Widener University

What you'll study

The programme blends courses in healthcare administration, health information management and business fundamentals to give a broad foundation in how healthcare organisations operate. You will study subjects such as medical terminology, anatomy and physiology basics for administrators, healthcare law and ethics, health information systems and electronic health records, medical billing and coding, reimbursement and finance for healthcare, quality improvement and patient safety, and leadership and organisational behaviour.

Typical modules and learning experiences include:

• Introduction to Health and Medical Administrative Services — overview of care delivery systems and administrative roles.
• Medical Terminology and Clinical Concepts — the language and basic clinical context needed by administrators.
• Health Information Management and Electronic Records — coding standards, recordkeeping, privacy and compliance (HIPAA or equivalent concepts).
• Healthcare Finance and Reimbursement — billing, coding, insurance models and revenue cycle management.
• Healthcare Law, Ethics and Policy — regulatory frameworks, patient rights and professional responsibility.
• Organisational Leadership and Human Resources — supervision, team management and workplace communication.
• Quality Improvement and Patient Safety — methods for improving outcomes and operational efficiency.
• Applied Practicum / Internship — a supervised placement in a clinical or administrative setting to apply classroom learning in real-world contexts.

The degree emphasises applied learning: case studies, project-based assignments, software labs using practice management and EHR tools, and an internship or practicum in a hospital, clinic or medical practice.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a secondary school certificate or equivalent. Typical admissions criteria include satisfactory grades across a broad range of high school subjects; recommended courses include biology, mathematics and English. Widener considers the overall academic record, personal statement, and any relevant volunteer or work experience in healthcare or customer-facing roles.

Additional requirements for enrolment in practicum or clinical-adjacent placements may include background checks, immunisation records and health screenings. International applicants must meet the university's English language proficiency requirements. Where applicable, mature applicants with relevant post‑secondary study or workplace experience may be considered.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for administrative and operational roles across hospitals, clinics, physician practices, long-term care facilities, outpatient centres, health insurance companies and public health organisations. Typical job titles include:

• Medical Office Manager or Administrator
• Health Services Coordinator or Administrative Specialist
• Medical Records / Health Information Technician
• Medical Billing and Coding Specialist
• Practice Manager
• Patient Access Representative or Scheduling Coordinator
• Revenue Cycle or Claims Processing Associate
• Healthcare Project Coordinator

With experience and further study, graduates may move into supervisory and management roles, compliance and quality positions, or pursue postgraduate qualifications in health administration, public health or related fields.

Why study at Widener University

Widener offers a student-focused environment with relatively small class sizes and an emphasis on experiential learning, connecting classroom theory to practice through internships and local healthcare partnerships. The university's proximity to the Philadelphia metropolitan area and regional hospitals provides opportunities for placements and professional connections.

Students benefit from faculty who combine academic credentials with professional experience in healthcare administration, access to career services that support internships and job placement, and hands-on training with industry-relevant systems and processes. The programme’s curriculum is designed to prepare graduates for immediate entry into administrative roles while providing pathways for further professional development.