Pfeiffer University

What you'll study

The programme blends core business and liberal arts coursework with specialised healthcare subjects to develop the administrative, technical and interpersonal skills needed in modern health services. Typical modules include:

• Medical Terminology and Anatomy – foundations of clinical language and an overview of body systems to support accurate communication and documentation.
• Medical Billing and Coding – instruction in ICD and CPT coding principles, claims processing, payer requirements and revenue cycle basics.
• Health Information Systems – electronic health records, data management, privacy and security (HIPAA-related concepts) and basic informatics.
• Healthcare Law, Ethics and Compliance – regulatory environment, patient confidentiality, consent, and compliance programmes.
• Practice and Facility Management – front-office operations, scheduling, human resources fundamentals for healthcare settings and clinic workflow design.
• Healthcare Finance and Reimbursement – budgeting, financial reporting, payer mixes and reimbursement models.
• Quality Improvement and Risk Management – process improvement tools, patient safety concepts and incident reporting systems.
• Leadership and Organisational Behaviour – communication, team leadership and supervision in healthcare organisations.
• Capstone/Practicum – a supervised practicum or capstone project placing students in a real-world healthcare setting to apply administrative skills and complete a culminating professional project.

The degree typically includes general education requirements, business electives and opportunities for electives or concentrations that allow students to tailor the programme toward ambulatory care, long-term care or health information management.

Entry requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent with a competitive academic record; applicants submit official transcripts for review.
• Evidence of preparation in English and mathematics through prior study; specific course prerequisites may apply depending on incoming background.
• Personal statement or admissions essay describing interest in healthcare administration and relevant experience or goals.
• Competitive applicants may include letters of recommendation from teachers or employers, and documentation of any prior healthcare work or volunteer experience.
• For placement in practicum sites, students should expect to meet background check, immunisation and any site-specific clearance requirements prior to clinical or placement activities.
• International applicants must meet Pfeiffer University’s standard admission requirements for international students, including proof of English proficiency where required.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for a range of entry- to mid-level administrative roles across the healthcare sector. Common career paths include:

• Medical office manager or practice administrator in physician offices and outpatient clinics.
• Medical billing and coding specialist or claims adjudicator in provider organisations and billing companies.
• Health services coordinator, patient access representative or admissions coordinator in hospitals and health systems.
• Health information specialist or records analyst working with electronic health records and data quality.
• Administrative roles in long-term care, rehabilitation centres, community health organisations, and medical insurance companies.

Graduates may also pursue professional certification (for example, in coding or healthcare administration) and further study at graduate level in health administration, public health or business to advance into supervisory and management roles.

Why study at Pfeiffer University

• Small classes and personalised faculty support – Pfeiffer emphasises close student–faculty interaction, which helps students receive tailored mentorship and career guidance.
• Practical, experiential learning – the curriculum includes practicum opportunities and project-based learning with local healthcare partners to build workplace-ready skills.
• Regional healthcare connections – Pfeiffer’s campus and regional centres are located within reach of a network of hospitals, clinics and community organisations that provide internship and employment pathways.
• Interdisciplinary approach – combining business, technology and health-focused coursework equips graduates with versatile skills valued across healthcare settings.
• Support services – career services, advising and help with practicum placement support students in transitioning from study to employment or further professional training.