Healthcare Administration and Management

Course introduction

This course prepares future healthcare leaders to manage hospitals, clinics, long-term care, and community health programs. You’ll gain practical knowledge in healthcare systems, policy and regulation, finance and budgeting, operations and quality improvement, human resources, and health information systems. Emphasis is on applied problem-solving, ethical decision-making, and leading interdisciplinary teams to improve patient outcomes and organizational performance.

What you'll learn

Map the structure of healthcare systems and explain regulatory and policy influences.
Develop budgets, interpret financial statements, and make cost–benefit decisions.
Design operational workflows that improve efficiency and patient experience.
Apply quality-improvement methods (e.g., Lean, PDSA) and performance measurement.
Use health information systems and basic analytics to inform management decisions.
Lead teams, manage conflict, and build organizational change plans aligned with ethics and equity.

Who this course is for

Ideal for aspiring or current managers in healthcare—administrators, clinical leaders moving into management, program directors, policy analysts, and healthcare entrepreneurs. Clinicians, public-health professionals, and non-clinical students seeking management skills are welcome.

Prerequisites

Undergraduate degree or equivalent professional experience; recent graduates accepted with instructor approval.
Basic quantitative literacy (comfort with percentages, ratios, and interpreting tables/graphs).
Familiarity with spreadsheets (Excel/Sheets) is strongly recommended.
No clinical background required — clinical experience may enrich discussions but is not necessary.

Accommodations: If you require adjustments for accessibility or learning needs, contact student services prior to the first class.

Course format & assessment

The course blends lectures, case studies, guest speakers from healthcare systems, hands-on labs, and a practicum or capstone project. Activities emphasize real-world application and teamwork.

Weekly readings & quizzes (20%)
Case analyses and short assignments (25%)
Group practicum / operational improvement project (35%)
Participation, discussions & peer feedback (10%)
Final reflection or management plan (10%)

Sample module breakdown

Overview of healthcare systems, stakeholders, and governance
Healthcare policy, regulation, and accreditation
Healthcare finance: reimbursement, budgeting & cost drivers
Operations management: patient flow, scheduling, and supply chain
Quality improvement, safety, and performance measurement
Human resources, leadership, and organizational culture
Health information systems & basics of clinical data analytics
Population health, social determinants, and community partnerships
Ethics, equity, and legal liability in healthcare
Capstone/practicum: apply a management solution to a real or simulated healthcare problem

Resources & tools

Students will use case packets, short policy briefs, spreadsheet tools (Excel/Sheets), introductory healthcare finance templates, and a basic health-data dashboard tool (demonstrations in Power BI, Tableau, or open-source alternatives). Recommended readings include applied management texts, policy reports, and selected journal articles.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need clinical experience to take this course?

No. The course is designed for learners from clinical and non-clinical backgrounds. Clinical examples are used for context, but management principles and tools are broadly applicable.

What is the practicum or capstone like?

Students work individually or in small teams on an operational or management problem—either from a partner organization, a simulated case, or a project pitched by the team. Deliverables typically include a brief improvement plan, data analysis, and a presentation.

Will this course prepare me for certifications (e.g., CPHQ, ACHE)?

The course covers many topics relevant to professional certifications (quality, management, healthcare finance). It is not a certification-prep course, but it provides foundational knowledge beneficial for later exam study.

How much time should I expect to spend each week?

Expect approximately 6–9 hours per week for a full-term offering: readings, lectures, case work, and project collaboration. Time may vary during the practicum weeks.

Are guest speakers or site visits included?

Yes — when possible, the course includes guest speakers from hospitals, payers, and public-health organizations. Site visits or virtual tours may be arranged subject to partner availability.

Can I take this course while working full-time?

Many students balance work and study. The course includes evening or asynchronous components in some offerings; check the schedule for the specific term.

Who should I contact for enrollment or disability accommodations?

For enrollment questions, contact the program office at program-office@example.edu. For accommodations, contact student accessibility services at accessibility@example.edu.