Radford University

What you'll study

This programme builds core administrative and managerial skills specific to healthcare environments. You study foundations such as medical terminology, anatomy and physiology for administrators, and healthcare delivery systems, followed by practical topics including electronic health records (EHR), medical billing and coding, healthcare law and ethics, quality improvement, and healthcare finance.

Typical modules and course themes include:

• Medical Terminology and Clinical Fundamentals – vocabulary and basic clinical concepts to support clear communication with clinical staff.
• Healthcare Law, Ethics and Compliance – privacy laws, regulatory requirements and ethical issues affecting health services administration.
• Health Information Systems and Electronic Health Records – management of patient records, data security and information workflows.
• Medical Billing, Coding and Reimbursement – CPT/ICD coding basics, claims processing and payer systems.
• Healthcare Financial Management – budgeting, reimbursement models and financial decision-making for clinics and departments.
• Practice Management and Human Resources – staffing, scheduling, customer service and leadership in outpatient and inpatient settings.
• Quality Improvement and Patient Safety – methods for improving service delivery and patient outcomes.
• Capstone/Practicum/Internship – supervised placement in a hospital, clinic, public health department or allied setting to apply classroom learning in a real workplace.

The degree typically combines general education requirements with major coursework and a practicum or internship, giving students both the theoretical background and hands-on experience employers seek.

Entry requirements

Applicants normally need a high school diploma or equivalent with a record of college-preparatory coursework, including English and mathematics. Admissions consider the overall academic record; applicants with college credit, relevant work experience or postsecondary certificates may be admitted as transfer students.

Standardised tests may be optional; international applicants are required to demonstrate English proficiency. Mature applicants with relevant healthcare experience are also encouraged to discuss admission options with the programme office. Specific GPA and prerequisite requirements are available from Radford University's admissions information.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for a range of administrative and managerial roles in the healthcare sector. Common job titles include medical office manager, patient services coordinator, health information technician (with appropriate certification), billing and coding specialist, practice administrator and clinic operations manager.

Employers include hospitals, physician practices, outpatient clinics, long-term care facilities, insurance companies, public health agencies and medical billing firms. Many graduates use this degree as a stepping stone to professional certification (for example in medical coding or health information) or to graduate study in health administration, public health or business.

Why study at Radford University

Radford University offers a campus-focused learning environment with small class sizes that allow close interaction with faculty who have applied experience in health services. The programme emphasises experiential learning through practicum placements with regional healthcare providers and community clinics, enabling students to build relevant skills and professional networks.

Students benefit from on-campus resources such as career services, simulated learning spaces and academic advising tailored to health professions. The combination of classroom instruction, hands-on practice and local employer connections helps prepare graduates to move quickly into entry-level administrative roles or to pursue further professional qualifications.