Getting a degree in health administration and management provides people a chance to get high-paying jobs in Iowa’s healthcare system and numerous job opportunities, so we decided to help and support your research related to this profession by providing you with all the important details.
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Health Administration Degrees in Iowa
Those who wish to earn a degree in a field related to healthcare administration and management should take a look at the following undergraduate and graduate programs available in Iowa.
Undergraduate degrees are designed for new professionals while graduate degrees are for professionals looking to advance in their careers.
Iowa residents can choose from a variety of programs available both online and in the classroom setting.
Two greatest and accredited educational institutions in Iowa offering health administration courses are the following:
DES MOINES UNIVERSITY – College of Health Sciences – Des Moines
- Master of Health Care Administration (Online, Hybrid)
- Master of Health Care Administration/Clinical Degree (Doctor of Osteopathy, Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, Doctor of Physical Therapy)
- Master of Health Care Administration/Master of Public Health
The estimated cost per academic year is $10,474.
This school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Schools & Colleges; Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education; Council on Education for Public Health.
UNIVERSITY OF IOWA – College of Public Health – Iowa City
- Master of Health Administration-Executive (On Campus)
- Master of Health Administration-Residential (On Campus)
- Master of Health Administration/Juris Doctor
- Master of Health Administration/Master of Business Administration
The estimated cost per academic year is $15,742 for an in-state resident and $33,844 for an out of state one.
The school is proud to be accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Schools & Colleges; Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education; Council on Education for Public Health.
Bachelor’s programs consist of approximately 120-semester credits and during the first two years students complete general undergraduate requirements.
The second two years are usually comprised of core courses that are more related to program major.
Relevant bachelor’s degree programs that prepare students for the field of health service management in Iowa are:
- Bachelor of Health Administration (BHA)
- Bachelor of Science (BS) in Healthcare Administration or Management
- Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
The undergraduate program during the last two years of education will cover important topics like:
- Analysis of financial statements
- Strategic planning and healthcare management
- Human resource management
- Supply chain and operations management
- Organizations and information systems
- Principles of management and marketing
- Organizational change and leadership
If you do not wish to attend an online school, bachelor’s degree programs in health administration are available at campus locations throughout the state:
- Iowa City
- Des Moines
- Dubuque
- Waterloo
- Fayette
A graduate degree is necessary for professionals who want to advance in this field and the only way to enroll in these programs is to meet the Graduate Program Admission Criteria.
Graduate Degrees in Healthcare Administration and Management include:
- Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA)
- Master of Science in Healthcare Administration (MSHA)
- Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Healthcare Management or Administration
- MHA/MBA dual degree program
Prospective students will need to meet admission requirements which may vary from institution to institution, but generally, they include:
- Personal essay
- Letters of recommendation
- Professional work experience
- Minimum undergraduate GPA
- Current employment in the healthcare industry
It is great to know that these schools accept applicants that have earned a bachelor’s degree in any but they will be required to complete prerequisites or make the necessary arrangements.
So as to get an advanced level of knowledge students will be taught the subjects as:
- Healthcare leadership and ethics
- Advanced financial management
- Quantitative methods for healthcare organizations
- Data-based healthcare management
- Compliance for accreditation by national healthcare organizations
- Strategic management in large healthcare organizations
- Global economics for healthcare managers
- Healthcare policy and law
Graduate programs last 18-24 months and they are comprised of 36-60 semester credits.
Before graduation, a thesis or capstone research project has to be done.
If online schools designed for busy working professionals are not suitable for you, you can find campus locations that offer relevant programs located in Iowa City and Des Moines.
Job Postings in Healthcare Administration in Iowa
Centene Corporation in Des Moines – Vice President of Network Development and Contracting – this person will be responsible for establishing, developing, and implementing the department’s strategic objectives and should hold an MHA or MBA.
Centene Corporation in Des Moines – Manager of Office Services – He/she will provide management, organization, and planning services; applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in a related field.
Centene Corporation in Des Moines – Vice President of Complex Care Programs – His/her responsibility will be to ensure that revenue and program management targets are met; applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration, business administration, social work, or a related field.
UnityPoint Health in Des Moines – System Medical Director of Hospitalist Program Development – He/she will be responsible for defining, standardizing, enhancing, and evolving hospitalist programs; preferred applicants should hold an MHA or MBA.
Possible Employers and Professional Resources for Health Administrators in Iowa
Largest Employers of Healthcare Administrators and Managers
- The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City
- Genesis Medical Center in Davenport
- Iowa Lutheran Hospital in Des Moines
- UnityPoint Health – Saint Luke’s in Cedar Rapids
- Alegent Creighton Mercy Hospital in Council Bluffs
- VA Central Iowa Health Care System in Des Moines
- Iowa City VA Health Care System
- Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Iowa
Professional Resources
- Iowa Chapter of the Healthcare Financial Management Association
- Iowa Medical Group Management Association
- Iowa Health Information Management Association
- Iowa Health Care Association – Iowa Center for Assisted Living
- Iowa Hospital Association
- American College of Healthcare Executives of Iowa
- Health Management Associates
- Health Care Administrators Association
- American Association of Healthcare Administrative Management
Health Administration Salaries and Job Growth in Iowa
If we take a closer look at the Bureau of Labor Statistics, we will find out that 6,670 medical and health service managers were employed in Iowa in 2018, and that they earn a median annual wage of $111440.
Those who have more responsible duties can earn a considerably better salary reaching up to $125683.
Furthermore, Iowa Workforce Development projects a 19.4 percent growth in this profession with 520 openings a year.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Healthcare Administrators in Iowa
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Des Moines | $112,650 |
| Cedar Rapids | $110,485 |
| Davenport | $109,983 |
| Sioux City | $96,884 |
| Waterloo | $105,268 |
| Iowa City | $109,577 |
| Council Bluffs | $110,094 |
| Dubuque | $109,185 |
| Ames | $111,602 |
| West Des Moines | $112,650 |
Regional Salary in Iowa
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ames, IA | 190 | $108,640 | $52.23 | $157,830 | $64,160 |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | 410 | $109,540 | $52.66 | $151,420 | $65,000 |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL | 560 | $108,320 | $52.08 | $158,600 | $64,530 |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | 1,330 | $118,850 | $57.14 | $188,250 | $69,990 |
| Dubuque, IA | 230 | $103,930 | $49.97 | $129,410 | $64,650 |
| Iowa City, IA | 580 | $101,240 | $48.67 | $140,400 | $75,490 |
| Sioux City, IA-NE-SD | 270 | $100,170 | $48.16 | $137,540 | $63,920 |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA | 350 | $109,030 | $52.42 | $170,710 | $64,930 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
