Associate degree programs in health care administration

With recent congressional action in health care, including policy changes, new laws and adjusted budgets, there's no doubt this fast-growing field is a point of focus in the United States. A degree in health care administration, whether at the associate, bachelor or graduate level, can help you capitalize on the "health care boom" by giving you the education and skills-set you need to get your foot in the door.

Earning a degree in health care administration online

A growing number of roles come into play as the U.S. health care system evolves. Because health care is a business, people with business administration savvy are in high demand--and you don't need to have an MBA or executive experience.

At any level, the right online degree can help make your credentials more attractive to a potential employer, or even to your current one. Furthermore, the flexibility of online study allows student-professionals to enhance their education, while holding down a full-time job and keeping family commitments.

Getting started with an associate degree

An associate degree generally takes two years to complete, and can give you a leg up on the competition when beginning your career. Some people earn an associate degree to land solid employment, while others use it as a stepping stone to more advanced study.

Online degrees in health care administration: Putting your skills to work

According to the 2010 - 2011 edition of the Career Guide to Industry, published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), ten of the top twenty fastest-growing careers in the United States are in health care. By 2018, the BLS predicts the addition of 3.2 million jobs in the field, with the largest growth in the following specialties:

• Home health care service: 46 percent
• Offices of health care practitioners: 41 percent
• Medical and diagnostic laboratories: 40 percent
• Outpatient care centers: 39 percent
• Offices of physicians: 34 percent

Online associate degrees in health care administration are a great way to prepare for a career in one of the fields mentioned above. Specific occupations you can enter with this key credential in hand include:

• Home health aide. Median salary (2009): $20,480
• Medical assistant or medical office secretary. Median salary (2009): $28,650
• Medical appliance technician. Median salary (2009): $35,010
• Medical records technician. Median salary (2009): 31,290

There's no better time to get started. In two years you could earn your associate degree and start gathering solid experience in health care administration, and begin a rewarding career in a field with unlimited potential. Learn more about healthcare administration degrees in WorldWideLearn's Guide to Majors section.

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