San Jose University

What you'll study

This programme blends core healthcare knowledge with administrative, technical and professional skills. You will study the organisation and financing of healthcare systems, medical terminology, health records management, coding and billing practices, healthcare law and ethics, quality improvement, and basic clinical concepts relevant to administrative staff.

• Core modules: Introduction to Health Systems; Medical Terminology; Health Information Management; Medical Billing and Coding (ICD/CPT foundations); Healthcare Law and Ethics; Healthcare Finance and Reimbursement.
• Technical and analytical modules: Health Data Management and Informatics; Records Privacy and Security (HIPAA and equivalents); Basic Statistics for Health Professionals; Quality Improvement and Risk Management.
• Professional development: Office and Practice Management; Communication in Healthcare; Leadership and Human Resources for Health Services.
• Practical experience: Supervised practicum or internship in a clinical or administrative setting and a capstone project that typically involves an operational improvement, policy analysis, or implementation plan for a healthcare provider.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally required to hold a recognised secondary school qualification (for example A-levels, IB diploma or equivalent) or an accepted college transfer profile. Typical entry expects competence in English and mathematics; prior study in biology, health sciences or business is advantageous but not always mandatory.

Specific requirements may include a minimum GPA at secondary or transfer level, submission of academic transcripts, and for international students, evidence of English language proficiency (such as IELTS or TOEFL) where applicable. Some applicants may be asked to attend an interview or provide a personal statement outlining their interest in healthcare administration. Mature applicants with relevant work experience in healthcare may be considered through alternative admission pathways.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for a wide range of administrative and management roles across healthcare settings. Typical career paths include:

• Medical office manager or practice manager in clinics and GP practices
• Health information technician or records manager
• Medical billing and coding specialist or claims analyst
• Revenue cycle coordinator and reimbursement specialist
• Healthcare compliance officer or quality improvement coordinator
• Administrative roles in hospitals, community health centres, long‑term care facilities and insurance companies
• Opportunities in health-tech companies, consulting firms and public health agencies, particularly in roles that combine operational knowledge with data or information management

With experience and further training, graduates may progress to supervisory or leadership roles such as director of operations, health services manager, or consultant in healthcare administration.

Why study at San José State University

San José State’s location in the heart of Silicon Valley provides distinctive advantages for students interested in the intersection of healthcare and technology. The university maintains partnerships with regional hospitals, clinics and health-tech firms that support internships, practicum placements and industry projects.

The programme is delivered by faculty with practical experience in health services management and health information systems, and emphasises hands-on learning through simulation resources, practicum placements and a practice-oriented capstone. Students also benefit from the university’s career services, employer networks in the Bay Area, and workshops that prepare graduates for certification pathways relevant to medical billing, coding and health information management.