Ferris State University

What you'll study

This programme blends healthcare content, business fundamentals and information management to develop administrators who can operate in hospitals, clinics and other health settings. Core topics typically include medical terminology, healthcare law and ethics, healthcare finance and reimbursement, billing and coding systems, and health information management.

• Healthcare administration and leadership – organisational behaviour, management, human resources and operational planning for healthcare settings.
• Health information and informatics – electronic health records, data management, privacy and security (HIPAA-compliant practice), and health informatics principles.
• Billing, coding and reimbursement – diagnostic/procedural coding systems, claims processing, payer relations and revenue cycle management.
• Healthcare law, ethics and compliance – regulatory environments, risk management, quality and patient safety.
• Quantitative and research skills – statistics, epidemiology basics and applied research methods for service improvement.
• Capstone and practicum – supervised clinical or administrative practicum and a culminating project or capstone that integrates learned skills in a real-world setting.

Students also take general education courses in communication, critical thinking and information systems. Electives allow specialisation in areas such as long-term care administration, outpatient clinic management or health policy.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to have a high school diploma or equivalent. Typical admissions considerations include academic preparation in English and mathematics and a record of steady academic performance. Ferris State accepts transfer credits from community colleges and prior post-secondary study, which can be applied toward degree requirements.

International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through recognised tests or equivalent qualifications. Some programmes or practicum placements may require background checks, immunisations or other health-related screenings prior to field experience.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for a range of administrative and management roles across the healthcare sector. Common career paths include:

• Medical office manager or practice manager in physician offices and clinics
• Health services manager in hospitals, outpatient centres and long-term care facilities
• Billing and coding specialist or revenue cycle analyst
• Health information specialist or medical records manager
• Compliance officer, quality improvement coordinator or patient services manager
• Positions with insurers, public health agencies, healthcare consulting firms or health-focused non-profits

The programme’s practicum and capstone projects help build employer contacts and a professional portfolio, supporting entry into supervisory and administrative roles or continued study in health administration, public health or related graduate programmes.

Why study at Ferris State University

Ferris State is known for its career-oriented approach and close links with regional healthcare providers, which support practicum placements and employer networking. Students benefit from faculty with applied experience, practical lab environments and smaller class sizes that emphasise hands-on learning and professional skill development.

The university’s support services — including advising, career services and internship coordination — help students transition into the workforce. Ferris’s relationships with hospitals, clinics and long-term care organisations in Michigan provide opportunities for work-based learning and local employment following graduation.