Health Administration Concentration

The increasing demand for healthcare administration professionals is astounding with a projected 17 percent growth rate through 2024 (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook).

Alongside the aging U.S. baby boomer population, whose active lifestyles are extending life expectancies, the demand for professionals to meet their healthcare needs is also increasing. A specialization in Health Administration prepares students to provide leadership, vision, and management for healthcare facilities such as hospitals, physician offices, group medical practices, home health care agencies, outpatient clinics, and nursing care providers.

Students who pursue a Health Administration specialization select courses from the list below, or other approved Special Topics courses to fulfill the 12 credit (4 course) elective requirement. Elective course offerings vary by semester. Courses may be offered online or on campus.

*Certain specializations may vary in cost and schedule from the enrolled program (e.g. some specializations may be only available online or require class attendance outside of the regularly scheduled program times, such as on the weekends).

Introduction to Health Care Systems (HSA 6103) – 3 credits

Introduces students to the field of health services administration and to the responsibilities of managers of health care organizations. Includes the analysis of both the history and the structure of health delivery systems.

Healthcare Finance (HSA 6175) – 3 credits

Students are introduced to the public and private sources of payment for health care in the U.S. Includes Medicare, Medicaid, managed care options and the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

Organizational Behavior in Healthcare (HSA 6118) – 3 credits

Study of internal operations of healthcare organizations varying from hospitals to nursing homes, outpatient clinics, and assisted living facilities. Examine issues such as physician credentialing, utilization review, quality of clinical care, and accreditation of services.

Planning and Marketing in Healthcare (HSA 6108) – 3 credits

Study of the rapidly evolving U.S. healthcare market and its impact on the structure and functions of healthcare organizations. Examines changing patient demographics such as population aging, technological developments in such areas as pharmaceuticals, and government regulation of patient care.

Health Policy (HSA 6152) – 3 credits

An examination of the process of formulating and implementing health policy. Emphasis is on the utilization of health services research in the policy formulation process at the federal level.

Health Law (HSA 6425) – 3 credits

A comprehensive examination of health law issues affecting healthcare providers. Reviews case law decisions, statutes, and regulations involving such issues as patient care liability, malpractice, workmen's compensation, and legal responsibilities of health professionals.

Quality Management in Healthcare (HSA 6385) – 3 credits

This course is an introduction to Healthcare Management in Healthcare. It provides healthcare students the knowledge and skills that form the foundational platform of dependable, high quality job performance required by members of healthcare teams in various healthcare settings. Other major topics include: utilization management, risk management, case management, and reliability science.

Healthcare Operations (HSA 6937) – 3 credits

This course provides a foundation on which to develop such competencies. The course introduces students to fundamental Operations Management principles in the healthcare services context. Students will learn to recognize, diagnose, design, and apply operations concepts to create new and improve existing delivery systems. These concepts include operations strategy, process management, lean six sigma quality, patient satisfaction, patient safety, supply chain management, and innovation.

Intro to Business Analytics and Big Data (ISM 6404) – 3 credits

This course provides an understanding of the business intelligence and business analytics processes and techniques used in transforming data into knowledge and value in organizations. Students also develop skills in analyzing data using generally available tools, e.g., Excel.

Leadership Boot Camp (Optional) – 1 credit

Students in the MBA now have the option of completing our Health Administration Leadership Bootcamp course, which is a one-credit immersive experience offered during the program, in the Spring semester. The bootcamp is designed to teach critical leadership skills through practical experience, preparing students for the challenges and opportunities of providing quality healthcare in the 21st century. By inviting a cadre of industry leaders form multiple healthcare disciplines, you will be exposed to current information, trends, and expertise from professionals who are leading the way in their respective healthcare settings.