Online Master's Degree in Health Care: Three Career Paths

A master's degree in health care can lead to a lucrative career as a health services administrator. Health services administrators direct the delivery of effective health care for medical facilities. A master's degree program traditionally takes 2 years to complete and with online master's degree in health programs students can set their own pace and adjust coursework as needed. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), typical coursework could include hospital management, marketing, budgeting, human resources administration, strategic planning, law and ethics, statistics, health economics, and health information systems.

Online Master's Degree in Health Care: Three Career Paths

According to the BLS, the health services administration field can be divided into 3 specializations:

1. Clinical Manager, Generalist. General clinical managers are responsible for an entire hospital or medical facility. In larger facilities, managers focus more on implementing policies, managing personnel, setting budgets, and coordinating daily operations. However, many managers of smaller outpatient facilities or nursing homes balance these managerial duties with actual patient care. A few managers are responsible for multiple facilities within a health system.
2. Clinical Manager, Specialist. Specialized clinical managers are responsible for setting policies, developing budgets, and evaluating personnel within a single department in a hospital. They usually have significant experience as a professional in their specialization.
3. Health Information Manager. Health information managers are responsible for maintaining secure electronic patient records.

Potential Salaries With An Online Master's Degree In Health Care

A May 2009 BLS study reports the following annual mean salaries for health services administrators:

• Hospital managers $96,660
• Physician's office managers $88,650
• Outpatient care center managers $84,980
• Home health care managers $83,160
• Nursing home managers $77,560

By earning an online master's degree in health, today's working professional can position themselves for success in one of the country's biggest and fastest growing industries.

Read More

Online Master's Degree in Accounting

A master's degree in accounting can lead to a variety of careers in the accounting and auditing field. An online master's degree in accounting program can be a viable option for those who want to keep working full time while earning an advanced degree.

Online Master's Degree In Accounting Program

A traditional master's degree program typically takes 2 years to complete after earning a bachelor's degree. However, online master's degree in accounting classes run on your schedule so students can set their own pace as they go. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), typical coursework in this program could include accounting, auditing, economics, finance, management, mathematics, statistics, and more.

Online Master's Degree in Accounting Careers

The 4 major career fields in accounting are:

1. Public Accounting. Public accountants perform accounting, tax, auditing, and consulting services for multiple clients. They work for an accounting firm or own their own business.
2. Management Accounting. Management accountants are responsible for budgeting, analyzing, strategizing, and managing costs and assets for a single corporation. They work as part of a management team.
3. Government Accounting. Government accountants examine the financial records and budgets of government agencies and government-related private businesses. They are primarily focused on the legality of financial activity.
4. Internal Auditing. Internal auditors are responsible for the ensuring the accuracy, legality, efficiency, and efficacy of a corporation by detailed analyses of its finances. Their primary goal is to eliminate waste, fraud, or mismanagement of funds.

Online Master's Degree in Accounting Salary Overview

Earning an online master's degree in accounting typically leads to higher than average earnings. A May 2009 BLS study reports the following annual mean wage salaries:

• Public accountants $73,920
• Management accountants $66,330
• Local government accountants $57,490
• State government accountants $54,040

Indeed, career options can be expanded with an online master's degree program in accounting.

Read More

Graduate-Level Philanthropy: Master of Non-profit Management Degree Programs

Nonprofits take a different set of skills to manage than other businesses. Find out how your call to service might benefit from a master's degree in nonprofit management.

» Read More

Online Master's in Accounting: Preparation for More than a CPA Exam

Though preparation for the CPA exam is one reason to get an online master's in accounting, there are several more, including new International Financial Reporting Standards. Learn more about MAcc specializations and classes.

» Read More

Master's in occupational therapy: helping others live independently

There's only one way to become a licensed occupational therapist and that's with a Master of Occupational Therapy degree. Learn more about MOT options, specializations and classes.


» Read More

Online Master's Degrees in Psychology

Master the knowledge and practice proficiencies expected of professional psychologists. » More

Online Master's Degrees in Technology

Looking for advancement, personal growth, and higher pay? Do you need to keep up with current trends in technology? Do you welcome the convenience of long distance learning at your own pace? Master's of Technology degrees are just as close as your computer. They are well within your reach. » More