standards.
• Patient Services Coordinator: Act as a liaison between patients and healthcare providers, ensuring that patients receive the necessary care, handling complaints, and coordinating services across different departments.
• Healthcare Human Resources Manager: Manage recruitment, hiring, training, and employee relations in healthcare facilities, ensuring compliance with labor laws and maintaining a positive work environment.
• Health Information Manager: Oversee the management of patient data and medical records, ensuring accuracy, security, and compliance with regulations such as HIPAA.
• Healthcare Marketing Manager: Develop and implement marketing strategies for healthcare organizations, focusing on community outreach, patient acquisition, and brand management.
• Quality and Risk Management Coordinator: Monitor and evaluate the quality of care provided in healthcare facilities, identifying potential risks and developing strategies to mitigate them.
• Insurance Claims Analyst: Review and process healthcare insurance claims, ensuring that they are accurate and comply with relevant regulations and policies.
• Health Policy Analyst: Work in government or non-profit organizations to analyze healthcare policies, assess their impact on the population, and make recommendations for improvement.
• Healthcare Consultant: Provide expert advice to healthcare organizations on improving efficiency, reducing costs, and enhancing the quality of care. This role often involves analyzing current operations and recommending strategic changes.
• Hospital Department Coordinator: Assist in managing specific departments within a hospital, such as the emergency department, oncology, or surgery, focusing on administrative and operational tasks.

The average salary for BHA graduates varies across the country, with a median salary of $91,680.

SNU's Bachelor's in Healthcare Administration program is uniquely designed to provide students with a well-rounded, faith-based education that integrates Christian values with the essential skills needed for healthcare management. The program’s comprehensive curriculum covers key areas such as financial management, healthcare operations, and human resources, all while emphasizing ethical decision-making and compassionate leadership. A standout feature of the program is the Healthcare Administration Practicum, which gives students the invaluable opportunity to take the knowledge they have gained in the classroom and apply it to real-world situations in healthcare settings. This practical experience, combined with personalized attention from experienced faculty and a commitment to student success, makes SNU's program a distinctive and powerful choice for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the healthcare industry.

Students enrolled in the Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration program at SNU can expect a well-structured and flexible learning experience that accommodates various needs. The program is designed to be flexible, allowing students to balance their studies with personal and professional responsibilities, making it suitable for both traditional students and working professionals.

SNU offers asynchronous learning, enabling students to complete coursework online at their own pace. This flexibility is ideal for those balancing studies with work or other obligations, while maintaining rigorous academic standards to prepare students for the healthcare industry.

The Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration program at SNU offers students personalized attention from experienced faculty professionals in the healthcare field. These instructors are knowledgeable and committed to mentoring and supporting students throughout their academic journey. A key aspect of the program is the practicum, which provides students with the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills they’ve learned in the classroom to real-world healthcare settings. This hands-on experience is invaluable for bridging the gap between theory and practice, giving students a competitive edge in the job market. Students can expect a well-rounded, flexible, and supportive educational experience that prepares them for successful careers in the healthcare industry.

This program costs $475 per credit hour, with 36 hours totaling $17,100. 

SNU has an active network of healthcare administrators through partnerships, internships, and practicums across Oklahoma, Texas, and the United States! Networking opportunities exist online, and while job placement is not currently offered, there are multiple opportunities for in-person networking at SNU career fairs, the annual Women in Leadership Symposium, and SNU's monthly Business and Leadership Network.

Completing a Healthcare Administration degree at Southern Nazarene University offers students a well-rounded education that combines academic excellence with ethical leadership, practical experience, and strong support. This unique combination prepares graduates to succeed in the dynamic healthcare industry while making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Credit hours: 3
This course will explore the components, structure, and organization of the US healthcare system.  Utilizing a historical perspective and understanding of current healthcare trends, students will evaluate the components, structure, and organization of the US healthcare system. Students will incorporate knowledge of healthcare finance, HR issues, healthcare provider types, cost, access and quality of care, accreditation and governing bodies, reimbursement and payment systems to assess and critique current healthcare reform.

Credit hours: 3

This course examines adult life experiences as a foundation for experiential learning. By reflecting on the concepts of adult development theories and an individual's personal life experiences, the course will explore how those factors influence and help individuals to interpret life situations and circumstances in terms of relationships, personal decision making and future applications.

Credit hours: 3

This course will examine the vital role of external and internal communication and marketing in the overall success in a highly functioning healthcare organization. Students will identify and practice effective communication and marketing campaign strategies to enhance health outcomes. These skills will be developed in the context of health literacy; patient, provider, and family caregiver communication; and how these relate to disparities in health outcomes.

Credit hours: 3

This course will examine leadership theories, skills, styles and their implementation in the healthcare organization.  Students will compare concepts of morality, codes of conduct, cultural competence, diversity and the role of ethics in the healthcare environment.

Credit hours: 3

This course will explore and analyze the basics of the US legal system and healthcare law.  Topics include local, state, federal regulatory mandates, medicare, medicaid, patient rights, HIPAA, and how they affect delivery of healthcare in the United States.

Credit hours: 3

This course examines fundamental concepts of accounting and finance in the healthcare industry with which students will design cost control strategies and create a financial analysis.  Students will explore budget development and execution, reimbursement and financial outcome measures in the healthcare environment.

Credit hours: 3

This course introduces students to the basic healthcare organizational structure. Students will develop strategic approaches useful for leaders to accommodate change and ensure compliance with healthcare policies and regulations.  Utilizing Porter's 5 forces, students will analyze case studies, perform SWOT analysis, and address problems facing healthcare leaders and develop practical measurable solutions.  

Credit hours: 3

This course reflects the mission statement and the goals of Southern Nazarene University. It is committed to fostering increased awareness of the Bible which is foundational to understanding Western culture and history. The three major western faiths-Judaism, Christianity, and Islam-are rooted within the Holy Scriptures. The course content and format are not designated to intimidate, indoctrinate, or to evangelize. The course is designed to set the Bible in its historical and literary context. The Biblical heritage will then provide the student with rich resources to creatively understand his/her faith in the contemporary world.

Credit hours: 3

This course will examine risk management and quality assurance are critical components to leading effectively in healthcare. Students will analyze and compare/contrast quality improvement methods and initiatives in order to increase patient safety, improve healthcare outcomes and reduce risk without compromising the quality of healthcare services.

Credit hours: 3

This course will explore foundational human resource management principles.  Students will examine and apply human resource concepts to recruitment, selection, training, and development of a diverse workforce as well as the challenges of retaining qualified healthcare professionals.

Credit hours: 3

This course will utilize basic IT principles to explore topics related to the privacy and security of electronic health records, storage and analysis, telemedicine, cloud computing, documentation, federal and state regulatory issues.  

Credit hours: 3

This practicum will provide students the opportunity to gain about 60 hours of hands-on experience in their chosen field during the 5-week course.  Students will work under direct supervision of senior level professionals at an approved organization. Emphasis will be placed on developing an in-depth understanding of the relationship between the business, provider, and patient or customer in a healthcare setting.