Guide to Healthcare Administration Bachelor’s Degrees in Texas
Discover how pursuing healthcare administration degrees in Texas can prepare you for leadership positions in a high-demand sector while offering the potential for a fulfilling income.
Healthcare professionals like doctors, nurses, and medical specialists are undoubtedly the heartbeat of the industry. However, behind the scenes, every healthcare organization relies on skilled healthcare administrators to keep operations in tip-top shape. Healthcare administration degrees in Texas can equip you to manage the essential details that enable hospitals, laboratories, and long-term care facilities to deliver outstanding patient care, all while earning a rewarding salary.
With the right education and skills, you can play a crucial role in shaping the state’s healthcare landscape, ensuring the well-being of patients and staff as a “vital organ” in your organization. This guide explores everything you need to know about achieving success in a healthcare administration bachelor’s degree program in Texas. It covers top programs, how to get into them, and what to anticipate in the job market as a health services manager. Get started by seeing who made our list of top online programs for the ’23-’24 school year:
| # | School Name | Type | Tuition | Online Programs | More Details | School Information | Online Students | Academic Counseling | Career Placement | Students w/Institutional Aid | Median Earnings 10yrs After Entry | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | DeVry University-TexasIrving, TX | Private for-profit | $$ | 1 | DeVry University's Healthcare Administration and Healthcare Management programs merge essential public health knowledge with business principles. Alongside coursework in patient rights, ethics, and cultural competency, students take part in classes such as business analytics and marketing. This unique curriculum prepares students to become compassionate and effective administrators across all healthcare settings. Program Highlights: Bachelor's Degree in Healthcare Administration
|
Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio6/1 |
Online Student %100% |
|||
| 2 | West Coast University-DallasDallas, TX | Private for-profit | $$$ | 2 | West Coast University in Dallas offers an online Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration program. Students can choose between the general, finance, or strategic management track. This program can be taken at either an accelerated pace (40 months) or at a professional working pace (80 months) which may be easier for working students, parents, or caretakers. WCU will accept up to 90 transfer credits (split between general education, electives, and program-specific areas) on a case-by-case basis. Program Highlights: Bachelor of Health Administration
|
Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio15/1 |
Online Student %42% |
Popular Healthcare Administration Degree Programs in Texas
For a closer look at some of the most outstanding traditional and online healthcare administration degrees in Texas, we’ve spotlighted 3 popular programs below. These schools will help give you a better idea of what to look for during your own program search.
Texas Woman’s University
Texas Woman’s University’s Bachelor of Business Administration in Healthcare Administration is an excellent option for students seeking flexibility in their educational journey. The program offers various course formats, including in-person at the university’s Denton campus, online, and hybrid models. This AACSB-accredited curriculum is designed to be completed in just two years after obtaining an Associate of Arts degree from a community college.
To accommodate students’ diverse educational backgrounds, TWU offers two distinct tracks within the healthcare administration program. The Clinical Track caters to students who initially pursued health-related majors and accepts and incorporates most of the credits students earned in their previous degree paths. The General Track is aimed at students who began college with non-health-related majors and focuses on the application of business concepts within the healthcare industry.
Sam Houston State University
Sam Houston State University offers a comprehensive Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration program, available both on campus and online. This multidisciplinary program integrates coursework from diverse fields, such as health, business, economics, management, and psychology, providing students with a well-rounded education.
Throughout the program, students develop a strong understanding of various roles within the healthcare services sector, learn to leverage data to inform decision-making, and gain insight into modern-day healthcare organizations’ legal and ethical challenges. To provide practical experience, the program encourages students to undertake internships with local, state-wide, national, or international health services organizations to foster valuable real-world skills in healthcare administration. After graduation, students can enter the job market prepared to serve in medical and health services management roles or continue their education with SHSU’s Master of Public Health program.
University of Houston-Victoria
The University of Houston-Victoria’s Bachelor of Business Administration in Healthcare Administration offers an ideal solution for students seeking flexibility and affordability in their education. With most courses available online, students can easily fit their studies around their schedules without the need for regular campus visits. For the few required courses not offered online, students can attend classes at either the Victoria or Katy-based campuses with multiple class time options available throughout the day.
The UHV Healthcare Administration curriculum covers essential topics, including quality assessment, strategic planning, and the function of ethics and public policies within the healthcare system. Throughout the program, students are provided with numerous opportunities for real-world learning experiences to prepare them to excel in the field. If students choose, the BBA in Healthcare Administration can serve as a solid foundation for continuing into higher education with a Strategic MBA.
What Do You Learn in a Healthcare Admin Bachelor’s Degree Program in Texas?
Healthcare administration degrees in Texas draw upon several disciplines to ensure your future success as a health services manager. While your role may not involve direct patient care, as a part of healthcare administration bachelor’s degree programs in Texas, you’ll gain an understanding of:
- The business aspects of healthcare
- The diverse roles involved in providing care
- How to lead, manage, and make well-informed decisions within healthcare settings
To equip you with the necessary skills, traditional and online healthcare administration degrees in Texas have coursework that spans subjects from business to health to ethics, addressing topics like management of healthcare workers, navigating legal concerns, and data analysis. Additionally, many healthcare administration bachelor’s degree programs in Texas offer specialized tracks within the degree. For example, you’ll find general or clinical degree paths at Texas Woman’s University, while West Coast University provides finance and strategic management tracks.
Upon completion of their studies, graduates of healthcare administration bachelor’s degree programs in Texas are well-prepared to assume management positions within various healthcare settings and positively impact the industry.
What Are Admissions Like for Healthcare Administration Degree Programs in Texas?
Though admission requirements can vary by school, there are some qualifications and criteria that many in-person and online healthcare administration degrees in Texas have in common:
- Proof of High School Graduation: If you’re entering college as a first-year student, you may also be asked to provide high school or previous college transcripts.
- Minimum GPA: If you’ve already taken some college courses, most programs require a minimum GPA of 2.5.
- Standardized Test Scores: Most schools accept scores from either the ACT or SAT, though you should check with each school to confirm minimum acceptable scores.
You might encounter more specific requirements for different healthcare administration degrees in Texas. For instance, West Coast University asks all healthcare administration students to participate in an interview process. Meanwhile, Texas State University requests that applicants submit two letters of recommendation. By being aware of any additional requirements and preparing accordingly, you can ensure a smooth application process and increase your chances of being accepted into healthcare administration bachelor’s degree programs in Texas.
Are Bachelor’s Degrees in Healthcare Administration Offered Online in Texas?
Several schools offer online healthcare administration degrees in Texas. While the conventional approach to obtaining a bachelor’s degree involves four years of full-time, on-campus study, institutions like Lamar University provide fully online healthcare administration degrees in Texas.
Fully online degrees grant you the most flexibility to pursue your education while balancing your current career and other responsibilities.
Alternatively, hybrid formats, such as the ones offered by St. Edward’s University and the University of Houston Clear Lake, combine the advantages of online learning with on-campus support and experiences. This blended approach caters to students seeking both flexibility and personal interaction while attending healthcare administration bachelor’s degree programs in Texas. Regardless of your preferences and needs, there are traditional or online healthcare administration degrees in Texas that will fit your unique circumstances.
Quality Examples of Online Healthcare Administration Degree Programs in Texas
- West Coast University (Fully Online)
- St. Edward’s University (Partially Online)
- Texas Woman’s University (Fully Online; Partially Online)
- Tyler Junior College (Partially Online)
- Lamar University (Fully Online)
What’s the Job Market Like in Texas for Healthcare Admin Graduates?
As the second most populous state and host to the world’s largest medical complex, Texas is poised to see a significant increase in demand for medical and health services managers over the next decade. According to Projections Central, job growth in this field is projected to reach an impressive 42.9% between now and 2030, far exceeding the national average. Not only do graduates of healthcare administration bachelor’s degree programs in Texas benefit from this promising job outlook, but they also enjoy considerable salary potential. The table below illustrates that median earnings for medical and health services managers in Texas are slightly higher than the national median. Furthermore, the highest salaries for professionals in this field are in major metropolitan areas such as Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, and Killeen-Temple. Healthcare administration degrees in Texas offer exceptional job growth prospects and attractive earning opportunities.
Yearly Earnings for Medical and Health Services Managers in Texas
| 10th Percentile | Median Earnings | 90th Percentile | |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | $60,780 | $101,340 | $205,620 |
| Texas | $62,230 | $102,110 | $171,180 |
| Abilene, TX | $59,000 | $96,170 | $148,910 |
| Amarillo, TX | $58,790 | $98,250 | $160,540 |
| Austin-Round Rock, TX | $66,360 | $103,730 | $181,120 |
| Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX | $60,010 | $98,290 | $160,540 |
| Brownsville-Harlingen, TX | $48,570 | $85,330 | $151,520 |
| College Station-Bryan, TX | $51,240 | $91,900 | $138,450 |
| Corpus Christi, TX | $59,000 | $98,840 | $154,860 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX | $64,320 | $113,340 | $207,630 |
| El Paso, TX | $60,270 | $97,930 | $167,300 |
| Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX | $66,300 | $104,110 | $174,480 |
| Killeen-Temple, TX | $71,620 | $107,490 | $167,300 |
| Laredo, TX | $52,290 | $82,010 | $133,710 |
| Longview, TX | $47,200 | $96,250 | $160,540 |
| Lubbock, TX | $60,190 | $96,790 | $159,200 |
| McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX | $47,080 | $91,920 | $151,730 |
| Midland, TX | $68,550 | $99,340 | $151,760 |
| Odessa, TX | $62,780 | $97,670 | $130,040 |
| San Angelo, TX | $56,450 | $97,080 | $162,880 |
| San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX | $61,370 | $102,160 | $167,550 |
| Sherman-Denison, TX | $60,010 | $97,930 | $127,660 |
| Texarkana, TX-AR | $56,320 | $83,640 | $131,040 |
| Texas | $62,230 | $102,110 | $171,180 |
| Tyler, TX | $58,980 | $99,040 | $186,850 |
| Victoria, TX | $46,390 | $80,900 | $143,210 |
| Waco, TX | $55,250 | $97,110 | $158,440 |
| Wichita Falls, TX | $59,140 | $98,250 | $126,780 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2021
Employment Outlook for Medical and Health Services Managers in Texas (2020-2030)
| New Jobs | Job Growth Rate | Average Annual Openings | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | 15,210 | 42.9% | 4,790 |
| United States | 139,600 | 32.5% | 51,800 |
Source: Projections Central
FAQs About Earning Your Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration in Texas
How long do healthcare admin bachelor’s degree programs in Texas take to finish?
Healthcare administration bachelor’s degree programs in Texas can take as little as two years or as long as 80 months to complete. It all depends on whether you study full- or part-time, your chosen program, and how many college courses you’ve already completed. Traditional bachelor’s degree programs like the one at Concordia University take four years, but you have options if you need more flexibility. At West Coast University, students of the online Accelerated Pace track can complete their degree in 40 months, while those on the Working Professional Pace track spread out their studies over 80 months. Students who have associate degrees can graduate in two years from colleges like Texas Woman’s University and Tyler Junior College.
How much do Texas healthcare admin bachelor’s degree programs cost?
The cost of traditional and online healthcare administration degrees in Texas varies from school to school. Factors influencing the overall cost of earning a degree include the school you select, your residency status, and whether you opt for in-person or online study. Typically, public schools and online programs offer more affordable options with online study potentially showing substantial savings over on-campus programs when it comes to expenses like food and housing. To better understand what you can expect to pay, consider the following examples of tuition costs for three different in-person and online healthcare administration degrees in Texas.
Texas Southern University
Bachelor of Science in Health Administration
Total Credits: 121
$239/credit (resident) | $458/credit (non-resident)
Lamar University
Bachelor’s Degree in Public Health in Healthcare Administration
Total Credits: 120
$259.49/credit (resident) | $679.49/credit (non-resident)
Texas Woman’s University
Bachelor of Business Administration in Health Care Administration
Total Credits: 120
$238/credit (resident) | $658/credit (non-resident)
What type of accreditation should a bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration in Texas have?
Whether you’re looking for traditional or online healthcare administration degrees in Texas, verifying that the institution has accreditation from a recognized accrediting body is crucial. Regional accreditation is granted to colleges and universities that meet established academic quality standards within a specific region of the U.S. and serves as a reliable indicator of a reputable institution. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) is the regional accrediting body for Texas.
In addition to regional accreditation, individual degree programs may also obtain programmatic accreditation to signify a program meets additional nationwide academic quality standards within a given field. Some healthcare administration bachelor’s degree programs in Texas fall under a university’s business school, so they may be programmatically accredited by AACSB, ACBSP, or IACBE. Note that while graduate programs in healthcare administration may receive accreditation from the Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME), CAHME does not accredit undergraduate programs.
<span data-metadata="“><span data-buffer="“>Can I get financial aid to help pay for my healthcare admin bachelor’s degree program in Texas?
Financing healthcare administration degrees in Texas can seem overwhelming, but numerous scholarships, loans, and grants are available to students pursuing this major. Texas State University, for instance, provides several undergraduate healthcare administration scholarships, including the Darwin E. Winfield Scholarship, Mark Thomas Noone Outstanding HA Undergraduate Student Award, and Andrae L. Turner Health Administration Leadership Endowment. Scholarships aren’t exclusive to individual schools, though, and organizations like the Medical Group Management Association Southern Section Scholarships also offer them to undergraduate healthcare administration students.
Check out this financial aid guide for more guidance on how you can apply for additional funding to support your education. This healthcare admin student scholarships guide is also a valuable resource of available scholarship opportunities for students of healthcare administration bachelor’s degree programs in Texas.