Slippery Rock University

What you'll study

The programme blends courses in healthcare delivery, administrative operations and information management to prepare graduates for roles in hospitals, clinics, physician practices and other healthcare settings. Core topics include medical terminology, anatomy and physiology for administrators, healthcare systems and policy, healthcare law and ethics, medical billing and coding, reimbursement systems, and health information management.

Students also study business and management fundamentals such as accounting for healthcare organisations, human resources in health services, organisational behaviour, and principles of quality improvement and risk management. Coursework emphasises applied skills: electronic health records, practice management software, claims processing, privacy and security (HIPAA) compliance, and effective patient communication.

The degree typically culminates in a practicum or internship placement with a healthcare provider or administrative office, and a capstone project that integrates clinical-administrative problems with operational or financial solutions. Elective options and seminars allow students to focus on areas such as long-term care administration, outpatient clinic management, or health informatics.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised high-school diploma or equivalent. Typical preparation includes strong performance in English, mathematics and a laboratory science such as biology; coursework or experience in computer applications is beneficial. Slippery Rock University considers overall academic record and supporting materials when reviewing applications.

Transfer students present college transcripts for evaluation; prior postsecondary credits in business, healthcare or information systems may be applied to degree requirements. Some applicants proceed from allied health or technical programmes (for example, medical assisting or health information technology). Practical experience in a healthcare setting and a short personal statement are often recommended to support an application.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for a variety of administrative and operational roles across the healthcare sector. Common entry-level positions include medical office manager, practice administrator, patient services coordinator, medical billing and coding specialist, claims specialist, and medical records or health information assistant.

With experience and additional training, alumni move into supervisory and managerial posts, such as clinic operations manager, revenue cycle manager, health information manager, or healthcare compliance coordinator. The programme also provides a foundation for pursuing industry certifications and further study in health administration, health informatics or public health.

Why study at Slippery Rock University

Slippery Rock offers a career-oriented curriculum within a public university environment that emphasises small-class interaction and applied learning. Students benefit from faculty with professional experience in healthcare administration and health services, and from established practicum partnerships with regional hospitals, clinics and physician practices that provide real-world training opportunities.

The university supports students with campus resources for career development, internship placement and academic advising tailored to health professions. The programme’s practical focus, combined with elective flexibility, helps students build the technical and managerial skills employers seek in modern healthcare organisations.