By Healthcare Administration Degree Staff
Posted February 2015
In this article, we examine the best small colleges for a bachelor's degree in healthcare administration for 2015.
A Bachelor's Degree in Healthcare Administration prepares students for a career in management, administration, and business within the health industry. One of the fastest growing sectors is healthcare is healthcare administration. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 73,000 health management and administrative positions are expected to be created between now and the year 2022.
Healthcare administrators are responsible for the oversight and management of hospitals, nursing homes, rehab centers, and physician offices. To secure a management position, technical skills and leadership ability must be acquired to effectively understand and regulate the ever-changing work environment.
Students are turning to small colleges that offer bachelor degree programs in healthcare administration. If you're considering a healthcare administration degree, and you value the intimacy of a smaller campus, consider the schools listed here.
For this ranking, we looked for selective small schools (undergrad population of 3000 students or less) that offer a bachelor's degree in healthcare administration, healthcare management, or a related field. We examined the institution types, accreditation, affiliations, awards, and rankings. We looked at the faculty strength and ratio, as well as the admission rate, retention rate, and average net price of the college. Based on these guidelines, we determined the 15 best small colleges for a Bachelor's in Healthcare Administration.
The institutions selected, and listed below, meet the following criteria:
• Have an admission rate of 50% or less (all exceed the national average of 63.8%)
• Institution type: public, private not-for-profit, four-year
• Must offer a bachelor's degree in healthcare administration, healthcare management, or a related field
• Regionally accredited
• Undergraduate enrollment of 3,000 students or less
Of note: The institutions listed here are done so in descending order by freshman retention rate (an indicator of student satisfaction), then by acceptance rate. It should be noted that the average freshman retention rate is thought to be approximately 66%. All data points are taken from College Navigator.
15. Warner University
Health Care Administration
Lake Wales, FL
Admission Rate: 34%
Retention Rate: 49%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 22:1
Undergraduate enrollment: 1,043
Average Net Price: $16,109
Located within the Adult & Graduate Studies Division, Warner University's Bachelor Degree in Health Care Administration is designed for working adults to maintain employment while finishing their degree in approximately 16 months.
The Health Care Administration program requires students to be at least 23 years of age and have a 2.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) on previous college coursework. To matriculate, students are required to meet the above conditions in addition to completing an application for admission, interviewing with a Warner University admissions representative, and transferring a minimum of 45 college credits.
Completion of the Health Care Administration program prepares students for positions as managers, administrators, and directors in a variety of health care settings. Graduates are also prepared to complete a master's degree in health administration. Financial assistance and tuition scholarships are available to those students who qualify.
U.S. News & World Report ranked Warner #5 among southern universities for ethnic diversity among its student population. Warner has garnered this recognition in consecutive years since 2006.
14. Concordia University – Texas
Healthcare Administration
Austin, TX
Admission Rate: 47%
Retention Rate: 48%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Undergraduate enrollment: 1,531
Average Net Price: $23,891
Concordia University's Bachelor of Arts in Healthcare Administration is designed for students to gain entry or advance their career in a variety of health care settings. Under the auspices of the College of Business, the curriculum is designed to provide students with a blend of academic knowledge and rigor while integrating practical real-world health care scenarios.
The BA in Healthcare Administration can be completed on campus or online, and is designed for working adults. Students enrolled in the on-line or on-campus iterations are given the opportunity to engage in a 16-week internship at an approved health care facility.
Graduates of the program are prepared for careers including clinical services directors, Medicaid auditors, health care IT coordinators, office and clinic managers, and department directors. In addition to employment readiness, students may also choose to pursue graduate studies in healthcare administration or a related discipline. U.S. News & World Report ranked Concordia 18th in its "America's Best Colleges" list of Regional Colleges in the West.
13. Northwood University – Texas
Health Care Management
Cedar Hill, TX
Admission Rate: 47%
Retention Rate: 48%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Undergraduate enrollment: 648
Average Net Price: $12,547
Located in Cedar Hill, Northwood University offers a variety of majors including a Bachelor of Business Administration in Health Care Management. The program is designed to prepare students for a variety of leadership and managerial positions in the health care industry.
The program is offered on campus or 100% online. Students study the business aspects of health care organizations such as accounting, health care economics, human resource management, and marketing. In addition, courses are also offered on the best leadership and organizational behavior practices within the context of the health care industry.
Graduates of the program work in a variety of health care related fields and positions. If they choose, students are also adequately prepared for graduate studies in health care management and administration. Typical positions offered to graduates include clinical managers, health care office managers, human resources directors, health care marketing directors, and hospital finance directors. Students with no prior health care experience are prepared for graduate studies or a wide variety of entry-level health care staff and administrative positions.
12. Belhaven University
Health Administration
Jackson, MS
Admission Rate: 48%
Retention Rate: 60%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Undergraduate enrollment: 2,749
Average Net Price: $21,860
Belhaven currently offers a Bachelor of Health Administration degree designed to prepare students for a wide variety of entry level and leadership positions in the health care industry. The curriculum is designed with a Christian worldview and integrates foundational knowledge of the health care industry with practical skills needed to succeed.
The degree consists of 124 total credit hours covering several disciplines and content areas including critical thinking, problem solving, health care law and ethics, health care finance, marketing, and information technology. The 124 credit hours are divided into 54 core credits, 40 general education credits, and 30 elective credits.
Students must be at least 21 years old and have one year of relevant work experience. The Health Administration program follows a rolling admission policy enabling students to start the program during any given calendar month.
Graduates work in a variety of entry level and managerial health care careers depending on work experience. Typical positions offered to graduates include health care office manager, Information Technology coordinator, nursing director, health care marketing director, and human resources officer.
U.S. News & World Report ranked Belhaven University #65 for Regional Universities in the South.
11. Bluefield State College
Health Services Management
Bluefield, WV
Admission Rate: 43%
Retention Rate: 60%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Undergraduate enrollment: 1,747
Average Net Price: $11,227
Bluefield State offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Services Management designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills required to enter or advance into a career within the health care sector. The mission of the Health Services Management program is to create world-class health care workers and managers for today's complex health care environment. The program is also designed to prepare students for a master's degree in health administration or a related field.
The baccalaureate degree is conferred once the student successfully completes the required 128 credit hours. Opportunities exist in a wide variety of health care settings including hospitals, retirement communities, surgical centers, medical equipment companies, pharmaceutical companies, government, and health care staffing.
Bluefield State is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and North Central Association.
The institution earned a top 50 ranking by U.S. News & World Report for the Best Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
10. Jefferson College of Health Sciences
Healthcare Management
Roanoke, VA
Admission Rate: 41%
Retention Rate: 61%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 9:1
Undergraduate enrollment: 1,039
Average Net Price: $22,022
The Jefferson College of Health Sciences Bachelor of Science Degree in Healthcare Management is a four-year baccalaureate degree designed to provide students with a broad base of knowledge and skills within the context of the health care sector as preparation for assuming entry level and leadership positions within a myriad of health care organizations and settings.
Since 2012, the Bachelor of Science Degree in Healthcare Management has been offered completely online. Online coursework is delivered to support synchronous and asynchronous delivery. These learning modalities provide flexibility for students without neglecting meaningful engagement between students and faculty.
The curriculum is designed to balance the theory and practice needed for today's health care leaders. Faculty bring years of experience working in academia and their respective health care fields, which gives students access to professionals who can impart their knowledge using real-world examples.
Students take a variety of courses pertinent to health care administrators and managers including marketing, law and ethics, finance, information technology, and organizational leadership. Jefferson College of Health Sciences programs are consistently ranked among the best health schools according to U.S. News & World Report.
9. St. Thomas University – Florida
Health Records and Information Management
Miami Gardens, FL
Admission Rate: 46%
Retention Rate: 62%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Undergraduate enrollment: 1,035
Average Net Price: $18,379
Located within the St. Thomas School of Leadership Studies, the Bachelor of Arts in Health Records and Information Management is offered to students seeking to leverage their current health care experience into a managerial or leadership position. Many of the students in the program are actively seeking to move from the clinical side to the administrative and business sides of the health care industry.
To be eligible for the program, students must have a minimum of 45 credits towards a health-related bachelor degree or have previous health care experience. Admissions requirements include an associate degree in health, medical or IT related field (or 45 semester credits), or a minimum of three years health care work experience, 2.0 cumulative grade point average, and a complete admissions profile.
The program is offered over 15 months and requires students attend full-time. Courses are five weeks and are delivered online. Students can begin their studies in January, May or August. U.S. News & World Report ranks St. Thomas University #113 in National Universities.
8. Gardner-Webb University
Healthcare Management
Boiling Springs, NC
Admission Rate: 48%
First-to-Second-Year Retention rate: 72%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Undergraduate Enrollment: 2,587
Average Net Price: $21,661
Gardner-Webb University's healthcare management degree is designed to prepare students who already have a background in business education or the healthcare industry, to obtain management positions in emerging healthcare fields. Highly credentialed faculty provides instruction to students in a motivating setting that instills Christian ethics and beliefs.
Faculty members offer professional experience and expertise in a variety of disciplines, interests, and industries. Small classroom settings offer one-on-one access to mentorship. Healthcare Management objectives include ethical perspectives across the curriculum, quantitative technique application, human relations management, organizational operations, and critical thinking and problem solving.
In 2015, U.S. News & World Report ranked Gardner-Webb as number 34 out of more than 130 schools among southern regional universities. The Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accredits Gardner-Webb to award Associate to Doctorate degrees.
7. University of Saint Mary
Health Information Management
Leavenworth, KS
http://stmary.edu/Healthcare-Informatics.aspx
Admission Rate: 47%
First-to-Second-Year Retention rate: 72%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
Undergraduate Enrollment: 890
Average Net Price: $15,611
The Bachelor of Science degree in health information management at University of Saint Mary positions graduates for a diverse and professionally focused career with four areas of emphasis. Students focus on management, information technology, classification systems, and research.
Technical skills are taught in a way that prepares students with management responsibilities for work in the health care industry. Students who graduate from the health information management program go on to work in public health agencies, hospitals, physician offices, research facilities, and consulting firms.
The University of Saint Mary is a private liberal arts university sponsored by the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth, who established the college in 1923. While listed as among the tier 2 regional universities in the Midwest, U.S. News, in its 2015 Best Colleges Rankings, did not rank the college. The University of Saint Mary received an RNP status, or Ranked Not Published.
The Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education accredits the university's health information management program.
6. Baptist Memorial College of Health Sciences
Health Care Management
Memphis, TN
Admission Rate: 46%
First-to-Second-Year Retention rate: 74%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Undergraduate Enrollment: 1,101
Average Net Price: $8,885
The health care management degree from Baptist Memorial College of Health Sciences is designed for the working adult who wants to complete a the degree in just nineteen months. The degree is considered an accelerated bachelor's degree in health care management that integrates various aspects of health care administration. A focus on financial, technological, and quality care is the primary aim of the degree.
Students develop career-building skills valuable to employers. Classes meet one evening per week, provide one-on-one interaction with faculty, and target material that is practical in the workplace. Classes provide supportive and encouraging atmospheres, inclusive of faith-based practice and values. Ethics and faith-based beliefs are modeled and taught by faculty. Faculty members hold doctorate degrees and offer hands-on experience with health care management.
Baptist Memorial College of Health Sciences is a private and highly specialized college that is operated by Baptist Memorial Healthcare. The Joint Review Committee on Allied Health Programs to Collegiate Nursing Education accredits programs at the school.
5. Trine University
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a Major in Healthcare Management degree
Fort Wayne, IN
Admission Rate: 30%
First-to-Second-Year Retention rate: 75%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 8:1
Undergraduate Enrollment: 438
Average Net Price: $13,593
Trine University offers a Bachelor of Science in business administration with a major in healthcare management. Graduates of the program go on to secure positions in human resources, information systems, nursing administration, patient care services, and government relations.
Courses offered at the school cover areas such as healthcare management, business core, business communication, and social science. The program prepares students for a career in healthcare management, with an emphasis on quality care and health services. The distinguished faculty found at Trine comes from various walks of life. All have earned advanced degrees from some of the best schools in the country. It is not uncommon for a former Certified Public Accountant or engineer with healthcare management experience to lead a class a Trine.
Trine University is a member of the Midwestern Undergraduate Private Engineering Colleges. North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCACS) and the Higher Learning Commission accredits the institution. The school is a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association and the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association.
4. Southern Adventist University
Long Term Care Administration Program
Collegedale, TN
Admission Rate: 38%
First-to-Second-Year Retention rate: 77%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Undergraduate Enrollment: 2,825
Average Net Price: $20,343
The Long Term Care Administration program at Southern Adventist University is under the umbrella of the School of Business and Management. Curriculum for the degree is similar to a bachelor of science (BS) in Business Administration, with the exception of four additional classes focusing on long-term care administration. An internship and Aging and Society class are also required for completion of the program.
If a student currently holds a business degree from another college, additional credits may be obtained from Southern Adventist to secure the Long Term Care Administration degree. Typically twenty additional credits are required. The National Association of Long Term Care Administrator of Boards accredits the program.
U.S. News & World Report ranks Southern Adventist University as one of the top-tier schools in the Southern Regional College category. The university is owned and operated by the Southern Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists and is considered one of the most highly conservative Seventh-day Adventist schools in the U.S. The Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accredits the university.
3. Oakwood University
Business Administration Emphasis in Health Care Administration
Huntsville, AL
Admission Rate: 44%
First-to-Second-Year Retention rate: 79%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Undergraduate Enrollment: 1,861
Average Net Price: $26,808
The private and historically black Oakwood University, located in Huntsville, Alabama, offers a Business Administration (B.B.A.) degree with an emphasis in health care administration.
Operating under the umbrella of the Department of Business and Information Systems, the health care administration program provides students with a Christian education in business while pursuing an interest in health care management and administration.
In order to graduate, students must complete coursework, which includes at least thirty hours of class work, while maintaining a minimum GPA of 2.00. All degree candidates must pass an exit examination offered during the fall semester of the senior year. Internships within the major area of study are required. A health care internship must include a minimum of 150 hours.
The university's external rankings include a number 31 position by U.S. News & World Report as one of the Best Baccalaureate Colleges in the Southern Region and a 28 position on the list of Best Historically Black Colleges. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accredits the institution.
2. SUNY Institute of Technology at Utica-Rome
Health Information Management
Utica, NY
Admission Rate: 48%
First-to-Second-Year Retention rate: 84%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Undergraduate Enrollment: 1,804
Average Net Price: $12,810
SUNY Institute of Technology offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Information Management. Graduates of the program are highly trained with the latest information management technology applications. Students are equipped with knowledge to understand workflow in any healthcare organization where providers care for patients. Employment settings include hospitals and private physician practices.
Coursework in the field of study includes general education requirements as well as health information management core classes. Core coursework includes all areas of healthcare management, including medical terminology to healthcare reimbursement. Accounting and human resource management are also a part of the curriculum. The program is designed to prepare students for a management role within the healthcare industry.
SUNY is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. The Health Information Management program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education. U.S. News & World Report ranks SUNY Institute of Technology as #106 in Regional Northern Universities.
1. Muhlenberg College
Business Administration – Concentration in Healthcare Management
Allentown, PA
Admission Rate: 46%
First-to-Second-Year Retention rate: 91%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Undergraduate Enrollment: 2,448
Average Net Price: $36,330
Business Administration with a concentration in Healthcare Management is a highly structured program at Muhlenberg College designed to prepare students for a management or administrative role in the healthcare field.
Six modules specific to the healthcare management industry complement the traditional business administration degree requirements. Modules may include marketing for healthcare, corporate strategy, healthcare finance, communications, and managerial economics.
Classes are structured to reinforce team-based learning and experiential approaches to the field of study. From lectures to open class discussions and presentations, students are encouraged to take part in their learning process.
U.S. News & World Report ranked Muhlenberg College #70 among liberal arts colleges in 2013. Princeton Review lists the institution as one of the best colleges in the northeast, out of approximately 218 schools. The U.S. Green Building Council also selected the college as one of the Top 286 Green Colleges in the United States. Nationally, Forbes ranks the university at number 132.