Since Colorado is often considered to be the primary educational hub of the Mountain West with an abundance of public and private universities, it is no surprise that there are numerous Master’s in Health Administration degrees in Colorado that can help get you started on a successful career in leading the evolving healthcare industry. Boasting an array of outdoor recreational opportunities while surrounded by the natural beauty of forests, high plains, deserts, rapid rivers, canyons, mesas, and the Rocky Mountains, Colorado is well-known for being a state of athletic citizens with the lowest obesity rate in the United States. However, our nation’s eighth healthiest state is still trying to overcome a rising prevalence of binge drinking, high rate of drug overdoses, and a large disparity in health status. If you have received the calling to improve public health outcomes by leading high-quality healthcare organizations, read on to learn more details about the health administration programs available in Colorado.
CollegeAmerica
Healthcare Division
Based on a main campus in Denver with satellite locations in Colorado Springs and Fort Collins as well as in Wyoming, Idaho, and Arizona, CollegeAmerica is an independent non-profit institution founded in 1964 to offer associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees in 41 areas of study. In the Healthcare Division, students can focus on preparing for employment in in-demand medical specialties, nursing, healthcare administration, health education, and more.
B.S. in Health Information Management
Since the healthcare industry is continuing to transition to electronic health records (EHRs) to manage patient information in the 21st century, the B.S. in Health Information Management is structured to produce in-demand HIM professionals for maintaining accurate clinical, epidemiological, financial, demographic, and reference data. In preparation for entry-level positions as coders, data coordinators, and health information technologists, the program requires 180 credits in just 36 months full-time.
B.S. in Health Sciences
Designed as a 20-month degree completion program for students who have already earned an accredited associate’s degree in a related field, the B.S. in Health Sciences program enhances career opportunities as healthcare professionals with a greater understanding in management, organization, policy development, statistics, and ethics. After earning the 93-credit degree, graduates often find promotions in health education, hospital administration, patient relations, long-term care facility administration, and health communications.
B.S. in Healthcare Administration
As a career-oriented 36-month degree for undergraduate students, the B.S. in Healthcare Administration is designed to provide the in-depth knowledge, professional competencies, and practical skills needed to function as a supervisor or manager in the healthcare industry. In the program, students are introduced to the business challenges facing healthcare delivery systems to prepare for entry-level management in hospitals, clinics, long-term care centers, and more.
B.S. in Nursing Administration
For registered nurses who have already received an associate’s degree and valid RN license in Colorado, the B.S. in Nursing Administration program is available to provide the preparation needed to assume leadership roles by adapting to the changing nature of complex networks of healthcare services in our global society. In the 20-month program, students take courses in organizational behavior, case management, human resources, nursing research, health assessment, disease prevention, informatics, nursing management, and critical thinking.
M.S. in Healthcare Administration
Offered in a convenient online mode of delivery over the course of just 15 months, the M.S. in Healthcare Administration program is designed to give graduate students the well-rounded education necessary for evaluating and improving health policies. Requiring the completion of 57 credits, the program is focused on the skills considered essential for senior health service administrators to manage the delivery of more effective health services.
M.S. in Healthcare Informatics
Intended for graduate students aspiring to become healthcare chief information officers and information technology directors, the M.S. in Healthcare Informatics program fosters the development of both the analytical skills and business acumen needed to improve healthcare delivery systems through technology. Students can complete the 60-credit program fully online from anywhere in just 15 months full-time.
M.S. in Nursing Administration
With the goal of producing nurse leaders who can make a difference in improving the overall healthcare delivery system, the M.S. in Nursing Administration program offers an in-depth knowledge of management strategies, organizational theories, legal issues, ethics, and finances to advance into leadership roles in the healthcare industry. Upon completion of the 57-credit curriculum in just 15 months 100% online, graduates are ready to seek management positions of nursing personnel in various settings.
Accreditations
Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC)
Contact
CollegeAmerica – Colorado Springs
2020 North Academy Blvd.
Colorado Springs, CO 80909
(719) 227-0170
CollegeAmerica – Denver
1385 South Colorado Blvd.
Denver, CO 80222
(303) 534-0226
CollegeAmerica – Fort Collins
4601 South Mason Street
Fort Collins, CO 80525
(970) 221-2769
CollegeAmerica – South Colorado Springs
1026 Maxwell Street
Colorado Springs, Co 80906
(719) 622-3610
http://www.collegeamerica.edu/healthcare
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Department of Health Professions
Since its inception in 1965, Metropolitan State University of Denver has grown into a comprehensive public research institution that educates nearly 23,000 students on its 127-acre urban Auraria campus in the heart of downtown Denver. Noted for having the least expensive tuition of Colorado’s largest four-year universities, MSU Denver has been named among the top 100 institutions in the nation in awarding bachelor’s degrees to students of color by Diverse Issues in Higher Education. The Department of Health Professions particularly offers programs for students to begin or advance careers in the healthcare field to enrich human well-being.
B.S. in Health Care Management
Founded with the mission of empowering diverse undergraduate students to gain the professional competencies needed to lead in the dynamic healthcare industry, the B.S. in Health Care Management program prepares individuals for direct entry into management for hospitals, physician practices, health departments, nursing homes, health maintenance organizations, wellness programs, government agencies, and health insurance companies. Offered in an on-campus format one day each week or online anytime, the program blends courses in healthcare management with marketing, accounting, business, and information technology for a strong foundation specifically related to healthcare.
Accreditations
Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (NCA)
Contact
890 Auraria Parkway
Denver, CO 80204
(303) 556-3439
hep@msudenver.edu
https://www.msudenver.edu/hep/healthcaremanagement/
National American University
Division of Healthcare Programs
As a for-profit institution owned by the publicly traded NAUH Inc. to deliver quality higher education at the associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degree levels, National American University is headquartered in Rapid City, South Dakota with over 35 locations across the Midwest and Rocky Mountain regions with an open admissions policy. The Division of Healthcare Programs prepares students for in-demand health careers with small class sizes, experienced faculty mentors, and one-on-one learning support.
Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Health Information Technology
Offered at the Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs South, and Denver campuses or online, the A.A.S. in Health Information Technology program provides an excellent learning opportunity for students who want to work in the in-demand healthcare field to verify the accuracy of medical records, use technology to analyze for efficiency in patient care, and/or code patient diagnoses. Featuring CAHIIM accreditation, the two-year program qualifies graduates for taking the RHIT certification examination.
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Health Care Management
Designed as a degree completion program for individuals who have already received an associate’s degree, the B.S. in Health Care Management program provides working professionals with the essential skills for becoming effective administrators and managers in our fast-growing healthcare field. Whether students choose to pursue the degree online or in physical classes in Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs South, and Denver, the two-year program will unlock career opportunities in management within their own area of clinical expertise.
Master of Business Administration (MBA) – Health Care Administration Emphasis
In order to help graduates rise above the competition, the 54-credit Master of Business Administration (MBA) program has been designed to provide the broad-based business strategies needed for career advancement into a leadership position. Available on-campus at the Denver and Colorado Springs locations or online from anywhere, the Health Care Administration Emphasis helps students focus their studies on the fiscal, regulatory, and global issues related to health services delivery.
Accreditations
Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM)
International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE)
Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (NCA)
Contact
National American University – Colorado Springs
1915 Jamboree Drive Suite 185
Colorado Springs, CO 80920
(719) 590-8300
csadmissions@national.edu
National American University – Colorado Springs South
1079 Space Center Drive Unit 140
Colorado Springs, CO 80915
(719) 208-3800
cssadmissions@national.edu
National American University – Denver
1325 South Colorado Blvd. Suite 100
Denver, CO 80222
(303) 876-7100
denadmissions@national.edu
http://healthcare.national.edu/
Regis University
Rueckert-Hartman College for Health Professions / School of Management
Standing tall on a 90-acre suburban campus in the metropolitan heart of Denver at 5,280 feet above sea level with 300 days of sunshine each year, Regis University is a comprehensive four-year private Roman Catholic institution rooted in Jesuit traditions with over 9,700 students. Recently presented with the Peter F. Drucker Foundation Award for its innovative programs, Regis is currently ranked as the 29th best college and 9th top university for military veterans in the West by the U.S. News and World Report. In fact, Regis is recognized for having the 65th best online bachelor’s programs and the 128th best online graduate business degree programs in the entire United States.
B.S. in Health Care Administration
Available in a 100% online format with no campus visits required for the completion of 128 credits in just 30 months, the B.S. in Health Care Administration program provides a well-rounded education that equips students with the tools necessary for keeping hospitals, managed care facilities, private practices, or any other health centers humming. Once students gain the foundational skills to administer proper patient care, the program features a hands-on component to obtain on-the-job supervised experience in a local healthcare organization.
B.S. in Health Information Management
Due to the fact that getting to accurate facts quickly is essential when saving lives, the B.S. in Health Information Management program is designed to produce information management professionals for working in fast-paced health centers to assume an array of technical, managerial, and consultative roles in the management of electronic medical records. After completing the 128-credit program in accelerated eight-week terms fully online, graduates will be eligible to sit for the national Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) exam.
MBA in Health Industry Leadership
Structured to facilitate the development of leadership, management, critical thinking, communication, and analytical skills directly tied to healthcare administration, the MBA in Health Industry Leadership program evaluates business models to accommodate legislative changes and ensure the delivery of high-quality health services. At the culmination of the 36-credit program offered on-campus in Denver or online from anywhere, students will participate in a capstone experience to build business models for real-life health centers.
Accreditations
Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM)
Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (NCA)
Contact
3333 Regis Boulevard
Denver, CO 80221
(303) 458-4344
admissions@regis.edu
http://www.regis.edu/Academics/Degrees-and-Programs.aspx
University of Colorado – Denver
Graduate School
Educating more than 14,000 students in over 130 programs, the University of Colorado – Denver is a comprehensive campus of one of the nation’s top public research institutions in the bustling metropolitan city of Denver within minutes away from the Rockies. Attracting more funding from the National Institute of Health (NIH) than any other university in Colorado, UC Denver is ranked as the 187th best research university in the nation and the 91st top college in the West by Forbes magazine. Furthermore, the Graduate School is highly acclaimed for offering the 32nd best graduate healthcare management programs in the country by the U.S. News and World Report.
MBA in Health Administration
For healthcare professionals and recent college graduates seeking to add to their skill sets in preparation for senior or c-level management in the healthcare industry, the MBA in Health Administration aims to train students in the analytic and decision-making processes used by executives in administering units of healthcare organizations. Within the online or on-campus program that can be completed with 51 credits, students will have the freedom to further specialize in Financial Health Management, Health Information Technology Management, or International Health Management and Policy.
M.S. in Health Administration
As part of the prestigious Business School Alliance for Healthcare Management (BSAHM) with other top-ranked universities nationwide, the M.S. in Health Administration program is the only CAHME-accredited health administration program in the Rocky Mountain region designed to build a basic foundation in management concepts to address issues in healthcare. Structured for health professionals seeking a specialized course of study, the program is delivered online or on-campus in evening hours for the completion of just 33 credits.
Master of Public Health (MPH)
Focused on enabling graduate students to approach complex health issues from a population perspective by utilizing evidence-based solutions to improve health outcomes, the Master of Public Health (MPH) program can be pursued with a concentration in Applied Biostatistics, Community and Behavioral Health, Environmental and Occupational Health, Epidemiology, Global Public Health, Health Services Research, Health Systems Management, or Leadership and Public Health Practice. In the 42-credit program, students will benefit from a practice-based learning curriculum that includes a specialized practicum and capstone project.
Accreditations
Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME)
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH)
Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (NCA)
Contact
1475 Lawrence Street
Denver, CO 80202
(303) 315-8200
grad.advising@ucdenver.edu
http://www.ucdenver.edu/academics/degrees/Pages/MastersDegreePrograms.aspx
University of Phoenix
College of Health Sciences and Nursing
First established in 1976 as an American for-profit higher learning institution by the Apollo Group Inc. to provide degree programs at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels, the University of Phoenix is based in Arizona with 112 campuses worldwide, including one in Long Tree in Colorado, to educate around 250,000 students. The College of Health Sciences and Nursing is focused on providing degrees to enhance career opportunities in the fast-growing healthcare industry with the knowledge to manage services from the bedside to the business side in a changing health environment.
Master of Health Administration (MHA)
Featuring a curriculum that is tailored to meet the needs of healthcare managers by providing content in finance, research, quality improvement, marketing, economics, strategic planning, technology, and health policy, the Master of Health Administration (MHA) program blends the latest theories with contemporary practice applications in today’s dynamic healthcare systems. Available with specializations in Gerontology, Informatics, or Education, the program can be completed in two years on-campus in Long Tree or online from a distance.
Doctor of Health Administration (DHA)
Structured as a 68-credit program that involves online modalities of instruction in a virtual classroom setting with 16 days of mandatory residency on-campus, the Doctor of Health Administration (DHA) program aims to prepare graduate students as leaders to respond effectively to the ever-changing needs of the healthcare industry. Graduates will be able to conduct research on improving the performance of health systems, implement policies that impact health systems, foster the evolution of adaptive healthcare services, and lead organizations with strong management skills.
Accreditations
Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (NCA)
Contact
10004 Park Meadows Drive
Lone Tree, CO 80124
(303) 755-9090
http://www.phoenix.edu/colleges_divisions/health-sciences-nursing.html
Westwood College
School of Healthcare
As a nationally accredited system of for-profit higher learning institutions with 14 campuses scattered across five states with a main location in Denver, Westwood College is home to more than 8,000 students in career-focused diploma, associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree programs. With all courses available online via audio-visual technology designed to resemble a college classroom, the School of Healthcare provides a great place to build the skills needed to help students navigate the challenging healthcare industry.
Associate Degree – Health Information Technology
Adhering to the latest data quality and information security standards, the Associate Degree in Health Information Technology program is designed to prepare students for becoming health information technicians (HITs) to assume key roles in compiling, maintaining, and guaranteeing the accuracy of essential medical files for quality patient care. In a 20-month online format, the program offers a thorough understanding of health records management with two practicum experiences to gain hands-on training alongside a healthcare provider.
Associate Degree – Healthcare Office Administration
Following a fast-track approach towards completion in as little as 17 months with hands-on career-oriented training, the Associate Degree in Healthcare Office Administration program trains students to plan, direct, coordinate, and supervise the delivery of healthcare so that clinicians can focus on providing quality patient care. In order to ensure that graduates can keep healthcare organizations running smoothly, the program models all courses after the workplace with valuable experiences needed to enter the healthcare office administration field.
Accreditations
Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS)
Contact
7350 North Broadway
Denver, CO 80221
(303) 650-5050
admissions@westwood.edu
http://www.westwood.edu/programs/school-of-healthcare
While there are some entry-level positions available with work experience in healthcare administration, it is highly recommended that you pursue an accredited degree program in order to have the strongest chances of securing a supervisory or executive-level role in the increasingly complex healthcare industry. Choosing one of these top-notch Master’s in Health Administration programs in Colorado will provide the in-depth knowledge of ethics, finances, accounting, business laws, and health services to become a health administrator.
Another helpful resource:
Top 10 Best Online Master’s in Health Administration Programs
