University of Wisconsin–Parkside

What you'll study

This undergraduate programme builds a foundation in healthcare systems, management and technical skills required for administrative roles in hospitals, clinics, long-term care and related organisations. Coursework typically combines core business and management subjects with healthcare-specific modules and applied training.

• Core healthcare management: introduction to healthcare systems, organisational behaviour in health services, healthcare finance and budgeting, and leadership in healthcare settings.
• Health information and informatics: principles of health information management, electronic health records, data management, and health informatics applications.
• Medical administration skills: medical billing and coding, insurance and reimbursement systems, claims processing, and practice management.
• Legal, ethical and quality issues: healthcare law and ethics, compliance and risk management, patient privacy (HIPAA principles), and quality improvement in clinical settings.
• Analytical and research skills: statistics for health professions, epidemiology basics, programme evaluation and use of data for decision making.
• Applied experience: supervised practicum or internship with a local healthcare provider, capstone project or applied seminar that integrates administrative, technical and ethical issues.
• Electives and special topics: health policy, gerontology, public health principles, and emerging topics such as telehealth administration and healthcare IT security.

Entry requirements

Admission to the University of Wisconsin–Parkside’s bachelor programmes typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Applicants are expected to have completed college-preparatory coursework including English and mathematics; science and social studies are recommended. Transfer applicants with previous college credit or an associate degree are considered and may receive credit for relevant coursework.

UW–Parkside considers academic preparation and readiness for university study; standard application materials include transcripts and a personal statement. Standardised tests may be optional depending on the admission pathway; consult the university for current testing policies and for information on prerequisites for specific courses in the major.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for administrative and technical roles in a variety of healthcare settings. Common job titles include:

• Medical office manager or practice administrator
• Medical billing and coding specialist
• Health information technician or health data analyst
• Claims or reimbursement specialist
• Patient access coordinator and scheduling manager
• Compliance or quality improvement coordinator

Graduates often work in hospitals, physician practices, outpatient clinics, long-term care facilities, insurance companies and health IT firms. Many alumni pursue professional certification (for example in coding or health information management) or continue into graduate study in health administration, public health, or related fields to expand career and leadership opportunities.

Why study at University of Wisconsin–Parkside

UW–Parkside offers a focused undergraduate programme with opportunities for hands-on learning through internships and practicum placements with regional healthcare providers. Class sizes are often smaller than at larger institutions, allowing close interaction with faculty who bring practical experience in healthcare administration and information management.

The university’s location near regional medical centres and urban areas facilitates employer partnerships, networking and internship placement. Students benefit from career services, advising tailored to health professions, and access to courses that blend management, technology and clinical context to prepare graduates for immediate entry into the workforce or for further professional study.