Idaho Health Administration Degree Programs

In the sparsely populated state of Idaho, healthcare administrators are incredibly important. When residents may only have access to a few healthcare institutions, it’s important for each institution to be run properly. Whether or not you have existing healthcare experience, a healthcare administration degree can put you on the path to managing one of Idaho’s many healthcare providers.

Medical and health services managers in Idaho are well positioned to pass on positive effects to the current landscape of healthcare, especially as health reform expands services nationwide. Currently there are 1,690 medical and health care managers employed in Idaho earning an annual mean wage of $75,110, according to BLS 2013 figures. This number is expected to increase as the state addresses its shortage of health care workers, and as healthcare job growth continues.

You can find all of the healthcare administration degree programs in Idaho listed here on our site. You can also request program information from those schools that offer the programs you’re interested in, from HIT Management to MBA programs. We suggest that you submit a request for information to each school that interests you in order to get the information you need to make a well informed decision.

In the state of Idaho, healthcare administrators are incredibly important. When residents may only have access to a few healthcare institutions, it’s important for each institution to be run properly. Whether or not you have existing healthcare experience, a healthcare administration degree can put you on the path to managing one of Idaho’s many healthcare providers.

The Times-News reports that Idaho is preparing a massive increase in patients due to the Affordable Care Act. Over 76,000 people have already enrolled in Affordable Care Act healthcare plans, and in response to this influx in those seeking healthcare, Idaho health care leaders are trying to figure out how to best serve this growing number.

Another reason to consider entering one of Idaho’s healthcare administration programs relates to the increase in medical tourism in Idaho. The Boise Weekly City Desk claims that Idaho’s low healthcare costs have brought people from out of the state or country for care. If you have prominent marketing or business skills, you may be able to play a prominent role in an institution’s growth, especially if you have earned your MBA in Idaho, or a similarly business focused healthcare administration degree.

Getting started in a new field can be difficult, but there are many resources available for healthcare management professionals. The Medical Group Management Association of Idaho provides management professionals with conference opportunities, continuing education seminars, and networking events.

Healthcare Administration Education in Idaho

There are a few degree options to consider if you are just beginning a career in healthcare management. Though there are two-year Associate’s degree programs, the majority of jobs require applicants to have at least a bachelor’s degree. For advanced positions, you will also need to pass a licensing exam. A master’s is not always necessary but can help you secure better jobs. Though a bachelor’s degree takes four years, it may give you a more comprehensive education. If you already have an undergraduate degree, you may be looking to pursue a master’s degree in the field.

Before you can learn how to be an effective healthcare manager, you must have a thorough understanding of the healthcare field. Early in your program, you may take courses like Overview of the U.S. Health System, Healthcare Statistics, and Business of Healthcare. In these classes, you may learn about how healthcare institutions are structured, how organizations are paid for their services, and how healthcare administrators work in this system.

Once you’ve completed this part of your education, you can move onto different aspects of management training. In courses like Human Relations Management and Organizational Leadership Theory, you can master leadership techniques with staff. You’ll likely hone your business finance skills in classes like Healthcare Finance and Healthcare Financial Management. During your semester-long internship or externship, you may combine these skills in a practical work setting.

You may be able to save money on your education by applying for scholarships. There are quite a few scholarships available for healthcare management students in Idaho. The Idaho Public Health Association awards $500 scholarships each year. There are over 60 scholarships available through the Idaho Community Foundation. Available scholarships include the Carol Ormond Scholarship, the Alvie C. Jeffres Memorial Scholarship, and the Sonja Tarnay Educational Scholarship.

You can also look into the Idaho Freedom Scholarships, Education Incentive Loan Forgiveness Program and Governor’s Cup Scholarships for help.

Outlook for Healthcare Administration Careers in Idaho

As the Affordable Care Act becomes part of federal law, the number of Idaho residents with access to healthcare is steadily increasing. Of course, this is great news for Idaho, but it presents a challenge to healthcare providers across the state. The skills you develop as a healthcare administrator can help nursing homes, medical billing companies, hospitals, and specialty care clinics smoothly transition.

Overall, the healthcare industry of Idaho is expected to see considerable growth in coming years. O*Net claims that job openings for medical managers may increase by 20% by 2028. Their statistics indicate an average salary of $88,160 per year for medical managers (O*Net, 2018).

2020 Medical and Health Services Manager Estimated Job Openings

Data Source

Ready to take the next step in your career? Contact healthcare administration programs in Idaho to get started.