Changes to the healthcare industry with the implementation of the Affordable Care Act have made accredited healthcare administration degree programs in Maryland increasingly important. According to a report issued by the State of Maryland, healthcare industries are among those expected to have the highest growth in the state by 2016. Healthcare related industries are expected to grow:

  • Hospitals by almost 35 percent
  • Nursing and residential care facilities by 29 percent
  • Ambulatory health care services by over 26 percent

However, it is not just job growth that has affected the healthcare industry in the state, leading to more need for accredited healthcare administration degree programs in Maryland. In March 2014, officials announced that the state would abandon the $125.5 million exchange system due to major problems with the program. The state was one of a handful that chose to build their own health exchange rather than use one provided by the federal government. Healthcare administrators with technological backgrounds may have better career options as the new systems are implemented. Current accredited healthcare administration degree programs in Maryland include courses in healthcare technology, adding to the benefit in today's technologically focused healthcare field.

Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins University opened in 1876 with a vision to encourage research and advance individuals in the sciences they chose to pursue. Johns Hopkins University has been a world leader in teaching and research for over 130 years. The university has nine academic divisions throughout the Baltimore-Washington area, as well as academic facilities in Nanjing, China and Bologna, Italy. More than 20,000 students apply to the university each year, yet only 3,500 are admitted. There are currently almost 5,200 students enrolled at the university, studying 51 majors and 42 minors.

Bloomberg School of Public Health

The Bloomberg School of Public Health began as the Johns Hopkins School of Hygiene and Public Health in 1916 after the university received a grant from the Rockefeller Foundation. In 1925, the school moved to a new building at East Monument and Wolfe Streets in Baltimore, and in 1932, a one-square mile area of the city became the base for public health research programs. In 2001, the school was renamed the Bloomberg School of Public Health in honor of New York City Mayor, Michael Bloomberg, who graduated from the university in 1964, as recognition of his support and commitment to public health.

Master of Public Health

The Master of Public Health program at the Bloomberg School at Johns Hopkins is recognized as the flagship graduate degree program. Students are prepared to become leaders in the public health profession with the ability to address global health problems using the latest scientific knowledge. Students in the program find themselves on the cutting-edge of research and practice in the public health field. Students have the flexibility of choosing between online courses, full-time schedules or a combination providing for flexibility with work and family obligations. Since 1994, the Master of Public Health Program at Johns Hopkins has been ranked first among schools of public health by U.S. News and World Report.

Accreditation

  • Middle States Commission on Higher Education
  • Council on Education for Public Health

Contact
Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
615 North Wolfe Street
Baltimore, MD 21205
Telephone: 410-955-3543
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.jhsph.edu/academics/degree-programs/master-of-public-health/

Towson University

Towson State University opened in 1866 as the State Normal School, dedicated to the education of teachers in Maryland. In 1963, the school became known as Towson State College, earning university status in 1976. In 1988, the university joined the University System of Maryland and, in 1997, became Towson University. Today, more than 22,000 students are enrolled in undergraduate and graduate programs at Towson, which offers 65 undergraduate, 41 masters and four doctorate degree programs. The school also offers five certificates of advanced study and 23 post-baccalaureate certificates.

College of Health Professions

The College of Health Professions at Towson has a foundational belief that individuals have the right to fulfill their potential in life with worth and dignity. The college focuses on the highest level of well-being possible in order to help people reach their full potential, creating graduates that are focused on service to the public and maintaining wellness. Students are given the skills and knowledge to help those that are threatened or altered by illness, injury or aging.

Minor in Healthcare Management

Students at Towson may choose to add the Healthcare Management minor to their degree. The minor consists of 18 units and all courses must be completed with a GPA of 2.00 or higher. Classes include:

  • Healthcare in the United States
  • Community Health Administration or Principles of Management
  • Services and Housing for the Long-term Care Consumer
  • Financing and Organization of Healthcare Services in the U.S.
  • Legal and Ethical Issues in Health Administration
  • Health Information & Quality Management or Health Economics

Health Care Management Major

Towson offers either a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Arts in Health Care Management, both of which are part of the Association of University Programs in Health Administration, an organization that sets the educational standards for Health Care Management programs. Students gain an understanding in management, marketing, finance and other aspects of leading in the healthcare industry. Graduates of the program have obtained positions in hospital management, federal agencies and other high-profile healthcare industries. Students who choose to enter the program must attend a pre-advising session in order to be assigned a faculty advisor. Students train in both healthcare and business, and the small classes enable students to develop personal relationships with instructors.

Accreditation

  • Middle States Commission on Higher Education
  • Association of University Programs in Health Administration

Contact
Wayne Nelson, Ph.D.
Health Care Management
Interim Program Director
Professor
Linthicum Hall Room 115C
8000 York Road
Towson, MD 21252
Telephone: 410-704-4845
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.towson.edu/healthcare/

The healthcare industry is a growing, competitive field, and with the Affordable Care Act adding to the need for qualified healthcare administrators, it is understandable why employers are seeking qualified candidates for positions within their organization. For this reason, accredited healthcare administration degree programs in Maryland are expected to become increasingly important over the next decade.