To earn a bachelor's of science in healthcare administration, you first must apply and gain admission to a college or university that offers that program. Maintaining a satisfactory grade point average while taking prerequisite classes in subjects such as economics, accounting and biology can help you gain admittance to the specific program, after which you must complete all coursework requirements with satisfactory grades. If you are a full-time student, then earning a bachelor's of science in healthcare administration likely will take around four years, or eight semesters, to complete. This degree may allow you to enter the field of medical management or healthcare administration right after graduation, or you may need to earn a master’s degree in this field to truly begin your career.
After gaining admission to a school that has this program, you normally must successfully complete general education courses that are required for every student, including certain courses in English, science, social studies, mathematics and other academic disciplines. While taking general education courses, which typically require from a year to two years to complete, you should declare your major and your intent to earn a bachelor's of science in healthcare administration. Some departments offering this degree may have particular requirements, such as a satisfactory grade point average or an admissions interview and application.
Earning a bachelor's of science in healthcare administration, like most college degrees, requires a widely diverse range of knowledge and skills. This degree likely will require courses about the healthcare field, health laws and regulations, business management and healthcare ethics. In addition, some such programs also may require courses in technology, health-related information systems, health insurance and health sciences. To pass these courses successfully, you likely will have to pass exams, write essays and complete class activities such as research papers and field projects. If you already are working in the healthcare industry — many people seek this degree a way of advancing an already established career — then prior work experience may earn class credit.
Most programs will require that you maintain a certain grade point average in your major course work. If you do not maintain the required grades, then you may be placed on academic probation or suspension or removed from the program entirely. While earning your degree, you will need to meet intermittently with your adviser, who will help you develop and pursue a plan of study to meet all program requirements, for which you will be responsible. In addition, you may have to complete clinical work or an internship to graduate.