You shouldn't have any trouble finding a bachelor's degree program in health care administration. It's a rapidly expanding field. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 26% increase in health care administration jobs over the next decade. Colleges and universities nationwide are responding to the demand by instituting a range of health care administration programs.

But how to choose between them? First and foremost, make sure any institution you consider is accredited. Then clarify your professional aims, asking yourself the following questions:

• What is my ultimate educational goal? A master's degree is the preferred qualification in this field, and many bachelor's programs are designed to prepare students for graduate level work. If you expect to head straight into the industry upon graduation, find a program that emphasizes applied training.
• Where would I like to work? Your job description depends in large part on the work environment you choose. A small private practice will require a broader set of skills, so administrators will need to have a comprehensive background in everything from finance to patient intake procedures. A large hospital, by contrast, will allow for greater specialization and offer upper-level management opportunities.
• And most importantly: Which area of health care administration interests me most? health care administration spans a range of disciplines, and different programs emphasize different skills. Are you a number cruncher? Do you have your eyes set on an upper management position? Do you shine in an organizational role? Are you a people person? Depending on your answers to these questions, you may choose a program that emphasizes finance, business administration, human resources, information management technology, insurance billing, or patient services.

Once you've thought through your goals and researched programs, you can choose the program that best suits your lifestyle, considering factors such as the time to completion (for a bachelor's, anywhere from two to four years) and cost. Whatever you decide, you can rest assured that you're entering a profession with bright prospects and earning potential in the years to come.