Marywood University

What you'll study

The programme combines foundational liberal‑arts courses with specialised coursework in healthcare administration, health information and practice management. Core subjects typically include medical terminology; healthcare law and ethics; health information management; medical coding and billing (ICD/CPT); electronic health records (EHR) systems; healthcare finance and reimbursement; organisational behaviour and human resources in healthcare; quality improvement and patient safety; and basic clinical concepts to support administrative decision‑making.

Students also complete practical skills modules such as office systems and workflow, customer service for healthcare settings, and applied statistics for healthcare managers. The curriculum usually culminates in a supervised practicum or internship in a healthcare organisation, where students apply classroom learning to real administrative tasks such as scheduling, claims processing, records management and compliance activities.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a high school diploma or equivalent. Typical entry criteria include a satisfactory academic record with coursework in English and mathematics; biology or health sciences is recommended but not always mandatory. Marywood considers the whole application package, so a personal statement outlining interest in healthcare administration, letters of recommendation and relevant volunteer or work experience strengthen an application.

Standardised tests may be optional depending on institutional policy. Students should be prepared for background checks, immunisation records and compliance with clinical site requirements prior to practicum placements. Transfer students may receive credit for prior college coursework subject to review.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a wide range of administrative and information‑management roles across the healthcare sector. Typical job titles include medical office manager, patient services coordinator, medical billing and coding specialist, health information technician, practice administrator and clinic operations supervisor. Employment settings include hospitals, physician practices, outpatient clinics, long‑term care facilities, insurance companies, public health agencies and health IT vendors.

The degree also provides a foundation for professional certification (for example in medical coding or health information) and further study in health administration, public health or business administration for those aiming at leadership roles.

Why study at Marywood University

Marywood combines a personalised, liberal arts‑based education with practical training relevant to regional healthcare employers. Class sizes are typically small, allowing close faculty mentoring and support from career services. Students benefit from experiential learning through practicum placements and partnerships with local hospitals and clinics, giving direct exposure to administrative workflows and electronic health record systems used in practice.

The university emphasises ethical practice and community engagement aligned with its Catholic heritage, preparing graduates to manage patient‑centred services with attention to legal and regulatory responsibilities. Academic advising, internship support and employer networks help students transition into entry‑level positions or continue to graduate study in health professions and administration.