Shawnee State University

What you'll study

This undergraduate programme blends healthcare fundamentals, administrative practices and information management. You will study how healthcare organisations operate, how to manage patient information and billing processes, and how to apply leadership and quality-improvement techniques in clinical settings.

• Core healthcare subjects: medical terminology, anatomy and physiology basics for administrators, healthcare systems and public health principles.
• Administrative and management topics: principles of management, human resources in healthcare, healthcare finance and budgeting, medical office procedures.
• Health information and technology: electronic health records (EHR) management, medical coding and billing (ICD/CPT), health informatics and data privacy/security (HIPAA compliance).
• Legal and ethical issues: healthcare law, ethics in patient care and records management, compliance and risk management.
• Applied learning: practicum or internship placement in a hospital, clinic or healthcare business, plus a capstone or project that integrates administrative, technical and leadership competencies.

Entry requirements

Admission to the bachelor’s programme typically requires a high school diploma or recognised equivalent. Applicants are assessed on academic preparation, relevant coursework and readiness for a university programme.

• Successful completion of college-preparatory subjects, particularly English and mathematics;
• Submission of official transcripts from secondary school (and any college-level work if applicable);
• Evidence of effective communication skills; relevant volunteer or work experience in a healthcare setting is advantageous;
• Transfer applicants must provide college transcripts; minimum college-level GPA expectations apply and vary by intake;
• Certain practicum placements may require background checks, proof of immunisation and/or health screening prior to placement.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for a range of roles in hospitals, physician practices, clinics, long-term care facilities, health insurance companies and public health agencies. The degree emphasises practical skills sought by employers in administrative and information management positions.

• Medical office manager or practice administrator
• Health information technician / medical records coordinator
• Billing and coding specialist or claims analyst
• Patient services coordinator and admissions supervisor
• Revenue cycle coordinator and insurance authorisation specialist
• Quality improvement coordinator or compliance officer

Alumni also progress to supervisory and departmental leadership positions and may continue to postgraduate study in health administration, business (MBA) or specialised health information programmes.

Why study at Shawnee State University

Shawnee State combines a student-centred campus environment with applied, career-oriented learning tailored to regional healthcare employers. The programme emphasises small class sizes, direct engagement with faculty who bring professional experience, and hands-on training with modern health information technologies.

• Opportunities for practicum placements and partnerships with local hospitals, clinics and community health organisations;
• Instruction that integrates up-to-date EHR and coding practices to prepare students for workplace systems;
• Strong student support services, including career advising, internship placement assistance and networking with regional employers;
• Flexible course delivery options that may include on-campus and hybrid formats to accommodate working students.