Bachelor of Science in Health Care Management
Bachelor of Science in Health Care Management
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Take the Lead in the Business of Health Care
100% Online Learning
Excelsior University’s fully online bachelor’s in health care management helps you build a strong career in the business side of the health care industry. With a focus on administrative leadership and interprofessional collaboration, you gain essential skills for managing modern health care facilities and prepare for jobs in medical office management, patient records, quality assurance, and project management.
In addition to business courses in economics, finance, and human resources, the engaging interdisciplinary curriculum teaches you tools to manage conflict, communicate with stakeholders, give formal presentations, and build effective teams so you can excel in this dynamic and challenging field.
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PROGRAM DETAILS
Online BS in Health Care Management
- General Education33 Credits
- Major Core45 Credits
- University4 Credits
- Electives38 Credits
Bachelor of Science in Health Care Management
- Year 1 - Term 1
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Information literacy is the ability to find, evaluate, interpret, and use information legally, ethically, and effectively. This course provides a broad overview of information literacy concepts, including the differences between academic and popular research methods, finding and evaluating sources, reading sources critically, writing with sources, and safely navigating information networks such as the internet. Students must complete information literacy within their first 13 credits at Excelsior.Prerequisites
NoneCredit Hours
1University Requirement -
The future: the only constant is change. The only certainty is uncertainty. So how do you prepare today for what might come tomorrow? In this introductory, interdisciplinary course unique to Excelsior University, you will learn through questions, not answers. You will challenge your prior assumptions, open your mind, and consider society s future dilemmas, progress, and crises. You will plan and question your own future your educational path, career trajectories, personal interests, ambitions, and mindsets. And you will build the foundational skills and flexibility of mind research and writing, critical thinking, argumentative reasoning, metacognition, and self-regulation to help you navigate the uncertainty and change of our future societies, workplaces, and selves. Note: This course must be completed with a grade of C or higher. Registration in this course is restricted to incoming students with fewer than 60 transfer credits. This course duplicates IND301 and CCS120. Credit for only one of these courses will be applied toward graduation. The Cornerstone cannot be completed in the same term as a Capstone course.Prerequisites
NoneCredit Hours
3University Requirement - Year 1 - Term 2
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In this interdisciplinary course, students will develop the analytical skills necessary to examine ethical issues in the workplace. Students explore conventional ethical theories and principles, develop ethical decision-making, and resolve common dilemmas. Students discuss the multiple challenges faced by professionals and identify ethical practices or codes that apply to each of their own professions.Prerequisites
NoneCredit Hours
3General Education: Ethics -
This class provides students with foundational knowledge and skills to prepare them for academic and professional writing. By analyzing the work of other writers, students will learn to approach writing from a rhetorical and genre-based perspective. They will practice sentence- and paragraph-level writing, learning to revise and correct their own work. They will also work on finding, documenting, and effectively integrating sources into a research-based essay. Both traditional (textual) and multimodal (textual and visual) composition will be addressed.Prerequisites
NoneCredit Hours
3General Education: Written English I - Year 1 - Term 3
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This course helps students to develop their skill as public speakers and oral communicators. Designed to provide students with a supportive environment where they can overcome the anxiety they may feel about public speaking, the class emphasizes techniques and practices for effective speech construction and delivery. Students will also develop critical thinking and listening skills. Students taking this course will need access to recording equipment for the purpose of creating podcasts, voiced-over PowerPoint presentations and videotaped speeches.Prerequisites
NoneCredit Hours
3General Education: Humanities -
In this course, you'll apply psychological principles and theory to your everyday life. In addition to foundational topics like psychology as a science, learning and memory, human development, and consciousness, you will learn about some more specific topics like stress and health, psychological disorders and therapy, and human sexuality. Concepts learned in this course can be applied in any career to better understand behavior, thought, and emotion. Note: This course uses lower cost interactive courseware instead of textbooks.Prerequisites
NoneCredit Hours
3General Education: Social Science & History - Year 1 - Term 4
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The goal of this course is to help students develop mathematical reasoning and problem solving skills that will serve them well in their lives both in and out of school. Topics will include the important real-world applications of measurement units, managing money, statistics in the media, the mathematics of voting, and mathematics in the arts and nature. Providing correct solutions to routine problems is not the goal; more important is the ability to communicate effectively about mathematical reasoning and to solve realistic, practical problems both collaboratively with other students and individually. This is a survey course introducing the student to a variety of mathematical topics. It does not prepare a student for future courses that require a knowledge of algebra (e.g. PreCalculus or Statistics).Prerequisites
NoneCredit Hours
3General Education: Math -
This course introduces students to the skills and theories of interpersonal communication, which are essential for building and maintaining successful personal and professional relationships. Students will evaluate the complicated interactions of psychological, social and cultural forces involved in interpersonal exchanges, while learning about personality traits, the perception of self and others, listening, managing conflict, and verbal and non-verbal communication.Prerequisites
NoneCredit Hours
3General Education: Humanities - Year 1 - Term 5
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This course is designed to help you improve your academic and workplace writing skills. The course emphasizes research-based, argument-driven writing. You will complete a research paper, a workplace proposal, and an oral presentation related to your academic discipline or profession. You will practice finding, evaluating, and citing sources; paraphrasing and summarizing; outlining and paragraphing; and revising and proofreading.Prerequisites
ENG101 English Composition I or ENG101A Advanced Composition ICredit Hours
3General Education: Written English II -
This course introduces the science of lifespan development and the concept of human growth as being a product of the interaction among the biology, psychology, and environment of the individual. This course examines the physical, cognitive, psychosocial, and environment factors across the lifespan. Students will explore, analyze, and present theories and evidence associated with developmental science from conception through death. Concepts learned in this course can be applied to any career focusing on health or human services and can help learners raise healthier children and live in more functional families.Prerequisites
NoneCredit Hours
3General Education: Social Science & History - Year 1 - Term 6
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This course will prepare you for accurate oral and written use of medical language in a variety of health care settings and from multiple practitioner perspectives. You will gain a practical understanding of medical terminology that includes basic elements and word structure, body references, and specific vocabulary of the human biological systems. You will learn to interpret medical language into common terms and the proper language structure when using medical terms.Prerequisites
NoneCredit Hours
3Major Requirement -
This is a course designed for students who need to complete the General Education requirement for math and science as well as for those considering majoring in the natural sciences. The course covers the major areas of study and aspects of life on our planet explored by biologists. The course moves from the cellular and biochemical level through all classifications of living organisms to the examination of ecology and the biosphere. Students will also spend time examining the process of evolution for both populations and species. There is a final project that the students will work on throughout their time in the course. This final project is a presentation that will utilize both audio and video recordings. Several discussions in the course will require audio recordings to be submitted. Students are expected to be able to access the appropriate technologies to complete these assignments. Freely available technology options will be provided in the course.Prerequisites
NoneCredit Hours
3General Education: Natural Science - Year 2 - Term 1
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This course provides the students with opportunities to explore the structure and function of the United States (US) health care delivery system. Students will learn about health care finance, settings for care, modes of delivery, the role of technology, and key trends in health care.Prerequisites
NoneCredit Hours
3Major Elective -
This course provides students with an opportunity to explore multiple aspects of professionalism in the health care occupations. Topics covered include cultural competence, legal and ethical issues, effective communication, interdisciplinary teams, and professional competence.Prerequisites
NoneCredit Hours
3Major Elective - Year 2 - Term 2
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This course offers an introduction to the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, research methods, and scholarship in sociology. Sociology is the scientific study of human social behavior, and this course examines several important sociological topics, including: culture; socialization; deviance; social inequality; social institutions; and social change. This course also explores various socio-historical and socio-cultural frameworks across the world, promoting an appreciation for unique cultural identities and institutions. Students will improve their analysis, understanding and interpretation of contemporary social issues in this rapidly changing world. This course encourages the practice of "doing" sociology through exploration of students' everyday social world, and the often invisible and taken-for-granted social forces that shape it.Prerequisites
NoneCredit Hours
3General Education: Sociology - Year 2 - Term 3
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This course focuses on the structure and function of the human body. Topics and body systems that will be studied include: the chemistry of life, histology and the integumentary system, skeletal and articulation system, muscular system, nervous system, sensory system and the endocrine system.Prerequisites
NoneCredit Hours
3General Education: Natural Science -
This is a laboratory course that utilizes simulations and hands-on experiments to study body systems that include: cells, blood, integumentary system, muscular system, nervous system, skeletal system and the endocrine system. Students use the scientific method in an experimental environment, learn and use safe laboratory practices, perform dissections, perform experiments, gather and analyze data, and present data and conclusions in scientific laboratory reports. (1 credit course)Prerequisites
NoneCredit Hours
1General Education: Natural Science - Year 2 - Term 4
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This course focuses on the structure and function of the human body. Topics and body systems that will be studied include: blood, the cardiovascular system, lymphatic and immune system, respiratory system, digestive system, nutrition and metabolism, urinary system and fluid balance, and reproductive systems.Prerequisites
NoneCredit Hours
3General Education: Natural Science -
This is a laboratory course that utilizes simulations and hands-on experiments to study body systems that include: temperature regulation and metabolism, fluid and electrolyte balance, digestive system, respiratory system, cardiovascular system, urinary system, the reproductive system, and human development and genetics. Students use the scientific method in an experimental environment, learn and use safe laboratory practices, perform dissections, perform experiments, gather and analyze data, and present data and conclusions in scientific laboratory reports. (1 credit course)Prerequisites
NoneCredit Hours
1General Education: Natural Science - Year 2 - Term 5
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Develops the statistical skills of collecting, organizing, summarizing, and analyzing information to draw conclusions or answer questions. Major topics include descriptive statistics, frequency distributions, probability, binomial and normal distributions, statistical inference, linear regression, and correlation. Duplication Note: MAT201 duplicates BUS233: Business Statistics, BUS 231 Business Data Literacy and MAT215: Statistics for Health Care Professionals. Credit in only one of these courses will be applied toward graduation. MAT201 also duplicates the Excelsior Examination MATX210. Students will receive credit for either the course or the examination, as both will not be applied toward graduation.Prerequisites
MAT101 Math for Everyday Life or MAT114 Intermediate AlgebraCredit Hours
3General Education: Statistics -
Should a manufacturer produce automobiles or ventilators? Should a local government intervene when sugar cane farmers in an area burn stalks to expose cane and the smoke results in a costly rise in asthma treatment among children in a state-run Medicaid program? In this course you will sharpen your ability to understand choices you or others face in a range of personal, professional and public contexts as you are introduced to the framework economists use to compare alternatives faced by individuals, businesses and governments. Governments uniquely make rules. Governments also impose taxes offer incentives and make choices to redistribute wealth, protect, regulate hiring and conditions of work, internet service and air quality. It may surprise you to learn how microeconomic tools introduced in this course can be applied in such diverse contexts to measure and compare relative costs and benefits.Prerequisites
NoneCredit Hours
3Major Requirement - Year 2 - Term 6
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Sexuality plays in a major role in each individual's life throughout the lifespan. This course is a critical inquiry through the lenses of theory and research into the psychosocial and physiological aspects of sexuality. Topics include the psychology of love, intimacy and relationships, sexually transmitted infections, sexual assault, gender identity, sexual orientation, and sociocultural influences impacting sexuality. This course increases student knowledge, ability, and skill in thinking about and discussing human sexuality in different contexts. The concepts explored and practiced in this course can be applied to any career in the health or human services. Note: This course uses a lower cost interactive webtext instead of textbooks.Prerequisites
Credit Hours
3Arts & Sciences - Year 3 - Term 1
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This course provides you with critical knowledge to fulfill the role of health care manager. In this course you will be introduced to US law, governing bodies, and regulatory controls that set standards for healthcare and challenge health care managers when addressing legal, financial, ethical, and quality control issues. You will investigate current trends and critical issues that have emerged in the 21st century, and you will explore ways in which health care managers can respond to these changes. You will learn about opportunities as well as challenges present in today's health care environment that are important to health care managers when managing conflict and making decisions within a health care organization.Prerequisites
NoneCredit Hours
3Major Requirement -
Ever wonder how Steve Jobs created such amazing products or Sarah Lewis used failure for creative success? Given the rapid changes in today s economy and workplace, creativity and innovation continue to be important skills that support career growth. Because employers continuously rate the ability to solve problems as an essential skill, this course is designed to introduce and strengthen a student s ability to move through logical problem-solving processes in order to creatively find solutions to problems that are personally or professionally relevant to them. Neuroscience research affirms that we all possess the same mental capacities as people with highly inventive minds, so students will study innovators and global thinkers who will show them the crucial techniques to increase their competency, sharpen their skills, and develop their innovative mindset.Prerequisites
NoneCredit Hours
3Arts & Sciences - Year 3 - Term 2
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Do you hear a lot about interest rates? How about negative interest rates? Macroeconomists consider interest rates and other economic variables because interest rates affect activities like hiring and firing of workers (employment) across a whole economy and even worldwide. You might care about interest rates because these affect borrowing costs. Interest rates also affect home and rental pricing and changes in pay on a yearly basis. In this course you will learn how economists measure and forecast economic factors like those mentioned here to assist state, local and federal governments in maintaining services to citizens, price stability and the broadest level of employment possible. You will also learn how powerfully macroeconomic factors affect you directly.Prerequisites
NoneCredit Hours
3Major Requirement -
One of the most pressing questions a student always has about any given course is, How will this class help me in the real world? A class on critical thinking is arguably the most useful and valuable course you can take, no matter what field of study you are pursuing. Not only will you learn how to effectively solve personal and professional problems and achieve goals, you will also deeply examine some of the most important issues in your life and persuasively communicate about them! From tackling real world situations and case studies, to evaluating arguments from a range of perspectives, you will have the opportunity to skillfully articulate positions, drawing from your own experience as well as aptly applying the solid critical thinking skills you acquire in this class. By the end of the course, you will have mastered the understanding that it is not so much what you know, but how skillfully you think!Prerequisites
NoneCredit Hours
3Arts & Sciences - Year 3 - Term 3
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This course is designed to help students master the art of professional communication. A broad range of topics is covered including professional presentations, meeting management and various forms of written communication. Issues related to communicate in the health care organizations and among health care professionals are also addressed.Prerequisites
NoneCredit Hours
3Major Requirement -
This course explores what happens when people become ill and how their experience of the care they receive from medical practitioners can affect and change their lives, for better or for worse. We look at current Western practices surrounding end-of-life care, the processing and acknowledgment of grief, and the tendency to deny our very mortality. We witness what people in stigmatized groups undergo when they seek medical treatment. And we confront what happens when a person, either ill or well, decides to end their life on their own terms. Throughout all of these explorations, we examine why empathy is crucial to both giving and receiving good care and how exposing ourselves to the arts can help foster empathy skills in those of us who live with, care for, and support the ill and dying.Prerequisites
NoneCredit Hours
3Arts & Sciences - Year 3 - Term 4
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This interdisciplinary course guides students through a systematic analysis of contemporary ethical issues in health care and human services. Students will use ethical theories, principles, and codes to develop ethical decision-making processes for addressing difficult ethical dilemmas that are often encountered by professionals in human services and healthcare fields. As legal policies and historical considerations often underpin ethical issues, students will become conversant in pertinent policies to better understand the complexities of the ethical issues encountered by professionals.Prerequisites
NoneCredit Hours
3Major Requirement -
This course is an introduction to microbiology. It covers the fundamental concepts of microbiology, including the study of bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, and algae. Students will explore the structure, function, genetics, and physiology of microorganisms, as well as their roles in the environment and human health. Microbiology covers the scientific methods necessary to understand microbial growth and metabolism and provides a historical perspective by reviewing the major scientific contributions that led to modern-day microbiology. Our scientific inquiry will include case studies, a variety of visual aids, virtual labs, discussions, and written assignments.Prerequisites
NoneCredit Hours
3Major Elective - Year 3 - Term 5
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This 8-week course introduces you to US law and the legal process in healthcare. The course highlights legal issues common within health administration, and provides a foundation for understanding the scope, limits and consequences of legal obligations. You learn about the governing bodies and regulatory controls which set standards for healthcare, and apply your knowledge in identification of legal issues often encountered in health administration.Prerequisites
NoneCredit Hours
3Major Elective -
Human resources has evolved over the years. However, some of the basic tenets of understanding still remain and are necessary for both employers and employees. In this course, students will uncover topics including the role and context of human resource management, fair employment practices, human resource planning, human resource staffing, performance management, employee development, employee compensation, and labor relations.Prerequisites
NoneCredit Hours
3Major Requirement - Year 3 - Term 6
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During this course you will investigate how research is conducted in the social sciences. You will learn research methods and techniques that you are likely to come across in your professional and personal lives. Throughout the course, you will have opportunities to apply the different research methods and techniques that you have learned. Lastly, you will leave the course with an understanding of research methods that will give you the knowledge and skills needed to gather, evaluate, and apply information and research findings.Prerequisites
ENG101 English Composition and MAT201 StatisticsCredit Hours
3Major Requirement -
This course introduces students to the field of health care economics. During the course, students will learn the concepts and principles of microeconomics as they apply to health care. Students will explore why and how health care differs from other markets. Topics to be covered include the cost of health care, government regulation, payment systems including insurance, and secondary markets including hospitals and physician practices.Prerequisites
NoneCredit Hours
3Major Requirement - Year 4 - Term 1
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This intensive course provides health care professionals with a comprehensive overview of the U.S. health care delivery system and the forces that influence it. Students will explore historical influences on the U.S. health care delivery system and examine the role of government, finance and policy in the health care arenaPrerequisites
NoneCredit Hours
3Major Requirement -
The course is an introduction to the language and issues of marketing with an emphasis on learning to develop responsive marketing strategies that meet customer needs. The course focuses on basic marketing concepts, the role of marketing in the organization, and the role of marketing in society. Topics include market segmentation, product development, promotion, distribution, and pricing. Other topics, which will be incorporated into the course, are external environment (which will focus on integrative topics with marketing, such as economics, politics, government, and nature), marketing research, international/global marketing with relevance to cultural diversity, ethics, the impact of technology on marketing, and careers in marketing.Prerequisites
NoneCredit Hours
3Major Requirement - Year 4 - Term 2
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This course is designed to guide students through the basic financial principles and techniques used by managers in health care facilities. The course focuses on the preparation and management of a capital and operating budget. Course is organized into eight modules based on the content outline with specific assignments and assessments for each activity that take students from conceptual discussion to practice exercises. Team assignments will simulate actual work experiences.Prerequisites
NoneCredit Hours
3Major Requirement -
Motivation can be thought of as what energizes and directs human behavior, and when studying motivation, researchers attempt to ask to questions: a) What causes behavior? and b). What causes behavior to vary in intensity? This course examines the major issues and theories that describe and explain human motivation across the globe. Individuals behavior is examined from biological, psychological, and social perspectives. Students will analyze and integrate information from empirical research in psychology, in order to develop an understanding of motivation that is applicable to all individuals, including students own lives. The concepts learned in this course can be applied to across a multitude of settings including leading, managing, counseling, nursing, teaching, and parenting.Prerequisites
NoneCredit Hours
3Major Elective - Year 4 - Term 3
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This course introduces students to the concept of diversity consciousness, a concept that goes beyond diversity training to develop an awareness and understanding of diversity in all its aspects. It examines the demographic variables that include race, ethnicity, culture, religion, age, physical and mental ability and gender and sexual orientation, as well as socio-economic class and family status. It emphasizes the skills needed in working with and supervising a diverse workforce and reviews the obligations and rights of both the employer and employee under the laws against discrimination enforced by Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in the USA.Prerequisites
NoneCredit Hours
3Major Requirement - Year 4 - Term 4
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This multidisciplinary undergraduate course is designed to introduce students to the role of information management in health care. During the course, students will explore benefits, issues, risks and challenges related to the electronic health record and other information systems in the health care environment. Students will also explore the field of consumer informatics and its use in providing health related information to health care consumers. The course will address the role of the health care provider in working with computers and information management systems in health care.Prerequisites
NoneCredit Hours
3Major Elective - Year 4 - Term 5
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This course focuses on the crucial behaviors of organizations at the individual, group/team, and organizational level. It examines how external and internal forces influence behaviors such as leadership, communication, management, employee motivation, engagement, and valuing diversity. The focus on domestic and global organizations includes private, public, and military organizations and the impact of organizational behavior on the effectiveness of the organization.Prerequisites
ENG101 College Composition or ENG101A Advanced CompositionCredit Hours
3Major Requirement - Year 4 - Term 6
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This course provides students with an opportunity to demonstrate their ability to integrate and apply knowledge of the arts and sciences, business functions and health care management principles and concepts. During the course, students will be evaluated on their knowledge and skills through their 1) participation in a group analysis of a health care management case study; 2) written analysis of a second case study; 3) presentation of a persuasive argument using a power point presentation with voice over; and 4) completion of a self assessment and professional development plan.Prerequisites
The Capstone must be the last course taken. All major core and university requirement courses must be complete. The capstone can be paired with 1 other course that is considered to be general education course (excluding courses to meet the Written English Requirement and the Ethics Requirement), a concentration course, elective, or lab course (even if the lab is in the major).Credit Hours
3Major Requirement
- Major Requirement
- General Education Requirement
- University Requirement
- Arts and Sciences Elective
- Concentration Requirement
- Prerequisite to Major Courses
* Denotes alternative courses are available.
ZTC Denotes a Zero Textbook Cost course.
View our catalog for additional information.
Explore Common Careers
Your Career
Can’t Wait
Area Supervisor
Manage operations, lead teams, and drive performance in a specific area within a health care organization.
Median Annual Salary:$48,000
Medical Office Manager
Manage patient records, handling payrolls, billings and office budgets and hiring and training administrative personnel.
Median Annual Salary:$101,000
12%
Job Growth
by 2033
Medical Records Manager
Work behind the scenes in health care facilities and anywhere else patient data is kept.
Median Annual Salary:$95,000
Practice Manager
Oversee the day-to-day workings of a health care facility and ensure the smooth functioning of the practice in providing high-quality patient care.
Median Annual Salary:$73,000
Revenue Cycle Manager
Maximize revenue, sustain cash flow, and ensure compliance with regulations while guiding teams of financial professionals.
Median Annual Salary:$95,000
I really wanted to invest in my education because I wanted to further my career, and the only way that I could further my career at my current job was by obtaining a bachelor’s degree. I feel like if I hadn’t done that, then I wouldn’t have the job that I do today.
Noelle Royal
Bachelor of Science in Health Care Management, 2024
Institutional Accreditation
Excelsior University is an accredited institution and a member of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE or the Commission) www.msche.org. Excelsior University’s accreditation status is accreditation reaffirmed. The Commission’s most recent action on the institution’s accreditation status on June 23, 2022 was to reaffirm accreditation. MSCHE is recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education to conduct accreditation and pre-accreditation (candidate status) activities for institutions of higher education including distance, correspondence education, and direct assessment programs offered at those institutions. The Commission’s geographic area of accrediting activities is throughout the United States.
All of Excelsior University’s academic programs are registered (i.e., approved) by the New York State Education Department.
FAQ
Health care managers play a crucial role in the success of health care facilities and the delivery of quality patient care. They need strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills, as well as a deep understanding of the health care industry.
Although not always required, certifications like Certified HIPAA Administrator (CHA) and Certified Medical Manager (CMM) can significantly enhance a health care manager’s career and demonstrate expertise, commitment to professional development, and adherence to industry standards.
You do not need prior health care experience to pursue a health care management degree. Although having experience can be beneficial, Excelsior University’s BS in Health Care Management program is designed to teach you the skills and knowledge you need to succeed, even if you do not have a health care background.
A career in health care management involves overseeing the operations of health care facilities, such as hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes. Health care managers are responsible for a wide range of tasks, including operations, financial management, patient care, and regulatory compliance.
High-paying health care management jobs include executive-level positions like chief executive officer, chief medical information officer, and chief financial officer. To increase your earning potential in health care management, consider pursuing an advanced degree like a Master of Science in Health Care Administration.
