Idaho State University

What you'll study

This undergraduate programme blends healthcare knowledge with business and information-management skills. Core topics typically include medical terminology, anatomy and physiology foundations, health systems and policy, medical coding and billing, and electronic health records. Students also study healthcare finance, human resources for health, legal and ethical issues in healthcare, quality improvement, and basic informatics.

The course structure commonly comprises general education requirements, core major courses, and electives that allow specialisation in areas such as revenue cycle management, practice management or health informatics. Practical learning is emphasised through project work, case studies and a supervised practicum or internship placement in a clinic, hospital or other healthcare organisation. A capstone or senior practicum integrates learned skills into a real-world administrative project.

• Medical terminology and clinical concepts
• Health care delivery systems and policy
• Medical coding (ICD/CPT) and billing processes
• Health care finance and reimbursement
• Electronic health records and health informatics
• Health law, ethics and compliance
• Leadership, project management and customer service in healthcare
• Quality improvement and risk management

Entry requirements

Applicants typically need a high-school diploma or equivalent with a solid academic record. Admission often requires passes in English and mathematics; coursework in biology or health science is an advantage. Transfer applicants with an associate degree in a related field or prior college credits are commonly accepted subject to residency and credit transfer policies.

Programmes may specify a minimum cumulative GPA for admission and progression; applicants should check precise GPA thresholds with the university. For clinical placements, students should be prepared to meet background-check, drug-screening and immunisation requirements mandated by placement providers. Demonstrable computer literacy and basic spreadsheet/word-processing skills are expected.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a range of administrative roles across hospitals, physician practices, community health centres, long-term care facilities, insurers and public health agencies. Common job titles include medical office manager, patient services coordinator, billing and coding specialist, revenue cycle analyst, practice manager and healthcare compliance or records coordinator. The degree also provides a pathway to supervisory roles and to postgraduate study in health administration, public health or business.

The programme prepares students for roles that require both clinical awareness and administrative competence, enabling work on practice operations, patient access, billing and reimbursement processes, regulatory compliance and quality improvement initiatives. Employers value graduates who can bridge communication between clinical teams and administrative functions.

Why study at Idaho State University

Idaho State University’s health-related programmes are delivered through a college with established links to regional hospitals, clinics and rural health services, offering practical placement opportunities. The curriculum emphasises applied skills—such as electronic health record use, coding and revenue-cycle management—combined with a focus on community and rural healthcare needs in the region.

Students benefit from experienced faculty with professional backgrounds in healthcare administration, access to campus and online course delivery options for flexibility, and career-services support that connects graduates with local healthcare employers. The programme’s practicum and community partnerships help students build work-ready skills and professional networks within Idaho and neighbouring regions.