Healthcare Administration Programs in Norfolk VA

Curious about the best healthcare administration programs in Norfolk, VA?

This article reviews top local options, highlighting Norfolk State University, Eastern Virginia Medical School, and more.

Discover which program suits your career goals and preferences in healthcare administration.

Norfolk State University – Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA)

The Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) program at Norfolk State University offers a robust education in healthcare management. This program merges essential business knowledge with healthcare-specific skills, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to tackle challenges within the healthcare industry.

Program Highlights:

• Mode of Delivery: Fully online, providing flexibility for both part-time and full-time students.
• Duration: The program requires 36 credit hours and can be completed in about two years.
• Curriculum: Core courses include strategic management, healthcare finance, organizational behavior, and health informatics. These courses equip students with the necessary tools to manage and lead healthcare organizations effectively.
• Faculty: Experienced professionals in the healthcare sector guide students through the program, bringing practical insights and real-world experience.
• Career Preparation: The MHA program prepares students for advanced roles in various healthcare settings, such as hospitals, government agencies, insurance companies, and pharmaceutical companies.
• Accreditation: Norfolk State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The MHA program is also affiliated with the Association of University Programs in Healthcare Administration (AUPHA).

This program emphasizes key competencies, including communication, leadership, and professionalism. Graduates exit with a deep knowledge of the healthcare environment and refined business skills, ready to address evolving challenges.

For full details about the program, visit the Norfolk State University MHA program page.

Eastern Virginia Medical School – Master of Healthcare Administration

The Master of Healthcare Administration program at Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS) in Norfolk, VA, offers a unique hybrid format, blending in-person and online coursework. This flexible approach caters to the needs of working professionals and those with personal commitments.

Program Highlights:

• Learning Format: Hybrid, combining both online and in-person classes to provide flexibility.
• Curriculum: Courses cover healthcare policy, systems management, health economics, and information systems management, adhering to core competencies set by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME).
• Faculty: Instructors with extensive real-world experience bring valuable industry insights into the classroom.
• Real-world Experience: The program emphasizes practical learning, preparing students to address the multifaceted challenges present in the healthcare sector.
• Network and Resources: EVMS offers strong networking opportunities and resources, enhancing both the learning experience and job prospects.

Future leaders in healthcare administration will find this program an ideal choice for advancing their careers. Prospective students are encouraged to contact the program directly for specific tuition and fee details.

For more information, please visit the Eastern Virginia Medical School MHA program page.

Norfolk State University – Bachelor of Science in Health Services Management

The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree program in Health Services Management at Norfolk State University is designed to provide students with the necessary business and healthcare knowledge to lead health service organizations effectively.

Program Highlights:

• Experience: With over 50 years of preparing health service administrators, NSU offers a rich history of quality education in this field.
• Internship: Includes an internship to provide practical, hands-on experience, though it does not meet licensure requirements for Long-Term Care Administration.
• Curriculum: Key areas of study include population health, healthcare marketing, financial management, and human resources, providing a comprehensive understanding of health services management.
• Student Organizations: Opportunities to join groups like the Health Services Management Student Association and the Upsilon Phi Delta Honor Society focus on healthcare management and policy.
• Advanced Studies: Graduates often pursue advanced degrees in healthcare administration or related fields.

Norfolk State University’s program is recognized for its affordability and quality, ranked as one of the most affordable online health management programs.

For detailed program information and admission requirements, visit the Norfolk State University B.S. in Health Services Management page.

Eastern Virginia Medical School – Graduate Healthcare Management Certificate

The Graduate Healthcare Management Certificate at EVMS is a targeted 15-credit hour program designed to enhance leadership and strategic management skills specific to healthcare environments.

Program Highlights:

• Credits: A focused 15-credit hour program.
• Core Courses: Includes Public Health Administration and Management, and Financing Healthcare.
• Electives: Offers flexibility with electives such as Healthcare Strategy, Policy and Politics, Leadership, Organizational Management, and Conflict Analysis and Negotiations.
• Multidisciplinary Approach: Provides a broad understanding of the organization, financing, delivery, and quality of health services.
• Affiliation: Access to a wide network of industry connections due to EVMS’ reputable standing.

This program offers essential skills for those aiming to advance in healthcare management.

For more information, visit the EVMS Graduate Healthcare Management Certificate program page.

Old Dominion University – Bachelor of Science in Public Health with a Major in Health Services Administration

The Bachelor of Science in Public Health with a Major in Health Services Administration at Old Dominion University prepares students for roles as health administrators capable of planning, directing, and coordinating health services.

Program Highlights:

• Curriculum: Covers global health, public health, healthcare finance, research, epidemiology, and health policy and management.
• Practical Experience: Offers a blend of theory and hands-on experience, preparing students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings.
• Minor in Management: Includes a minor in management to enhance leadership capabilities.
• Flexibility: Available both online and on-campus, catering to diverse student needs.
• Admissions: Requires meeting university admission requirements and allows transferring of prerequisite credits.

Graduates of this program are well-equipped to contribute to healthcare administration and policy, finding employment across various healthcare settings.

For more details, visit the Old Dominion University Health Services Administration program page.

Tidewater Community College – Health Information Management Program

The Health Information Management Program at Tidewater Community College stands out as the only accredited program in South Hampton Roads. This program covers both theoretical and practical aspects of health information management, ensuring students are well-prepared for their future careers.

Program Highlights:

• Accreditation: The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM), lending credibility to your degree.
• Exam Eligibility: Graduates are eligible to sit for the AHIMA Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT®) certification exam.
• Practical Training: The program includes clinical internships that offer hands-on training in modern healthcare settings.
• Exceptional Outcomes: The program boasts a 100% pass rate on the RHIT exam, an 80% graduation rate, a 90% retention rate, and a 100% employer satisfaction rate.

The curriculum covers essential topics, helping you translate medical language into standardized codes used for data analysis, insurance claims, and healthcare decision-making. Flexible day and evening classes, along with hybrid delivery options, cater to various schedules and personal commitments.

For detailed program information, visit the Tidewater Community College Health Information Management Program page.

Virginia Commonwealth University – Master of Health Administration (MHA)

The Master of Health Administration program at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) ranks #3 among the best health administration programs according to US News & World Report. This program aims to prepare early career professionals for leadership roles within complex healthcare organizations.

Program Highlights:

• Curriculum: The program blends rigorous business management coursework with healthcare-specific studies, incorporating essential topics such as healthcare finance, quality improvement, and strategic management.
• Administrative Residency: Students participate in a 12-month paid administrative residency, working with senior healthcare executives to gain hands-on experience.
• Dual Degree Option: Offers an option to pursue a dual degree in Law and Health Administration in partnership with the University of Richmond School of Law.
• Student-to-Faculty Ratio: Small class sizes foster close relationships between students, faculty, and alumni, promoting a nurturing academic environment.
• Alumni Network: VCU boasts a robust alumni network, providing extensive professional connections and support.

Graduates emerge well-equipped for leadership positions, ready to drive positive changes in the healthcare industry.

For more information, visit the Virginia Commonwealth University MHA program page.

Old Dominion University – Online Health Sciences Health Services Administration Program

The Online Health Sciences Health Services Administration program at Old Dominion University is designed for both newcomers and current health professionals seeking to advance their careers.

Program Highlights:

• Accreditation: One of fewer than 50 undergraduate healthcare administration programs certified by the Association of University Programs in Health Administration (AUPHA).
• Degree Options: Offers degree completion options for students with some college credits and a full degree option for those starting afresh.
• Credits: Requires a minimum of 30 credit hours with 12 hours of prerequisites.
• Flexibility: Provides online course materials and includes scheduled online meetings, fitting diverse schedules.
• Practicum: Students complete a practicum or internship to gain hands-on experience in real-world healthcare settings.

Graduates can pursue careers in management, public health, and various other administrative roles within healthcare organizations.

For more details, visit the Old Dominion University Online Health Sciences Health Services Administration program page.

What to Consider When Choosing a Healthcare Administration Program

Finding the right healthcare administration program in Norfolk, VA, can significantly impact your career prospects. Here are key factors to consider:

1. Curriculum: Ensure the program covers essential topics like healthcare policy, financial management, and leadership. Verify that the coursework is current and relevant to today’s healthcare landscape.
2. Faculty: Research the faculty’s background and expertise. Experienced professionals bring valuable insights that can enhance your learning experience.
3. Accreditation: Look for programs accredited by reputable organizations such as the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME) or the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
4. Flexibility: Consider programs offering online or hybrid formats, especially if you have other commitments. Flexible options can help you balance work, life, and studies.
5. Career Support: Investigate the career services provided by the program, such as internships, job placement assistance, and networking opportunities.
6. Cost and Financial Aid: Compare tuition costs and check for available financial aid options, including scholarships and military discounts.
7. Class Size: Smaller class sizes can offer personalized instruction and better interaction with faculty and peers.
8. Alumni Network: Strong alumni networks can provide valuable resources, mentorship, and job opportunities.

Taking these factors into account will help you choose a healthcare administration program that aligns with your goals and sets you on the path to a successful career.

Conclusion

Choosing the right healthcare administration program in Norfolk, VA, is a pivotal step toward a rewarding career in the healthcare industry. From the comprehensive programs at Norfolk State University and Eastern Virginia Medical School to the flexible online offerings at Old Dominion University, you have several excellent options to consider. By evaluating curriculum, faculty expertise, accreditation, and other critical factors, you can find the program that best meets your needs and ambitions. Take the next step in your education journey, and set yourself up for success in healthcare administration.