Best Healthcare Administration Programs in Long Beach CA

Looking to advance your career in healthcare administration? Discover the top-rated programs in Long Beach, CA.

This article highlights the best options, focusing on important aspects like accreditation, curriculum, faculty expertise, and internship opportunities.

Whether you’re starting out or seeking to advance in the healthcare field, these programs offer the pathways you need.

1. California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) – Health Care Administration Program

The Health Care Administration Program at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) offers undergraduate and graduate programs accredited by leading industry organizations.

Program Highlights

• Undergraduate Program: The Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration (BSHCA) is a certified member of the Association of University Programs in Health Administration (AUPHA). It emphasizes management functions and specialized courses in long-term care administration, hospital management, managed care, and medical group practice management. Internships are mandatory, providing essential real-world experience.
• Graduate Program: The Master of Science in Health Care Administration (MSHCA) is CAHME-accredited, designed for aspiring healthcare managers with various undergraduate backgrounds. The traditional and accelerated programs offer flexibility, combining online and weekend instructions for working professionals. The accelerated program can be completed in just two years.

Curriculum and Faculty

The curriculum covers essential management functions with elective options for specialized educational pursuits.

• Core Courses: Health care industry-specific courses in business functions.
• Electives: Specializations in finance, information systems, human resources management, and marketing.

The faculty includes nationally recognized experts and executive practitioners, connecting students with the healthcare community in Southern California.

Career Opportunities

Graduates can find roles as analysts, administrative support staff, customer service managers, consultants, independent business owners, and information specialists. Potential employment opportunities exist in hospitals, long-term care facilities, labs, durable medical equipment providers, pharmacies, health insurance companies, and government health agencies.

For more information on hours and pricing, visit the CSULB Health Care Administration Program.

2. California State University, Long Beach – Healthcare Administration Program

The Healthcare Administration Program at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) prepares students for leadership roles within the healthcare sector.

Admission Requirements

• GPA Requirement: A minimum overall GPA of 2.5.
• Prerequisite Courses: Minimum grade of “C” in each course.
• Core Courses: Medical terminology, healthcare system, health personnel management, legal aspects of health administration, financial management, marketing for health services organizations, and others.

Key Program Features

• Hands-On Experience: A mandatory internship component gives students practical exposure to the healthcare environment.
• Electives: Wide-ranging elective courses cover operations management, technology, ethics, global health issues, leadership, health economics, and more.
• Academic Rigour: A minimum grade of “C” is required for all major courses.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Comprehensive Curriculum: Offers a broad understanding of various healthcare administration facets.
• Internship Opportunities: Provides real-world experience.

Cons:

• GPA Requirement: Entry requires a minimum GPA of 2.5, which may be a barrier for some students.
• Time Commitment: The program’s rigor demands significant dedication.

CSULB’s expansive curriculum and practical experience position it as a strong contender for aspiring healthcare administrators.

For more information, visit the CSULB Healthcare Administration Program.

3. California State University, Long Beach – Master of Science in Health Care Administration (MSHCA)

The Master of Science in Health Care Administration (MSHCA) at CSULB is ideal for those aspiring to managerial positions in healthcare.

Program Highlights

• Accreditation: Accredited by the Commission for Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME).
• Curriculum: Designed for beginning healthcare professionals and international students, covering topics like organization and systems, human resources management, advanced financial management, and healthcare information systems.
• Faculty Expertise: Professors with extensive industry experience provide mentorship and field experience opportunities.

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree: From an accredited institution with a GPA of at least 3.0.
• Prerequisite Courses: At least nine units in financial accounting, microeconomics, and statistics.
• Experience: GRE/GMAT scores waived with professional experience.

Career Prospects

Graduates gain comprehensive skills in management, leadership, professionalism, and business knowledge, preparing them for various roles in healthcare administration.

Program Duration

Most students complete the MSHCA program in two to three years.

For more information, visit the MSHCA program at CSULB.

4. California State University, Long Beach – Master in Health Care Administration Accelerated Program (MSHCA-AP)

The Master in Health Care Administration Accelerated Program (MSHCA-AP) at CSULB caters to working professionals aiming for administrative roles in healthcare organizations.

Program Features

• Work Experience Requirement: Minimum of five years in the healthcare industry.
• Program Format: Combines online and weekend courses for flexibility.
• Curriculum: Covers topics like health care economics, human resources management, financial management, legal and ethical aspects, and more.

Admission Requirements

• GRE/GMAT Scores: Or a minimum of five years of healthcare work experience.
• Application Process: Through Cal State Apply.

Comprehensive Learning

• Foundation Courses: Offered early in the program.
• Advanced Courses: Healthcare-specific topics scheduled later.

Key Competencies

• Core areas: Communications, relationship management, leadership, ethics, the health care environment, and business acumen.

CSULB’s MSHCA-AP provides necessary competencies for healthcare administration roles, helping students advance their careers efficiently and effectively.

For more information, visit the MSHCA-AP program at CSULB.

5. California State University, Long Beach – Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration

The Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration (BS-HCA) program at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) belongs to the College of Health and Human Services (CHHS). Being a fully certified member of the Association of University Programs in Health Administration (AUPHA) since 1996, this program stands as a mark of excellence.

Admission and Prerequisites

• Admission Requirements: An overall GPA of 2.5 or higher.
• Prerequisite Courses: Completion of elementary financial accounting (ACCT 201), principles of microeconomics or fundamentals of economics (ECON 101 or ECON 300), and a statistics course (HDEV 190, SOC 170, PSY 110, or STAT 108) with a minimum grade of “C”.

Core Curriculum

The major core courses cover critical areas essential for healthcare administration. You will delve into:

• Medical Billing and Coding
• Healthcare System Analysis
• Health Personnel Management
• Legal Aspects of Health Administration
• Marketing for Health Services Organizations
• Health Management and Organization
• Information Systems for Health Care Administrators
• Quality Assurance in Health Care
• Evaluation of Health Care Services

Internship courses (HCA 480 and HCA 481) are also required, typically undertaken in the last two semesters.

Elective Courses

To provide flexibility and specialization, students must complete a minimum of 9 units from upper-division elective courses such as:

• Global Issues in Health Services
• Leadership in Health Care
• Long-Term Care Perspectives
• Health Economics
• Medical Group Practice Management

Program Benefits and Career Paths

• AUPHA Certification: Demonstrates program excellence and rigorous academic standards.
• Diverse Opportunities: Prepares students for roles in hospitals, clinics, managed care organizations, and government agencies.
• Experienced Faculty: Offers valuable instruction and mentorship.

For more information, visit the Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration program.

6. Long Beach City College – Medical Assisting Program

Long Beach City College (LBCC)’s Medical Assisting Program aims to equip students with the necessary skills to perform entry-level administrative and clinical tasks in a physician’s office.

Program Options

LBCC offers several pathways, catering to various career goals:

• Combined Administrative/Clinical Associate Degree Program
• Administrative or Clinical Certificate Program
• Certificates of Accomplishment in Emergency Medical Technician, Medical Insurance Billing, or Phlebotomy

Core Skills and Curriculum

The program spans one academic year and provides comprehensive skills training, including:

• Scheduling Appointments
• Maintaining Medical Records
• Billing and Coding Information for Insurance
• Taking Vital Signs and Medical Histories
• Preparing Patients for Examinations
• Drawing Blood and Administering Medications

Accreditation and Certification

LBCC’s program holds accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). Graduates qualify for all five Medical Assistant Certifying Organizations approved by the Medical Board of California.

Admissions and Career Benefits

• Admission Requirements: High school diploma, GED, or HiSet.
• Career Path: Offers a swift pathway to the healthcare field, with potential to work in less than 10 months.

For more information, visit the Medical Assisting Program at LBCC.

What to Consider When Choosing a Healthcare Administration Program in Long Beach CA

Selecting the right program is crucial for your success in healthcare administration. Here are key factors to consider:

1. Program Accreditation

Accreditation ensures the program meets high standards. Look for programs accredited by bodies like CAHME or AUPHA.

2. Curriculum

Examine the course offerings to ensure they cover healthcare management, policy, finance, and ethics—an essential foundation for your career.

3. Faculty Expertise

Ensure that the faculty members are experienced professionals. Their industry knowledge and connections can greatly benefit your learning and networking opportunities.

4. Internship Opportunities

Practical experience is invaluable. Programs that offer internships enable you to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings and build professional networks.

5. Career Support Services

Strong career support can significantly boost your job prospects. Look for services that offer job placement rates, resume workshops, interview preparation, and networking events.

6. Flexibility and Scheduling

Consider your personal and professional commitments. Programs with part-time, online, or evening classes offer flexibility for working students.

7. Reputation and Alumni Network

The program’s reputation and the success of its alumni can provide insights into the quality of education. A strong alumni network can aid in job placements and mentorship.

8. Financial Aid and Scholarships

Explore financial aid and scholarship options to manage the costs of your education. Many programs offer resources to help students with financial planning.

Conclusion

Choosing the right healthcare administration program in Long Beach, CA, is a pivotal step in advancing your career. With strong options like CSULB and LBCC, you can find a program that aligns with your ambitions and schedules, offering the education, practical experience, and career support you need.

Explore your options and take the next step towards a rewarding career in healthcare administration.