Major in Healthcare Administration
A degree in healthcare administration allows individuals to contribute to and support the desire to help others through the business sector of the healthcare field. As a healthcare administrator, you will be at the forefront of managing some of the most complex institutions in our society including hospitals, extended-care facilities, group practices, insurance companies, state and federal health agencies, educational programs and research facilities.
After over 40 years, the HCA program at ISU remains the only Association of University Programs in Health Administration (AUPHA) certified program in Idaho. Through a mixture of professionally experienced and academically qualified faculty, ISU's HCA program provides students with a robust and experience-driven education on the inner workings of the healthcare industry. Students will be immersed in business practices geared toward the unique aspects of healthcare including, marketing, finance, economics, informatics, human resources and more. As graduate-level degrees are preferred in the healthcare administration field, ISU's HCA program is designed to prepare students for the pursuit of further education either through our Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) program or our Master of Business Administration (MBA) program.
Career Outlook from Idaho Department of Labor
- Average salary for medical and health services managers: $124,660 per year
- Projected job growth: 45.4% through 2032
- Annual statewide job openings: 321
Hands-On Learning and Real-World Healthcare Administration Experience
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Healthcare Conferences
Students are offered opportunities to attend a variety of healthcare conferences, providing them with direct exposure to a broad spectrum of healthcare professionals. These activities include attending the Idaho Hospital Association Annual Convention in Sun Valley, Idaho, and the Idaho Medical Group Management Association Annual Conference in Boise. Students also have the opportunities to engage with guest speakers through the Student Association for Health Care Administrators (SAHCA). Through direct interaction, students learn about the diverse roles and challenges in healthcare, enhancing their leadership skills and professional development.
Healthcare Administration Career Night
This event provides students with opportunities to interact directly with top healthcare professionals. Conducted via Zoom breakout rooms, these one-on-one sessions allowed students to ask questions, discuss career paths, and gain personalized insights into healthcare management. Past healthcare professional mentors include Nate Carter (CEO, Portneuf Medical Center), Tiffany Mecham (CEO, Idaho Physical Medical and Rehabilitation), Jesse Arnoldson (Partner, MedMan), Dallas Clinger (CEO, Power County Hospital), Jordan Herger (CEO, Portneuf Medical Center), and Tom Murphy (CEO, Minidoka Memorial Hospital).
Internships and Consulting Projects
The HCA Internship, worked into the HCA curriculum, provides students the opportunity to apply the skills and knowledge gained in the classroom to a real-world healthcare setting. The internship provides valuable networking opportunities and often helps students decide upon the work setting best suited to their career objectives. The internship is accomplished by completing 180 hours in an approved healthcare organization, and the student earns three semester credits upon successful completion of the internship.
If a student decides to move on to the Masters of Healthcare Administration program, they will be involved in collaborative consulting projects each semester for HCA 6628 (Applied Healthcare Solutions), often with healthcare professionals. These projects may include consulting assignments or strategic initiatives that require input from various health disciplines.
Where an Healthcare Administration Degree Can Take You
Griffin Daw, Class of 2025
Griffin decided to pursue a Healthcare Administration degree because it was "the perfect balance" between business and impactful work on communities and regions. He also recognized that healthcare is rapidly growing sector, accounting for 18% of the nation's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). "The College of Business provided many resources to succeed, including a diverse, professional staff," said Griffin. "The Healthcare Administration professors have dozens of years of experience in healthcare settings, healthcare research, and professional networking." Griffin went on to complete the Master of Healthcare Administration program in 2026 and now works as a Clinic Administrator for Health West Inc.
A Healthcare Administration degree can prepare you for leadership and management careers across the healthcare industry. Graduates help organizations improve efficiency while delivering high-quality patient care through roles in healthcare operations, practice management, quality improvement, healthcare finance, human resources, compliance, and patient experience. If you're looking for a career that combines business, leadership, and healthcare with strong job growth, competitive salaries, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on your community, Healthcare Administration offers a rewarding and in-demand career path.
Career-Ready Credentials and Professional Development Opportunities
Recognized for Quality
In 1978, the Idaho State University College of Business became the first business school in the state to receive accreditation from the International Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). Over 40 years later, we continuously strive to meet these world class standards of excellence.
Elevate Your Degree
Set Yourself Apart
The College of Business is home to a unique Professional Development program, designed to prepare students for the career search as early as their freshman year. Our Professional Development team helps students navigate internships, networking opportunities and resume preparation.