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Associate of Science in Healthcare Administration

Program Overview

The University of Providence’s Associate of Science in Healthcare Administration (ASHA) program is a 24-month undergraduate degree program designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in healthcare administration. The ASHA program is designed to provide a basic understanding of the U.S. Healthcare System, legal issues, informatics and technology, management, and the value of sociocultural awareness in regard to patients, families, and professionals within the global healthcare industry.

The Associate of Science in Healthcare Administration is offered alongside UP’s existing catalog of healthcare administration programs, including the Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration, and the Masters in Healthcare Administration degree programs. The ASHA program is taught by passionate, experienced faculty who are invested in helping students reach their professional and educational goals. As such, the University of Providence’s Associate of Science in Healthcare Administration program curriculum emphasizes a quality education centered around leading healthcare theories and strategies – with a focus on improving operations and creating person-centered care environments.

 

Program Highlights

  • Advancement Ready

The associate’s degree in healthcare administration is designed for students interested in starting or advancing a career in healthcare administration. Our 24-month degree program serves as an ideal stepping stone to greater responsibility and career advancement.

  • A Curriculum Targeting Current Advancement Skills

The associate’s degree in healthcare administration is designed to provide a basic understanding of the U.S. Healthcare System – with a specific focus on key concepts and practices in healthcare, including legal issues, informatics, technology, human resources, management principles, and decision-making.

  • A Curriculum Based on a Mission and Values

The associate’s degree in healthcare administration is based on the tenets of sociocultural awareness in regard to patients, families, and professionals within the global healthcare industry. Courses in the ASHA program are embedded with the principles of patient-centered care and beliefs.

  • Designed For Working Professionals

The associate degree in healthcare administration is designed for working professionals seeking a new career, career change, or advancement of their current career in healthcare or healthcare administration. All curriculum material for the ASHA program is offered 100% online, with mostly evening classes.

  • Immediate Skills Application

Assignments and projects are designed for immediate application in a current healthcare position. ASHA Curriculum is designed to add depth to current issues facing healthcare professionals.

  • Providence Partnership Tuition Discount

Providence Health & Service Caregivers and their eligible dependents can receive tuition discounts on top of additional employee education benefits through Guild Education Services. For more information on scholarships, financial aid, and more visit the financial services webpage.

 

Program Curriculum

The Associate of Science in Healthcare Administration program delivers coursework over two eight-week intensive sessions per semester. In general, students will take four courses over a 16-week traditional semester (with some CORE classes offered during 16-week sessions). Courses in the ASHA program are delivered 100% online with short breaks between eight-week sessions.

Before the start of the program, students are required to complete a virtual program immersion, which will help familiarize students with the curriculum and online software required for completion of the program. Following virtual immersion, students will complete 60 credits of required coursework, including 21 credits of major courses, over 24 months. Depending on the number of courses taken by a student, the total completion time may vary by student.

Learn more about the Undergraduate Healthcare Administration Curriculum

Associate of Science in Healthcare Administration Major Credits

The University of Providence’s Associate of Science in Healthcare Administration program courses are designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in healthcare.

Required Core Credits

  • HCA 120: Introduction to the U.S. Healthcare System (3 Credits)
  • HCA 140: Healthcare Management (3 Credits)
  • HCA 160: Human Resource Management in Healthcare (3 Credits)
  • HCA 180: Legal Issues in Healthcare (3 Credits)
  • HCA 200: Informatics in Healthcare (3 Credits)
  • HCA: 260: Communication in Healthcare (3 Credits)

 

Required Elective Credits

  • PSY 220: Sociocultural & International Awareness (3 Credits)

 

Core Credits: 18 Major | Elective Credits: 3 Required | 21 Total.

Program Costs

The University of Providence’s Associate of Science in Healthcare Administration program follows the undergraduate program cost structure. For information on program costs, including scholarships, federal aid, and payment plan options – visit our financial services page or speak to a financial aid counselor.

 

Careers in Healthcare Administration

Students graduating with an Associate of Science in Healthcare Administration can take on multiple different entry-level positions in healthcare administration. These positions can include medical billing/coding, informatics, accounting and finance, medical reception, customer service representative, health office managers, and more. Demand for these positions is needed throughout the healthcare continuum, including in hospitals, clinics, private practice offices, insurance companies, and many more.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), jobs for Medical and Health Service Managers will increase significantly over the next ten years. The industry is expected to add 136,000 jobs between 2021 and 2031, over five times higher than the national average of five percent. Salaries for graduates of the Associate of Science in Healthcare Administration can range from $60,000 or more nationally. However, individual salaries vary by location, demand, skills, and work experience.

 

Application & Admission Requirements

The University of Providence’s Associate of Science in Healthcare Administration program accepts applications for fall, spring, and summer enrollment. Application deadlines are August 16 each year for fall enrollment, December 20 for spring enrollment, and April 9 for summer enrollment.

For updated information on undergraduate application requirements, deadlines, and program-specific requirements, please visit the University of Providence admissions page. View the following application and admission requirements for the Associate of Science in Healthcare Administration below:

Program Application: Applicants must complete an online undergraduate application.

Official Transcripts: Applicants must submit their official high school transcript. Official transcripts must be sent directly to the Admissions Office from your high school. Include transcripts from any dual enrollment or other pre-college programs attended, and results of any AP tests you have taken.

Submit official transcript(s) from any university/college where undergraduate coursework was completed. Transcripts can be sent directly to the following address: University of Providence | Admissions | 1301 20th Street South |Great Falls, MT 59405, or may be submitted electronically directly from the institution.

Curriculum Viète / Resume: All applicants must submit a current resume or curriculum viète.

SAT/ACT Scores: The University of Providence’s ACT code is 2410 and the SAT code is 4058. Although providing official test scores is strongly recommended, it is not required to be reviewed for admission.

Tuition Deposit: The ASHA program has a non-refundable tuition deposit of $50, which secures admission into the program. The deposit will be applied to the first tuition bill.

Minimum GPA Requirements: Students applying to the ASHA program must have a minimum GPA of 2.75. If a minimum 2.75 GPA was not achieved in prior high school or college coursework, an additional admission essay and academic review will be required for admission into the program.

Additional Program Information

Learning Outcomes

Discover student outcomes for the Associate of Science in Healthcare Administration program:

  1. Demonstrate effective use of oral and written communication.
  2. Apply a broad understanding of the healthcare system at a basic, introductory level.
  3. Identify tools and strategies to influence the use of technology, data, and information for improving safety, quality, efficiency and patient-centered care.
  4. Understand legal, regulatory, and management perspectives in healthcare decision-making.
  5. Develop an understanding of the values/beliefs of patients, families, and global healthcare.
Skills You’ll Learn

Students enrolled in the ASHA program will learn the following skills and more:

  • Industry knowledge
  • Leadership
  • Critical Thinking
  • Relationship Management
  • Ethical Judgment
  • Communication

Providence Health Service Partnership

Our unique partnership with Providence Health Services allows eligible Providence Caregivers and their dependents to receive a quality education from an accredited university.

Why Choose The University of Providence

At the University of Providence, we have created a program designed to prepare students for an entry-level position in healthcare administration. Our dynamic curriculum offers valuable, in-demand courses tailored to meet the current needs of entry-level healthcare administrators while giving students the tools to become lifelong learners in healthcare. Our graduates will not only meet the needs of the current workforce but will be prepared to grow professionally within their desired discipline.

Caregivers can find out more about these benefits by visiting the Heal The World page.

Tuition Discounts & Employer Benefits

Caregivers who enroll in our Associate of Science in Healthcare Administration program can receive discounted tuition rates as part of our ongoing partnership with Providence Health Services. These incentives allow eligible caregivers and their dependents more ways to save on higher education.

  • Tuition reimbursement of up to $5,250 per calendar year. This reimbursement is available to eligible caregivers at the start of each year and can be applied toward the MHA program.
  • Direct pay through Guild Education helps eligible caregivers cover most up-front program costs. (Caregivers will be able to utilize this benefit starting in the Spring 2024 enrollment period.)

 

Caregivers can find out more about these benefits by visiting the Heal The World page.

Start Your Career In Healthcare With An Associate of Science in Healthcare Administration To UP

Start your journey to becoming a healthcare administrator with an Associate of Science in Healthcare Administration undergraduate program. Our dynamic program curriculum and qualified faculty will provide you with the support and quality education you need to succeed. Enroll in our program today.

Find out more about the program by Requesting Information.

Contact Information

Email

Mary Amick, Ed.D.

Associate Professor Healthcare Administration

Frankie Lyons, Ed.D.

Associate Dean of Health Programs
Email
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