Health Services Administration Associate's Degree
Would you like a career in the medical field but aren't interested in working directly with patients? Are you looking for a way to qualify for entry-level jobs in the health services? You may want to consider completing an associate's degree program in health services administration. Schools offering Health Care Administration degrees can also be found in these popular choices.
What Health Services Administration Associate's Degree Programs Are Available?
Health services administration associate's degree programs aren't common; however, some are available. The field of study may be known as health care administration or medical office management. Additionally, you can earn an associate's degree in various allied health areas that qualify you for some entry-level office positions or you can use your associate's degree as a foundation for further education and training.
How Do I Get Started?
If you have no experience in the healthcare administration field, you can complete an associate's degree program in health care administration. This program will provide you with the introductory skills in document processing, business communication, management and finance. The curriculum explores database application, keyboarding, medical law, anatomy and physiology, ethics and human resource management.
You gain hands-on training with word processing, accounting and medical coding software. Emphasis is placed on understanding medical insurance and records management. You are introduced to office procedures and medical transcription.
Are Online Programs Available?
Some institutions may offer online programs at the associate's level in health services administration. In order to participate in online coursework, you must have an up-to-date computer with Internet access to log on to online learning platforms. In addition to online coursework, you must complete field experience.
What Will My Career Be Like?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), an associate's degree program is enough to gain you positions as a medical secretary (www.bls.gov). The BLS projected a faster than average growth of 11% for secretaries and administrative assistants from 2008-2018. The median annual wages for medical secretaries was $31,820 stated the BLS.
However, a master's degree in healthcare administration is a common requirement for health services administrators and managers. A bachelor's degree is usually enough to get you hired for entry-level positions at smaller medical offices, the BLS said. An associate's degree in medical services can often qualify you for enrollment in a medical services administration bachelor's degree program.
To continue researching, browse degree options below for course curriculum, prerequisites and financial aid information. Or, learn more about the subject by reading the related articles below:
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Associate's Degrees in Medical and Health
