Get the Skills to Become a Healthcare Administrative Professional
51-Month* Online Health Services Administration (BBA) Degree Program
Healthcare Services Administration professionals play a key role in the management and operations of healthcare facilities. They plan, direct, and coordinate medical and health services, possibly for an entire facility or a specific clinical area or department.
If you’re interested in getting established in a promising medical administration career, you’re in the right place. Grow your career with CW’s BBA in Health Services Administration (Online).
The best way to see if the College of Westchester is the right fit for you is to attend an online or in-person information session. You’ll get a true feel for what it’s like to be a part of the CW community. Schedule an information session now or Get more info.
Becoming a Qualified Healthcare Services Administration Professional
The Bachelor’s Program in Health Services Administration (Online) is designed to prepare individuals to develop, plan and manage healthcare operations and services within various healthcare facilities. This program includes instruction in healthcare management, public policy, law and ethics, long term care administration, and healthcare delivery both in the United States and abroad.
The focus on long term care administration will also prepare students to work in numerous elder care organizations and health systems. Students will receive instruction in the current healthcare system including managed care and delivery of care to a growing aging population.
Applicants to this program as transfer students from institutions other than CW should see the Office of Bachelor Studies and Returning Students for evaluation of transferability. See full acceptance requirements in Admissions section of the catalog. All entering students must satisfy Program Competencies as noted below.
Program Learning Objectives
- Understand and utilize the technical language common in healthcare organizations including those that pertain to the areas of
basic science, clinical science, and regulatory affairs. - Evaluate effective methodologies and processes related to the management of a medical office, including programming, financial
management, and human resources. - Analyze the governing structure of healthcare organizations including the role of the governing board, administrators, risk
management, and committees. - Interpret and apply legal and ethical principles across the health care continuum.
- Demonstrate a basic understanding of relevant federal and state health policy issues.
Is a Career in Health Services Administration Right for You? Take the CW “Health Services Administration College and Career Readiness Quiz”
This fun, online quiz takes 3-minutes to complete and you’ll get a personalized report. Identify your strengths and social style plus the training and positions you’re best suited for. Get Your Online College and Career Readiness Score Now >>
Health Services Administration Courses
| Course No. | Course Title | Semester Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MED103 | Medical Terminology » | 3 |
| Students will be introduced to the foundation of medical terminology through a thorough study of the roots, prefixes, and suffixes which form medical language. Students will also learn the vocabulary used in various medical specialties. Spelling, definitions, and pronunciation are stressed.
Number: MED103 Credits: 3.00 Type: Health Professions |
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| MSC110* | Human Biology » | 3 |
| This course introduces students to the basic concepts of human biology and chemistry in preparation for further study in the Allied
Health Sciences. Biological concepts of cell theory, cell cycle, and cell reproduction will be explored and the major systems of the human body will be introduced. Chemistry concepts of atoms, molecules, and elements will be introduced along with biological molecules. Appropriate medical terminology will be introduced and utilized to accurately communicate in the biological and medical sciences. Emphasis is placed on body system components and function as it relates to human diseases.
Number: MSC110 Credits: 3.00 Type: Health Professions |
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| MED111 | Healthcare Law and Ethics » | 3 |
| This course will introduce for discussion a variety of ethical issues that healthcare professionals may encounter during the course of their careers. Emphasis will be placed on the importance of ethical and professional behavior in the healthcare workplace. In depth discussions, textbook assignments and role playing will provide guidance to students in how to successfully manage patient relationships, protect patient privacy in compliance with the Health Insurance Privacy and Accountability Act as well as understand the distinct job responsibilities of the myriad of employees who comprise the typical healthcare organization. Students must receive a minimum grade of a “C” (70%) to continue. Students may receive a grade of D (60-69%) but will be required to repeat the course.
Number: MED111 Credits: 3.00 Type: Health Professions |
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| MED201 | Introduction to Medical Coding » | 3 |
| This course will provide students with an introduction to the historical development of medical nomenclature and classification systems including ICD-9-10-CM, CPT-4 and HCPCS coding. This course concentrates on the coding of diseases, evaluation and management procedures, diagnostic and operative procedures and abstraction of clinical diagnostic data from source documentation in order to produce optimal reimbursement when filing claims with third party payers. Also included in this course will be an overview of the medical billing cycle including coverage of Hospital Billing Applications. In accordance with new federal regulations effective January, 2014, students will be introduced to ICD-10.
Prerequisites: MED103 or permission of Chair Number: MED201 Credits: 3.00 Type: Health Professions |
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| MED203 | Advanced Medical Coding » | 3 |
| This course will leverage and build upon the skills acquired in Introduction to Medical Billing and Coding and concentrates on application of coding skills and analyzing operative reports and consultation notes. These reports and other cases simulate real world out-patient clinical and hospital ICD-9-10, CPT, and HCPCS. Included will be the application of learned skills to EOB denial analysis, collection procedures, and the appeals processes as well as the study of Electronic Records Management.
Prerequisites: MED201 or permission of Chair Number: MED203 Credits: 3.00 Type: Health Professions |
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| MED206 | Hospital Reimbursement » | 3 |
| This course provides an introduction to hospital reimbursement methodologies. The course will focus on basic reimbursement methodologies for inpatient settings, including Medicare acute and skilled inpatient reimbursement guidelines, Prospective Payment Systems, relationship between coding and Diagnosis Related Groups (DRGs) assignment and coding compliance.
Prerequisites: MED201 Number: MED206 Credits: 3.00 Type: Health Professions |
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| MED208 | Administrative Medical Practices » | 3 |
| This course will provide the groundwork for understanding the rules and responsibilities of allied health care providers in an administrative role. The course will cover topics such as electronic health records management, written and oral communication skills, understanding the complexity of the health insurance industry, scheduling and monitoring patient appointments, and the overall administrative duties that impact a health care facility.
Prerequisite: MED103 Students must receive a minimum grade of a “C” (70%) to continue. Students may receive a grade of D (60-69%) but will be required to repeat the course. Number: MED208 Credits: 3.00 Type: Health Professions |
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| MED212 | Medical Billing » | 3 |
| The aim of the course is to provide the laboratory experience for students to demonstrate clinical competencies applicable to all medical disciplines. Students will be able to demonstrate skill and competence in the following areas: Lab Equipment and Safety, Infection Control and Asepsis, EKG, Microbiology, Urinalysis and Pregnancy Testing, Fecal Occult Blood (Hemoccult) test, Vital Signs, Pain Assessment, Visual Screening, Hearing Examination, Surgical Instrumentation, Patient Examination and Preparation, Pulmonary Function Treatment and Testing, and Medical History.
Pre- or Co-requisite: MSC207 Prerequisites: MSC126 and MSC131. Students must receive a minimum grade of C (70%) to continue on to MSC301 Practicum. Students are expected to pass the written portion of the final with a minimum score of 70% to be eligible to take the practical exam. Students may receive a grade of D (60-69%) but will be required to repeat the course. Number: MSC212 Credits: 3.00 Type: Health Professions |
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| MED215 | Health Information Technology » | 3 |
| This course introduces students to the health information management profession, the health information department and the health record. Basic concepts and techniques covered will include health record content, assembly, analysis, control, storage, retention, retrieval, form design and control, indices and registers, and filing systems for both paper and electronic health records.
Prerequisites: MED208 & GEN115 or permission of Chair Number: MED215 Credits: 3.00 Type: Health Professions |
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| HCA310 | US Healthcare » | 3 |
| This course looks at the US healthcare system and the services needed to care for the United States population. This course explores the history, development, structure and current forces that have transformed the healthcare delivery system. Topics may include health insurance, physician practice and payment, ambulatory care and alternative delivery systems, mental health and long term care, hospital services and DRGs, doctor-patient relationship, medical technology, and the future of the US healthcare system.
Prerequisites: MED103 or permission of the Chair Number: HCA310 Credits: 3.00 Type: Allied Health |
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| HCA320 | Global Healthcare Delivery Systems » | 3 |
| This course serves as an introduction to economic, financial and accounting concepts for healthcare providers. Emphasis will be on the market mechanism of supply and demand of health services, budgeting practices, financial statement analysis, and the influence of third party payers on the revenues and costs of healthcare delivery systems.
Prerequisites: Junior-level standing or permission of the Chair Number: HCA320 Credits: 3.00 Type: Allied Health |
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| HCA340 | Managed Care » | 3 |
| This course presents an overview of major issues related to the design function management regulation and evaluation of health insurance and managed care plans. Provides a firm foundation in basic concepts pertaining to private and public sector health insurance/benefit plans both as provided by Medicaid and Medicare. Key topics include provider payment, accountability, cost containment and public policy. Students will also analyze and compare insurance plans for profit and not for profit organizations.
Prerequisites: Junior-level standing or permission of the Chair Number: HCA340 Credits: 3.00 Type: Health Professions |
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| HCA400 | Public Health Issues and Practices » | 3 |
| This course will provide a framework for developing and analyzing a range of health policy issues as well as a comprehensive introduction to public health concepts and practices. This course will also address important health issues and problems facing the public health system. Case studies and a variety of practice-related exercises serve as a basis for learner participation in real world public health problem-solving simulations. The various components of these courses aim to stimulate interactions among learners and instructors around important problems and issues facing public health. This course will also provide an orientation to the ethical foundations of public health research and identify resources for encouraging the ethical practice of public health.
Prerequisites: Junior-level standing or permission of the Chair Number: HCA400 Credits: 3.00 Type: Health Professions |
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| HCA420 | Long Term Care Administration » | 3 |
| This course describes long-term delivery programs designed to meet the special needs of seniors. It will review care and service systems from the perspective of an aging population including the physiological and psychological changes common among seniors. The purpose of this course is to acquaint students with the dynamic field of long term care. This course helps students examine the issues, challenges, and dilemmas confronting long term care management and others in the field of long term health services.
Prerequisites: Junior-level standing or permission of the Chair Number: HCA420 Credits: 3.00 Type: Health Professions |
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| HCA440 | Legal and Ethical Management of Health Information » | 3 |
| Students discover and discuss local, state, and federal laws, regulatory mandates, healthcare policies and practices relative to health information. Students will be introduced and explore the concepts of confidentiality, ethics, healthcare legislation, and regulations related to the maintenance and use of health information.
Prerequisites: Junior-level standing or permission of the Chair Number: HCA440 Credits: 3.00 Type: Allied Health |
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| HCA480 | Health Administration Capstone Course » | 3 |
| (ONLINE PROGRAM ONLY) This course brings together many of the theories and applications introduced throughout the BBA in Health Administration program. The course affords students the opportunity to apply all of the acquired knowledge and skills necessary for them to perform effective managerial applications relative to the health care field. Students will review various case studies, perform comparative analyses, and conduct field research to examine the challenges facing healthcare decision making based on an individual’s socioeconomic status. An individual’s socioeconomic status may include the administration of care for the aging population. Prerequisites: The Capstone course must be taken in the final four terms of an Online student’s degree program. Number: HCA480 Credits: 3.00 Type: Allied Health |
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| BUS122 | Integrated Business Applications » | 3 |
| In this course, students will examine the concepts and applications of Microsoft Word & PowerPoint. Students will use these technology tools to create business documents, marketing materials, and develop effective business presentations that will prepare them for today’s information based business environment.
Number: BUS122 Credits: 3.00 Type: Business Administration |
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| BUS123 | Human Resources Management » | 3 |
| Provides the foundation for the contemporary theory and practices relating to the management of people through a behavioral approach. Major attention is devoted to the process of personnel procurement, development and maintenance of human resources. This includes sound practices in selection, training, motivation and compensation of employees.
Number: BUS123 Credits: 3.00 Type: Business Administration |
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| BUS203 | Principles of Management » | 3 |
| A thorough study of the most modern management methods. Analyzes the areas of organizing, planning, staffing, directing and controlling the organization. Examines the relationship of managers and supervisors in getting the job done.
Number: BUS203 Credits: 3.00 Type: Accounting |
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| BUS279 | Customer Relationship Management » | 3 |
| Providing excellent customer service is key when it comes to relationship management and customer retention. Students will learn basic greetings and conversation starters, as well as how to maintain a professional presence when dealing with customers. We will look at the correlation between customer service and the increase of sales and revenue. A variety of communication tools will be examined and evaluated to determine what methods may be appropriate in keeping in touch with your client base. The term project will require students to create a Customer Service training manual for a company/industry of their choice.
Number: BUS279 Credits: 3.00 Type: Business Administration |
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| BUS325 | Management Applications and Strategy » | 3 |
| This course will provide the framework for understanding concepts and theories related to management across a variety of business sectors including for-profit, not-for-profit, and government-operated organizations. Students will learn how institutions are organized and governed, the role of various employee classes, and the management systems designed for their efficient and effective operation.
Prerequisite: Junior level status or permission of Chair Number: BUS325 Credits: 3.00 Type: Business Administration |
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| ACC107 | Financial Accounting I » | 3 |
| Students taking Financial Accounting I will be involved in accounting theory and its applications. In addition, there will be an in-depth study of the nature of assets and liabilities such as cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable, short-term investments, inventories, plant and equipment, intangibles and the preparation of financial statements. During the semester, emphasis will be placed on journal entries, posting, preparation of month-end financial statements as well as closing and adjusting entries.
Number: ACC107 Credits: 3.00 Type: Accounting |
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| ACC127 | Spreadsheet Applications » | 3 |
| This course introduces Excel spreadsheet concepts using software in the Windows environment. Topics to be covered include: creating the Excel worksheet, formulas, functions, enhancing spreadsheets with graphs and charts, analyzing spreadsheet data (what–if analysis) and working with large worksheets.
Number: ACC127 Credits: 3.00 Type: Accounting |
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| ACC320 | Accounting for Managers » | 3 |
| This course provides exposure to topics which include standard cost systems, budgeting, cost volume profit relationships and breakeven analysis. Spreadsheet and quantitative methods are utilized in class to analyze simulated real life business situations applied to modern manufacturing plants and other types of business enterprises.
Prerequisite: ACC107 or permission of Chair Number: ACC320 Credits: 3.00 Type: Accounting |
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| Total Major-Related Credits | 75 | |
| *MSC110 course satisfies the General Education requirements. | ||
| Course No. | Course Title | Semester Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GEN105 | Transformative Learning » | 3 |
| This course will introduce students to the value of change, personal growth, and transformation. Students will engage in activities designed to stimulate reflective thinking, create a positive personal outlook, and foster “behaviors of success.”
Number: GEN105 Credits: 3.00 Type: General Education |
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| GEN115 | Digital Technologies in the Workplace » | 3 |
| The objective of this course is to familiarize students with digital technologies as they are being used in the workplace
today, and explore how emerging technologies are likely to continue to evolve. Students will be exposed to digital technology fundamentals to better position them to readily adopt common workplace technologies. Students will also learn about security concerns, ethical considerations, digital communications etiquette, and other important concepts related to the use of digital technologies.
Number: GEN115 Credits: 3.00 Type: General Education |
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| GEN125 | English Composition I » | 3 |
| In this course, students develop their reading comprehension and written communication skills. Different styles of writing are examined as students develop writing proficiency through practice in planning, outlining, drafting, revising and editing. In addition to regular class meeting times, Day Division students are required to participate in a ten-week Writing Lab component which counts as ten percent of the grade for English Composition. For the Day Division,
the Writing Lab is graded as Pass or Fail.
Note: Writing Lab is not required in the Evening division or for fully online programs. Prerequisite: Proficiency Examination and/or ACE108. Number: GEN125 Credits: 3.00 Type: General Education |
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| GEN127 | English Composition II » | 3 |
| This course builds on skills developed in English Composition I by presenting additional writing styles and helping students further refine their writing skills. Research skills and MLA documentation are also introduced. In addition to regular class meeting times, Day Division students are required to participate in a ten-week Writing Lab component which counts as ten percent of the grade for English Composition. For the Day Division, the Writing Lab is graded as Pass or Fail.
Note: Writing Lab is not required in the Evening division or for fully online programs. Prerequisite: GEN125 or permission to waive Number: GEN127 Credits: 3.00 Type: General Education |
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| GEN129 | Essentials of Public Speaking » | 3 |
| Communication skills require good speech habits. Therefore, this course covers organization of thoughts, voice control, diction and presentation of ideas to a variety of audiences. The art of listening is also studied. Emphasis will be placed on a series of oral presentations in order to acquire and reinforce these skills.
Number: GEN129 Credits: 3.00 Type: General Education |
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| GEN157 | Statistics » | 3 |
| This course offers an introduction to basic statistical theory and application. Topics to be discussed in detail include: sampling procedures; finding mean, median and mode; finding the variance and standard deviation; graphing histograms and bell curves. This course also illustrates how statistics are used in the business world as well as in the media and the benefits and drawbacks of statistical information.
Prerequisite: Proficiency exam and/or ACE106 or permission to waive. Number: GEN157 Credits: 3.00 Type: General Education |
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| GEN250 | Ethics and Professionalism » | 3 |
| This course will introduce the student to the moral principles and standards that guide behavior in today’s complex society and business. The definition and application of moral philosophies are used to explore ethical decision-making using a case study approach. Economic, legal, and social dimensions are explored along with interpersonal relationships and the development of morality within individual thinking.
Number: GEN250 Credits: 3.00 Type: General Education |
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| GEN330 | Personal & Professional Development » | 3 |
| This course focuses on the adult years as a complex and extraordinarily variable process, rather than as an orderly sequence of predictable stages. Through experiential, interactive processes, this course will explore various theories and philosophies of adult physical, cognitive, and personality development. Attention will also be given to the larger social contexts and the adult’s experience as worker and learner.
Prerequisite: GEN305 Number: GEN330 Credits: 3.00 Type: General Education |
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| GEN421 | Business Communication and Research Methods » | 3 |
| This course will emphasize the necessary written, oral, and visual communication needed for today’s global business environment. The course is designed to provide a basic understanding of the importance of professionalism in the workplace, especially in the competitive business environment. Both interpersonal skills as well as research skills will be developed throughout the course. Throughout the semester, students will learn how utilizing creative skills and being flexible will be valuable in many career scenarios.
Prerequisite: Junior Level Status, or Permission of Chair. Number: GEN421 Credits: 3.00 Type: General Education |
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| GEN363 | Conflict, Communication and Resolution » | 3 |
| This course will examine how communication can be used to effectively resolve conflicts between people, organizations, and cultures. Conflicts resulting from differences in gender and ethnicity in the contexts of work and personal relationships will also be emphasized. The course will have an interdisciplinary emphasis through the use of cases from history, psychology, sociology, and current events.
Prerequisite: Junior Level Status or Permission of Chair. Number: GEN363 Credits: 3.00 Type: General Education |
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| Total General Education Credits | 30 | |
| Electives | ||
| Open Electives (5) | 15 | |
| Total Elective Credits | 15 | |
120 CREDITS REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION
Online Training Suited to Your Schedule
The Health Services Administration (Online) program is offered entirely online. You get the technical skills and practical industry knowledge it takes to pursue a rewarding Healthcare Services Administration career, with the convenience and flexibility of online training.
Is a Rewarding Career as a Healthcare Administrative Professional Right For You? Get More Info…
If you’re interested in learning more about careers in Healthcare Services Administration and exploring whether The College of Westchester is right for you, fill out the form on this page to receive more information.
For immediate questions, call 1-833-768-2842.
*Program length when completed in normal time.