Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration
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NU’s Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration Degree
Degree:
Bachelors of Science in Healthcare Administration
Application:
$0 application fee. No essays/exams.
Lead the Future of Healthcare, Without Working in a Clinical Setting
The healthcare system is evolving faster than ever, and it needs skilled leaders who can adapt, innovate, and manage change. If you’re drawn to healthcare but prefer to work behind the scenes, National University’s Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration (BSHA) is your path to a rewarding, non-clinical leadership career.
Our curriculum is designed with the real world in mind. You’ll explore how today’s healthcare leaders navigate complex decisions, manage rapid transitions to telemedicine and hybrid systems, and steer organizations through unprecedented challenges. Courses are taught by industry experts who bring current, hands-on experience to the classroom, ensuring you gain relevant insights from professionals in the field.
As a capstone to your education, you’ll complete an immersive eight-week project that puts your knowledge into action, giving you a competitive edge and real-world skills you can showcase to future employers.
Now more than ever, the demand for administrative professionals in healthcare is growing. Whether you aspire to manage hospitals, lead teams in outpatient centers, or oversee operations in public health organizations, NU’s BSHA program will prepare you to make a meaningful impact.
You don’t have to be clinical to care
Discover how you can lead, innovate, and thrive in healthcare, start your journey with NU today.
NU’s Bachelor’s Degree in Healthcare Administration Course Requirements
To receive a Bachelor of Science degree in Healthcare Administration, students must complete at least 180 quarter units as articulated below, 45 of which must be completed in residence at National University, 76.5 of which must be completed at the upper division level, and a minimum 69 units of the University General Education requirements. In the absence of transfer credit, additional general electives may be necessary to satisfy total units for the degree. The following courses are specific degree requirements. Refer to the section on undergraduate admission requirements for specific information regarding admission and evaluation. All students receiving an undergraduate degree in Nevada are required by State Law to complete a course in Nevada Constitution.
National University awards credit in quarter units, with each academic year divided into four 12-week quarters.
Each quarter is made up of three 4-week classes, with one class per month. Under the current policy, 4.5 units of credit are awarded for courses.
Healthcare Administration Course Details
PRogram Requirements
13 Courses
Personal Health
4.5 Quarter Units
Designed to assist individuals to establish health behaviors for optimal physical, emotional, and sexual health and maintain a healthy environment.
Healthcare Terminology
4.5 Quarter Units
Presentation of healthcare service terminology and word forms. Includes language describing health and disease. Emphasizes development of medical vocabulary employing the building of terms for application in understanding and analysis of medical records.
Financial Accounting Funds.
4.5 Quarter Units
A survey of basic accounting theory and the application of accounting principles, this course includes the recording and summarization of business transactions in the form of financial statements under the rules of generally accepted accounting principles. (GAAP). It is designed for students who have little or no prior knowledge of financial accounting, this course corresponds to Principles of Accounting I at other colleges.
Managerial Accounting Funds.
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: ACC 201
This course is an overview of the use of financial accounting and cost accounting data for the design and preparation of reports to aid management in organizing, directing, controlling, and decision-making functions. The topics include the fundamentals of cost accounting, budgeting and responsibility accounting for cost and profit centers.
One of the following:
Introduction to Psychology
4.5 Quarter Units
A survey of the field of psychology that provides an overview of the scientific principles and theories in psychology. Topics include: biological psychology, abnormal behavior, motivation, emotion, sexuality and gender, and personality theory.
Principles of Sociology
4.5 Quarter Units
Critical introduction to basic sociology concepts. Examination of major theoretical perspectives and research methods. Topics include: economic stratification, race, gender, family, deviance, complex organizations.
Intro to Biomedical Statistics
4.5 Quarter Units
An introduction to concepts, procedures and software used in the statistical analysis of data in the health professions.
Culture and Health
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: ILR 260
Focus is on the influence of culture and social determinants on illness, health, and rehabilitation. The relationship that culture, social and structural determinants plays in the health and wellness of both individuals and the community in which they live will be explored.
Introduction to Epidemiology
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: BST 322; ILR 260
Presents concepts and processes of this core public health discipline. Occurrence, distribution, effects, and control of diseases and conditions examined from a broad perspective. Applications of epidemiological methods included.
Chronic & Communicable Disease
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: ILR 260
Introduction to concepts of pathological process from a public health viewpoint. Consideration of historical and contemporary disease patterns based on an understanding of pathogenic, behavioral, and environmental dimensions.
Health Behavior
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: ILR 260
Considers the significant influence that individual and collective behavior exerts on health status. Relationships of behavior and social variables are examined, including natural and built environments, economics, and public policy.
Principles of Microeconomics
4.5 Quarter Units
In this course, students will study the price system, market structures, and consumer theory. Topics covered include supply and demand, price controls, public policy, the theory of the firm, cost and revenue concepts, forms of competition, elasticity, and efficient resource allocation, among others.
Principles of Macroeconomics
4.5 Quarter Units
This course provides an examination of aggregate economic activity. It includes a study of aggregate supply and demand, the monetary and banking systems, aggregate economic accounting, inflation, unemployment, the business cycle, macroeconomic policy, and economic progress and stability, among other things.
Cultural Diversity
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: ENG 102
Examines race, gender, ethnicity and class in 20th century American society. Introduces students to methods for studying the changing nature of our society and explores ways in which our increasingly urbanized and technological culture affects all aspects of professional and unskilled work. May involve work in oral history.
Requirements for the Major
15 Courses
Foundations of HC Leadership
4.5 Quarter Units
Recommended Preparation: Completion of all Coursework in Preparation for the Major
Foundational introduction to the healthcare management profession. Examination of the theories, principles, and styles related to leadership, administration, and management as applied to healthcare organizations. Focuses on evolving trends in management, management and leadership theories, and skills in planning, organizing, decision-making, staffing, leading, communicating and motivating health care personnel.
Legal/Ethical Issues & Health
4.5 Quarter Units
Focuses on legal and ethical concepts, principles of ethics and law and use in resolving ethical conflicts and dilemmas in health care. Scope of practice, informed consent, employee and patient rights and responsibilities, patient abuse, and the influence of finance and corporate culture will be explored. Sample cases will be analyzed.
Issues & Trends in Healthcare
4.5 Quarter Units
A history of the U.S. health care delivery system will be explored to understand the current issues and trends. The changing roles of the components of the system as well as technical, economic, political, and social forces effecting change will be discussed. Inpatient, outpatient, and long term care will be explored.
Health Informatics
4.5 Quarter Units
Innovative and best practice technology applications to support human health by individuals, professionals, care delivery organizations, and communities. Internet-based health resources, smart phone/mHealth applications, telehealth, and health-related social networks. Systems, standards, and policies to connect people and technologies securely across healthcare ecosystems.
Intro to HA HR Management
4.5 Quarter Units
Recommended: Prior completion of: all Coursework in Preparation for the Major.
Concepts of human resources in healthcare organizations, such as training, motivation and direction. Elements of employee selection, compensation, financial incentives, work standards, and leadership principles in healthcare organization considered.
Intro to HA QA Management
4.5 Quarter Units
Introduction to continuous quality improvement in healthcare. Includes evaluation and risk management methods. Introduces outcome measurement and case management fundamentals. Introduces team development, analytical statistics, and process knowledge themes.
Intro to Health Economics
4.5 Quarter Units
Recommended: Prior completion of: all Coursework in Preparation for the Major.
Introduction to the application of economics to decisions regarding the amount, organization, and distribution of healthcare services. Examine the structure, organization, activities, functions, and problems of healthcare from an economic perspective. Emphasis on management problems and policy issues in healthcare with regard to allocation of scarce resources.
Basic HA Budgeting & Finance
4.5 Quarter Units
Recommended: Prior completion of: all Coursework in Preparation for the Major.
Fundamentals of healthcare financial management and budgeting, including financial organization of healthcare services, sources of operating revenues, management of working capital, and allocation, control, and analysis of resources.
Case and Outcomes Management
4.5 Quarter Units
Focuses on case and outcomes management application to clinical practice. The case management and outcomes management processes, barriers, utilization review, legal and financial aspects of each and evidence-based healthcare will be explored.
Intro to HC Planning and Eval
4.5 Quarter Units
Recommended Preparation: Completion of all courses in Preparation for the Major
Development of planning strategies in healthcare organizations. Examination of planning methods from needs assessment through program design. Emphasis on strategic planning strategies.
Intro to HC Marketing
4.5 Quarter Units
Recommended Preparation: Completion of all courses in Preparation for the Major
Introduction to contemporary marketing theory, strategies, and implementation processes in healthcare organizations. Focus on identification of market opportunity, communication, planning and promotion, pricing decision-making, and development of distribution channels and service designs. Emphasis on community and not-for-profit marketing concepts.
Organizational Behavior
4.5 Quarter Units
A survey of the impact individuals, groups, and structures have on behavior within organizations for the purpose of applying such knowledge toward improving employee performance. A focus on work-related behavior with an emphasis on individual and group performance as it relates to organizational productivity. Exploration of the development of interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence, with a view toward equity and inclusion, to help all employees, supervisors, and managers improve their effectiveness.
Healthcare Politics & Policy
4.5 Quarter Units
Recommended: Prior completion of: all Coursework in Preparation for the Major.
Consideration of healthcare policy and politics. Consideration of the role of federal, state and local government healthcare public policy impact on health services.
Global Health Systems
4.5 Quarter Units
Recommended: Prior completion of: all Coursework in Preparation for the Major.
Examination of factors that impact global health systems; analysis of health care delivery systems and influential governmental, economic, social and political forces. Consideration of healthcare resource development and allocation.
Healthcare Capstone
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: HSC 300; HSC 310; HTM 310; HCA 400; HCA 401; HCA 402; HCA 403; HSC 430; HCA 405; HCA 407; HCA 409; HCA 425; HCA 450; ODV 420
Practical application of the knowledge and skills required for a healthcare administration professional in a healthcare agency. Students will be assigned to agencies according to their interests and the availability of an approved internship site. Two-month requirement. Grading is by S/H/U only. Course is eligible for In Progress (IP) grade. Graduates will enhance their opportunities for professional growth and job placement through carefully planned capstone experience. Healthcare administration involves the organization, financing and delivery of services to prevent and treat illness and disease, including programs that serve the public and private sectors at all levels—local, state and federal.
Career Outlook
Data Source: The career outcomes data presented is sourced from Lightcast, which provides insights based on real-time job postings, public datasets, and analytics. Lightcast derives its data from sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW), and the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES). While accurate and reliable, this data reflects general labor market trends and may not represent individual outcomes or specific local conditions. For more details on Lightcast’s methodology, visit their Data Overview.
Here are some careers this degree could prepare you for:
Please select the state you will work in to view job data in your area
- Top Jobs in this field
- Median Salary
- Job Openings
- Medical and Health Services Managers
-
$109,116
avg. salary (USA) -
59,306
job openings (past yr.) past year
ALl of USAMost Desired Skills
- Nursing
- Care Coordination
- Medical Records
- Electronic Medical Record
- Billing
- Social Work
- Auditing
ALl of USATop Companies Hiring
- UnitedHealth Group
- HCA Healthcare
- Merck & Co.
- Elevance Health
- Optum
- Theoria Medical
- Humana
- Medical Records Specialists
-
$50,145
avg. salary (USA) -
17,107
job openings (past yr.) past year
ALl of USAMost Desired Skills
- Medical Records
- Billing
- ICD Coding (ICD-9/ICD-10)
- Medical Terminology
- Medical Billing
- CPT Coding
- Medical Coding
ALl of USATop Companies Hiring
- Datavant
- HCA Healthcare
- Banner Health
- Intermountain Health
- Baylor Scott & White Health
- UnitedHealth Group
- Sharecare
- Medical Assistants
-
$44,056
avg. salary (USA) -
127,612
job openings (past yr.) past year
ALl of USAMost Desired Skills
- Medical Assistance
- Vital Signs
- Medical Records
- Electronic Medical Record
- Phlebotomy
- Patient Preparation
- Intravenous Therapy
ALl of USATop Companies Hiring
- Geisinger Health System
- UnitedHealth Group
- Optum
- United States Department of Veterans Affairs
- Providence
- HCA Healthcare
- Ascension
- Medical Secretaries
-
$44,637
avg. salary (USA) -
105,836
job openings (past yr.) past year
ALl of USAMost Desired Skills
ALl of USATop Companies Hiring
- Social and Community Service Managers
-
$76,025
avg. salary (USA) -
20,398
job openings (past yr.) past year
ALl of USAMost Desired Skills
- Social Work
- Human Services
- Psychology
- Discharge Planning
- Long-Term Care
- Case Management
- Mental Health
ALl of USATop Companies Hiring
- YMCA
- Genesis HealthCare
- State of South Carolina
- BrightSpring Health Services
- The Salvation Army
- State of Minnesota
- Boys & Girls Clubs Of Northeast Florida
BS in Healthcare Administration Program Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Differentiate the roles and perspectives of clinical practitioners, nonclinical staff, supervisors, and managers within healthcare organizations.
- Describe the management, leadership and healthcare theories and components of the health care delivery system in the United States.
- Evaluate the impact of factors that affect the policies, management and operation of healthcare organizations.
- Analyze quantitative and qualitative healthcare data and information for effective decision-making.
- Explain the legal and ethical principles and responsibilities of healthcare organizations to individual patient and community healthcare needs.
- Solve problems and improve performance in healthcare organizations using principles of accounting, law, financial analysis, human resources management, operations analysis, management information systems analysis, strategic planning, and marketing.
- Explain strategic and marketing priorities of healthcare organizations in relationship to the needs and values of a community.
- Describe the determinants and measurements of health and disease in the population and the responsibilities of healthcare organizations to individual consumers and the community.
- Demonstrate principles of collaborative leadership and team building strategies.
Healthcare Administration Bachelor Admissions
Transfer Students Welcome
Enrolling in a university is a big decision. That’s why our dedicated admissions team is here to guide you through the admissions process and help you find the right program for you and your career goals.
To that end, we’ve simplified and streamlined our application process, so you can get enrolled in your program right away. Because we accept and review applications year round, you can begin class as soon as next month, depending on your program and location of choice.
Learn more about undergraduate, graduate, military, and international student admissions, plus admissions information for transfer students. You can also learn more about our tuition rates and financial aid opportunities.
To speak with our admissions team, call (855) 355-6288 or request information and an advisor will contact you shortly. If you’re ready to apply, simply start your application today.
Pricing
The cost shown is the estimated price for this degree. Many National University students are eligible for scholarships or financial aid, which may substantially lower a degree program’s cost.
You can visit our Tuition Estimator to see what scholarships and discounts are available and get more information about expected costs. You can also start the application process and receive counseling from our Enrollment team on the costs of your degree
Scholarships and Financial Aid
National University is dedicated to making higher education affordable, as well as accessible. Through NU scholarship offerings, eligible students are able to reduce the financial burden of college, start classes sooner, and finish their programs faster while focusing on achieving their goals.
Accreditations
The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accredits public and private schools, colleges, and universities in the U.S.
Ranked top 10 in the nation for graduating students in the Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration program among online nonprofit 4-yr private Universities. It had the largest growth rate of graduates year-over-year in 2022.
Why National University?
We’re proud to be a Veteran-founded, San Diego-based nonprofit. Since 1971, our mission has been to provide accessible, achievable higher education to adult learners.
Today, we educate students from across the U.S. and around the globe, with over 245,000 alumni worldwide.
“My favorite part of the program was the internship course at the end. The support, interaction, and collaborative working teams helped stretch my knowledge and mentor others just as I have been mentored throughout my career.”
Brandon Hauk-Ramirez,
Class of 2022
What makes a degree
with National University unique?
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Flexibility meets quality education with our online and in-person learning options.
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Military Friendly
Committed to serving those who serve — diverse resources and support for veterans and family. Military and Veteran Admissions.
Mentoring Network
Individual student and alumni career guidance, professional development opportunities, and customized career support.
Transfer Students Welcome
NU makes it easy to get your degree, even if you started it with another university. Learn more about transferring to NU.
Accelerate Your Career With NU
At National University, you’re part of a family. As a student, you’ll have the support of staff, faculty members, students, and alumni who will be there with you every step of the way, cheering you on as you pursue your goals.
Our network of 245,000 alumni is a large global community that provides our graduates with the professional connections to get a leg up in your new career.
FAQs
A bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration provides the educational background needed to pursue a career in healthcare management. You’ll receive the training, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills to be successful in your future job, which may include strategic planning for healthcare organizations, human resources recruiting, and promoting healthcare organizations through marketing.
Yes, if you’re interested in a meaningful and rewarding career that also challenges you, healthcare administration is an excellent choice.
Yes. The time commitment to earn this degree is two to three years, which isn’t long when you consider this degree will open doors to desirable jobs, give you a competitive edge in the job market, and potentially boost your salary.
A bachelor’s degree in health administration typically requires 180 quarter units and takes four years to complete, though many online options offer an accelerated curriculum for students who want to graduate in under four years.
Begin your path to a career in healthcare administration by first completing a healthcare administration bachelor degree. Participate in capstones and the capstone project to gain hands-on, applicable skills and the experience needed to prepare for the job you want. During this time, you can also network, make connections, work with your faculty mentor, and work on a resume with the help of NU’s Career Center, along with a list of references as you intern.
A BS in Healthcare Administration can open doors in a wide range of industries, including healthcare, social assistance, finance and insurance, professional, scientific, and technical services, educational services, manufacturing, and public administration.
Employers in this field are looking for skills in management, communications, leadership, operations, planning, coordinating, problem solving, customer service, business administration, and research. By earning your BS in Healthcare Administration from National University, you will be prepared to seek roles in the healthcare field such as:
- Practice Managers
- Area Supervisors
- Executive Directors
- Practice Administrators
- Revenue Cycle Managers
- Nurse Care Managers
- Project Managers
- Clinic Managers
- Revenue Cycle Consultants
- Revenue Cycle Management Specialists
- Program Coordinators
- Directors of Nursing
- Health Services Administrators
- Office Managers
- Medical Office Managers
- Audit and Reimbursement Leads
- Directors of Operations
- Patient Access Managers
- Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professionals
- LTSS Service Coordinators
SOURCE: Emsi Labor Analyst- Report. Emsi research company homepage at https://www.economicmodeling.com/company/ (Report viewed: April 22, 2022). DISCLAIMER: The data provided is for Informational purposes only. Emsi data and analysis utilizes government sources to provide insights on industries, demographics, employers, in-demand skills, and more to align academic programs with labor market opportunities. Cited projections may not reflect local or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth. Current and prospective students should use this data with other available economic data to inform their educational decisions.
National University offers courses both online and in-person, so you can study when and where it’s most convenient for you. By taking one healthcare administration bachelor course each month, you’re able to focus on one subject at a time. You’ll also be learning from practitioners in the field who’ll share their real-world insights from their on-the-job experiences.
At NU, you’ll never have to feel alone in your studies. You’ll have the support of your professors, faculty, staff, and a number of student services – from the writing center to the Veteran’s center, available from day one through graduation and even beyond as you pursue your future in healthcare administration.
Our admissions team reviews applications year-round, so you can begin your studies as soon as next month. We offer a number of grants and scholarships, and as a military-friendly Yellow Ribbon school, active-duty servicemembers and their immediate family members have access to tuition discounts.
A BS in Healthcare Administration can prepare you for a career in one of the largest industries in the nation. Skilled healthcare workers are always in demand. And on top of that, healthcare administration professionals are in demand and often command high salaries.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of medical and health services managers is projected to grow 32% by 2030, which is much faster than other occupations, and their median annual wage for was $101,340 in May 2021.*
National University’s industry-current curriculum and market-relevant capstone experiences are designed to help you prepare for an important, in-demand career in:
- Hospitals
- Local, state, federal government
- Private and public health centers
- Health/dental/eye insurance companies
- Urgent care facilities
- Elderly care facilities
- Physician clinics
*Source: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/medical-and-health-services-managers.htm
Useful Links for Health Care Administration
Program Disclosure
Successful completion and attainment of National University degrees do not lead to automatic or immediate licensure, employment, or certification in any state/country. The University cannot guarantee that any professional organization or business will accept a graduate’s application to sit for any certification, licensure, or related exam for the purpose of professional certification.
Program availability varies by state. Many disciplines, professions, and jobs require disclosure of an individual’s criminal history, and a variety of states require background checks to apply to, or be eligible for, certain certificates, registrations, and licenses. Existence of a criminal history may also subject an individual to denial of an initial application for a certificate, registration, or license and/or result in the revocation or suspension of an existing certificate, registration, or license. Requirements can vary by state, occupation, and/or licensing authority.
NU graduates will be subject to additional requirements on a program, certification/licensure, employment, and state-by-state basis that can include one or more of the following items: internships, practicum experience, additional coursework, exams, tests, drug testing, earning an additional degree, and/or other training/education requirements.
All prospective students are advised to review employment, certification, and/or licensure requirements in their state, and to contact the certification/licensing body of the state and/or country where they intend to obtain certification/licensure to verify that these courses/programs qualify in that state/country, prior to enrolling. Prospective students are also advised to regularly review the state’s/country’s policies and procedures relating to certification/licensure, as those policies are subject to change.
National University degrees do not guarantee employment or salary of any kind. Prospective students are strongly encouraged to review desired job positions to review degrees, education, and/or training required to apply for desired positions. Prospective students should monitor these positions as requirements, salary, and other relevant factors can change over time.
Additional Disclosure
*Positions may require additional experience, training, and other factors beyond successfully completing this degree program. Depending on where you reside, many positions may also require state licensure, and it is the responsibility of the student to ensure that all licensure requirements are met. We encourage you to also review program-specific . Any data provided on this page is for informational purposes only and does not guarantee that completion of any degree program will achieve the underlying occupation or commensurate salary.
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