Future healthcare leaders are made here at The University of Texas Permian Basin, where we proudly offer an online Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in Healthcare Leadership and an online Bachelor of Business Administration in Healthcare Management. Without question, both programs confer skills and credentials that are invaluable for anyone aspiring to a leadership role in healthcare. But there are some fundamental differences in the admission requirements, curriculum, and other aspects of these two programs. Let’s review those now to help you decide which program is right for you.

How The Two Programs Differ

Workforce vs. Workplace

Our BAAS in healthcare leadership equips future graduates to inspire and guide staff to deliver safe, effective, and efficient healthcare services. In our BBA in healthcare management program, you’ll find greater emphasis on managing the day-to-day business operations of a healthcare facility.

Prior Education Credentials

The BAAS in healthcare leadership program was designed for students who hold an associate degree in applied science (AAS) in healthcare fields such as emergency medical services, nursing, or radiology. You are not required to complete an AAS or other college-level degree before applying to our BBA in healthcare management, however, making this an accessible option for transfer and first-time college students.

Math-Focused Curriculum

Math proficiency is considered crucial for anyone who wishes to manage an organization, and both of our programs have a mathematics component as part of their general education requirements. As a business-oriented program, our BBA in healthcare management—like all our BBA programs—also covers statistics, accounting, finance, and data analysis among its required lower-level business courses. None of these topics are the focus of any BAAS in healthcare leadership course.

A Global Component

Our BBA in healthcare management includes courses in international management, international marketing, international finance, and global health nursing, from which you must choose one course. None of these courses are a required part of the BAAS in healthcare leadership program, however.

Bigger on Business

The BBA in healthcare management explores traditional business disciplines such as finance, management, accounting, marketing, and law in depth from healthcare and general business perspectives. The BAAS in healthcare leadership does not include dedicated finance or accounting courses, though it does introduce the topics in the required Quantitative Decision Tools (ITEC 3301) course.

What These Programs Have in Common

There are certain advantages that all our business programs share, and the BAAS in healthcare leadership and BBA in healthcare management are no exceptions.

Recognized Quality

Both programs are offered online through our AACSB-accredited College of Business. AACSB accreditation signifies that a college’s programs have undergone a rigorous peer-review process and have been verified as exemplifying the “highest standards of excellence in teaching, research, curriculum, and learner success.” Only 5% of business programs worldwide share this coveted designation. The University itself is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

A Flexible Learning Experience

Delivered in an asynchronous, 100% online format, our programs enable you to learn on your own schedule from just about anywhere in the world—from Athens, Georgia to Athens, Greece and beyond. You’ll find this especially advantageous if you have ongoing professional or personal obligations.

How to Choose the Right Program for You

You may already have a sense of the best program for you based on the differences discussed here, but two simple questions should help clarify your decision:

  • Coming into UT Permian Basin with an AAS? The BAAS in healthcare leadership is your program.
  • Want to build a broad healthcare business foundation as a UTPB freshman or transfer student? The BBA in healthcare management suits you best.

If you’re still uncertain which program you need, we recommend you speak with our online academic advisors, who are here to answer any questions you have and to help guide you toward the right decision.

Plentiful Job Prospects in Healthcare Leadership

Equipped with the applicable credentials and skills, you’ll be primed to take advantage of the tremendous growth that’s happening right now in healthcare leadership professions. Just look at what the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has to say on the subject:

The number of available medical and health services manager jobs is expected to grow by 28%—much faster than the average for all occupations—between 2021 and 2031. Offering a potential median annual salary of $101,340, these jobs include:

  • Clinical manager
  • Health information manager
  • Nursing home administrator
  • Practice administrator

Compare our online BAAS in healthcare leadership and online BBA in healthcare management programs for yourself and see which one best aligns with your qualifications, interests, and career goals. Or, if you’ve already chosen your program, apply now!