ONLINE ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE IN HEALTHCARE ADMINISTRATION DEGREE PROGRAM

The online Healthcare Administration (AAS-HCA) associate degree program prepares those interested in healthcare leadership for entry-level administrative positions in healthcare facilities. The program builds industry-specific expertise in quality customer service and the management of personnel, as well as healthcare management, finance, leadership, legal and regulatory requirements, medical coding and terminology, and health informatics.

PREPARE FOR THE CERTIFIED ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORDS SPECIALIST EXAM

The course also prepare students to sit for the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS) exam.

This program can also serve as a step toward a more advanced degree in healthcare.

WHAT WILL I LEARN WHEN EARNING MY ONLINE ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE IN HEALTHCARE ADMINISTRATION (AAS-HCA)?

This program covers skills applicable to the technical aspect of electronic health records, administrative duties, effective communication, customer relations, managerial and organizational readiness.

Specific courses in this program cover certification materials from the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) to prepare the students to sit for the Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS) exam.

HOW LONG DOES THE ONLINE HEALTHCARE ADMINISTRATION (AAS-HCA) ASSOCIATE DEGREE TAKE TO COMPLETE?

The entire program is 60 credit hours and is designed to be completed in two years. Please note that at least 25% of your credits must be earned through University of Arkansas Grantham in order to earn this degree.

HOW MUCH WILL THE ONLINE ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE IN HEALTHCARE ADMINISTRATION PROGRAM COST?

The undergraduate rate is $295 per credit hour, or $250 if you’re a military member, veteran, certified or licensed patient care worker, first responder, or their spouse or child. Grantham also offers scholarships to those who qualify.

ONLINE ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE IN HEALTHCARE ADMINISTRATION START DATE

Courses start frequently, so we’re ready when you are.

Call us at (888) 947-2684 to learn more about our accredited degree and certificate programs, financial assistance opportunities or enrollment process.

University of Arkansas Grantham ACCREDITATION

University of Arkansas Grantham is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC).

DEAC is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a recognized accrediting agency.

DEAC is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

DEAC Student Achievement Disclosure for the public.

ONLINE ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE IN HEALTHCARE ADMINISTRATION OUTCOMES

After completing your online Associate of Applied Science in Healthcare Administration (AAS-HCA) degree, you’ll be prepared to:

  • Explore challenges characteristic of the fast-changing healthcare industry.
  • Relate management techniques and performance models to optimize organizational outcomes.
  • Investigate legal, regulatory, and ethical healthcare requirements.
  • Demonstrate professional interdisciplinary communication.
  • Apply basic understanding of technology and its impact on healthcare organizations.
  • Articulate managerial concepts and leadership models in a healthcare setting.

ONLINE ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE IN HEALTHCARE ADMINISTRATION CURRICULUM

PROGRAM SNAPSHOT:
Program Core Credits: 30
General Education Core Credits: 15
Electives Credits: 15
Total Credit Hours: 60
Accreditation(s): DEAC
Program Core: 30
Course: Title: Credits:
Course: HP205 Title: Computer Software Applications in Healthcare Credits: 3
  This course provides an overview of commonly available software tools used in healthcare, including an introduction to encoding tools and computer-assisted coding software used in healthcare data processing. Focus is placed specifically on healthcare software and its many uses, functions and applications in the medical office. Other processes such as medical office billing and information technology are also discussed.
Course: HP114 Title: Medical Terminology Credits: 3
  This course teaches the foundation of the language of healthcare. Students will learn how to pronounce medical terms and communicate medical information to both health professionals and patients. Students will also learn the principles of word-building needed for the extensive medical vocabulary used in healthcare. Students will utilize interactive technology to assist with learning, pronunciation and application in Anatomy and Physiology.
Course: HP112E Title: Intro to Health Information Management Credits: 3
  Students are introduced to health information management in healthcare delivery settings in the U.S., including filing systems, storage, circulation and documentation issues. Topics also explored are the electronic health record (EHR), patient confidentiality, the impact of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) on medical practices and various career opportunities for health information management professionals. Students apply health information management concepts and skills to course exercises to demonstrate functional knowledge. This course will assist the student in preparing for the NHA Certified Health Record Specialist exam.
Course: HP232 Title: Principles of Healthcare Leadership Credits: 3
  This course is designed for those considering a career in healthcare leadership. The challenging healthcare environment requires effective leadership based on a shared vision of positive outcomes for the healthcare consumer. Through learning the principles of healthcare leadership, leaders should understand their own personal leadership style, be conversant with theories of effective leadership, recognize the influence of power and politics, and be able to model servant leadership. Student will apply sound leadership practices to case studies, evaluate their own leadership style, and understand the impact of negative leadership. The ability to positively influence others and manage conflict are included as traits of effective leaders.
Course: HP212E Title: Basic Diagnosis Coding Systems Credits: 3
  This course examines medical billing and coding in medical practice. All basic medical billing and coding issues are discussed, including coding diagnosis, the International Classification of Diseases Manual (ICD-10-CM), coding compliance and legal and ethical compliance. Students extrapolate coding information from the ICD-10-CM manual and examine usage guidelines for Volumes I,II, and III. This course will assist the student in preparing for the NHA Certified Health Record Specialist exam.
Course: HP234 Title: Introduction to Healthcare Management Credits: 3
  This course introduces concepts of healthcare management for a wide variety of entry-level positions. Emphasis is on office practices including decisions on managerial style, staffing, job descriptions, mission statements, and policies. Procedures such as staff hiring, employee development and retention, as well as the establishment of professional relationships with patients and staff are explored. Additional concepts of office culture, quality and risk, non-discriminatory strategies, compliance, patient experience, and other appropriate topics will provide a well-rounded view of effective medical office functions. Student will expand their understanding of the responsibilities required for a safe and effective patient support system and will apply their knowledge by developing sample documents needed in the practice setting.
Course: HP214 Title: Reimbursement Methodologies Credits: 3
  This course provides students with a working knowledge of medical insurance and its applications. Emphasis is on understanding insurance essentials, including the role of the medical insurance billing specialist and legal and ethical requirements. Medical documents and coding diagnoses and procedures are discussed. Students comprehend the claims process, focusing on charges, methods of payments, billing and reimbursement. Other topics covered are private payers, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Medicaid and Medicare, TRICARE and worker's compensation. Patient billing software is also explored.
Course: HP218E Title: Electronic Health Records Credits: 3
  This course provides the framework for students to perform various chart related functions within the electronic health record (EHR). Students will learn the basic components, functions, and terminology essential to EHR systems. Students will learn how to complete tasks such as conduction audits, entering live data, and maintaining chart integrity. Students will utilize EHR software to perform work tasks in a healthcare office setting. This course will assist the student in preparing for the NHA Certified Health Record Specialist exam.
Course: HP230E Title: Electronic Health Records Specialist Credits: 3
  This Capstone course continues to prepare students for the role of Electronic Health Record Specialist. By completing this course, students validate their ability to perform tasks associated with the EHR in a physician's office or clinic, and complete the Electronic Health Record Specialist (CEHRS) national certification exam offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). Students will complete simulated activities, including preparatory exams, designed to evaluate their knowledge of necessary EHRs responsibilities. The Capstone culminates in the identification of a testing site, exam registration, and completion. Students will also finalize their e-Portfolio as a showcase of their achievement of the Electronic Health Record Specialist Certificate program and CEHRS certification.
Course: HP236 Title: Concepts of Healthcare Regulations, Law, and Ethics Capstone Credits: 3
  This course introduces students to the essential laws and regulations that govern the practice of healthcare professionals and the business of healthcare. Topics covered include regulatory practices, federal rules aimed at preventing fraud, the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA), regulations governing patient privacy, and electronic health record requirements. Student will learn the differences between negligence, criminal acts, and malpractice, with preventative course of actions. This course also introduces students to the framework for making ethical decisions and highlights some of the important ethical issues facing healthcare professionals.
General Education: 15
Course: Title: Credits:
Course: Written and Oral Communication Credits: 3
Course: Quantitative Principles Credits: 3
Course: Natural/Physical Science Credits: 3
Course: BIO113 Title: Anatomy and Physiology Credits: 3
  This course examines the twelve major systems of the human body. These systems include: skeletal, integumentary, muscular, nervous, sensory, endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary and reproductive. In addition, students develop the use of appropriate medical terminology, examine cell and tissue structure, and review how body systems maintain health homeostasis.
Course: Humanities and Fine Arts Credits: 3
Course: Social/Behavioral Science Credits: 3

Courses are to be taken in the order specified above. Changes in course order must be approved by the Health Professions administrative team. Any course in which an F/W is earned must be immediately repeated and taken alone. Students should discuss potential consequences with the Student Financial Services Office. Courses enrolled in at the time of the F/W becomes known must be dropped.

If the repeated course is passed with a C or better, the student may return to full-time status the next term as long as they are in good standing. Any student in a SAP warning status must move to part-time status and participate in the SAP Assistance Program (Section 2.25) as well as other student success interventions as required by the Health Professions administrative team.