How to Get a Master's Degree in Health Systems and Science
Health care is one of America's biggest industries, and not all of its employees are doctors and nurses. Like any business, hospitals, care centers, and clinics need managers and administrators to operate efficiently. The professional men and women that handle the business and management side of health care are called health services managers or health care administrators, and they are often required to hold a master's degree in health systems and science.
Health systems managers are responsible for coordinating and directing the delivery of health care to patients. Some health care administrators specialize in a specific area of health care (such as physical therapy or nursing), while others perform more general duties to manage an entire facility. This hard work generally pays off with generous salaries--according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average health systems manager earns between $60,000 and $100,000 per year, and job opportunities are expected to increase.
Whatever area of health systems and science you wish to enter, a master's degree in a health systems and science field can open the door to top positions. Even if you currently work full time, you can earn a master's degree online and continue your education without sacrificing experience.
An Overview of the Master's Degree in Health Systems and Science
Health systems and science refers to a variety of fields within health care, such as health care administration, health informatics, health science, and clinical research administration. Master's degrees are available in each of these fields, and they generally take two to three years to complete. Students in health care master's degree programs usually take courses in hospital organization and management, human resources administration, health economics, accounting, bio statistics, ethics, and other classes that apply business principles to the health care industry. Because of the variety of health care graduate programs, a master's degree in health systems and sciences may have any of the following abbreviations:
- MHSA - Master of Health Services Administration
- MS HSM - Master of Science in Health Systems Management
- MHA - Master of Health Administration
- MHS - Master of Health Science
- MSHS - Master of Science in Health Science
- MS HI - Master of Science in Health Informatics
- MBA - Master of Business Administration in Health Care Management
The above master's degrees are offered by online degree programs as well as traditional graduate schools, so you can earn a master's degree online regardless of your current schedule. Once you decide which area of health systems management you wish to enter, you'll be able to look closely at each program and decide which degree best suits your academic and professional goals. If you think you may be interested in applying to a health care master's degree program, keep reading to learn more about researching, choosing, and applying to a graduate program.
How to Choose a Program
The graduate schools you apply to must align with your lifestyle and academic goals, so research is crucial. The following steps will walk you through the research process and help you arrive at a final list of schools to which you may apply.
Step 1: Define Your Priorities
Before you begin the search process, it helps to define what you're looking for. In this first step, you will create a comprehensive list of master's degree programs that meet your most basic requirements, including educational format, accreditation, and location.
Educational Format: On-Campus or Online?
One of the first things you should decide is whether you want to pursue a degree on-campus, online, or through a combination of the two (hybrid program). Online degree programs have enabled thousands of working adults to earn a master's degree online without leaving their current jobs, but they're not for everyone. If you're not sure whether an online or on-campus program is best for you, consider the following questions:
Read More
How to Get a Master's Degree in Health Systems and Science
Health care is one of America's biggest industries, and not all of its employees are doctors and nurses. Like any business, hospitals, care centers, and clinics need managers and administrators to operate efficiently. The professional men and women that handle the business and management side of health care are called health services managers or health care administrators, and they are often required to hold a master's degree in health systems and science.
Health systems managers are responsible for coordinating and directing the delivery of health care to patients. Some health care administrators specialize in a specific area of health care (such as physical therapy or nursing), while others perform more general duties to manage an entire facility. This hard work generally pays off with generous salaries--according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average health systems manager earns between $60,000 and $100,000 per year, and job opportunities are expected to increase.
Whatever area of health systems and science you wish to enter, a master's degree in a health systems and science field can open the door to top positions. Even if you currently work full time, you can earn a master's degree online and continue your education without sacrificing experience.
An Overview of the Master's Degree in Health Systems and Science
Health systems and science refers to a variety of fields within health care, such as health care administration, health informatics, health science, and clinical research administration. Master's degrees are available in each of these fields, and they generally take two to three years to complete. Students in health care master's degree programs usually take courses in hospital organization and management, human resources administration, health economics, accounting, bio statistics, ethics, and other classes that apply business principles to the health care industry. Because of the variety of health care graduate programs, a master's degree in health systems and sciences may have any of the following abbreviations:
- MHSA - Master of Health Services Administration
- MS HSM - Master of Science in Health Systems Management
- MHA - Master of Health Administration
- MHS - Master of Health Science
- MSHS - Master of Science in Health Science
- MS HI - Master of Science in Health Informatics
- MBA - Master of Business Administration in Health Care Management
The above master's degrees are offered by online degree programs as well as traditional graduate schools, so you can earn a master's degree online regardless of your current schedule. Once you decide which area of health systems management you wish to enter, you'll be able to look closely at each program and decide which degree best suits your academic and professional goals. If you think you may be interested in applying to a health care master's degree program, keep reading to learn more about researching, choosing, and applying to a graduate program.
How to Choose a Program
The graduate schools you apply to must align with your lifestyle and academic goals, so research is crucial. The following steps will walk you through the research process and help you arrive at a final list of schools to which you may apply.
Step 1: Define Your Priorities
Before you begin the search process, it helps to define what you're looking for. In this first step, you will create a comprehensive list of master's degree programs that meet your most basic requirements, including educational format, accreditation, and location.
Educational Format: On-Campus or Online?
One of the first things you should decide is whether you want to pursue a degree on-campus, online, or through a combination of the two (hybrid program). Online degree programs have enabled thousands of working adults to earn a master's degree online without leaving their current jobs, but they're not for everyone. If you're not sure whether an online or on-campus program is best for you, consider the following questions:
Schedule: Do you plan to work full time while attending school?
- Yes, I will continue working:
Students who work full time have packed schedules, so online degree programs are often the most practical choice. With an online master's program, there's no need to commute, and you can review class materials online whenever it's convenient.
- No, I will be a full-time student:
As a full-time student, you have time to take advantage of the academic community, top-notch facilities, and campus life offered by traditional master's degree programs, so you may get more out of an on-campus program.
Career Goals: Are you earning a master's degree to advance in the professional world or to enter academia?
If you have professional goals, such as working in hospital administration, an online master's degree program may serve you best by allowing you to continue working and building your resume.
If you're earning a master's degree as a stepping stone to a PhD or to perform research, an on-campus degree program may offer more advantages than an online program, such as immersion in campus life and a community of scholars.
Accreditation
Accreditation is granted to schools that meet the requirements set by private accrediting agencies. These agencies thoroughly evaluate schools and graduate programs to make sure they meet certain quality standards, and many employers will only consider graduates from accredited programs. Though some graduate schools choose not to seek accreditation, you should perform extra research to ensure the legitimacy of these schools. School Web sites will often provide accreditation credentials, but you can also search the U.S. Department of Education's database of accredited post-secondary schools and programs.
Location
A school's location comes into play when you're considering on-campus or hybrid programs. Unless you're willing to relocate, limit your research to schools within commuting distance. Web sites like WorldWideLearn.com can help you search for programs in your area.
Step 2: Narrow Your Focus
Now that you have a list of schools that meet your basic requirements, it's time to eliminate those that don't cater to your specific area of interest within health care. The following health systems and science specializations are commonly offered by master's degree programs, so take a look and decide which field matches your academic and career goals.
- Health Services Administration:
Master's degree programs in health services administration (also called health care administration, or simply health administration) apply business principles to the realm of health care and teach students the organization, management, marketing, and financing principles that make health care institutions succeed. Some schools offer a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree with a specialization in health services administration and management.
Health science programs integrate the study of life sciences with practical health care applications. These programs often require more research than other health services master's degrees, and they allow students to specialize in a given area of health (such as environmental health science or the behavioral sciences).
- Clinical Research Administration:
A master's degree in clinical research administration prepares students for a career in the field of drug and treatment development. Coursework includes regulatory requirements, the business of clinical research, ethical issues, and processes for product development.
Health informatics is a growing field that incorporates technological advances into the practice of medicine, from patient treatments to digital medical records. A master's degree in health informatics combines health science and information technology to prepare students for leading technological roles at hospitals and clinics.
School Web sites usually list the specific degrees and program areas offered, but don't hesitate to contact a school admissions counselor for more information. Admissions counselors will be able to answer your specific questions about a program and may also send you a detailed course catalog. By the time you finish this research, your list should include only those programs that meet your basic requirements and align with your academic goals.
Step 3: Finalize Your List
Assuming there are more than a handful of schools on your list, you'll want to narrow your choices once more to save time and money during the application process. Consider the following features of each program when comparing one to another:
Faculty: As a graduate student, you'll work closely with your instructors, so take some time to learn about the faculty at each school you're considering. Use school Web sites, admissions counselors, current students, and library search engines to answer the following questions about the faculty:
- Do they have real-world experience?
- Are they effective teachers?
- How many years of teaching experience do they have?
- Have any faculty members published papers in your area of interest?
Reputation: A graduate program's reputation will matter in the eyes of future employers, so do the following research to find out how each program is regarded in the industry:
- Ask a successful health services professional what programs he or she recommends
- Find out how long each program has existed
- Search for graduate school rankings through U.S. News and World Report and other national publications
Graduation and Placement Rates: One of the best indicators of a graduate program's quality is the success of its graduates. Admissions counselors, school websites, and alumni offices should be able to give you information on the following:
- What percentage of students stick with the program through graduation
- How long does it take the average graduate to find a job
- Where do graduates end up working
Funding: A program's funding level often determines the number of classes offered, the quality of technology, and the amount of financial aid available to students. To determine if a program is well funded, ask the following questions of an admissions counselor or financial aid officer:
- How many classes are offered per semester/quarter?
- What financial aid options are available to students?
- Does the program use specialized facilities or technology?
Acceptance Rate: Admission to many health systems and science master's programs is competitive, so check with admissions counselors or school Web sites to determine:
- The percentage of applicants who are accepted
- Average GRE scores and/or GPA of accepted candidates
- Previous health care experience of accepted candidates
After considering the above features of each program, you should be able to narrow your list to a few schools that meet your requirements and offer a reasonable chance of acceptance. Now it's time to start those applications!
How to Apply for a Master's Degree in Health Systems and Science
With the research stage behind you, the application process begins. The first thing to do is check the application requirements and due dates for each program you're applying to. Requirements and dates will vary from school to school, so be sure to read applications carefully and keep an organized checklist to help you through the process. Graduate school applications may feel overwhelming, but you can stay on top of your applications by planning ahead and being organized. Use the following timeline as a guide to getting all of the usual application requirements taken care of:
3 to 6 Months Ahead
- Required Testing: Sign up for required tests, such as the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). Purchase a study guide or enroll in a test preparation course to ensure your best score.
2 Months Ahead
- Letters of Recommendation: Decide which two or three former professors, employers, or coworkers you would like to write letters of recommendation on your behalf, and politely ask for their help.
- Official Transcripts: Request transcripts from any post-secondary school you've attended.
1 Month Ahead
- Personal Statement: Write your personal statement to express why you are pursuing a master's degree. Work through several drafts and ask a friend to proofread.
- Resume/ Curriculum Vitae (CV): Go over your resume with a fine-toothed comb to make sure it accurately reflects your accomplishments. Many health care master's programs are interested in your professional experience.
As you can see, applications can require a variety of materials, so plan ahead and contact an admissions counselor with any questions.
Aiming for a Career in Health Systems and Science
Whether you want to manage doctors in a health clinic or oversee an entire hospital, a master's degree in health systems and science can help you qualify for competitive health care positions. Even if you currently work full time, online graduate schools allow you to earn a master's degree online without sacrificing your income and experience. It's never too late to advance your career, and a combination of experience and education can help you reach your goal.
Sources
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, Medical and Health Services Managers
- Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education, The CAHME Accreditation Process
- George Washington University, Clinical Research Administration
- Northeastern University, Master of Science in Health Informatics
- The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, Health Care Management
- University of Michigan School of Public Health, Masters of Health Services Administration
- University of Washington, Programs in Health Services Administration
Collapse 
