Bachelor of Health Administration?

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Hi everyone,

I'm looking for any opinions/ information on the Bachelor of Health Administration offered by the Athabasca University.

I'm currently a full-time LPN in the mental health field, working slowly through the LPN to BN bridging program at AU. I recently have been considering an alternate option, the Bachelor of Health Admin. This option is looking attractive to me because it is only a 3 year degree vs 4 years and they have a post-diploma program, meaning I would only have to attain 24 credits to complete the degree. I already have one class and the options completed from the course list, leaving me with only 7 courses to complete the program.

I know RNs have much more opportunities and versatility but.. I know I'm not really excited to do bedside care (I know this is going to attract some critisicm) and this is where most RNs must start.

My ideal job would deal with people as well as computers. I do a fair amount of paperwork at my position now and I have to say I enjoy that part. I think I'm more inclined than most for administrative-type work.

Attaining a Bachelor of Health Administration would also give me the option of attending the after-degree program at the U of A and attaining a BScN in 2 years.

My worries are if there are actual positions out there for someone with only a Bachelor of Health Administration. Would I be able to find a job using these credentials as a new grad with only LPN experience? Would the pay still be somwhat the same as an LPN to start?

I am waiting for a response to some of my questions from AU, as well as ensuring I am eligible for the 66 transfer credits towards the degree but would appreciete any input at all anyone has.

I'm very unsure and while I would like the RN title, I'm not sure if the job I have in mind (vaguely) would better suit a nursing degree or a health admin degree...

In a perfect world I would complete the BN and then go on to a master's in Health Admin but I am looking for a solution that might be easier on my pocketbook, as well as time constraints.

Thanks for any help!

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You say you think you are inclined toward administrative work, but it is unclear from your post if you understand the job of a health administrator. What interests you about working in management/administrative work in a healthcare facility?

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I guess I would say I'm inclinded towards administrative work for a couple reasons. I'm a very organized person and I like completing paperwork, as well as looking at new ways to do something. I'm a logical thinker and I like both the art and science of the healthcare field. I just completed a healthcare economics course and was able to finish it much faster than most of my nursing courses. I'd also add that I'm very task-oriented. I've worked in long-term care before and the case manager position really seemed like it would be something I would enjoy. I also might be interested in a 'desk job', maybe with a government agency?

The fact that there wouldn't be a 'healthcare administrator' position for me when I graduate (unlike finishing a BScN program and looking specifically for an RN job) makes me wonder what the best choice is for me.

I think there would be lots of options with the BHA, but would I be able to find those options after graduating? Especially with minimal experience in health care? (I finished the LPN program in 2009)

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I believe there will to be job vacancies in the future, because the average age, from what I have seen at conferences, is at least 55.

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Hi There,

I wanted to chat with you a little more about your career change because I am interested in doing the exact same thing! I am a new LPN graduate interested in pursuing the Bachelor of Health Administration. Could you give me an update on how you're doing? I'm working towards obtaining my RN through Athabasca but also have been researching career opportunities if I were to complete the Bachelor of Health Administration. Thanks!

Kate

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Hey girls. I am also interested in this option. I have a BScN already as well as an RPN diploma. I am interested in administration and am wondering if any of you have looked into this program any further. I would like to take the post-diploma option. Please let me know if either of you have any more info about it.

Thanks :)

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