Associate of Science in Health Administration Services
Effective November 13, 2016, this program is no longer available for future enrollments.
The Associate of Science in Health Administration Services (ASHAS) program at CTU is designed to provide training in the principles and techniques used in the administrative side of the healthcare industry. The program offers instruction in several areas, including healthcare finance, human resources, healthcare administration, reimbursement systems and healthcare records, as well as regulatory, ethical and legal issues affecting healthcare organizations. However, it does not include medical coding instruction. At the completion of the program, graduates who diligently attend class, study, and practice their skills should be able to seek entry-level employment in the field of health administration services.
This program also fulfills associate level requirements for students seeking to continue on in the Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management (BSHCM) program.
The ASHAS program prepares the student:
- For entry-level employment in the field of healthcare administration services
- To be a productive member of the healthcare team, in the current changing healthcare industry
- For the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) certification examination offered through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
- For the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Awareness examination
- For a bachelor level program in healthcare management
It should be noted that the ASHAS curriculum is not designed to prepare students for a home-based working environment. Although it is possible to work from home, most employers allow remote work only after many years of experience in the industry.
ASHAS Program Competencies:
- Explain the organization, structure and operation of the U.S. healthcare system and challenges in serving the needs of various population groups
- Explain the regulatory, ethical and legal framework of the healthcare industry and current trends and issues
- Apply appropriate concepts and principles of healthcare administration in the healthcare setting
- Demonstrate an understanding and ability to appropriately use software systems in the administration of healthcare services
- Communicate professionally in the healthcare setting by proper use and understanding of medical and healthcare management terminology
- Demonstrate critical thinking in the application of management skills including planning, organizing, leading, and staffing
- Demonstrate knowledge of the appropriate management of health information records and systems and application to medical billing and coding and reimbursement functions
Degree Requirements
Courses: General Education
| COMS201 | Technical and Professional Writing | 4.5 |
| ENGL104 | Introductory Written Communication | 4.5 |
| ENGL105 | Professional Written Communications | 4.5 |
| GOVT201 | American Government and Public Affairs | 4.5 |
| HSS261 | Ethics in Healthcare | 4.5 |
| LITR201 | Literature: A Reflection of Life | 4.5 |
| MATH102 | Introduction to College Math | 4.5 |
| MATH106 | Algebra for Business | 4.5 |
| SCI101 | Introduction to the Sciences | 4.5 |
| SCI103 | Science and Technology- Laboratory Course | 1.5 |
| SCI201 | Environmental Science and Sustainability | 4.5 |
| SOCL202 | Social Perspectives on Race, Gender, and Class | 4.5 |
| SCI203 | Environmental Science and Sustainability - Laboratory Course | 1.5 |
| SOCL102 | Introductory Sociology | 4.5 |
| | |
| UNIV104 | Academic and Career Success | 4.5 |
| or | |
| HUMNELE | Humanities Elective | 4.5 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 61.5 |
Courses: Core
| HSS103 | Introduction to Healthcare Delivery Systems | 4 |
| HSS110 | Concepts in Healthcare Organizations | 4 |
| HSS121 | Medical Terminology | 4 |
| HSS210 | Fundamentals of Reimbursement in Healthcare | 4 |
| HSS215 | Software Applications in Healthcare: Virtual Learning Experience | 4 |
| HSS290 | Certification Preparation | 4 |
| MGM255 | Management Fundamentals | 4 |
| UNIV201 | Career Planning and Management | 4 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 32 |
Total Credit Hours: 93.5
Note: Graduates of the ASHAS program are eligible for and encouraged to take the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) certification examination offered by the National Healthcare Association (NHA). This exam is voluntary, but passing it can be a further indication that a graduate is capable of performing the tasks necessary to keep offices and clinics of physicians running smoothly. CTU does not guarantee third-party certifications. Certification requirements for taking and passing certification examinations are not controlled by CTU but by outside agencies and are subject to change by the agencies without notice to CTU. Therefore, CTU cannot guarantee that graduates will be eligible to take a certification examination, regardless of their eligibility status upon enrollment.