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Students passionate about helping others live a healthy lifestyle, boosting community well-being, and improving patient outcomes should consider a career in healthcare and wellness. Even if they cannot decide whether to specifically become nurses, doctors, and other medical professionals, enrolling in a Bachelor in Health Services remains a viable path.
This program provides students with a comprehensive grasp of health-related concepts that will establish a solid foundation for their careers in health services management or administration in the healthcare field and healthcare organizations, regardless of the specialization they ultimately opt for.
Investing in your education with a Health Services bachelor’s degree is worth it. With a degree obtainable in 3.5 to 4 years on average, the future is bright for future graduates who start their studies today.
In fact, the wage and salary employment in the health care and social assistance sector is expected to grow 13% within the forecasted period from 2021 to 2031, according to the country’s Labor Statistics Bureau. This means that there will be around 2.5 million new jobs over the next decade.
It shouldn’t be a surprise though because, as BLS also disclosed, the health care and social assistance sector is already the second largest industry sector with the most employment even in 2021, about 20 million or 14.3% of the total economy except the self-employed.
A few schools in the US offer online degrees in health services with rigorous coursework that focuses on equipping students with the skills and knowledge to provide caring and respectful direct individual care, offer clinical services and make critical, analytical and ethical decisions, among other competencies.
Certain online healthcare programs, though, also emphasize or include courses that will shape students into adept team players, coordinators, administrators, managers, and most importantly, leaders. Such programs offer even more lucrative opportunities for graduates considering that the BLS disclosed that the employment growth rate for medical and health services managers is projected to be 28% from 2021 to 2031, which is much faster than the 5% average growth rate for all occupations.
Online Bachelor in Health Services degree programs are designed not just for fresh HS graduates but also for adult learners who want to obtain a baccalaureate degree. It’s also designed for working professionals who have an associate degree or certificate in health-related programs and want to obtain a bachelor’s degree for career growth.
The Lowdown
The Bachelor in Health Services provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted healthcare landscape. It encompasses a broad range of critical aspects like healthcare systems, healthcare policies, patient care, healthcare ethics, health promotion and public health. Graduates emerge with a well-rounded knowledge base that empowers them to contribute significantly to healthcare organizations, public health initiatives and community health efforts.
Methodology
Scouring through the various online Bachelor in Health Services degree programs offered by US-based colleges and universities can take a considerable amount of time and effort. We have created a list of the best educational institutions offering this program to help make the search quicker and easier. Our list, sorted in random order, considers specific and relevant criteria including the following:
- Delivers courses completely online or in hybrid formats,
- Employs faculty members with relevant experience and health care competency in teaching and research relevant to health services,
- Offers students access to online resources including digital libraries, support services and research databases,
- Provides opportunities for practicums, internships and hands-on experiences in health-related scenarios in a healthcare facility and similar settings,
- Facilitates interactive learning through virtual labs, live discussions and collaborative projects,
- Utilizes and/or requires readily-available technology that are compatible with students’ devices,
- Offers great-value education at reasonable tuition rates and provides assistance on financial aid, grants and discounts, among other cost-saving benefits,
- Offers networking opportunities with industry professionals, alumni and fellow students,
- Has generous credit transfer policies that allow students, especially working professionals, to make use of their previously earned college credits,
- Recognizes work and life experiences of students, especially entry-level health professionals, as credits for advancement in the curriculum,
- Obtained regional accreditation or at the very least, maintains a solid reputation in delivering quality education related to health services.
Explore our Methodology for more information on our ranking process.
5 Best Online Bachelor’s in Health Services Programs
Indiana State University
Online Bachelor of Applied Science in Health Services
Indiana State University is offering a 100% online Bachelor of Applied Science in Health Services, an interdisciplinary program that encompasses a broad range of fields including health biostatistics, public health administration, and safety education as well as finance, marketing and management.
This degree program, delivered by Indiana State Online, is designed to prepare students for health-related post-baccalaureate studies or for leadership roles including health educators, healthcare administrators and community health workers. It’s also perfect for associate degree holders who want to further their studies to boost their opportunities for management roles.
The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) has approved the accreditation of Indiana State University since 1915. The University is also authorized to offer distance education programs in member states under the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA).
What Makes this Program Unique:
- The University is committed to providing online bachelor’s degree education that is as affordable as possible and to assist students in funding their education with a variety of financial aids including federal work-study, scholarships, grants, loans, and veteran’s benefits.
- Online students receive education from the same world-class and dedicated faculty members who teach in the University’s traditional classrooms.
- Indiana State Online students have access to a variety of student services including responsive service concierges, exemplary academic advisors, IT support, and online tutoring.
Did You Know?
Indiana State University makes it a goal to provide high-quality education to students through career readiness, experiential learning, and community involvement.
Marian University
Online Bachelor of Arts in Health and Human Services
Students can complete their Bachelor of Arts in Health and Human Services without sacrificing their career and personal commitments with the help of the completely online healthcare degree program offered by Marian University.
The Indiana-based University designs the curriculum with a combination of general education courses and real-world career experiences to equip students with the ability to recognize, address, and prevent problems to improve quality of life.
The HHS degree has a total of 128 credits, which includes 36 credit hours of core courses such as:
- Leadership
- Professional Writing
- Public Health and Society
- Social Psychology
At Marian University, students obtain the fundamental knowledge needed to succeed in the health fields, as they study general human psychology, microbiology, and human growth and development. At the same time, they are also groomed to become significant leaders in their chosen fields by studying global health issues and intervention, public health and society, and leadership.
Marian University is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. It is also an approved institution by the Indiana Commission for Higher Education.
What Makes this Program Unique:
Marian University offers comprehensive financial aid packages that make education more affordable for everyone. These offers include loans, work-study, grants, and scholarships.
Did You Know?
Marian University is sponsored by the Sisters of St. Francis, Oldenburg, Indiana. It was founded in 1936 in Oldenburg and transferred to Indianapolis in 1937.
Missouri State University
Bachelor of Science in Health Services (Online)
Missouri State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Health Services degree program that provides students, both new and returning, with a strong knowledge base in the areas of leadership, health care and its systems, legal issues, global health and grant writing, among others.
The degree program, delivered through Missouri State Online, prepares students who want to pursue post-baccalaureate studies in health administration or public health, among other related fields. Students are also trained to pursue careers in the health-related field including:
- Occupational therapy assistants
- Medical lab techs
- Medical technologists
- Dental hygienists and assistants
- Respiratory therapists
The Higher Learning Commission has continuously accredited Missouri State University since 1915.
What Makes this Program Unique:
- The BS in Health Services program offers a Clinical Services track, which is designed for allied health professionals with previously earned credentials from a certificate or an associate degree in allied health studies. This track allows students to use as much as 53 credits in clinical education toward the completion of the bachelor program and thus, bringing their clinical profession to the next level.
- Scholarships and other financial aids are available to make college more affordable.
- Online students have access to a range of support resources such as virtual research assistance, one-on-one tutoring and writing assistance.
- Online courses are designed and handled by the same well-experienced faculty members who teach on campus.
Did You Know?
The Dual Credit program allows qualified students to earn free college credits at Missouri State University while still in high school.
Western Governors University
Bachelor of Science in Health and Human Services (Online)
The online degree program on Bachelor of Science in Health and Human Services offered by the Western Governors University serves as a gateway for students who aspire to a career in the healthcare industry to improve people’s lifestyles for the better as well as to deliver the best of community outcomes.
The BS in Health and Human Services has 35 courses that are designed to be up-to-date, practical and relevant so that students are well-equipped and prepared to deal with the modern challenges of the healthcare industry. Aside from the study of patient-focused health care and leadership, students are also groomed for communication, person-centered care coordination and cultural awareness, among other things.
The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) provides the institutional accreditation of WGU
What Makes this Program Unique:
The BS-HHS curriculum is regularly updated with contributions from the University’s Health Professions Program Council to ensure that students are knowledgeable about modern-day healthcare best practices and the latest industry trends.
Online students will gain field experience through a range of contexts including via virtual simulations, based on their health services professional career goals.
The online program is a competency-based degree program which means that students can speed up their progress without having to wait for their classmates to catch up or for the next semester to begin. Online students can take their exams whenever they feel ready.
Did You Know?
WGU differs from most traditional universities in many ways, including:
- The tuition structure is a flat rate per six-month term instead of a per-credit rate.
- Students can finish their program as quickly as they can master the curriculum, typically in less than three years.
- A generous transfer policy, unlike other schools that only allow a few credits and are often restricted to specific schools and courses.
Strayer University
Bachelor of Business Administration in Health Services Administration (Online)
Strayer University offers an online Bachelor of Business Administration in Health Services Administration degree program that equips students with the skills and knowledge to develop and implement effective healthcare solutions. Students will gain business and problem-solving skills to manage critical administrative areas while exploring modern-day challenges that affect healthcare in the U.S.
The curriculum has 40 courses which are 11 weeks long.
The Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) has approved the institutional accreditation of Strayer University.
What Makes this Program Unique:
Students can complete free Gen Ed courses and save as much as $15,250 on their bachelor’s degree through the University’s affiliate, Sophia Learning.
Eligible online and on-campus students enrolled in any of the University’s bachelor’s programs can have a free laptop installed with Microsoft software.
Did You Know?
Strayer University campuses are located throughout the United States and online students are allowed to visit a campus to meet with student services coaches, faculty, or advisors.
Examples of Core Courses in the Bachelor in Health Services
Below are some of the core courses that students in the Health Services Bachelor’s program will study.
Introduction to Epidemiology
This foundational course introduces students to the principles and methods of epidemiology, which is the study of the distribution and determinants of health-related events in populations. The course provides a comprehensive overview of how diseases and health conditions spread, their causes, and the strategies to control and prevent them.
Social Psychology
This core course explores the ways in which individuals’ thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by their interactions with others and the social environment. The course focuses on the psychological processes that shape human behavior in social contexts.
Medical Psychology
This specialized course explores the psychological aspects of health, illness and medical care. This course examines how psychological factors affect physical health, the patient-doctor relationship and healthcare outcomes. Students gain insights into the psychological processes that influence medical decisions, coping with illness and promoting overall wellbeing in healthcare settings.
Public Health and Society
This course examines the complex relationship between public health and broader societal factors, exploring how social, cultural, economic and political factors influence public health outcomes and disparities. Students gain a comprehensive understanding of the social determinants of health and the role of public health interventions in addressing health inequities.
Health Communication
This communication course focuses on health communication with interpersonal sources (like healthcare providers and physicians) and groups (like healthcare organizations and support groups). It also equips students with proficient communication strategies through mass media and digital/social media platforms.
Health, Law and Ethics
This course extensively examines the legal and ethical challenges faced by healthcare professionals and those engaged in healthcare management and public health. It highlights the ethical and legal issues and considerations related to direct patient care. Some of the discussions in this course include advance directives, informed consent, decision-making capacity, organ donation, surrogate decision-making, confidentiality, and end-of-life decision-making.
Cultural Awareness
This healthcare course provides students with the understanding of what it means to have personal, explicit and implicit cultural biases, and their potential impact on patient outcomes in the health services industry. Students will also learn practical strategies for addressing their personal biases and for promoting cultural awareness in health services.
History of Healthcare in America
This history course will look into Clara Barton, Henrietta Lacks, Katie Beckett and Ryan White, among other individuals who influenced healthcare in the United States, from its inception until today. By examining their contributions, the course highlights how their impact has shaped healthcare delivery and the ongoing transformation of the field. It also tackles the relationship of healthcare with society, culture and politics throughout the country’s history and explores the current challenges in the modern-day U.S. healthcare system.
Common Misconceptions on Bachelor in Health Services
There are several misconceptions surrounding Bachelor’s in Health Services degrees. Here are some common ones:
Limited to Direct Patient Care
In reality, a Bachelor’s in Health Services offers a broader understanding of healthcare systems, administration, policy and coordination, and doesn’t solely lead to direct patient care roles like nursing or medical assisting.
Not as Valuable as Clinical Degrees
Just like graduates of nursing, medicine and other clinical degrees, health services graduates also play vital roles in healthcare management, policy analysis, health education and community health improvement.
Only Suitable for Hospitals
Graduates of Health Services programs can also find opportunities in various settings like clinics, public health agencies, nonprofits, corporate wellness programs and healthcare administration.
Not Relevant in the Age of Technology
With the healthcare industry embracing technology, Health Services degree programs are also updated to provide graduates with the skills to navigate the evolving healthcare landscape including health informatics and telehealth.
Involves Only Administrative Work
Aside from administrative roles, graduates can also work in patient advocacy, health education, community outreach and policy analysis.
Lacks Hands-On Experience
Even online degree programs in Health Services offer internships, practicums and fieldwork to provide students with practical exposure to healthcare settings. It’s essential for students to look into the school’s curriculum first to be sure they’re getting the best education with experiential learning opportunities.
Interchangeable with Health Science
Although often used interchangeably, Health Services and Health Science have distinct focuses. Health Services emphasize healthcare coordination, patient advocacy and community health while Health Science has a broader scope covering biology, nutrition and public health.
Understanding and dispelling these misconceptions can help individuals make informed decisions about pursuing a Bachelor’s in Health Services and realizing the diverse and meaningful career opportunities it can lead to in the healthcare industry.
Emerging Trends in Health Services
Knowing and understanding the emerging trends in the health services sector is like hitting two birds with one stone i.e. students will get a clear picture of whether or not getting a Bachelor’s degree in Health Services is worth it, and they have the opportunity to shape their studies in a manner that positions them to seize the lucrative opportunities presented by these trends when they ultimately attain their degree.
Artificial Intelligence in Health Services
AI in healthcare is an emerging trend that involves the application of advanced algorithms and machine learning to analyze medical data, predict health outcomes and enhance clinical decision-making. Current examples of AI at work include predicting outcomes in clinical trials of drugs and analyzing medical imagery like MRI scans and X-rays.
Remote Health Services
Remote health services, an emerging trend accelerated by the pandemic, involve the delivery of healthcare services, consultations and monitoring through digital platforms and telecommunication tools. These include telemedicine appointments, remote monitoring of chronic conditions and virtual health platforms that provide health information and resources.
Precision Medicine
Advances in genomics and personalized medicine lead to more effective and targeted interventions, as they enable tailored treatment plans based on a patient’s genetic makeup. By moving away from a one-size-fits-all model, precision medicine holds the potential to revolutionize patient care, improve treatment outcomes and guide the development of innovative therapies in a range of medical specialties.
Data Analytics and Health Informatics
The increasing use of data analytics and health informatics allows healthcare professionals to make informed decisions, track patient outcomes, manage population health and predict health trends. It involves harnessing advanced data analysis techniques and technologies to derive insights from massive healthcare datasets like electronic health records, patient histories and medical research.
Wearable Medical Devices
The integration of technology into everyday items like smartwatches, fitness trackers and health monitoring devices contributes to the shift towards personalized healthcare and empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their wellbeing.
Retail Health Services
Retail health services refer to healthcare services that are provided in non-traditional settings like retail pharmacies, clinics within retail stores, and other accessible community locations. There has been a growing trend for these services in the US over the past decade and they remain popular today. These services often offer basic medical care, vaccinations, wellness screenings, minor illness treatment and prescription filling, making healthcare more convenient and accessible to the general public.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are online Bachelor’s in Health Services degrees recognized by employers?
Yes, many employers recognize health services bachelor’s degree credentials of graduates from online programs.
When choosing a bachelor’s program, however, it’s best to choose one offered by a university or college recognized by a regional accrediting organization such as the following:
- WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) Western Association of Schools and Colleges
- And other organizations recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and the U.S. Department of Education.
These institution accreditations affirm that the school upholds high standards in providing education as established by the accrediting organization.
Healthcare-related programs can also obtain accreditation from specialized organizations, reflecting that the coursework upholds the industry standards. When it comes to enrolling in a bachelor in health services degree program, students who are considering a specialization or concentration should look into the accreditation of the program.
For example:
- Dietetic educational programs may be accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics;
- Optometry educational programs may be accredited by the American Optometric Association, Accreditation Council on Optometric Education; and
- Physical therapy education programs may be accredited by the American Physical Therapy Association, Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education.
Employers also recognize online Health Services degrees through a collaboration agreement with the schools. Some universities and colleges partner with organizations and businesses in the industry to provide practicum, internship and experiential learning opportunities to their students. This setup also provides a networking opportunity that students can utilize when searching for employment after attaining their degrees.
In some online degree programs, students receive their diplomas and transcripts only bearing the name of the University where they were enrolled. These documents don’t bear the word “Online” on them, as the quality of education that the University provides to their students is of the same high quality in both online and on-campus classes.
How long does it take to complete an online Bachelor’s in Health Services degree program?
Like most Bachelor’s degree programs, the Health Services degree is obtainable in an average of 4 years. There are several factors, however, that influence the duration for students to complete their online program for Health Services.
For one, some students can finish their online programs for Bachelor in Health Services in less than 4 years due to the self-paced nature of some of the courses. This means that they can proceed with their studies without having to wait for other students to catch up or to wait for the term to end.
Take note though that some courses may have a fixed schedule for live classes and collaborations, and thus, students should take that into consideration when planning their timeline. The frequency of having to sit in an online class, however, will depend on the professor handling the course.
Some programs let students transfer their previously earned college credits as well as work and life experiences into their Health Services bachelor’s degree, allowing students to skip some courses and thus, accelerating their program.
On the other hand, some online programs accept part-time students. In this case, the duration for students to complete the program and obtain their degrees is extended.
Can a Bachelor in Health Services degree allow students to sit for license exams?
A Health Services bachelor’s degree typically does not lead to a specific license that allows students to practice as a licensed healthcare professional like nurses or doctors. However, there are things to consider regarding this matter.
- Certification. Some programs offer certifications that can enhance employment qualifications. For example, students might earn certifications in areas like healthcare management, health education or medical coding.
- Post-baccalaureate Education. Some students pursue a Bachelor’s in Health Services as a stepping stone toward further education. For example, the Health Services degree can serve as a foundation for pursuing a Master’s in Health Administration, Public Health or related fields that can lead to specific licenses or certifications.
- Concentrations or Specializations. Some programs might offer specific concentrations or tracks that align with licensure exams. A program that offers a concentration in Health Information Management, for example, might make students eligible to sit for the Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) exam.
It’s important to thoroughly research the program you’re interested in and understand its curriculum, concentrations and potential certifications. If you have specific licensure goals, consider discussing them with academic advisors or researching programs that align more closely with those goals. Always verify the requirements for licensure exams in your desired field and location to ensure that your educational path aligns with your career aspirations.
Summary Points
- A bachelor’s degree in Health Services opens doors to a wide range of career opportunities and a lucrative future, especially with the 13% projected growth of the wage and salary employment in the health care and social assistance sector from 2021 to 2031.
- The coursework of a Health Services bachelor’s degree differs from one institution to another, as one may focus on health sciences and patient care while others may include topics on management, administration, and finance. Thus, it’s important to look into the curriculum to see if it’s the program you want to enroll in.
- It should be noted that a Bachelor’s degree program in Health Services generally doesn’t provide the credit to sit for an exam for a medical professional license. It serves as a stepping stone to a Master’s degree program that leads to specific licenses.
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