Bachelor of Science in Health Services Management

Reasons why students choose the Health Services Management Program at East Carolina University:

  • THE ECU HSM program is fully certified by the Association of University Programs in Health Administration (AUPHA);
    It is a cohort program for full-time students, which allows them opportunities for community building and collaboration;
  • Full-time and adjunct faculty bring to the classroom perspective and wisdom that comes from practical healthcare management experience;
  • An even combination of on-line and face to face classes, which enhances the availability of the program to interested students living in and outside of Greenville, NC; and
  • The Internship offers students real-world experience with many of the leading healthcare providers in Eastern North Carolina and beyond.

The BS in Health Services Management provides health care practitioners and others with the skills and competencies to function as supervisors and managers in health care settings. Graduates will be prepared for mid-level management positions or for entrance into master’s programs in health and business administration, and public health.  Students interested in clinical graduate programs will find that the courses of study have been created to meet the pre-requisites. Typical work settings for graduates include hospitals, ambulatory care centers, long term care facilities, health research and clinical trials firms, and home health care agencies.

Consider this degree if you have one of the following goals:

  • As a traditional student you want a job as a mid-level manager in health care;
  • As a working, credentialed practitioner with an associate degree, you want to advance into supervisory and managerial roles by studying via distance delivery to earn your baccalaureate degree; or
  • As a candidate for a master’s program in allied health, you want to meet the pre-requisites for the master’s and also earn a baccalaureate degree with a job future.
  • To continue graduate study in health and business administration, and public health

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Certification

The Health Services Management Program holds full certification status with the Association of University Programs in Health Administration (AUPHA).

Mission and Values

Our mission is to empower our students to gain competencies and professional preparation to manage and lead in the changing healthcare environment. To do so, we will:

  • Build HSM Program faculty who demonstrate excellence in teaching, are actively involved in research and professional development, as well as service to the University and the community to enhance the educational program;
  • Offer a curriculum that is designed to help students master competencies needed to succeed in the changing healthcare environment:  knowledge of the healthcare environment, business skills and knowledge, leadership and teamwork, communication and relationship management, and professionalism;
  • Develop new strategies and innovative approaches to engage students in both face to face and on-line formats;
  • Educate and prepare students for employment with the understanding of the need for the mastery of tools for population health management, quality assessment, health data management, and research while respecting the importance of ethical individualized care for each patient;
  • Prepare students for graduate study;
  • Prepare students to become lifelong learners;
  • Facilitate student opportunities to participate in practicum in healthcare administration; and
  • Facilitate student opportunities to participate in a service learning experience in the community.

Our vision is to be the preferred source of new healthcare management talent for the providers of health services in Eastern North Carolina, the state of North Carolina, and beyond.

Our values:

  • Professionalism – Promote ethical standards and respect the roles and dignity of the health professionals with whom we work;
  • Collaboration – Recognize the value of, and understanding our responsibility to promote internal and external partnerships;
  • Discovery and Innovation – Seek new evidence to improve healthcare management;
  • Dedication – Participate and support the profession through networking and professional development;
  • Excellence – Strive to enhance all aspects of academic performance to foster tomorrow’s healthcare leaders.

Employment outlook

Employment opportunities are excellent. Overall, the demand for mid-level managers exists and is likely to continue into the foreseeable future. The percentage of growth of jobs in the United States is 17%, which is faster than other occupational growth. Also, the 2015 median pay read $94,500 (Bureau of Labor). The percentage of growth of jobs in North Carolina is slightly less as it reads 13% from 2010 and 2020 (about 300 new jobs annually). The average salary in North Carolina is also slightly less than the U.S. average. It reads $88,700 (O*Net), but starting salaries for newly graduated health services management majors will be less.

Download the AUPHA’s “Explore Health Administration” brochure for a quick glimpse into this exciting and lucrative field. Why pursue a career in Health Administration?

Health Administration - A Career with a Calling
  1. It is one of the fastest growing fields in the US
  2. The earning potential is excellent
  3. Your work impacts the health and wellness of your community
  4. Continued personal and professional growth though life-long learning

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