Explore Healthcare Administration associates degree online programs. Compare schools and see what you might be doing after graduation.
Earning your healthcare administration associates degree online may help you learn skills that every medical facility needs.
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You may learn to provide administrative leadership that can help teams function smoothly and keep offices running well.
What Will You Learn in a Healthcare Administration Associates Program?
To navigate your way around a medical office, you’ll often need to know a little about diagnoses and procedures. To prepare you for that, you’ll take basic classes in medical terminology.
Many of your studies, though, will focus on the business aspects of healthcare. These topics may include billing, privacy laws, human resources, finance, and quality management. Associate’s degree curricula vary among schools, but your program may feature classes similar to those listed below.
- American Healthcare System: This course will give you an introductory overview of the healthcare structure used in the U.S. It will include coverage of reimbursement systems, including private health insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid.
- Coding and Billing: Keeping patient records and getting reimbursed for treatments requires using a complex coding system.
- Finance in Healthcare: This class may cover topics like accounting, debt, and billing.
- Health Informatics: This course will introduce you to the types of records that are collected and the systems used for data management in healthcare settings.
- Healthcare Ethics: This class is likely to cover patient privacy laws and other regulations that govern healthcare practices.
- Human Anatomy: You’ll get to know the parts of the body in this class and learn how they function and work together.
- Management in Healthcare Offices: You’ll learn how doctors and nurses care for patients, diagnose their conditions, and provide treatment. The course will also cover ways to communicate with patients and medical staff. You may learn what happens when patients need further care, such as lab work or referrals to another office.
- Medical Terms: Taking this course will familiarize you with the language used in healthcare practices.
You may also take general education classes, such as college math and composition. Completing a gen ed core can help you transfer your associate’s degree credits into a bachelor’s program someday.
Healthcare Administration Careers & Salaries
Getting your associate’s degree online in healthcare administration is a smart first step in becoming a healthcare manager or administrator. With this degree, you’re likely to play an integral role in the office of a medical facility.
To start, you may work as a medical records technician, a medical secretary, or a health information technician. Your responsibilities may include gathering patient data, updating records, and keeping files organized. Other tasks may include greeting patients, answering questions, consulting healthcare providers, and submitting billing information.
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As you gain experience, you may be able to move into an office management role. Further education may be required, as well. As a manager, you might supervise other office or facility staff and oversee the coordination of care services. Junior staff may refer patient complaints or complicated billing issues to you.
Many organizations may benefit from the services of trained healthcare administrators. This includes general practitioners’ and specialists’ offices. Hospitals and emergency rooms need these professionals as well. Other medical establishments, such as the offices of dentists, orthodontists, mental health therapists, and audiologists, may also hire healthcare administrators. You may even work in a long-term care facility, such as a nursing home or an inpatient rehab center.
How Much Can You Make with an Associates Degree in Healthcare Administration?
Careers in the healthcare industry are currently on the rise. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 15% growth rate for healthcare positions in the next 10 years. Here are some of the relevant jobs that you may pursue with an associate’s degree in healthcare administration.
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Medical or Health Services Manager | $104,280 |
| Medical Records or Health Information Technician | $44,090 |
| Medical Secretary | $37,350 |
| Medical Assistant | $34,800 |
| Medical Transcriptionist | $35,270 |
You may need a specific certification to do some of these jobs, such as being a transcriptionist. Others, particularly management roles, may require additional experience or education.
However, majority of jobs in this field mainly require either an administration or management degree. If you were wondering which pays more between healthcare administration and healthcare management, they are both very comparable with healthcare management typically having a slightly higher annual salary.
Professional Organizations for Those with an Associates Online Healthcare Degrees
Healthcare administrators can help one another improve their skills and elevate the profession. For your opportunity to network with others in your field, join a professional organization for healthcare workers.
- AAPC: This organization is for those who deal with medical billing and coding. By joining, you can watch free webinars and become certified in your field.
- American Association of Medical Assistants: AAMA serves medical assistants who do administrative or clinical work. Membership benefits include legal counsel and discounts on certification exams.
- American College of Health Care Administrators: Leaders in healthcare administration network through membership in ACHCA. You can join a local chapter, participate in online discussions, and attend the annual convention at a discount.
- American Health Information Management Association: If you work in coding, medical records, or health informatics, consider joining AHIMA for industry publications and an online library.
- Association for Healthcare Administrative Professionals: AHCAP is for administrators who work alongside healthcare executives. The membership benefits include free webinars, discounts on college classes, and opportunities for certification.
- Health Care Administrators Association: HCAA advocates for self-funded healthcare plans and supports those who work as third-party administrators and in related pos Members receive newsletters, sales tools, and online resources.
The more you put into your organization, the more you may get out of it. Consider attending meetings or conferences, engaging in online discussions, signing up for webinars and courses, and reading the newsletter regularly. You may be able to serve on a committee.
Accreditation for an Online Associates Degree in Healthcare Administration
Before you enroll in classes, it’s always a good idea to check whether a college holds regional accreditation. The best healthcare administration associate’s degrees come from accredited schools.
Accreditation is a sign that a school consistently produces satisfactory academic results. Students that graduate from those colleges have had to work hard for their degrees and put real effort into learning the material. They have skills and abilities that are valuable in the workplace.
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On the other hand, a school without regional accreditation lacks proof of a consistent record of success. Its programs haven’t been shown to meet academic standards. You might get a decent education there, but you might not.
So that you can count on getting a reliable, thorough education, it’s smart to enroll in an accredited school. In fact, accreditation is so important that federal financial aid can usually be used only for accredited programs.
Financial Aid for a Healthcare Administration Degree Online
Earning a two-year college degree may be significantly less expensive than a four year degree. Even still, higher education isn’t cheap. You might reduce the cost by applying for financial aid. Some financial aid comes without any expectation of repayment. This includes grants and scholarships. Grants are issued by state or federal government programs.
Scholarships are given by various private groups. These may include clubs, corporations, and philanthropic organizations. Other scholarships are given out by colleges. You may also need to take out loans that you’ll repay after graduation. The loans with the lowest interest rates usually come through government programs. Private loans may be an option as well, but they might cost you more in the long run.
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To learn more about the financial aid that is available to you, fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The results of this application will be used to determine your government assistance and may be used by other aid-granting organizations as well.
If your college education might benefit your current workplace, it’s possible that your employer will cover a portion of your costs. You should also consult your school’s financial aid department.
What Is the Abbreviation for Associates Degree in Healthcare Administration?
The abbreviation for associates degree in Healthcare Administration is AS in Healthcare Administration or AAS in Healthcare Administration. AS means that it’s an Associate of Science degree. AAS is for an Associate of Applied Science.
How Long Does It Take to Get an Associates Degree in Healthcare Administration?
Getting an associate’s degree through full-time study is usually a two-year process. It requires earning around 60 credit hours, often over four traditional semesters.
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You may be able to finish more quickly if you select a school that offers accelerated healthcare administration degree programs. Each course may last around eight weeks, and you’ll go year-round until the work is complete. With this type of schedule, you may be able to finish your degree within 12 to 20 months.
Universities Offering Associate’s Degree in Healthcare Administration Online
Methodology: The following colleges and universities are fully accredited and offer online associate degree programs in Healthcare Administration.
Established in 1967, Bossier Parish Community College is a public educational institution in Louisiana that offers two-year associate degrees, professional certificates, and diploma programs for students who are looking to transfer to a four-year college or advance in their chosen careers.
BPCC offers a variety of program options, including social science, nursing, business, engineering, theater arts, and more. There are many activities on campus throughout the year.
- AS in Health Care Management
Bossier Parish Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Cambridge College’s Associate of Science in Healthcare Administration can be earned 100% online. Two concentrations are available within the program: Healthcare Reimbursement and Medical Office Administration.
Students can access their coursework from anywhere with an internet connection, at any time, making this a great fit for many working adults. Classes are taught by faculty members with real-world experience.
- AS in Healthcare Administration
Cambridge College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Central Christian College began in 1884 as a private learning facility under a different name and location. Today CCC is in McPherson, Kansas, and offers many programs that lead to either an associate or bachelor-level degree.
CCC has a variety of online programs allowing students to achieve their educational goals off-campus. Not only is Central Christian College proud of the academic success they provide, but they also take pleasure in the spiritual guidance provided to its students.
- AA in Healthcare Management
Central Christian College of Kansas is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Ranked among the top universities in the West by U.S. News & World Report, Colorado Christian University was founded in 1914 as a private institution to serve the educational needs of the Rocky Mountain region. CCU has degree paths that lead to either an associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral level of education. They have a multitude of majors to choose from and offer most of their programs online as well.
- AS in Healthcare Administration
Colorado Christian University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Established in 1965, Colorado Technical University is a private university offering programs leading to undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees.
Ranking top in their online programs by U.S. News & World Report, CTU has an extensive list of majors that include nursing, business, engineering, technology, and more. Colorado Tech is known globally for its online degree programs that not only allow for more flexibility in the education process but also make the school more military and veteran-friendly.
- AS in Health Administration Services
Colorado Technical University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Florida Tech opened its doors in 1958 and over the years has established itself as a college of distinction. Privately owned, Florida Institute of Technology is a research-based university that offers an array of programs that help students earn a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees.
FIT closely aligns their academics with research-driven activities, high-tech advances, and hands-on experiences to help students reach their full potential in their field. They are a globally diverse community reaching students both on-campus and online.
- AA in Healthcare Management
Florida Tech is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Guilford Technical Community College offers an AAS in Medical Office Administration—Healthcare Administration. The curriculum is designed to help students earn their Microsoft Office Specialist Certification as well. The degree can be earned on campus or online. The online classes are designed to provide flexibility for students who also work full-time.
- AAS in Medical Office Administration – Healthcare Administration
Guilford Technical Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Herzing University is a private college that began in 1965 and was one of the first colleges offing education for the computer industry.
With more than 30 undergraduate, graduate, diploma, and certificate programs, Herzing offer a well-rounded education in a variety of programs, including majors in nursing, business, healthcare, technology, and more. There are nine campus locations across the United States, as well as online programs in most study areas.
- AS in Healthcare Administration
Herzing University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Founded in 1967 under a different name, Iowa Central Community College is a public two-year educational institute that offers both on-campus and online curricula to help students achieve the educational needs.
ICCC has diploma and certificate programs in a variety of fields and provides an assortment of associate degree programs that can transfer into a four-year college. Students can get An Associate of Arts degree in over 50 majors and 30 majors in an Associate of Applied Science.
- APS in Health Care Administration
Iowa Central is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools.
As one of Florida’s largest private universities, Keiser University has grown significantly since opening doors in 1977.
Offering degrees at the associate, bachelors, masters, and doctoral levels, Keiser University global educational experience to students on any of its 21 Florida campuses and in many off-campus sites around the world. They also offer most programs via distance learning to help more students succeed. Keiser has a vast array of programs, including those in marketing, business, technology, and more.
- AA in Health Services Administration
Keiser University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Manor College began as a private Catholic school in 1947 by the Byzantine Ukrainian Sisters of Saint Basil the Great. Manor College offers both associate degrees and bachelor’s degrees in several majors, including health, science, business, and education.
They pride themselves on acceptance and are open to all faiths to help build their diverse community and share educational experiences. Manor College is home to The Ukrainian Heritage Studies Center, where they preserve impressive folk art and their Ukrainian Library.
- Associate’s degree in Healthcare Administration
Manor College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Founded in 1964, Montgomery County Community College is a public postsecondary school in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania. MCCC has two satellite sites that offer students more access to computer labs, an art gallery, and the Culinary Arts Institute.
Montgomery County Community College helps students achieve educational goals by providing a wide assortment of programs that can lead to career certificates or an associate degree. Students also have access to a variety of online programs.
- AAS in Health Services Management
Montgomery County Community College is fully accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
The New England College is a private educational facility that began in 1946. Offering nine associate programs, 37 bachelor’s programs, 12 master’s programs, and one doctoral program, NEC believes in a hand-on curriculum so students can get valuable experience as they learn.
By partnering with other local educational institutes thought the New Hampshire IDEA Network of Biological Research Excellence, NEC shows they are committed to using research studies to help engage leaders in science, technology, and health care.
- AS in Healthcare Administration
NEC is regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Founded in 1912, Northcentral Technical College is a public postsecondary school located in Wausau, Wisconsin.
NTC offers a path to associate degrees, diplomas, and program certificate in many vocation fields. All of their programs can be accessed online or face to face fashion. With programs in accounting, business, marketing, nursing, and much more, NTC has programs for every individual to have the opportunity to succeed.
- Associate’s degree in Health Care Business Administration
NTC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Beginning in 1961, Oklahoma State University – Oklahoma City has grown into a notable public educational institution that offers more than 40 degrees and certificate opportunities.
With both associate and bachelor programs in one of six fields, OSU- Oklahoma City has set a pathway to success for thousands of students. Some of the programs students take advantage of include health sciences, human services, liberal arts, STEM programs.
- Associate degree in Health Care Administration
Oklahoma State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Established in 1900, Rasmussen College is a private postsecondary educational facility that offers a variety of degree programs ranging from associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees.
RC’s seven primary schools are designed to give students the flexibility to obtain a degree in disciplines including health sciences, design, business, justice studies, education, nursing, and technology. As a military-friendly school, Rasmussen College helps service members get the training they need to advance in their career paths.
- Associate’s degree in Healthcare Administration
Rasmussen College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Founded in 1968, Terra State Community College is a public college in Fremont, Ohio. Offering a variety of certificate, diploma, and associate degree programs, Terra State CC excels in the health, business, and technology fields.
Terra State Community College dedicates itself to helping professionals in the community grow and achieve their goals. They also offer on-site noncredit programs to help train learners in workforce skills.
- AAS in Health Care Administration
Terra State Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
As one of the largest public community colleges in Texas, Tyler Junior College found its beginning in 1926. Over the years, TJCC has grown to be a staple in its community, offering professional growth to thousands every year.
TJCC has over 100 majors and offers degrees more than 70 associate degrees and two baccalaureate degrees. They also have workforce certifications for those who need credentials to move up in the career world.
- AAS in Healthcare Administration
Tyler Junior College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Wake Technical Community College in Raleigh, North Carolina, first started its path to a highly established educational institute in 1963. Today this public community college offers a multitude of associated degree programs in areas such as health science, technology, engineering, and humanities.
There are certificate programs in a variety of professional fields that are non-degree credit courses. WTCC strives to engage learners through both online and in-class programs.
- AAS in Healthcare Administration
Wake Technical Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Waldorf University is a private university founded in 1903. Providing pathways to associate, bachelor, and master’s degrees, Waldorf University delivers programs such as business, communication, education, history, theater, and much more offered through both on-campus and distance learning opportunities. With multiple programs and concerts every year, Waldorf’s theater program is an integral part of the Forest City community.
- AA in Health Care Management
Waldorf University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Is an Associates Degree in Healthcare Administration Worth It?
Yes, an associates degree in Healthcare Administration is worth it for many students. The Bureau of Labor Statistics is projecting 15% job growth in healthcare occupations over the next 10 years. Common careers in this field include medical transcriptionist, medical secretary, medical coder, cancer registrar, and health services manager.
Healthcare organizations need dedicated professionals who know how to keep organized records, work with office software, speak in medical terms, communicate with patients, and process billing statements. Gaining these skills through an online associate’s degree program in healthcare administration may help prepare you for essential roles in this growing field.
To get started in healthcare administration, you may take a look at online associate’s degree programs. Submit applications to your favorites so that you may begin studying medical terminology, healthcare ethics, and office management.
