Florida International University

What you'll study

This undergraduate programme covers core topics needed to operate and manage healthcare facilities and departments. Typical modules include medical terminology, health systems and policy, healthcare law and ethics, medical coding and billing, health information management, healthcare finance and accounting, quality improvement in healthcare, and healthcare information technology. The curriculum usually mixes lecture-based classes with applied workshops on coding systems (ICD/CPT), electronic health records, reimbursement processes and compliance.

Structure commonly comprises general education and foundational courses in the first two years, followed by specialised professional courses and an experiential learning component in the final years. Students often complete a practicum or internship placement in a hospital, clinic, insurance provider or other healthcare setting to gain hands-on administrative experience and build professional networks.

Typical modules

• Medical Terminology and Anatomy for Administrators
• Introduction to Health Systems and Policy
• Health Information Management and Records
• Medical Coding and Billing Procedures
• Healthcare Finance and Revenue Cycle Management
• Healthcare Law, Ethics and Compliance
• Quality Management and Patient Safety
• Healthcare Information Technology and Electronic Health Records
• Professional Practice: Practicum/Internship

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a recognised secondary school qualification or equivalent. Typical entry criteria include satisfactory academic standing in relevant high school subjects; colleges and transfer students may be considered with appropriate post-secondary credits. Prior study in biology, mathematics or business is helpful but not always mandatory.

International applicants must meet English language proficiency requirements through recognised tests or prior study in English. Selection may also consider personal statements, references and evidence of motivation for a career in healthcare administration. Mature applicants with relevant work experience in healthcare or administration are often welcomed and may be considered on an individual basis.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a range of administrative and managerial roles across hospitals, physician practices, outpatient clinics, long-term care facilities, health insurance companies and public health organisations. Common job titles include medical office manager, health services coordinator, medical records manager, health information technician, medical billing and coding specialist, revenue cycle analyst, patient access supervisor and practice administrator.

Graduates may also pursue professional certification (for example in medical coding or health information management) or further study such as a Master of Health Administration, health informatics or public health to advance into senior management, compliance, data analytics or policy roles. The programme emphasises transferable skills — communication, organisation, regulatory knowledge and technical proficiency with healthcare IT systems — that are valued across the health sector.

Why study at Florida International University

FIU is located in Miami, a diverse and medically active region with a large healthcare ecosystem, providing ample opportunities for internships, practicum placements and partnerships with hospitals, clinics and community health providers. The university offers faculty with experience in healthcare management, health information systems and public health, and students benefit from applied learning opportunities and local industry links.

Students on this programme can expect access to resources that support career development, including career services, networking events and practicum coordination. The curriculum is designed to align with workplace expectations in US healthcare settings, helping graduates transition directly into administrative roles or continue into specialised postgraduate study.