What Are the Differences Between an Associate, Bachelor's and Master's Degree?
Broadly, college degrees are divided between undergraduate and graduate level programs. Undergraduate programs include associate and bachelor’s degrees, while graduate programs include master’s, specialist and doctorate degrees. Each program requires a certain number of credit hours pre-determined by the college or university offering the degree.
Which Healthcare Administration Degree Is Right for Me?
An Associate Degree
An associate degree is a degree granted for the completion of a college-level program at least two years in length for full-time students. An associate degree is a great stepping stone toward completing a four-year bachelor's degree (see the Bachelor's Degree section below for more information.)
An associate degree is the preferred education requirement for jobs such as practice manager, credentialing coordinator, administrative assistant - performance improvement, assistant practice manager or disability form specialist.
More broadly, an associate degree may open doors to positions like medical secretary, medical assistant and medical records technician. The average salary for positions for which an associate is the minimum education requirement is around $40,000.
- High school diploma or GED
- Minimum age
- Background check
- Minimum high school GPA
- Minimum ACT or SAT scores
- Passing grades in any prerequisite courses
- Statement of goals or purpose
- Letters of recommendation
While Trevecca doesn't have a specific healthcare administration associate degree, we do offer two associate degrees that could help you break into a career in healthcare administration. Read more about these programs, what courses you'd take, the programs' cost and length, and applying.
A Bachelor's Degree
A bachelor’s degree is a degree awarded upon the completion of a college-level program ranging between three and seven years in length when a student attends school full-time.
A bachelor’s degree is shown to be the preferred education level for positions like healthcare claims resolution specialist, associate admissions coordinator and business analyst.
Other job titles available to graduates with a bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration include clinical manager, health information manager, hospital administrator, medical office manager, medical practice manager, nursing home administrator and practice administrator.
The average salary for jobs requiring a bachelor's degree is similar to that of those requiring an associate degree: $40,000.
The following are common admissions requirements for acceptance into a bachelor's program, without regard to the field of study:
- High school diploma or GED
- Minimum ACT or SAT scores
- Application and fee
- Official high school transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- Supplemental essay
A Master's Degree
A master’s degree is a degree awarded upon the completion of a graduate-level program. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution (what’s an accredited institution?) usually must be completed before acceptance into a master’s program, though sometimes the bachelor’s and master’s programs are integrated. A master’s program is normally two years in length for students going to school full-time, but many take longer.
A master’s degree is preferred or required for jobs like program director, behavioral health administrator, human resources generalist, healthcare administrator and more.
An applicant with a master’s degree in healthcare administration may be in good position to compete for jobs like medical and health services managers, health care social workers, medical records and health information technicians and administrative services managers.
The average starting salary for someone with a master's degree is about $60,000 per year.
Common requirements for acceptance into a master’s program include the following:
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Minimum GPA in your undergraduate program
- Minimum score on GRE or GMAT tests or other field-specific exams like the MCAT or LSAT
- Application and fee
- Supplemental essay
- Letters of recommendation
Trevecca offers 12 master’s degrees, including healthcare administration, education, business administration, religion and counseling. The Master of Science in Health Care Administration, Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership and Master of Business Administration with a focus in Health Care Administration are the ideal choices if you're looking at a career in the healthcare industry.
Trevecca's Master of Science in Health Care Administration Is for You
The master’s in Health Care Administration provides you with all of the skills and qualifications you need to further your career while focusing on the role of innovation in healthcare leadership.
Learn more about this program, what courses you'd take, the program's cost and length, and applying.
Trevecca's Master of Business Administration With a Health Care Administration Specialty Track Is for You
Trevecca's Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership Is for You.
In contrast to the MBA degree, the Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership focuses more on leadership strategy than on business strategy.
Learn more about this program, what courses you'd take, the program's cost and length, and applying.
