Health Administration

Health administration majors study the ideas, processes, and regulations that make up the health care industry. They learn how to plan, evaluate, and deliver health services, as well as how to manage finances and personnel. They study business procedures, health issues, and the laws that affect the health care industry. Health administration is a combination of business and health and majors typically take courses related to both. Business-related courses, such as management, financial accounting, and marketing, help students understand the practice and procedures of running a health care organization. Health-related courses, such as health law, epidemiology, and policy making, educate majors about the issues and concerns within the health industry. Majors may also take courses concerning topics such as ethics and the health sciences, long-term care and aging, and risk management and safety in health services.

A degree in health administration can prepare individuals for careers in various areas in both the private and public industries. Employment opportunities are typically available at hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, corporate offices, mental health organizations, insurance companies and diagnostic laboratories. Common job titles include hospital administrator, wellness director, community relations coordinator, emergency services manager, medical records technicians and chief financial officer. Those with strong organizational and leadership skills and a passion for improving the health of others, should consider pursuing a major in health administration. A degree in this field might also interest those who are interested in the business side of the health industry and desire to improve it.