Department of Health Administration and Education

The Bachelor of Science in Health Administration and Education combines administration and education courses in a healthcare curriculum to allow degree completion and career advancement for the student with an associate degree in a health-related field, or who holds a certificate, is registered, or licensed in a health-related field. The degree provides the graduate with a sound foundation to enter the health industry or the academic environment. The curriculum places emphasis on the foundational skills needed in the development of managers, educators, and administrators in a variety of healthcare settings. Graduates will be prepared to educate entry-level practitioners as well as function as leaders and managers in a variety of health-related areas including businesses, government and volunteer agencies, outpatient clinics, hospitals, and industry. The degree provides the graduate with the ability to advance to higher degrees in education, business, and administration.

This 120-hour program is offered online and admits students in the fall and spring terms only. Students who are licensed, certified, or registered practitioners in a health-related field may receive up to 27 hours of elective credit based on a review of the curriculum that provided licensure, certification, or registry.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program of study, graduates will be able to demonstrate:

the ability to effectively utilize management/leadership skills within their area of professional clinical practice;
competency to teach in certification programs and/or associate degree programs within their own clinical discipline;
the ability to apply healthcare models and theories to current issues in healthcare delivery;
awareness of the needs of diverse populations in the healthcare environment; and
effective verbal and written communication on topics related to issues in healthcare delivery.

Program Admission Requirements

Prospective students for the health administration and education program must meet the following requirements:

Hold an associate degree in a health-related field or be certified, registered, or licensed in a health-related field;
Be in good standing at William Carey University with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50;
Evidence of a clear criminal background check; and
Evidence of a negative drug screen prior to participating in practicum.

Program Progression Requirements

Students must achieve a minimum grade of ‘C’ in each course within the General Education Curriculum and the Program Curriculum (see degree plan).
Students may repeat a maximum of three HAE courses two times only, for a total of six repeats.

Health Status Requirements

All students entering HAE courses are required to have on file a completed College of Health Sciences health examination form and official documentation of having received the immunizations, vaccinations, and/or test results of the items listed below. Failure to provide the required documentation will prevent the student from continuing in the program and/or in the practicum portion of a course(s), which will result in failure of the course(s). Students are responsible for the cost of meeting the health status requirements.

Hepatitis B immunization series OR Positive antibody titer (lab report required) OR Signed declination waiver;
Two Varicella immunizations OR Positive antibody titer (lab report required);
Tdap immunization within the last 10 years;
Two MMR immunizations OR Positive antibody titer (lab report required);
Two-step TB test OR QuantiFERON Gold blood test (lab report required) OR Two consecutive negative annual tests OR T-SPOT TB test OR Clear chest X-ray (if results are positive);
Evidence of current (annual) Influenza vaccination;
COVID-19 vaccination OR submission of a medical/religious waiver request (if approved, student must provide fit testing documentation);
Negative 9 or 10-Panel drug screen;
Proof of valid health insurance coverage; and
Any other healthcare facility requirements.

CPR Certification Requirement

All Health Administration and Education students must complete certification/re-certification of American Heart Association BLS for the Healthcare Provider. This can be done at a facility of the student’s choice. Students are responsible for submitting evidence of current certification to the medical compliance management system utilized by the College of Health Sciences. Failure to do so will result in the inability to attend the practicum portion of a course and ultimate failure of the course.

Criminal Background Check & Drug Testing Requirements

All students enrolled in HAE courses must provide evidence of a clear criminal background check performed within the last two years by the MS State Department of Health or equivalent agency if licensure is in a state other than Mississippi prior to participating in HAE courses. This requirement is mandated by law under Section 43-13-11, Mississippi Code of 1972. After initial program enrollment, any subsequent disciplinary action, arrest, charge, addiction, or impairment shall also be reported immediately to the program coordinator. Failure to report all subsequent disciplinary actions, arrests, or impairment shall constitute falsification (by omission) of records and may result in expulsion from the program.

All students are required to have drug screens prior to practicum courses or provide proof of a clear drug screen within the last year. Random drug screening may be performed at the discretion of the College of Health Sciences. Refusal by a student to submit to testing will result in denial of admission for a new student and immediate dismissal from the program for a currently enrolled student.

Any student who tests positive for illegal drugs must withdraw from practicum courses. The student may apply for readmission after a six-month waiting period. Readmission will be based upon the student’s overall academic standing and admission criteria as any new student making application.

Students are responsible for the costs associated with criminal background checks and drug screenings.

Technology Requirements

Technology is an essential and integral aspect of online courses. The student must have access to a computer and a stable connection to the Internet on a regular basis. A high-speed connection, such as a cable modem or DSL line, is preferred. The student is expected to be proficient in the use of Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. Once admitted to William Carey, each student has free access to Microsoft Office 365. Students will also need access to audio through speakers and the capability to record through a microphone for selected web-enhanced assignments. The Office of Information Technology provides useful technology information at resources at https://www.wmcarey.edu/office/information-technology.

Programs

Major

Health Administration and Education, B.S. (120 hrs)