Bachelor of Science in Public Administration
An Associate Degree in a Health Care Discipline from an Accredited Institution Plus Approximately 60 Credit Hours
One can only advance so far in health care without facing management responsibilities. This transfer program combines the knowledge of a health care discipline like nursing, radiological technology, occupational therapy, respiratory therapy, physical therapy (and many others) with the administrative skills and perspective needed for career advancement. The combination can elevate candidates for promotion above individuals who have a more limited preparation in health care alone.
Beyond that, this degree program gives graduates considerable flexibility in career planning, and offers many opportunities for later career change without additional education. The public administration degree opens up a world of possibilities beyond the boundaries of health care.
The public administration curriculum is comprehensive, covering public sector institutions, the central functional areas of modern administration, the health care system, and a range of valuable and relevant analytical skills. It is designed to produce managers with an understanding of modern organizations, a sensitivity to political realities, a grasp of management methods, and a knowledge of the analytical tools needed to illuminate substantive issues. See the checksheet for a list of the course and degree requirements.
Students who already have a bachelor’s degree in a health care field can add this administrative component, and gain a second bachelor’s degree in public administration, with just 30 credit hours of additional coursework. See the Postbaccalaureate page for details.
Examples of Positions for which Graduates Might Qualify:
Manager in the graduate’s area of technical expertise (nursing, radiological technology, occupational therapy, respiratory therapy, physical therapy, etc.)
In a hospital or other health care organization
Budget Analyst
Budget Officer
Treasurer
Chief Financial Officer
Human Resource Administrator
Equal Opportunity Administrator
Public Affairs Officer
Medicare/Medicaid Program Administrator
Utilization Review Officer
Discharge Planner
Coordinator of medical specialties that do not require an MD or DO degree
Vice President for Administration
Vice President for Support Staff
In an insurance company or a health maintenance organization:
Individual Care Manager – a health care manager who coordinates cost-effective options for catastrophically ill or injured patients by working with the patients and their families, physicians, providers and employers to access the most appropriate medical care.
Utilization Management Administrator – a health care manager who determines the appropriate level of health care services required by a patient to eliminate unnecessary services and procedures.
Subrogation Division Administrator – a manager who coordinates payments resulting from legal actions when another party has caused or is responsible for injury or illness or coordinates payments when two or more carriers are involved.
Appeals Coordinator – a manager who investigates complaints against an insurer.
Special Inquiry Administrator – a manager who reviews appeals of a clinical nature and refers cases to appropriate clinical peers who have not been involved with a prior decision.
Long-Term Disability Administrator – a manager who is responsible for the determination of long-term disability benefits.
General Government Positions
Town Manager
Assistant City Manager or City Manager
County Administrator
Municipal or State Budget/Finance Officer
Municipal or State Treasurer
Commissioner of Public Safety
Executive Administrative Assistant
Auditor
Program Review Officer
School Finance and Administration Officer
Officials in not-for-profit organizations
Court Administrator
University Administrative Services Director
Member of Legislative Staff
Equal Opportunity Administrator
Human Resource Administrator
Public Affairs Officer
Officials in a District Attorney’s Office who do not require a law degree
Analyst for Legislative Committee
Manager in a Regulatory Agency
Maine Assistant Secretary of State
Local Airport Manager
For additional information, contact:
David Leach, Program Coordinator
david.leach@maine.edu
Ms. Terry Lawson
207.621.3288