Health Care Management: Career Associate

The Health Care Management: Career Associate program at Harrisburg Area Community College is designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in the rapidly evolving healthcare industry. This comprehensive program provides foundational knowledge in healthcare systems, policies, and administration, equipping graduates with the essential skills to support healthcare organizations in delivering quality patient care and efficient operational services. Throughout the program, students learn about healthcare management principles, medical terminology, healthcare law and ethics, and health information technology, fostering a well-rounded understanding of the healthcare environment. The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical application through hands-on experiences, internships, and coursework that develop critical thinking, communication, and organizational skills necessary for effective health care management.

Students in this associate degree program gain insights into healthcare finance, human resources, patient safety, and quality improvement, enabling them to contribute effectively to healthcare teams and ensure compliance with industry standards. The program also addresses the importance of cultural competence, patient-centered care, and ethical decision-making within diverse healthcare settings. By combining classroom instruction with real-world practice, the program prepares graduates to pursue careers as healthcare administrators, medical office managers, health services coordinators, and other related roles in clinics, hospitals, and community health organizations.

Graduates of the Health Care Management: Career Associate program are equipped to meet the demands of today’s healthcare industry, which requires adaptable professionals capable of navigating complex regulatory environments and implementing innovative solutions to improve patient outcomes. The program is ideal for individuals interested in a career in healthcare management who wish to gain the necessary credentials and practical experience in a supportive learning environment. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates are positioned to enter the workforce or continue their education toward a bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration or related fields. With a focus on foundational healthcare knowledge, management skills, and ethical practice, this program offers a solid pathway into a rewarding and impactful career in healthcare management.

General Education   
ENGL 101 English Composition I  3 
ENGL 102 English Composition II  (or)  3 
  ENGL 106 Business Writing  (3)
COMM 101 Effective Speaking  3 
Core A Elective  3 
Core B Elective  3 
Core C Elective  3 
Free Elective (Recommend: AH 150)  3 
Physical Education & Wellness  1 

Major Requirements   
ACCT 101 Principles of Accounting I  4 
ACCT 200 Principles of Accounting II  4 
AH 210 Health Care Law & Ethics  3 
AH 213 Intro to Medical Insurance  3 
BIOL 105 Medical Terminology  3 
BIOL 111 Intro to Human Biology (or)  3 
  BIOL 121 Anatomy & Physiology  (4) 
BUSI 101 Introduction to Business  3 
CIS 105 Intro to Software for Business  3 
MATH 100* College Math for Business  3 
MGMT 130 Intro to Healthcare Management  3 
MGMT 201 Principles of Management  3 
MGMT 203 Human resources Management  3 
MKTG 201 Principles of Marketing  3 

This curriculum is designed to prepare students to:

Communicate effectively and professionally in business management situations through physical or virtual presence, writing, speaking, listening, and electronic media

Use quantitative and qualitative tools and methodologies to support business management and organizational decision making

Describe economic, environmental, political, ethical, legal, and regulatory contexts of global organizational management policies

Evaluate potential for business success and consider implantation issues including financial, legal, operational, and administrative procedures

Identify business management problems and opportunities and formulate an action plan

Manage using team building skills and facilitate collaborative behaviors in the accomplishment of group goals and objectives

Work effectively, respectfully, ethically, and professionally with people of diverse ethnic, cultural, gender, and other backgrounds and with people who have different organizational roles, social affiliations, and personalities

Analyze the information content of organizational processes and use information technology

Utilize research methods to collect and analyze information regarding management concepts

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Apply for a Full-Ride Scholarship

Are you a future student and ready to apply to HACC? 
By applying to HACC, you have the opportunity to apply for a full-ride scholarship! HACC will fund two years of your education – enough to complete your associate degree.

Thanks to the support of the HACC Foundation, the College is able to offer FREE money to support future students, like you, in reaching your educational goals. Six full-ride scholarships are available – one from each of the five campuses and one through HACC’s Virtual Learning Program. 

Please note that current students are not eligible for the full-ride scholarships. However, there are more than 250 scholarships available for current students.

What should you know about the full-ride scholarship?

The scholarship covers tuition, books and fees for a full academic year. 

The scholarship will automatically renew each term for up to six consecutive terms if you maintain your eligibility.

Once you apply to the College and receive a HACC ID and email address, you may apply for the full-ride scholarship. You do not have to register for classes before applying for the scholarship.

Are you eligible?

To be eligible, you must:

Apply to HACC

Take 12-15 credits each term for no more than six consecutive terms (two years)

Live in Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Juniata, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry, Schuylkill or York county

Have a minimum cumulative high school GPA of 3.0

Provide a 480 SAT reading score, 21 ACT or comparable scores on the College’s placement test

Maintain a GPA of 3.0 while enrolled at HACC

Participate in at least two HACC student organizations

The Health Care Management: Career Associate program at Harrisburg Area Community College is designed to prepare students for entry-level positions within the health care industry, with a focus on management, administration, and support roles. This program provides foundational knowledge of health care systems, organizational practices, and the operational aspects of health services. Students enrolled in this program learn about health care policies, ethical considerations, healthcare law, and the importance of quality assurance within medical settings. The curriculum typically includes courses such as Introduction to Health Care Management, Medical Office Procedures, Healthcare Ethics, and Health Information Technology.

Graduates of the program are equipped to support health care providers by managing administrative tasks, coordinating patient services, and utilizing health informatics tools. The program emphasizes developing skills necessary for roles such as medical office assistants, healthcare administrative assistants, and other support positions that ensure smooth operation within clinics, hospitals, and outpatient care facilities. Alongside classroom instruction, students often engage in practical training or internships that provide hands-on experience in real-world health care environments, fostering competencies in communication, organization, and problem-solving.

This associate degree serves as a stepping stone for students wishing to advance in the health care industry or pursue further education, such as a bachelor's degree in health administration or related fields. The program aims to meet the growing demand for qualified health care support staff and to provide students with the essential skills needed for successful careers in health care management. The curriculum is regularly reviewed and updated in accordance with industry standards and technological advances, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to meet current health care challenges. Overall, the program combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills to produce competent health care managers who are capable of contributing effectively to the health care system.