Saint Louis University

What you'll study

This programme combines core healthcare topics with business and administrative skills to prepare graduates for management and operational roles in clinical and non-clinical healthcare organisations. Coursework typically covers health systems and policy, medical terminology, healthcare ethics, and the fundamentals of medical billing and coding. Students learn about healthcare finance and budgeting, human resources in healthcare, quality improvement, patient safety, and regulatory compliance including HIPAA and coding standards such as ICD and CPT.

The degree usually includes classes in:

• Introduction to Health Systems — structure of healthcare delivery, public and private payers, and health policy.
• Medical Terminology and Clinical Documentation — anatomy, disease classification and accurate documentation practices.
• Medical Billing and Coding — coding systems, claims processing and reimbursement cycles.
• Healthcare Finance and Budgeting — financial management, reimbursement models and cost control.
• Health Information Management and Informatics — electronic health records, data management and analytics.
• Legal and Ethical Issues in Healthcare — patient privacy, consent and regulatory compliance.
• Leadership and Organisational Behaviour — supervision, team management and human resources in clinical contexts.
• Quality Improvement and Patient Safety — methods and tools for continuous improvement in care delivery.

The programme emphasises experiential learning through a practicum or internship in local hospitals, clinics or healthcare organisations, and typically culminates in a capstone project that integrates administrative practice, data analysis and policy considerations. Electives may allow focus on areas such as long-term care administration, managed care, or healthcare entrepreneurship.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a secondary school diploma or equivalent with a record of strong performance in relevant subjects such as English, mathematics and a laboratory science. Typical entry criteria include a competitive school leaving GPA and submission of official transcripts. Some programmes give consideration to applicants with prior healthcare experience or relevant vocational qualifications.

Additional requirements may include:

• Personal statement or statement of purpose outlining interest in healthcare administration.
• Letters of recommendation from teachers, employers or healthcare supervisors.
• Interview for shortlisted applicants, where required.
• For international applicants, proof of English language proficiency through recognised tests or qualifications.

Transfer applicants from community colleges or other universities are often welcomed; credits for prior relevant study or certifications may be evaluated for advanced standing.

Career prospects

Graduates of the programme enter a range of administrative and managerial roles across the healthcare sector. Common job titles include:

• Medical office manager or practice manager
• Health services administrator or department coordinator
• Medical billing and coding specialist
• Patient access supervisor or admissions coordinator
• Claims analyst or reimbursement specialist
• Healthcare operations analyst

Employers include hospitals, physician practices, outpatient clinics, long-term care facilities, health insurance companies, public health agencies and healthcare consulting firms. Many graduates pursue professional certification (for example in medical coding, billing, or health information management) to enhance employability and meet role-specific requirements. The degree also provides a foundation for progression to postgraduate study in health administration, public health or related disciplines.

Why study at Saint Louis University

Saint Louis University offers a student-centred learning environment grounded in its Jesuit mission, emphasising service, ethical leadership and community engagement. The university maintains partnerships with healthcare providers across the St. Louis region, giving students access to practicum placements and mentorship from practising professionals.

Students benefit from experienced faculty who combine academic expertise with real-world healthcare administration experience, access to interprofessional education opportunities alongside nursing and allied health programmes, and career services that support internship placement and job search preparation. Small-group classes, applied projects and connections to the local healthcare community help graduates develop the practical skills and professional networks employers seek in administrative roles.