For those looking to make a difference in the world of healthcare, Biola University is now offering a new academic program — a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management. The new program will equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in acute care facilities, physician offices, skilled nursing facilities and public health organizations in addition to providing a pathway to achieve a B.S. in Nursing.

“The world needs strong Christian leaders to transform the healthcare industry to better serve and support patients,” said Rachel Van Niekerk, director and professor of nursing. “Whether students complete a B.S. in Nursing or the B.S. in Healthcare Management, they will be prepared to serve in both acute care and community settings. Biola graduates are equipped to be future leaders in the healthcare industry and this change will help increase the amount of Biolans able to serve the industry.”

The program is designed to provide graduate education in business, health administration, public health, healthcare informatics and more for students entering the rapidly growing field. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, Healthcare Services and Management is projected to grow by 28% in the next decade.

For students interested in achieving a B.S. in Nursing, they will now start Biola as a Healthcare Management major where the first two years of the program will prepare them with a solid foundation for clinical nursing. Then, students will have the opportunity to either enter the competitive application process for Biola’s clinical B.S. in Nursing program or complete their B.S. in Healthcare Management at Biola. Both degrees will prepare students to serve as leaders in the healthcare industry.

All courses in Biola’s healthcare management major will be taught with a Christian worldview and prepare students to serve in entry-level leadership positions. Students will practice Christ-centered ethical and professional conduct, learn fundamental healthcare management concepts and use the Christian worldview in their critical thinking, problem-solving and decision-making abilities.

By the end of the program, students will be equipped to work in hospitals, clinics, federal government agencies, social and community service agencies, pharmaceutical companies and a wide array of other healthcare businesses and organizations.

As a key part of Biola’s program and to further demonstrate and develop competence in essential aspects of healthcare leadership and management, students in their final year will be placed in local health services and organizations. This experience will expose students to valuable opportunities to uniquely prepare them for a career in healthcare management.

After completing the program, students will also have the ability to apply for professional certifications from organizations like the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) or the Project Management Institute (PMI). 

Learn more or apply for a B.S. in Healthcare Management at Biola University.

Written by Jalin Cerillo, strategic communications assistant. For more information, contact Media Relations at media.relations@biola.edu.