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B.S. Health Care Management

Build the foundation for an administrative career in today's fast-changing health care business environment.

The School of Business' online B.S. in health care management is designed for students interested in working with hospitals; federal, state, and county health programs; pharmaceutical companies; medical laboratories; nursing facilities; surgical facilities; imaging technology facilities; and health education and training companies.

The program combines a rich mix of traditional liberal arts coursework with specialized business courses. Health care management courses explore:

• Strategic management of health care systems
• Health care financial management
• Health care policy analysis
• Legal and ethical challenges facing the industry

In addition to the analytical tools and technologies necessary to solve complex management problems, the program emphasizes leadership skills within Saint Leo University's core values and traditions.

Saint Leo's online health care management B.A. is accredited by the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE), a professional accreditor for business programs in student-centered colleges and universities throughout the world.

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Degree Requirements

Health care management majors who are not employed in the industry are required to take HCA 425 Health care internship during their senior year. Students spend the entire semester at an internship site and may earn 3-12 credit hours for the experience, depending on their work schedule.

General Education Core (48 credits)

• MAT 141 Finite Mathematics 3

  Topics in mathematics that are especially applicable to business such as linear models, mathematics of finance, counting methods, probability, and statistics.

  Prerequisites: MAT 003 or a satisfactory grade on the mathematics placement test.

• ENG 121 Academic Writing I 3

  The techniques of effective writing, logical thinking and intelligent reading, with special emphasis on expository writing.

  Prerequisites: Passing grade in ENG 002 or satisfactory score on the English Placement Test

• ENG 122 Academic Writing II 3

  A continuation of ENG 121. Expository writing based on analytical study of literary genres.

  Prerequisites: ENG 121

• COM 140 Business Computer Skills 3

  Required for all business majors. Students will use commercial software packages in the microcomputer laboratory to gain an advanced understanding of business functions of computers and to develop personal competency in practical applications of microcomputers for business. Provides business students with the specific knowledge and capabilities in various computer skills necessary to be effective in both business classes and the business world. Course fee may apply.

• FAS 101 The Integrated Arts 3

  This is an interdisciplinary course that introduces students to visual, written, and musical works of art designed to increase the student's understanding and aesthetic pleasure as well as to develop acquaintance with techniques and terminology in the arts. Regular classroom lectures/discussions may be complemented by live or virtual performances and exhibits as appropriate to the course format to enhance the student's experience of the arts.

• ART 123 Art Appreciation 3

  Basic terms, theories and techniques of the artist; major art movements; media in the visual arts.

  Prerequisites: FAS 101

• Core English Options : (3 Credits)3

  • ENG 226 Survey of World Literature II

    Designed to introduce non-English majors to the world literature in translation from the 18th century through the 20th century. Continued emphasis on literary devices writers use and on expository writing based on analytical study of the literature of the course.

    Prerequisites: ENG 122

  • ENG 311 Survey of Major Writers of the 20th Century

    A study for non-English majors of the most significant and influential movements of the twentieth century as those movements have shaped the course of human experience. Provides an opportunity for students to discuss and analyze a broad range of writers from several countries, drawing on cultural and ethnic issues particularly relevant to those writers.

    Prerequisites: ENG 122

• SSC 102 The Global Perspective 3

  A survey of various global issues arising in the world since World War II. The course combines the disciplines of history, political science, and economics. Emphasis will be placed on the interaction of the superpowers during the Cold War, the post-colonial emergence of the Third World, the ascendancy of regional and international economic and political institutions, the ambiguous blessing of technological innovation, and the reshaping of contemporary Europe.

• ECO 201 Principles of Macroeconomics 3

  An introduction to the study of the determination of income, output, employment and prices in the U.S. economy. Emphasis on fundamental economic concepts, gross domestic product and its components, monetary and fiscal policy, and contemporary macroeconomic issues.

  Prerequisites: SSC 102

• SSC 101 The Human Behavior Perspective 3

  An interdisciplinary course designed to provide students with the opportunity to consider the many ways in which human beings function as individuals, as members of larger groups and demographic segments, and as members of a particular culture. This course explores the disciplines of sociology, psychology, and anthropology within the framework of the scientific method, social constructivism, ethics, and values. Value systems, including the core values of Saint Leo University, and the ways in which they affect social structure are also explored.

• PSY 121 Introduction to Psychology 3

  A survey of the major areas in psychology. Principal topics covered are: physiological bases of behavior, personality, mental disorders and treatment, social influences and other basic issues. The course introduces students to the broad spectrum of theories used in understanding human behavior.

  Prerequisites: SSC 101

• PHI 101 The Quest for Wisdom 3

  The course examines human beings as present to themselves, as having a narrative self-understanding, and as being on a quest for meaning and orientation in life. Some of the topics are: the mystery of existence; thinking and prejudice; the good, conscience, and the power of choice; the state and the dignity of the person; the problem of materialism and scientism; and the place of imagination in articulating life's meaning.

• Core Religion Options : (3 Credits)3

  • REL 123 Foundations of Christian Faith

    This course involves an introduction to the field of theology as an academic discipline with a body of writing, methods, and interpretations. It is concerned with how to successfully study theology, including basic library research methodology and critical thinking. Students will build a basic understanding of the whole of theology through an introduction of its parts: Old Testament and New Testament Literature, Who Is Jesus?, What Is the Church?, Grace and the Sacraments, Christian Morality, Social Justice, Judaism and the Church, the Islamic Religion and the Church, and Catholic Theology in a Global Context.

    Prerequisites: PHI 101

  • REL 124 Introduction to the Old Testament

    A basic introduction to the literature and theology of the Jewish Scriptures.

    Prerequisites: PHI 101

  • REL 201 Introduction to the New Testament

    A basic introduction to the literature and theology of the New Testament, including exposure to critical methods such as form and redaction criticisms.

    Prerequisites: PHI 101

  • REL 223 Religions of the World I: Western Religions

    A study of Western religions, including religions of non-literate societies and ancient religions, Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

    Prerequisites: PHI 101

• Any 300 or 400 level Religion course (3 credits)

• SCI 101 Integrated Physical Science 3

  This course is designed to provide integrated knowledge and basic understanding of the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, historical trends, and empirical findings of the physical sciences, including physics, chemistry, astronomy, geology, oceanography, atmospheric sciences, and earth sciences. Major integrated themes include the nature and history of the universe, the solar system, and the Earth; the four forces; the ultimate structure and development of matter; types and nature of chemical bonding; plate tectonics; the rock cycle; biogeochemical cycles; oceanic and atmospheric circulation; global climate change; the unified nature of the laws and forces of the universe; the scientific world view; the scientific method; and the major differences between the scientific way of knowing and other ways of knowing. Emphasis is placed on oral and written scientific literacy through effective interpretation and communication of written, quantitative, graphic, and tabular scientific information.

• SCI 102 Integrated Life Science 3

  This course is designed to introduce non-science majors to the concepts and practical applications of the life sciences so that students will be informed citizens in an increasingly science and technology based society. Specific themes focused on will include cell structure and function, cell reproduction, DNA, genetic engineering, evolution, the origins of life, and the environment. Ethical and moral considerations will be discussed where appropriate. There will be several demonstrations and/or student experiments during the semester. This is the second of two integrated science courses required of all non-science majors. This course requires substantial writing and reading.

  Prerequisites: Recommended Prerequisites: SCI 101 strongly recommended

Business Core (27 credits)

• ACC 201 Principles of Accounting I 3

  An introduction to the preparation and use of accounting information found in financial statements. Topics include the analysis of transactions, and accounting for assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses. Interpretations of financial statements for measuring performance and making business decisions are emphasized.

  Prerequisites: Recommended Prerequisites: MAT 141 and COM 140

• ACC 202 Principles of Accounting II 3

  An introduction to cost accounting concepts, budgeting, cost-volume-profit analysis, and managerial decisions.

  Prerequisites: ACC 201

• ECO 202 Principles of Microeconomics 3

  An introduction to the economic analysis of the market mechanism. Emphasis on supply and demand, elasticity, cost analysis, market structures, externalities, and contemporary microeconomic issues.

• GBA 231 Business Law I 3

  The U.S. legal system (constitutional framework), the judicial system, the administrative agency system, the legal theory of the organization (agency law, forms of organization), an organization's legal obligations (torts, contracts, common law, and the Uniform Commercial Code), and public law (employment, securities, antitrust, consumer and environmental protection) are reviewed.

  Prerequisites: ENG 122

• GBA 334 Applied Decision Methods for Business 3

  This course explores the use of applied quantitative techniques to aid in business-oriented decision making. Emphasis is on problem identification and formulation with application of appropriate solution techniques and the interpretation of results. Included are probability theory, decision-making under certainty, risk, and uncertainty; utility theory; forecasting; inventory control; PERT/CPM; queuing theory; and linear programming.

  Prerequisites: MAT 201

• MAT 201 Introduction to Statistics 3

  Development of the fundamental statistical methods, including graphs, measures of central tendency, and variation. Inferential statistics includes the basic concepts of probability, estimation, hypothesis testing, sampling techniques, regression analysis and correlation, and other analyses of data. Use of statistical software packages. Applications to business, social science, education, and environmental science.

  Prerequisites: MAT 141 or a higher-level mathematics course

• MGT 301 Principles of Management 3

  An introductory course in management as a discipline and a process. Major topics include the evolution and scope of management, decision-making, planning and strategy, organizing and staffing, leading and control, and change. The importance of management in the global environment and ethical considerations of management decisions also are included.

  Prerequisites: ENG 122 and second-semester sophomore standing required

• MGT 325 Finance for Managers 3

  An introduction to the principles of corporate financial management. The principles apply also to other forms of business, governments, and non-profit organizations. The time value of money is emphasized in investments of real or financial assets. Planning for current assets and liabilities and long-range capital is covered. Risk and expected values (statistics) are used in the planning and assessments of investments. Also, the knowledge of different kinds of markets is described along with some financial theories.

  Prerequisites: ACC 202

• MKT 301 Principles of Marketing 3

  A basic course in the marketing of goods, services, and ideas including planning, pricing, promotion and distribution. Attention is directed to international marketing, marketing ethics, and managing the marketing function.

  Prerequisites: Prerequisites: ECO 201 and ENG 122 and second-semester sophomore standing required

Health Care Management Core (30 credits)

• HCA 302 Health Care Organization 3

  A descriptive study of the U.S. health care system including its structure, finance, personnel, and cultural values. Emphasis is placed on the influences exerted by economic, political, and social forces within the larger society and the health care system's response to these influences.

• HCA 303 Health Care Management 3

  This is a survey course that examines health care administration from an operational perspective. It serves as a foundation for higher level health care courses and includes, among other things, quality improvement, risk management, strategic planning, financial planning and control, medical terminology, and medical ethics.

  Prerequisites: HCA 302

• HCA 333 Health Law 3

  A basic study of the U.S. legal system and the issues involving the management and delivery of health care services. Emphasis is placed on law as it pertains to negligence, contracts, informed consent, confidentiality, labor relations, patient care, and reimbursement issues. Current medical and ethical questions are examined.

  Prerequisites: Junior standing required

• HCA 402 Community Health Evaluation 3

  A study of descriptive epidemiology and its application to the analysis of community health status. Emphasis is placed on the computation and interpretation of basic health status indicators as well as the application of health promotion and disease prevention strategies. The U.S. public health system and practice are studied.

  Prerequisites: HCA302

• HCA 410 Quality Improvement in Health Care 3

  An in-depth study of quality improvement philosophy, methodologies, tools and issues. Emphasis on quality standard setting, system design, reporting mechanisms, and effectiveness assessment. The relationship among quality improvement programs, risk management and utilization review is closely examined.

  Prerequisites: HCA 302

• HCA 425 Health Care Internship 3

  Designed to provide the student the opportunity to integrate all previously learned health care management knowledge and skills. The management area of study and the practicum are mutually agreed upon by the student, the faculty member, and the health facility preceptor. This is a pass/fail course. Waivers may be granted for HCA 425 with the approval of the Health Care Management Department chair. The student requesting the waiver must have significant health care management or administrative experience. Such requests will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

  Prerequisites: GBA 231, HCA 302, MGT 301, and taken during the last 15 hours of residency

• HCA 430 Contemporary and Critical Issues in Health Care 3

  This course is an in-depth examination of contemporary and critical issues that are significantly impacting health care organizations, providers, and patients. Students examine legal, cultural, and ethical health care issues as they relate to organizational stability, quality of care, patient and community quality of life, and moral and ethical health care delivery values.

• HCA 498 Health Planning and Policy Management 3

  A capstone course that integrates health services planning, organization, management, and evaluation. Policy formulation and management are studied.

  Prerequisites: MGT 301, HCA 402 and must be taken during the last fifteen hours of residency

• Two upper-level (300- or 400-level) business courses (6 credits)

Electives (15 Credits)

Total Semester Credits 120