Wednesday, 30 May 2012

Online Degrees in Hospice Administration: Program Overviews

Programs in hospice administration are rare, but health care administration is more widely available online. Bachelor's and master's degree programs in the subject prepare students for entry- and high-level positions in long-term health care administration.

Overview of Online Bachelor's Degree Programs in Health Care Administration

Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts in Health Care Administration programs are available online and serve as a good starting point for individuals interested in working in the industry. Some programs offer a specialization in long-term care management, which focuses on caring for the elderly. Health care administrators work closely with patients and doctors to deliver top quality health care. The majority of health care administrators work in clinics, home health agencies, doctor's offices and hospitals. This educational background may also lend itself to a career in hospice administration.

Program Information and Requirements

A bachelor's program traditionally takes four years to complete, but some online ones may be completed in two. Both online and hybrid programs exist. Students need access to a computer with high-speed Internet. Instructors blend traditional texts with modern technologies, such as online presentations and course management systems, to create a virtual learning environment. Students download recorded lectures and submit homework assignments online, and they communicate with their professors and classmates via discussion board and e-mail.

List of Common Health Care Administration Courses

Specialized courses are predominantly in topics related to health care administration, such as ethical issues, legal issues and project management. General education requirements, including English and math, must also be met.

Aging and Life Assessment Course

Students learn about the aging process through studies of psychometric assessment and reflection. Instructors explain modern and classic theories of adult development. A focus of the course is designing and implementing plans for personal, professional and academic development.

Law and Health Care Course

The class gives a comprehensive overview of the law and unique challenges posed by the health care system and its administrators. Access, affordability, health care interventions and human rights are focal points. Students look at the concepts of guardianship, quality assurance, risk management, review boards and special needs groups.

Aging in Contemporary Society Course

The course looks at aging from a vast number of viewpoints, such as biological, socioeconomic and geographical factors. Students look at some psychological issues involved in aging, including socialization, memory loss and self esteem.

Career Information

Individuals with a bachelor's degree in health care administration usually start off as assistants in hospitals, clinics, home health agencies or doctor's offices. In August 2010, the U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov) reported good job prospects in the field of health and medical services managers and expected an employment increase of 16% from 2008 to 2018.

Online Master's Degree Programs in Health Care Administration Overview

Bachelor's degree programs in health care administration commonly prepare graduates to pursue a Master of Health Care Administration. This degree is intended for individuals seeking leadership positions in the health care industry, such as administrators and managers. The curriculum gives students comprehensive, in-depth knowledge and practical skills needed for working in the ever-growing field of health care with classes that cover important topics, such as current practices, policies, procedures and challenges. A bachelor's degree in a relevant field is a prerequisite. Many students also have work experience.

Program Information and Requirements

A master's program in health care administration can usually be completed in 2-3 years. Students are able to complete the majority of the curriculum online; however, some programs may require short residencies for completion. Instructors use contemporary online teaching methods, such as online presentations, chat rooms and course management systems. Instructors and classmates communicate via e-mail.

List of Common Heath Care Administration Courses

Students acquire hands-on experience that is immediately applicable in their current employment. They study contemporary health care procedures, current policies and health management issues.

Health Care Administration Ethics Course

Students study ethical issues unique to heath care administration. Public policy, decision-making, clinical practice, legal issues and professional practice are special topics of interest.

Community Health Care Services Management Course

Students take an in-depth look at health care administration from a manager's point of view. They learn about a manager's responsibilities and involvement in community health care issues and study the development, implementation and evaluation of successful community health care programs.

Basics of Health Care Systems Course

This course gives students a broad overview of the U. S. health care system. Areas of focus include government agencies, financial issues, regulations, progressive innovations and alternative strategies.

Career Information

A master's degree is usually necessary for career advancement beyond the entry level. Graduates are poised to take on leadership positions in health care administration in hospitals, home health agencies, clinics and long-term care facilities. In August 2010, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated that 38% of medical and health service managers work in hospitals and 19% work in doctor's offices or nursing facilities. Payscale.com listed the salary range for hospice administrators to be between $61,445 and $81,203 in August 2010.

Continuing Information

Administrators at long-term care facilities must pass licensing examinations administrated by their state of residence after earning a bachelor's degree and completing a training program. They maintain their license by engaging in continuing education opportunities.

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