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Health Care Management Degree
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Credits:
120
Program Description
Prepare for leadership roles in the fast-growing health care industry. At Cambridge College, you’ll learn directly from practicing scholar-professionals—many of whom are distinguished health care business leaders. The curriculum for this program emphasizes the practical and operational needs of today’s health care institutions, and includes a comprehensive research project related to current issues within the health care industry. With day, evening, weekend, and online class options, you can earn your bachelor’s degree on a schedule that works for you.
What is Health Care Administration and Management?
Health care management involves the planning, direction, and coordination of services for medical facilities and health care providers. Health care managers play a key role in ensuring the availability and quality of patient care. It is also their job to help create an environment in which health care providers can practice effectively.
Health care administrators and health care managers share similar responsibilities within medical facilities. However, whereas health care administrators tend to focus on staffing and day-to-day financial duties, health care managers take a broader role in daily operations that involves budgeting, patient care, and organizational strategies.
Cambridge College Health Care Management Degree Highlights
Combining research, theory, and practice, this program provides the training you need to manage health care systems and employees—in a flexible, affordable format designed for adult learners.
- Flexible options. Complete your bachelor’s degree in health care management via convenient day, evening, weekend, and online classes that fit your scheduling needs. Talk to a Cambridge College academic advisor about planning a course of study that works for you.
- Real-world training. The Cambridge College teaching model gives you the opportunity to learn management theory and effective, practical management operations, financial theory, tools and techniques, enabling decision making based on sound financial and managerial principles. This program also includes a capstone project that gives you the chance to create an original piece of research that contributes to your field of interest.
- Expert faculty. At Cambridge College, you’ll work closely with caring, dedicated faculty who are also experienced professionals in diverse areas of health care management.
- Exceptional value. Receive a world-class education while saving on tuition at one of the most affordable four-year private nonprofit colleges in the United States.
- Diverse students. As one of the most ethnically diverse colleges in the nation, Cambridge College gives you the opportunity to work with other adult learners from all over the world—enriching your educational experience with diverse ideas and perspectives.
- Convenient locations. All of our classroom locations are close to public transportation and/or offer free parking for students.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Massachusetts is one of the states with the highest concentration of jobs for medical and health services managers and also one of the top paying, with an average annual wage of $128,730 for this occupation.
- Addiction Studies Concentration: Learn more.
- Accounting Concentration: Learn more.
- Education Concentration: Learn more.
- Expressive Therapies Concentration: Learn more.
- Family Studies Concentration: Learn more.
- General Management Concentration: Gain a broad understanding of business management, including marketing, sales, ethics, nonprofit management, and an introduction to human resources. Learn more.
- Holistic Studies Concentration: Learn more.
- Hospitality Management Concentration: Learn the fundamentals of management for the hospitality industry, with a focus on restaurant front of the house and back of the house management, and on hotel management. Learn more.
- Information Technology and E-Business Concentration: Learn about managing the information systems of an organization, including infrastructure design, server management, security, e-business strategy, and marketing. Learn more.
- Juvenile Justice Studies Concentration: In addition to providing a background in youth services and current theories of adolescent development, this concentration explores the impact of community disadvantage, child abuse, and neglect on behavior. Learn more.
- Legal Studies Concentration: Designed for students who are interested in pursuing a law career, this concentration provides foundational knowledge of various aspects of law school and the legal profession. Learn more.
- Organizational Psychology Concentration: Learn more.
- Peace and Justice Studies Concentration: This concentration focuses on ways to promote the fair and equitable provision of justice as the path to a more just and humane world. Learn more.
Health Care Management Degree Learning Outcomes
The Bachelor of Science in Health Care Management provides the management and leadership training you’ll need to excel in 21st century health care settings.
In addition to learning about the health care policies, economics, ethics, and politics driving the industry, you’ll gain critical-thinking and problem-solving skills to benefit patients and health care organizations. You’ll develop communication skills to work effectively with medical personnel, policy makers, and the public. And you’ll learn planning and decision-making skills to manage health care institutions.
Graduates of the health care management program will also have an understanding of:
- Computer and technology applications to improve efficiency and quality of care
- Financial operations such as medical insurance, coding, billing, and accounting systems
- Human resource management needs specific to health care
What Can You Do With a Health Care Management Degree?
Health care management is a growing field, and leaders are in high demand. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of health care managers is expected to grow 20 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Health Care Management will be prepared for supervisory positions in health care organizations as team members, managers, and administrators. The program also prepares you for graduate study in health care management.
Potential health care management job opportunities include:
- Medical office administrator
- Health care human resources manager
- Hospital administrator
- Director of nursing
- Facility manager
Example Health Care Management Courses
As a health care management major, you’ll have the opportunity to take courses such as:
- Human Resource Management in Health Care
- Health Care Policy and Reform
- Health Insurance and Reimbursement
- Health Care Management Capstone Project
Download the Health Care Management program sheet.
Health Care Management Scholarships and Financial Aid
Get financial assistance to help pay for your degree in health care management. In addition to scholarship opportunities, you might also be eligible for federal and state grants, loans, and other types of financial aid.
The first step is completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Learn more about applying for financial aid.
Related Programs at Cambridge College
If you’re still exploring degree options, you might be interested in learning more about these undergraduate, master's degree, and certificate programs at Cambridge College:
Curriculum
General Education
42
Credits
WRT101-102 and MAT101-102 may by waived if equivalent courses have been accepted in transfer. Credits will be replaced with open electives. WRT201 required if both WRT101-102 are waived; not required for students completing WRT101-102 at Cambridge. WRT090 and MAT100 required if assessment indicates need.
Principles and Processes of Adult Learning
LRN 175 • 3 credit(s)
Students explore theories of adult learning. They clarify the fit between their academic program and their learning and career needs, and see how their prior learning fits in. They assess their academic skills of critical thinking, mathematics, writing, and computer literacy. Students become independent learners who can effectively manage the structures, processes and expectations of undergraduate education.
College Writing I
WRT 101 • 3 credit(s)
Through challenging readings, class discussion, small group collaboration, and different forms of writing, students learn the skills and process of “thinking on paper.” They learn to construct an argument or discussion that supports a clear thesis and present it effectively in a well-organized essay that observes the conventions of written English. They write academic papers that analyze and synthesize the issues suggested in two or more readings. Critical reading, critical thinking, research skills, and forms of documentation are also introduced.
Foundations of Critical Thinking
CTH 225 • 3 credit(s)
We learn to engage in reasoned thinking. We learn to formulate hypotheses; conceive and state definitions, and understand logical consistency and inconsistency. We explore the differences between claims of fact, value, and policy; what constitutes credible evidence; the nature of assumptions. We learn what constitutes a persuasive argument as opposed to an emotive and propagandistic one, and critically examine them. Students learn to present clear, well thought out critical arguments in writing and oral presentations. We look at the relationships among thinking, writing, speaking and listening, laying a strong foundation for improving our capacity to write, speak, and listen well.
College Mathematics I
MAT 101 • 3 credit(s)
Prerequisite: MAT100 If assessment indicates need. This course introduces students to the value of mathematics for students’ career and educational goals. Students will acquire mathematical study skills, gain strategies for problem solving, and develop a sound foundation for future mathematics coursework. The course is structured towards engaging students in active, applied, and real-life learning in order to facilitate mathematical problem solving and conceptual understanding.
Introduction to Computer Applications
CMP 130 • 3 credit(s)
Assessment available. This course provides a hands-on introduction to the personal computer, Windows, word processing, spreadsheet, presentation software, the Internet, and an overview of Word, Excel and Power-Point uses. Students begin with the basics of each application and progress through intermediate level.
College Writing II
WRT 102 • 3 credit(s)
WRT102 acquaints students with the academic research paper as both process and product. The course begins with an intensive review of the strategies and techniques for writing an academic essay that are covered in WRT101 and then moves to selecting and narrowing a topic, preliminary research, and establishing a focus for a 12-15 page argument research paper. The final paper includes an abstract, an introduction, discussion, conclusion, and references. Students learn how to write an annotated bibliography and use APA documentation for in-text citations and references.
College Mathematics II
MAT 102 • 3 credit(s)
Prerequisite: MAT101 If assessment indicates need. Challenge exam available. This course develops students’ mathematical thinking and problem solving around issues of both mathematical content and process. Students will acquire a conceptual and practical understanding of and familiarity with numbers and operations, algebra, geometry, measurement, and basic data analysis and probability. The course focuses on supporting students’ understanding of problem solving, reasoning and proof, communication, connections, and representations. A key feature of the course is active student involvement to support communicating mathematics in everyday and academic contexts.
Digital Literacy
CMP 230 • 3 credit(s)
Prerequisite: CMP 130 (course or portfolio) and familiarity with Windows and/or Mac operating system, or permission of instructor.
Digital literacy is the ability to find, use, and share information using technology in order to excel in a digital world. Students will practice using a range of digital tools, including tools for searching and evaluating information and for creating and communicating digitally. Students will learn to select and use appropriate digital tools for a variety of settings including the classroom and workplace. Ethical and effective use of information will contribute to students’ identities as effective digital citizens.
Distribution Requirements
Arts & Humanities - 6 credits
Natural & Physical Sciences - 6 credits
Social Sciences - 6 credits
Open Electives
36
Credits
Choose electives and/or concentrations to support your academic interests and professional goals. (Course prerequisites must also be met.)
Recommended Electives:
Organizational Theory & Behavior
BSM 445 • 3 credit(s)
This course examines the factors which influence individual, group and firm behavior in the work place. Topics include communication, motivation, group dynamics, leadership, power, and organizational design and development. Theories and frameworks, case discussions and skill-building exercises are used to understand and apply each topic. Class sessions and assignments help participants acquire the skills that managers need to improve organizational relationships and performance.
Diversity in the Workplace
BSM 315 • 3 credit(s)
This course looks at the significance of diversity in management and the implications of diversity for how organizations are organized and how they function. The changing demographics of the workplace are examined and the significance of diversity for domestic and international business are discussed. Organizational approaches to diversity are examined and analyzed. The course attempts to engage differences within the class and help students develop leadership skills for managing diversity, including consensus building, conflict resolution and talking through differences.
Health Care Management Major
42
Credits
Economics for Managers
BSM 300 • 3 credit(s)
This course provides an overview of economics and establishes a foundation and vocabulary for future courses. It gives an applied, practical introduction to macroeconomics and microeconomics. At the macro-economic level the course helps the learner understand how the American economy functions, and what impact changes in the economy may have on the individual and the organization, as well as the impact of the global economy. At the microeconomic level the course examines how individuals and firms make economic decisions. This knowledge becomes the basis of understanding key concepts of supply, demand and pricing, as well as average and marginal costs and breakeven analysis.
Principles of Managing Organizations
BSM 305 • 3 credit(s)
This course focuses on the evolution of traditional and modern management theories, practices and behaviors for planning, organizing, leading and controlling in organizations, and considers the contemporary and changing forces that challenge the practice of management. It helps students understand the importance of the environment in which managers function, and explores the processes of strategic, operational and tactical planning. It considers various organizational structures, the contexts for which they are best suited, and the role of communication, decision-making and leadership in managing organizations. It also discusses the principles of organizational control and the role of control systems in improving organizational productivity and efficiency.
Financial Accounting
BSM 204 • 3 credit(s)
This course introduces the principles that govern financial accounting systems and the income statement and balance sheet that are the principal end products. Students learn how accounting information is used to evaluate the performance and financial status of private, non-profit and public organizations. The course emphasizes the use of accounting information by managers within the organization and by shareholders, lenders, and other outside parties. Basic accounting terms and concepts, and the language of financial management are presented as well as the essentials of the accounting process. The course also builds an awareness of the ethical, information and regulatory environment of accounting.
Financial Management
BSM 442 • 3 credit(s)
This course provides tools for managing business funds and making decisions that will affect the financial position of an organization. Students gain an understanding of financial analysis and its use in planning and control functions. Capital budgeting, discounted cash flow, and present/future value techniques are presented as well as the capital formation process, the advantages and disadvantages of various capital structures, and the long and short term uses of capital. Students gain an understanding of the workings of financial markets and institutions, financial instruments, and the domestic and international financial environment.
Introduction to Statistics
MAT 201 • 3 credit(s)
Statistics is the branch of mathematics that focuses on the collection of data, data analysis, probability, and statistical inference. In this course students will learn the principles of using data to identify patterns, ascertain distributions, conduct accurate group comparisons, and make data-based inferences and predictions. Concepts of spread, normal distribution, multi-modal distribution, standard deviation, statistical skewing, graphing, statistical significance, variance, validity, and probability will be covered.
Managing Information Systems and Databases
BSM 340 • 3 credit(s)
Prerequisite: CMP 130 Introduction to Computer Applications. This course presents the fundamentals of management information systems and provides an overview of the issues managers face in the selection, use, and management of information technologies/information systems (IT/IS). The use of IT/IS and e-commerce as key enablers of competitive global business and social change will be emphasized. Topics covered will include the basic concepts of computer hardware, software, telecommunications, networks, and database systems. The course also examines IT/IS ethical standards, security, enterprise systems, DSS, knowledge management systems, expert systems, and AI.
Organizational Communication
BSM 203 • 3 credit(s)
This course focuses on developing the communication skills necessary to be an effective member of an organization. Students will apply basic communication principles to the creation of effective business documents and oral presentations. The role of communication in team building and the use of technology to enhance messages will also be emphasized.
Comparative Health Care Systems
BSM 350 • 3 credit(s)
This course surveys the historic development, organization and unique characteristics of the health care delivery system in the US. We explore the history and functions of health care providers in America; contrast that history and structure with those of other developed nations, discuss organizational patterns of health care facilities, current payment and reimbursement systems, external accrediting agencies, governmental regulation, and medical staff organization.
Human Resource Management in Health Care
BSM 351 • 3 credit(s)
This course provides an essential overview of policies, practices and organizational structures within human resources management in health care settings. Students will compare and contrast the relationship between human resources management and general management; explore the roles, responsibilities, requirements and expectations of human resource management in health care organizations; review compensation and benefits, recruitment, selection and retention of staff, training and development, and other topics in the field of human resources management in health care.
Legal and Ethical Aspects of Health Care
BSM 354 • 3 credit(s)
This health law course surveys current federal and state regulatory structures and policies governing the provision of healthcare. Students will learn about professional licensure, malpractice, the provider-patient relationship, informed consent, the regulation of healthcare facilities, the organization of healthcare entities (such as integrated delivery systems), the regulation of health insurers and managed care providers, managed care liability, Medicare/Medicaid, federal self-referral and "anti-kickback" prohibitions, and other ethical topics.
Epidemiology and Public Health
SCI 339 • 3 credit(s)
Epidemiology and Public Health introduces the foundations of epidemiology and biostatistics as applied to the study, monitoring and maintenance of public health. This course focuses on the foundations and methods of epidemiologic investigation; accurate sampling, analysis and presentation of data, and the use of classical statistical approaches to describe the health of populations. Topics include the dynamic behavior of disease; outbreaks, spread, epidemics, pandemics, and control strategies. Additionally, this course discusses and reviews epidemiologic study designs, cause and effect, treatment efficacy, and ethical and legal issues in epidemiology.
Health Care Policy and Reform
HCM 301 • 3 credit(s)
This course examines the structure of the health system, current topics in health care reform, the policy process, and advocacy for public health. Attention will be given to disparities in access to care, the quality of care, the structure of the delivery system, the challenges of long term care and the aging population, and the drivers of cost growth.
Health Insurance and Reimbursement
HCM 300 • 3 credit(s)
This course investigates health insurance models and the financing and delivery of healthcare services. Students explore reimbursement and payment structures, and examine insurance practices as they have evolved over time. Students discuss concepts in insurance, third-party and prospective payments, and managed care organizations.
Strategic Management
BSM 414 • 3 credit(s)
Prerequisite: WRT 101 and WRT 102, or WRT 201. The principles and tools of the strategic management process are the focus of this integrative course. Students will apply the knowledge and skills developed in the functional areas of management to formulate competitive, sustainable organizational strategies. Extensive use of case studies and simulations will require the ability to think critically and communicate clearly. The ethics of strategy implementation will also be emphasized.
Core Faculty
(617) 873-0624Rebecca.Heimel@cambridgecollege.edu
(617) 873-0428barbara.reid@cambridgecollege.edu
(617) 873-0453lucilia.valerio@cambridgecollege.edu
Senior Instructor
781-821-2122Thulani.DeMarsay@go.cambridgecollege.edu
(617) 873-0839sherry.harley@go.cambridgecollege.edu
(800) 877-4723 x1236James.Lee@cambridgecollege.edu
(617) 873-0708Jesse.Mellor@go.cambridgecollege.edu
(617) 873-0705Roxanne.Reddington-Wilde@go.cambridgecollege.edu
(617) 873-0675Mark.Rotondo@cambridgecollege.edu
(617) 873-0395Catherine.Seo@go.cambridgecollege.edu
(617) 873-0170lauretta.siggers@cambridgecollege.edu
Pages
Admissions
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Admission Test:
No SAT or ACT tests required.
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Admissions Office:
1-800-829-4723
- Application Form:
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Application Fee:
$50 ($100 for international students)
Health Requirements for Massachusetts Students
The Massachusetts Health Department and Cambridge College require the following of students in Massachusetts:
Immunizations – All students in Massachusetts are required to get certain immunizations before you can register for your first term. See form
Health Insurance – In Massachusetts, undergraduate students taking nine or more credits/term and graduate students taking six or more credits/term must enroll in the College’s health insurance plan. Students who have insurance with comparable coverage may request a waiver. See information and enroll or waive.
School Requirements
See Admissions Requirements for Undergraduate Programs
International Students
International students need to provide supplemental documentation:
- Official demonstration of English language proficiency
- Supplemental documentation for issuance of I-20
- International transcripts, evaluated by an accepted evaluation service
Transfer Credit
Undergraduate program applicants, once you are accepted, your official transcripts are evaluated for transfer credit.
Tuition
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Credits:
120
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Cost per credit hour:
$502
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Application Fee:
$50 ($100 for international students)
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Health Insurance Fee:
$2,290 (Required for Massachusetts students only. See waiver details on Tuition & Fees page.)
Note: Rates are as of June 2023, and are subject to change without notice. Rates apply to all students unless otherwise noted.
Financial Aid
Cambridge College offers financial aid to students in our degree programs who are enrolled at least half-time. Undergraduate students must be enrolled in at least 6 credits each term. Graduate and doctoral students must be enrolled in at least 4 credits each term. Learn more
Grants, Scholarships, and Loans
Cambridge College welcomes the opportunity to support your efforts to pay for college. Federal, state, and local resources in the form of grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study, including Cambridge College Scholarships, are available to help defray the cost of tuition. Learn more
Getting Your Company to Help
Many companies have tuition assistance programs, designed to help their employees with their professional development. Learn more
Take the Next Step Toward Your Degree in Health Care Management
Take the Next Step Toward Your Degree in Health Care Management
