Widener University

What you'll study

The curriculum combines core management subjects with healthcare-specific content to build skills in administration, finance, policy and quality improvement. Typical modules include:

• Healthcare Finance and Accounting — budgeting, reimbursement systems, and financial decision-making in provider organisations.
• Healthcare Law, Ethics and Compliance — regulatory environment, privacy and risk management.
• Healthcare Operations and Strategic Management — service delivery models, capacity planning and strategic planning for health organisations.
• Health Informatics and Data Analytics — use of clinical and administrative data for performance improvement and decision support.
• Quality Improvement and Patient Safety — methodologies such as Lean and Six Sigma applied to clinical and administrative processes.
• Healthcare Policy and Population Health — policy drivers, health systems, and approaches to improving population outcomes.
• Leadership and Organisational Behaviour — team leadership, change management and human resources issues in health settings.
• Practicum/Capstone Project — applied project or internship with a healthcare provider or organisation to demonstrate practical competencies.

Students may be able to tailor studies with elective modules or concentrations in areas such as revenue cycle management, long-term care administration or health information management. The programme is offered in flexible formats to accommodate working professionals, including part-time and online delivery where available.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Admissions typically consider undergraduate academic performance, relevant professional experience, and evidence of commitment to healthcare management. Common application materials include:

• Official undergraduate transcripts.
• A current curriculum vitae or résumé detailing work experience in healthcare or related fields.
• Personal statement or statement of purpose describing career goals and fit with the programme.
• References or letters of recommendation, often from academic or professional referees.

Some applicants without substantive healthcare experience may be required to demonstrate motivation and readiness for graduate study. Standardised tests are not always required but may be requested in certain cases; international applicants will need to demonstrate English language proficiency in line with university policy.

Career prospects

Graduates move into management and administrative roles across the healthcare sector. Typical career paths include:

• Hospital or health system administrator
• Clinic or practice manager
• Revenue cycle or billing manager
• Quality improvement coordinator or director
• Compliance or risk manager
• Health services analyst or operations manager
• Consultant to healthcare organisations or payers

The programme emphasises applied skills and professional networks, which help graduates transition into leadership roles in both provider organisations and non-clinical settings such as payer, consulting or public health agencies.

Why study at Widener University

Widener combines a practitioner-focused curriculum with close links to regional healthcare providers, offering students practicum placements and applied projects with local hospitals and clinics. Classes are typically small, allowing for personalised attention from faculty who have experience in healthcare management and policy. The university offers flexible delivery options to support employed students, and an interdisciplinary environment that connects business, nursing and health professions to reflect the collaborative nature of modern healthcare.