Health Care Administration Career Path

What is health care administration?
The field of health care administration combines politics, business and science in managing the human and fiscal resources needed to deliver effective public health services. If you go into this profession, you might work in administration or resource development, in the public or private sectors. You might specialize in planning, organization, policy formation and analysis, finance, economics or marketing.

Bachelor’s Degree Information
A bachelor’s degree is enough for some entry-level positions in health administration, a few senior-level positions in smaller operations and for some middle-management jobs in larger organizations. Many schools and colleges offer undergraduate degrees with a concentration in health services management. The purpose of a baccalaureate education in this area is to provide the initial education for professional careers in health services management. Degrees in other areas, such as business, nursing or liberal arts may also qualify you.

Where is a bachelor's program?
San Diego State University (SDSU) and University of California San Diego (UCSD) offer programs.

Master’s Degree Information
A master’s degree is required for almost every position in the health care management field. In the past, most students chose the traditional route of a master’s degree in health administration or public health. Today, however, students are investigating other options, including graduate degrees in business and public administration, with course concentration in health services management. Some schools offer a joint degree — a master’s degree in both business administration and public health, or in both health care management and law, for example. Graduate programs generally last two years and lead to a master’s degree. They include coursework in health care policy and law, marketing, organizational behavior, health care financing, human resources and other health care management topics. This program may also include a supervised internship, residency or fellowship.

Where is a master's program?
San Diego State University (MPH Health Services Administration and MBA Healthcare Management) and UCSD (MBA) offer programs.

Are there any scholarships available? 
To learn about financial assistance, visit scholarships for school and training programs.