University of Southern Indiana

What you'll study

This programme builds core knowledge of healthcare systems, administrative operations and the regulatory environment that governs patient services and reimbursement. Coursework balances theory and applied skills so graduates can manage front- and back-office functions, prepare medical records for billing and quality purposes, and support compliance and information management.

• Medical terminology and anatomy for administrators – foundational language and concepts used across clinical documentation and communication.
• Healthcare delivery systems and policy – organisation of care, payer models and the regulatory landscape.
• Medical coding and billing – diagnostic and procedure coding systems, claims submission and reimbursement processes.
• Health information management and informatics – electronic health records, data quality, privacy (HIPAA-related concepts) and reporting.
• Healthcare finance and revenue cycle management – budgeting, financial statements, cost concepts and managing the revenue cycle.
• Health law, ethics and compliance – legal responsibilities, patient rights, fraud/abuse awareness and compliance programs.
• Practice and clinic management – scheduling, human resources, customer service and operational workflow.
• Leadership, communication and project management – supervision, team dynamics and leading improvement initiatives.
• Capstone or practicum experience – supervised placement in a healthcare facility or an applied project integrating administrative skills.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a high school diploma or equivalent. Typical academic preparation includes college-preparatory English and mathematics; coursework in biology or health-science is advantageous. Admission decisions consider high-school GPA and the applicants overall academic record.

Standardised tests (such as SAT or ACT) may be accepted where submitted, but requirements can vary by applicant and entry pathway. Transfer applicants should supply college transcripts showing completed general-education and any relevant health or business coursework. Relevant work or volunteer experience in healthcare is beneficial but not usually mandatory.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for administrative and management roles across ambulatory practices, hospitals, long-term care, clinics, insurance companies and consulting firms. Career paths commonly include:

• Medical office manager or practice manager
• Health services administrator in clinics, small hospitals or community health centres
• Medical records and health information technician roles, including coding and billing specialist positions
• Revenue cycle analyst, patient access coordinator or insurance claims specialist
• Compliance officer or quality improvement coordinator
• Roles in healthcare consulting, payer organisations or governmental/public-health administration

Some graduates pursue professional certifications (for example in medical coding, billing, or health information) to enhance employability and advancement opportunities.

Why study at University of Southern Indiana

The University of Southern Indiana offers a regional focus with programmes designed to meet the needs of local and regional healthcare employers. Small class sizes and faculty with practical experience help students gain applied skills, while curricular emphasis on supervised practicum or capstone projects provides direct workplace preparation.

Students benefit from connections to hospitals, physician practices and community health organisations in the area for internships and clinical placements, along with university career services that support job search and professional development. The programmes combination of administrative, technical and leadership training positions graduates to move directly into operational roles within healthcare organisations or to continue on to postgraduate study in health administration or related fields.