Associate of Science in Healthcare Administration Online

Program Overview

Herzing University's Associate in Healthcare Administration program provides a solid foundation in healthcare administration, preparing students for entry-level administrative positions. The program covers medical terminology, healthcare management, healthcare systems, and patient privacy. Graduates are qualified for roles such as Administrative Support Specialist, Medical Secretary, and Patient Service Representative.

Program Outline

Outline:

Program Curriculum and Classes

Herzing University's associate in Healthcare Administration program provides students with a solid foundational understanding of the health care environment and knowledge necessary for entry-level administrative positions in healthcare.

Program

Monthsi

Associate and Associate of Applied Science in Healthcare Administration 16 60

Required Healthcare Courses

All Courses, 18.00 Semester credit hours, are required.

HC 101 - Medical Terminology

00 This course introduces common medical terms through the analysis of word components. Emphasis will be placed on the structure of terms-Greek and Latin roots, prefixes, and suffixes. A medical vocabulary will be developed through the study of the anatomical structures, physiological functions, diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, and pathologies of the body systems. Terminology will be practiced through the use of common abbreviations, spelling, pronunciation and definitions.

HC 120 - Introduction to Healthcare Management

00 This course is designed to provide students with a foundational understanding of the roles healthcare managers perform within varied settings in the healthcare field. Using the theories and principles of healthcare management, the student will examine the responsibilities of a healthcare manager as well as how they work with other healthcare professionals. Students will explore different types of job opportunities and conduct a talent inventory to identify their strengths.

HC 150 - US Healthcare Systems

00 This course is designed to focus on diverse healthcare systems found in the U.S. The course will examine how healthcare systems are created, managed, and the type of care they provide. Students will be introduced to hospital ownership as well as how healthcare is delivered in the U.S.

HC 220 - Delivery of Healthcare: Public and Private

00 This course introduces students to the delivery of public and private healthcare. The course explains past, present, and future influences in U.S. healthcare delivery. Students will be introduced to causes, characteristics, and key components of healthcare delivery including: financing, insurance, delivery, and payment. Curriculum will cover provider organizations and settings in healthcare; processes enabling effective delivery of healthcare services to patients; and coordination of healthcare services. Students will also explore key components of healthcare utilization in the Unites States.

HC 230 - Health Policy

00 This course is designed to provide students with an introduction into health policy. This course will explore the complexity of health policy making process, policy influences on health care costs, and current health policy as it applies to the US health care system. This course will also explore how stakeholders influence the policy making process.

HC 250 - Conflict Resolution

00 This course is designed to introduce students to concepts and principles of managing and resolving individual and group conflicts in the healthcare industry. Students will explore conflict, human/social interaction, and group theories to develop skills and knowledge needed to analyze complex conflict and dispute situations at workplaces. Students will understand how to involve the appropriate parties in resolution of conflict, conduct constructive negotiations, and determine dispute resolution policies and interventions. Students will explore constructive alternative dispute resolution (ADR) processes and procedures.

MC 120 - Patient Privacy

00 This course will introduce students to the foundational principles of patient privacy and security of personal health information. Students will understand the confidential and sensitive nature of medical information and how to protect it. The course will emphasize the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) privacy and security rules, patient rights and reporting requirements.

Open Electives

A minimum of 16.00 semester credit hours of open healthcare or related electives is required. Selection or transfer of courses will be in consultation and with the approval of the student's academic advisor. Any resulting deficiency in the total of 16.00 semester credit hours may be made up with additional healthcare courses.

Note:

General education transfer credits are applied under general education.

General Education Requirements

Students enrolled in this associate degree must complete a minimum of 24.00 semester credit hours in general education distributed among the following disciplines. Refer to the General Education section of the catalog for specific information about courses within each discipline. 00 Semester Credit Hours in Communications 00 Semester Credit Hours in Humanities (must include 3 semester credit hours of cultural diversity) 00 Semester Credit Hours in Mathematics 00 Semester Credit Hours in Science 00 Semester Credit Hours in Social and Behavioral Sciences

Personal and Professional Development

00 semester credit hours are required.

PD 121 - Professional Development I

00 This course is designed to introduce students to methodologies that will prepare them for academic and professional success. Topics include but are not limited to Canvas support, student support services, e-books, university policies, resumes, self-reflection, time management, goal setting, and strategies for anxiety reduction.

PD 202 - Professional Development II

00 This course provides an opportunity for students to critically examine their skills and develop a plan to further their career and own financial literacy. Topics include research, job searching, developing career documents, refining interview and communication skills, and creating a personal budget.

Careers:

“Health administration” covers many possible roles. Many job openings will require a bachelor’s or master’s degree. However, earning an associate degree will qualify you for many different entry-level administrative positions.

A sampling of job titles for this program include:

• Administrative Support Specialist
• Administrative Coordinator
• Medical Secretary / Administrative Assistant
• Patient Service Representative
• Operations Assistant

Our associate degree in healthcare administration offers you a foundation for further career advancement should you decide to follow a pathway to Herzing's Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration program. Beyond this, you may also continue into our MBA in Healthcare Management.

Job outlook

As the demand for skilled healthcare professionals continues to grow, administrative support positions are expected to rise over the next decade. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of medical secretaries is projected to increase by 7% from 2022-2032, faster than the average across all U.S. occupations.

Position yourself best to qualify for entry-level positions in the growing field of healthcare administration by earning an associate degree in less than 2 years.