Roger Williams University

What you'll study

The programme blends healthcare fundamentals, administrative practice and management principles to give students a broad foundation for non-clinical roles in health organisations. Coursework typically covers medical terminology and anatomy basics so graduates can communicate effectively with clinical staff, alongside classes in healthcare law and ethics, health information systems, billing and coding, and practice management.

• Core healthcare subjects: medical terminology, human anatomy and physiology basics, public health principles, and healthcare ethics.
• Administrative and management modules: healthcare operations, financial management for healthcare organisations, human resources in health settings, and strategic planning.
• Health information and technology: electronic health records, health information management, privacy and compliance (HIPAA and equivalents), and basic data analytics for healthcare.
• Revenue and coding: medical billing and coding standards, insurance and reimbursement systems, claims processing, and quality assurance.
• Applied learning: practicum/internship opportunities in local hospitals, clinics or administrative offices, capstone projects solving real organisational problems, and simulated office or EHR labs to develop workplace skills.

The degree typically follows a combination of general education requirements, major-specific courses and experiential components. Students can often choose elective pathways or minors in areas such as business administration, public health or healthcare informatics to tailor their degree.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to have completed secondary education with a strong record in English and mathematics; background in biology or health sciences is beneficial but not always required. Typical application requirements include submission of transcripts, a personal statement, and any standardised test scores if the university requests them. Transfer students with an accredited associate degree in a health-related field or relevant professional certifications may receive credit toward the major.

• High-school diploma or equivalent with satisfactory performance in English and mathematics.
• Recommendation letters and a personal statement outlining interest in healthcare administration are commonly considered.
• Prior coursework or experience in healthcare, business, or information systems strengthens an application.
• International applicants must meet university English proficiency requirements and provide equivalent academic documentation.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for a wide range of non-clinical roles across healthcare settings. The programme emphasises practical skills employers seek, such as familiarity with electronic health records, knowledge of billing and coding practices, regulatory compliance, and effective office and personnel management.

• Medical or practice manager
• Health information manager / medical records supervisor
• Billing and coding specialist or claims analyst
• Patient services or office administrator
• Healthcare compliance officer or quality assurance coordinator
• Medical front-office supervisor in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, insurance companies or public-health organisations

Graduates may also pursue professional certifications (for example in medical coding, health information management, or practice management) or continue to graduate study in health administration, public health, or business for expanded leadership opportunities.

Why study at Roger Williams University

Roger Williams University offers a personalised learning environment with relatively small class sizes and close faculty mentorship, which supports applied, career-focused education. The university’s location in Rhode Island provides access to a network of hospitals, community clinics and healthcare employers for internships and professional connections.

• Applied learning: emphasis on internships, practicum placements and capstone projects that let students develop workplace-ready skills.
• Interdisciplinary options: ability to combine healthcare administrative training with electives or minors in business, informatics or public health to tailor career preparation.
• Career support: university career services and relationships with regional healthcare employers help with job placement and professional development.

Overall, the programme is well-suited to students seeking a practical, workplace-oriented bachelor’s degree that leads directly to administrative and managerial roles in the healthcare sector.