Slippery Rock University

What you'll study

This programme focuses on the administrative, operational and regulatory aspects of health services delivery. Core topics typically include healthcare systems and policy, healthcare finance and budgeting, health law and ethics, healthcare informatics and data management, quality improvement and patient safety, and research methods relevant to health services.

Students can expect a mix of classroom and applied learning. Typical modules and subjects include:

• Healthcare Systems and Policy – organisation of healthcare delivery, payer models and the regulatory environment.
• Healthcare Finance and Budgeting – financial management, reimbursement, budgeting and cost control in clinical settings.
• Health Law and Ethics – compliance, risk management, confidentiality and ethical decision-making.
• Health Informatics and Data Analytics – use of electronic health records, data governance and basic analytics to support decision-making.
• Quality Improvement and Patient Safety – performance measurement, process improvement techniques and accreditation standards.
• Human Resource and Operations Management – workforce planning, leadership, change management and service delivery optimisation.
• Research Methods/Applied Project – applied research, programme evaluation or a capstone project integrating learned skills in a real-world setting.
• Practicum or Internship – supervised placement in a healthcare setting to develop practical administrative experience (where offered or required).

Entry requirements

Applicants are usually expected to hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Typical entry requirements include a satisfactory undergraduate GPA and evidence of academic readiness for graduate-level work.

• Completed bachelor's degree in any discipline; degrees in health-related fields or business are welcomed.
• Official academic transcripts demonstrating adequate academic performance.
• One or more letters of recommendation, often from academic or professional referees who can speak to the applicant's potential for graduate study.
• A personal statement or statement of purpose outlining career goals and reasons for pursuing the programme.
• A current résumé or curriculum vitae detailing relevant work or volunteer experience in healthcare or related sectors.
• Some applicants may be asked to provide test scores (such as the GRE) or evidence of relevant professional experience; requirements can vary, so contact the admissions team for specifics.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for administrative and managerial roles across a range of healthcare settings. Career paths commonly followed by alumni include:

• Hospital or health system administrator
• Clinic or practice manager
• Health services manager in primary care, specialist clinics or ambulatory centres
• Long-term care or nursing home administrator
• Healthcare compliance and risk management officer
• Practice operations manager or medical office administrator
• Healthcare consultant or analyst focusing on operations, finance or quality improvement
• Health informatics coordinator or data manager roles supporting clinical decision-making

The programme emphasises transferable leadership, analytical and project management skills that are relevant to both provider and payer organisations, public health agencies and private-sector health services firms.

Why study at Slippery Rock University

Slippery Rock University combines a student-focused campus environment with programmes designed to connect theory to practice. The Health and Medical Administrative Services master's emphasises applied learning, with opportunities for practicum placements or capstone projects that build practical skills employers seek.

Students benefit from small class sizes, faculty with professional experience in healthcare administration and connections with regional healthcare providers in the Pittsburgh area and beyond. Flexible delivery options, including on-campus and hybrid/online formats where available, make it possible for working professionals to continue employment while studying. The programme aims to give graduates the operational, financial and leadership tools needed to advance in a rapidly evolving healthcare sector.