Online Associate Degree Program in Health Administration Services

Associate of Science in Health Administration Services

The Associate of Science in Health Administration Services (ASHAS) program at CTU is designed to provide training in the principles and techniques used in the administrative side of the healthcare industry. The program offers instruction in several areas, including healthcare finance, human resources, healthcare administration, reimbursement systems and healthcare records, as well as regulatory, ethical, and legal issues affecting healthcare organizations.

91.5

Program Credits

5 Weeks

Course Length

Online

Location

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Health Administration Services Program Overview

The Associate of Science in Health Administration Services (ASHAS) program at CTU is designed to provide principles and techniques used in the administrative side of the healthcare industry. The program offers instruction in several areas, including healthcare finance, human resources, healthcare administration, reimbursement systems and healthcare records, as well as regulatory, ethical and legal issues affecting healthcare organizations.

This program does not lead to additional licensure or certification. As such, CTU has made no determination regarding prerequisites for licensure or certification in any state or jurisdiction.

Health Studies Mission Statement

Health Studies at CTU is dedicated to providing quality programs that integrate the relevant principles and competencies to empower students from diverse backgrounds to pursue leadership roles and career pathways in an evolving healthcare field.

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Health Administration Courses

Courses: General Education		Credits
COMS102 This course introduces students to the strategies and techniques needed to develop a professional presence. Students will explore how personal and professional development impacts effectiveness in the workplace. Assignments explore the concept of professional presence in relation to interpersonal dynamics and the communication needs of individuals, groups, and organizations.	Dynamic Interactions and Professional Presence	4.5
COMS105 This course explores the importance of effective interpersonal communication. This course covers: how interpersonal communication impacts an individual, how to recognize the different methods of communication and establishing and maintaining personal and professional relationships through effective communication.	Interpersonal Communications	4.5
ENGL104 ENGL104 is the first course in a sequence of two composition classes designed to empower students to develop their voice, build confidence in writing, and develop both their writing and critical thinking skills. Students will have the opportunity to practice adapting their writing for different audiences, purposes, and platforms, and will be able to explore how the choices they make influence the meaning and success of their written communications. This course explores the use of the writing process to compose clear, organized writings that are appropriate for various audiences and purposes. This course introduces the importance of clear and persuasive writing in personal, professional, and academic contexts.	Introductory Written Communication	4.5
ENGL105 ENGL105 is the final course in the composition sequence and builds on the writing skills developed in ENGL104. In this course, students continue to practice writing for a variety of contexts, purposes, and audiences. Throughout the course, students incorporate research into their writing by using digital tools and resources to identify and cite credible sources following CTU APA guidelines.	Professional Written Communications	4.5
HIST120 This course introduces students to the events, conflicts, key figures, and turning points in United States History from 1950 to the present. Emphasizing the relationship between history and peoples’ lived experiences, this course examines key events, social movements, and the changing roles of the United States in the world. Exploring how historians use evidence to better understand the past, this course will also examine how history is shaped by different contexts and perspectives. Throughout the course, connections will be made between issues and events of the past and those that we face today.	Intro to American History: 1950 to the Present	4.5
MATH102 Introduction to College Math familiarizes students with mathematical thinking and explores how a knowledge of mathematics can benefit them personally and professionally. The course is designed to give students the tools for making logical decisions and developing connections between mathematics and their fields of study and daily activities. Specifically, this course focuses on arithmetic operations, linear equations, and the use of rates, ratios, proportions, and percentages to describe relationships between given quantities.	Introduction to College Math	4.5
MATH106 This course is designed to provide students with a critical set of tools to help them develop solutions to problems. This course introduces students to fundamental concepts and skills needed to use mathematics in the professional world. Specifically, this course focuses on algebraic operations and methods with a broad emphasis on real-world applications.	Algebra for Business	4.5
SCI101 This course introduces students to the physical, life, and Earth sciences. Students have the opportunity to explore the principles of scientific critical thinking. Utilizing the Scientific Method, as well as other quantitative and qualitative approaches, students can draw meaningful conclusions about the real world.	Introduction to the Sciences	4.5
SCI103 This is a learning experience that complements the Introduction to the Sciences course. Since the course addresses how scientific thinking and the resultant technology has changed modern life, this lab will provide students with experiences in the scientific approaches of different sciences covered, such as: biology, chemistry, physics, geology and astronomy. This lab will be constructed specifically to extend the learning from each unit of the Introduction to the Sciences course, designed to provide experiences which deepen students’ familiarity with the scientific method and way of asking questions and solving problems.	Science and Technology- Laboratory Course	1.5
SCI201 This course analyzes the interrelationships between the natural environment and human activities. In this course, students are taught about the preservation and conservation of natural resources and the resilience of the natural environment with respect to the carrying capacity of the earth. Furthermore, students will explore topics related to environmental ethics and apply principles of sustainability to issues impacting natural resources and biodiversity. Finally, this course will teach a holistic approach in learning about environmental problems and rehabilitation through individual and group behavioral changes and environmental regulations.	Environmental Science and Sustainability	4.5

SOCL105 This course covers sociological concepts such as relationships, family, social class, culture, and norms. It explores how social structures and groups may influence behavior in personal, professional, and academic settings. Key sociological theories used to analyze society and the effects of technology and globalization are introduced. The course also emphasizes developing intercultural competence in the workplace and applying sociological thinking to understand current events and common situations.	Introductory Sociology: Understanding People and Society	4.5
	or
PHIL101 This course is designed to provide students a basic understanding of moral and ethical theories and concepts. The activities and discussions encourage students to explore and solve ethical dilemmas by identifying and applying moral and ethical theories. Students will also be encouraged to explain their reasoning from cultural, professional, and personal standpoints. A variety of ethical issues and methodologies will be explored, as students evaluate moral dilemmas in an assortment of work and life scenarios.	Introduction to Ethics	4.5
	Total Credit Hours:	46.5

Courses: Core		Credits
HSS100 This course provides an overview of information technology and its role in healthcare settings. The language of health information technology, its implications, and the evolution of healthcare technology will be explored. Specific topics include word processing, spreadsheets, database management, presentation software, and emerging technologies and trends for the future.	Introduction to IT in Healthcare	4
HSS103 This course will introduce students to complex healthcare organizations and delivery systems within the United States. Basic concepts and current issues will be discussed to provide understanding of how these systems are organized, managed, and financed. Legal and regulatory influences on the delivery of healthcare will be discussed. Healthcare providers and their role in the delivery of healthcare will be identified.	Introduction to Healthcare Delivery Systems	4
HSS110 This course identifies the principles of financial, practice, and human resource management in relation to healthcare organizations.	Concepts in Healthcare Organizations	4
HSS121 This course is an introduction to the language of health care focusing on the construction, definition, spelling, and pronunciation of medical terms, and the definition of common abbreviations and acronyms. Students are introduced to the terminology of complementary and alternative medicine and the importance of culturally competent communication.	Medical Terminology	4
HSS210 This course is designed to provide students with an overview of the health insurance industry and healthcare reimbursement. Students will be introduced to common medical billing practices and the financial, regulatory, and business processes that are involved with healthcare reimbursement. Students will have hands-on practice using a simulated electronic health record platform to post payments, make payment adjustments, and interpret insurance cards.	Fundamentals of Reimbursement in Healthcare	4
HSS215 This course introduces students to the basic components of electronic health record application and its impact on the delivery of healthcare. This course is designed to provide the student with a virtual learning experience that exposes them to common administrative and clinical procedures in healthcare.	Software Applications in Healthcare: Virtual Learning Experience	4
HSS261 This course focuses on the role of ethics in healthcare delivery. The student is introduced to basic ethical principles and its application while considering personal bias within the context of working with diverse individuals.	Ethics in Healthcare	4.5
HSS295 This final course in the Associates of Science in Health Administration Services (ASHAS) program, requires students to demonstrate an understanding and application of the concepts associated with healthcare, finance, human resources, healthcare administration, reimbursement systems and healthcare records, as well as regulatory, ethical and legal issues affecting healthcare organizations. This course will also help students prepare to sit for the NHA Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) examination.	Capstone in Health Administration Services	4
MGMT256 This course introduces the learner to primary topics in management. This includes summarizing the role of managers in the performance of the organization, explaining what a manager does in the strategic decision-making process, demonstrating the management of human relations in a diverse culture, recognizing the characteristics of leadership, and identifying the effects of culture, technology, and innovation in managerial communication.	Management Fundamentals	4
UNIV104 UNIV104 is designed to provide students with a foundation for success in CTU’s undergraduate academic environment. This course introduces effective academic strategies and resources integrating them with career planning methods that can be leveraged to pursue future academic and professional goals.	Academic and Career Success	4.5
	or
HUMNELE	Humanities Elective	4.5
UNIV201 This course is designed to provide the knowledge and application of effective career management strategies for career development and transition; through student self-assessment and research into potential career fields. Students pursue the knowledge and skills to identify and communicate themselves as a brand.	Career Planning and Management	4
	Total Credit Hours:	45

Total Credit Hours: 91.5

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Learning Outcomes

ASHAS Program Learning Outcomes:

Explain the organization, structure and operation of the U.S. healthcare system and challenges in serving the needs of various population groups
Demonstrate equity, inclusion and diversity awareness in the delivery of health administration services
Discuss business principles related to the administrative services of healthcare organizations
Summarize ethical and legal principles related to healthcare administration services
Recognize software applications commonly found in healthcare administration sectors;
Describe the purpose of healthcare delivery models

Faculty

Dr. Laura Sliwinski, Ph.D.

Executive Program Director

Dr. Laura Sliwinski joined CTU in 2020 as the Executive Program Director for Health Studies in the College of Nursing and Health Studies. Dr. Sliwinski has over twenty years combined experience in healthcare and higher education administration.

For more faculty profiles please visit our Leadership and Faculty page.
For more information visit the College of Health Studies.

Admission Requirements

Note: Graduates of the ASHAS program are encouraged to take the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) certification examination offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). This exam is voluntary, but passing it can be a further indication that a graduate is capable of performing the tasks necessary to keep offices and clinics of physicians running smoothly. CTU cannot guarantee that graduates of this program will be eligible to take third-party certification examinations. Certification requirements for taking and passing these exams are controlled by outside entities and are subject to change without notice to CTU.

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FAQs

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What is an online Associate of Science in Health Administration Services degree program?

CTU’s Associate of Science in Health Administration Services (ASHAS) degree is an undergraduate degree program designed to instruct students in the principles and techniques used in the administrative side of the healthcare industry. Coursework covers healthcare finance, human resources, healthcare administration, reimbursement systems, and healthcare records, along with the regulatory, ethical, and legal issues that affect healthcare organizations. This online healthcare administration degree program is designed to help students prepare to enter the workforce at an entry-level administrative role or continue on to a bachelor’s degree.

Who is this program designed for?

This program is designed for those who want to work on the business and administrative side of healthcare rather than in direct patient care. It suits career changers entering healthcare, current clinic or hospital administrative staff who want formal credentials, and students who want a shorter path to a degree before continuing to a bachelor’s degree program. It is designed for working adults who want to balance their studies with career and personal commitments. Also, military-affiliated students (active duty, Reserve and National Guard members, and eligible spouses) may benefit from CTU’s reduced military tuition rates.

How many credit are required for this degree program, and is it fully online?

The ASHAS degree program consists of 91.5 credits and is offered online through CTU’s online campus. Students can access coursework through CTU’s Virtual Classroom and the CTU Mobile app, allowing them to view lectures, access assignments, and discussions on their own schedule. Prior course work can be evaluated for potential transfer credit*, and CTU Fast Track™ exams let students earn credit for knowledge they already have, which may reduce both the number of courses required and the total cost.**

*Transfer credit is evaluated on an individual basis. Not all credits are eligible to transfer. See the University Catalog for transfer credit policies.

**The ability to reduce time in school and/or reduce tuition towards the full cost of a degree program depends on the number of CTU Fast Track™ exams successfully passed. Fast Track program credits are non-transferable. Not all programs are eligible for possible reduction in time and money. Courses eligible are subject to change. Students should not rely on potential Fast Track savings or eligibility when making an enrollment decision.

What skills does this degree program cover?

In this curriculum, students can study how healthcare organizations are structured and financed, how patient records are maintained and protected, and how reimbursement flows between providers, insurers, and patients. The intent is to build the practical, administrative, and compliance knowledge used in day-to-day healthcare operations.

What topics are covered in the health administration services curriculum?

Coursework covers healthcare finance, human resources, healthcare administration practices, reimbursement systems, and healthcare records management, as well as the regulatory, ethical, and legal issues affecting healthcare organizations. Students also complete general education requirements that support written communication and analytical reasoning. This combination is designed to provide graduates healthcare-specific vocabulary and general business fundamentals.

How are courses delivered at CTU?

Courses start approximately every five weeks throughout the year and are delivered through CTU’s Virtual Classroom and the CTU Mobile app, giving students the flexibility to study when and where it works best for them. This associate health administration services degree program is designed for working adults who need to fit coursework around professional and family commitments.

Are online health administration services classes at CTU beneficial and flexible?

CTU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditor recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. The ASHAS program is designed to help students build healthcare administration knowledge while flexibly working around their schedules. Also, multiple start dates, an online format, and credit-for-prior-learning options through CTU Fast Track™ let students move at a pace that fits their circumstances.

What are the admission requirements, and is there an application fee?

Applicants to CTU’s undergraduate programs must have a high school diploma or equivalent and submit proof before the first day of the second quarter or term. There are no application fees, and no entrance exams are required for this degree program. Students can complete the application online or by phone with an advisor.

When can I start, and how long does the degree program take?

CTU courses start approximately every five weeks, and we offer multiple start dates throughout the year, so students do not need to wait for a traditional semester intake. Associate degree programs at CTU can typically be completed in about 24 months, though actual timelines vary based on course load, transfer credits, and/or prior learning. Use the Tuition & Graduation Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Can I transfer credits into this program?

CTU has transfer-friendly credit policies. Students may be eligible to transfer-in up to 75% of the credits required for an associate degree program. Transfer credit is evaluated on an individual basis, and not all credits are eligible. See the Transfer Students page for details. In addition, CTU Fast Track™ exams offer a separate route to earning credits, at no extra charge and with no penalty if students do not pass.

How much does the Associate of Science in Health Administration Services degree program cost?

Tuition for the health administration services degree program is charged per credit hour. The total cost depends on how many credits are completed at CTU once eligible transfer and/or CTU Fast Track™ credits are applied.* Course materials are included in the cost of tuition for CTU’s Virtual Campus, so there are no separate textbook fees. Use the Tuition & Graduation Calculator for a personalized estimate of tuition, potential savings, and graduation date.

*Transfer credit is evaluated on an individual basis. Not all credits are eligible to transfer. See the University Catalog for transfer credit policies.

What financial aid options are available?

CTU participates in federal financial aid programs, meaning eligible students can apply for federal grants, and loans through the FAFSA®. Qualifying students can also apply for institutional scholarships and need-based grants after eligibility is verified. See Grants & Scholarships for a full overview of the options CTU offers.*

*University grants or scholarships are based on established criteria as published in the University's catalog and are awarded after verification that the conditions of eligibility have been met.

What are some ways to reduce costs at CTU?

Here are a few options that can help reduce the cost of CTU’s associate healthcare management degree program:

Transfer credits: Eligible students may transfer-in up to 75% of required credits, which can significantly reduce the number of credits required and cost of the degree completed at CTU. See the Transfer Students page and the Business & Management programs page for policies.*
Military benefits: CTU offers Reduced Military Tuition Rates for eligible active-duty service members, Reserve and National Guard members, and eligible military spouses.
Corporate Educational Alliances Grant: Employees at participating companies may qualify for tuition grants through the Corporate Educational Alliances Grant program.

Course materials are included in tuition, so there are no additional textbook costs.

*Transfer credit is evaluated on an individual basis. Not all credits are eligible to transfer. See the University Catalog for transfer credit policies.

What potential career paths may be relevant to CTU’s healthcare administration services degree?

Graduates of this program may choose to pursue entry-level administrative roles across healthcare settings. Potential career paths may include:*

Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants – Medical secretaries and administrative assistants within this group handle scheduling, billing support, correspondence, and recordkeeping in medical offices and hospitals. Coursework in medical terminology, administrative practices, and healthcare delivery systems may support these roles.

*CTU cannot guarantee employment, salary, or career advancement. The list of potential career paths related to this program is based on a subset from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. CIP to SOC Crosswalk. Some career paths listed above may require further education or job experience.

How is this different from a bachelor’s in healthcare management?

The ASHAS is a shorter, entry-level credential focused on the practical administrative mechanics of healthcare, including records, reimbursement, terminology, and compliance. A bachelor’s in healthcare management goes further into the strategic and managerial side, with coursework such as healthcare economics, healthcare organization and management, healthcare marketing, case management, and public health. This associate degree can serve as a standalone workforce credential or as the first step towards a bachelor’s degree.