If you want to build a career for yourself in the healthcare industry, you will need the right education. Often, that means earning a Bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration. This degree prepares students to take on leadership and management roles within different healthcare settings.
For many aspiring healthcare professionals, choosing an online healthcare administration degree offers the flexibility to balance school with work or personal responsibilities. An online program in healthcare administration typically allows full-time or part-time study and caters to undergraduate students seeking structured, career-focused coursework.
These programs cover essential business, policy, and administrative concepts tailored to the realities of the healthcare system. Online learning platforms enable students to progress on a schedule that suits them, making this a viable option for those already working in the field or returning to higher education.
The online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Healthcare Administration program from Aurora University (AU) offers a flexible and accredited path for students aiming to join or advance in the healthcare field. This guide outlines what to expect from your degree program, helping you compare options and make an informed choice.
What You’ll Learn: Core Courses and Competencies
A healthcare administration degree emphasizes building both technical and leadership skills. As a student, you will gain a solid foundation in topics like healthcare policy and organizational strategy. This expertise is key when it comes to managing complex healthcare environments. Here are some of the main areas of focus:
- Healthcare management fundamentals: These courses discuss the organization and rules of the S. healthcare system.
- Public health and population health: Topics examine how health administrators support community wellness and fair care.
- Decision-making and problem-solving: Students learn to assess data and use policy frameworks.
- Healthcare administration courses: The curriculum covers strategic planning, ethics, and legal aspects of healthcare leadership.
- Critical thinking: There is a focus on building abilities that support practical application in healthcare environments and other sectors.
Common Electives and General Education Requirements
In addition to their core curriculum, students will finish their education with elective courses and general education classes. These courses sharpen their skills in finance, technology, policy, and other relevant fields.
A multifaceted and interdisciplinary approach is necessary in today’s healthcare environment. And electives, along with a general education, are instrumental in this approach. These offered electives may include, but are not limited to:
- Health information management: Explore how patient data and records help with care coordination and meeting policy requirements.
- Information systems and IT: Study the technology that drives decision-making and simplifies healthcare delivery.
- Healthcare finance: Learn about reimbursement and financial responsibility in medical settings.
- Wellness and public policy: Learn how to evaluate the factors that affect community health and access to care.
- General education: Develop essential skills in writing, communication, and critical thinking.
These courses are designed to help students graduate with comprehensive skills that will fast-track their careers. They are intended to support both immediate job readiness and long-term growth.
Prepare to Pursue a Career in Healthcare
Explore how Aurora's online BS in Healthcare Administration provides a foundation for taking on leadership roles in a variety of healthcare settings.
Explore DegreeAdmission Requirements and Enrollment Process
Applying to a healthcare administration degree program online is straightforward, but you do need to be prepared. Aurora University’s admission requirements evaluate academic readiness and the potential for success in the program. Here’s what prospective students will need to provide:
- High school diploma or equivalent: Those without an Associate degree and/or 60 hours of transfer credit must provide proof of high school graduation or a completed GED. Applicants with fewer than 15 hours of transfer credits must provide a high school transcript and ACT/SAT scores. Those who do not have ACT/SAT scores can be reviewed as test optional.
- College transcripts: Transfer students should submit official transcripts that include prior credit hours earned elsewhere.
- Minimum GPA: A GPA of 2.0 is generally required, though some applicants may be considered with additional documentation.
- Application form: Complete Aurora University’s online application and submit any requested documentation.
- Additional requirements: Application requires a background check, drug test, and TB test.
Once materials are submitted, students can choose a start date from one of AU’s rolling admissions periods. Interested students can request information through the university website to get personalized enrollment guidance and timelines.
Why Choose Aurora University’s Healthcare Administration BS
Aurora University’s online Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration degree gives students the tools they need to succeed in a competitive field. At the same time, it offers the flexibility and credibility students need to thrive. This is especially pertinent for working professionals, parents, or active-duty service members. The program is designed to meet various learning needs. Here’s what makes it stand out:
- Flexible online program: Study from anywhere with fully asynchronous online courses.
- Accreditation: Aurora University is regionally accredited, ensuring the quality and transferability of credit hours.
- Flexible pacing: Full-time and part-time options allow students to set a schedule that works with their lifestyle.
- Student support: Access academic advising, career services, and tech support throughout your degree program.
- Support for active-duty military: AU offers tailored resources and tuition assistance for service members.
Where a Healthcare Administration BS Can Take Your Career
Graduates with a Bachelor of Science in healthcare administration are prepared for roles in hospitals, nursing homes, insurance companies, and medical practice groups. These positions often involve leadership responsibilities, such as coordinating operations, managing staff, and improving patient care outcomes.
Degree holders have plenty of opportunities. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) notes that the employment rate for health services managers will grow by 23% from 2024 to 2034; that is much faster than average.
Sample Careers in Healthcare Administration | ||
| Job title | Typical settings | Key responsibilities |
| Health services manager | Hospitals, clinics, HMOs | Oversee operations, manage budgets, supervise staff |
| Practice administrator | Private medical practice | Coordinate care delivery and office functions |
| Long-term care manager | Nursing homes, rehab centers | Ensure compliance, manage teams, support patients |
| Program coordinator | Healthcare organizations | Lead specific service areas, track performance |
| Facility manager | Healthcare facilities | Maintain safety, coordinate logistics, manage vendors |
This career path offers broad opportunities to work with diverse healthcare professionals and providers while contributing to improved delivery of care across the healthcare system.
Beyond Your Bachelor’s: What Comes Next?
A Bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration is a strong foundation, but it can also be the first step toward advanced credentials and leadership roles. Many graduates choose to pursue a Master’s degree in areas like health administration, public policy, or business to deepen their expertise.
Taking one of these graduate paths can open the door to more opportunities, like executive-level roles in healthcare delivery systems and long-term care facilities. There is also the option to specialize in strategic planning, community health initiatives, or healthcare policy.
Whether students aim to lead in hospitals, government agencies, or nonprofit health organizations, the skills built during undergraduate study support continued academic and professional growth.
Benefits of Studying Healthcare Administration Online
An online healthcare administration degree is ideal for students who need flexibility. They may want to further their education while managing work or family responsibilities. There are several advantages to this format:
- Real-world application: Apply what you learn immediately in your current job or internship setting.
- Flexible scheduling: Study on your own time, whether that’s full-time or part-time.
- Supportive online program structure: Access resources from anywhere so you can thrive in the online healthcare environment.
- Cost-effective path: Save on commuting, housing, and complete your degree with more flexibility.
- Alignment with industry needs: Courses are built to reflect the evolving healthcare system and patient care
Paying for Your Degree
Financing a degree doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Most students qualify for some form of financial aid, including grants, scholarships, or federal loans. Aurora University’s financial aid advisors can help students understand their options and apply for assistance.
Transfer credits can also reduce the time and cost needed to complete your degree. By applying previously earned college credits, adult learners and returning students may fulfill core requirements more quickly. Additionally, military students may qualify for tuition rate discounts or reimbursement benefits.
Effective financial management of your education begins with understanding credit hours, planning ahead, and using all available resources to minimize expenses.
How to Choose the Right Online Healthcare Administration Program
Not all online programs are created equally. When considering a healthcare administration program, evaluate how well the school aligns with your career goals and academic needs. Keep the following factors in mind:
- Accreditation: The program should be accredited, meaning it is recognized for its high standards in higher education.
- Student outcomes: Look at graduation rates and job placement statistics; alumni success stories can also indicate how graduates have found work in healthcare organizations.
- Faculty quality: Look for experienced instructors with real-world backgrounds in human resources, healthcare policy, or strategic planning.
- Support services: Academic advising, career support, and tech assistance are all important for success in an online degree.
- Curriculum relevance: Confirm that the Bachelor of Science degree includes courses that cover human resource management and leadership roles in health organizations.
- Career alignment: Choose a program that prepares you for advancement in healthcare organizations and broader healthcare policy
Evaluating these areas will help you identify the right online program to meet your goals in the healthcare sector.
Ready to Earn Your Healthcare Administration Degree?
A healthcare administration degree offers a powerful entry point or next step into one of the nation’s most essential and dynamic fields. With the flexibility of an online program, students can advance their education without pausing their careers.
This degree builds a foundation in decision-making, leadership, and the real-world skills required to manage operations within the U.S. healthcare system. Whether you’re new to the industry or seeking advancement, the career opportunities are broad and growing. AU’s online Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration program delivers an accessible, accredited pathway to meet your goals on your schedule.
FAQ
Do you have questions about earning a degree in healthcare administration? Here are the answers to some common ones:
What is the best online school for healthcare administration?
The best online program is one that’s accredited, flexible, and offers strong academic and support services. Look for programs with experienced faculty, access to career advising, and a curriculum aligned with today’s healthcare needs. Aurora University checks these boxes with a respected healthcare administration program designed for real-world outcomes.
Is a healthcare admin degree worth it?
For many students, yes. The role of medical and health services managers offers strong demand and 23% projected job growth through 2034, per BLS. Median pay was $117,960 in 2024. It suits early-career professionals, career changers, and those seeking leadership roles in the healthcare industry.
What is the best degree for a healthcare administrator?
A Bachelor of Science in healthcare administration is widely considered the most relevant degree for entering or moving up in the field. It prepares students for roles such as medical office manager, health services coordinator, and long-term care administrator, positions that require knowledge of policy, finance, and organizational management.
Can you be a healthcare administrator from home?
Yes. Some of these jobs do require you to work in the office, but many administrative positions are now hybrid or remote. You can handle tasks like strategic planning, budgeting, and human resource coordination from home. This reflects broader remote trends in healthcare administration.
