2026-2027 Course Catalog
Health Administration Specialist, AAS
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 Return to: Programs Available 2026-2027
Health Administration Specialists are integral to the evolving healthcare industry. They plan, lead, manage, and supervise the day-to-day operations of healthcare facilities, ensuring a smooth administrative process and delivery of high-quality patient care. Health Administration Specialists perform various administrative functions, from general administrative duties to maintaining and managing electronic health records and patient data to practicing revenue cycle management. Health Administration Specialists are vital in any healthcare facility, from hospitals to nursing homes, clinics to home health, virtual health, and beyond. The Health Administration Specialist, AAS program provides foundational knowledge of the healthcare industry as a business. The program does include an internship. Students must acquire their internship and have it approved by their instructor before the start of the semester in which they will be taking the internship class. Most internships require passing a background check. Felonies or other serious charges may keep the student from finding an internship site. Students unable to complete the internship will be unable to complete the Health Administration Specialist program.
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Students start any semester
Not all courses are offered at each campus every semester. Academic advisors are available to assist with scheduling. Graduation Requirements
To earn a Health Administration Specialist, AAS degree, a student must earn a minimum grade of a “C” in all required HSC, MAP, and HIT courses. Option 1 Select 3-4 Credits
Option 2 Select 3 Credits
Option 3 Select 3 Credits
Option 4 Select 3-4 Credits
Option 5 Select 3 Credits
Option 6 - Select 2-3 Credits
Option 7 - Select 3 Credits
Option 8 - Select 3 Credits
Option 9 - Select 3 credits
Option 10 - Select 3 Credits
Option 11 - Select 3 Credits
Total Credits Required to Complete the AAS Degree: 64*
*Total credits are calculated using the least number of credits needed to satisfy the option requirements. Fixed Costs
Tuition……………………………………………………………………………………..$215.00 per credit The costs for each program are estimates and subject to change. Varied Costs
| Costs | Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Semester 3 | Semester 4 | Semester 5 | | Books (approximate) | 630 | 525 | 525 | 420 | 125 | | Supplies | 75 | 15 | 15 | 220 | 75 | | Tech. Equipment | 500 | 25 | 25 | 25 |
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Approximate total for the program: $16,960**
**Program entry requirements are not included in the total approximate cost.
What Kind of Work Will You Do?
- Provide healthcare customer service
- Serve as a liaison between the provider and patient
- Prepare and maintain health records
- Utilize technology to optimize workflows
- Coordinate scheduling
- Comply with medical law and ethics
- Process payments and health insurance claims
- Perform basic bookkeeping duties
What Skills and Abilities Will You Need?
- Appropriate use of office equipment such as computers, copy and fax machines, and telephone systems.
- Apply knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, and disease processes.
- Demonstrate an understanding of medical records management utilizing electronic health records, managing administrative tasks, and following regulations.
- Work with people of all ages and backgrounds, demonstrating customer service.
- Maintain HIPAA compliance.
- Work collaboratively and fulfill your team responsibilities.
- Demonstrate professionalism including soft skills.
What Else Should I Consider about this Degree program?
- Employment opportunities exist locally, statewide and nationally in a variety of healthcare settings.
- Employment outlook is strong locally and nationally.
- Internships often result in a job offer.
- Advancement opportunities are available.
- All students may participate in professional organizations.
- Demand for a thorough knowledge of computers and software.
- Graduates of this program have skills that can lead to becoming medical scribes, management roles, and potential for remote work.
- Salary per Iowa Workforce Development Iowa Wage Report 2019, Category: Medical Records Specialist (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
- Entry wage: $30,539/year
- Average wage: $40,199/year
- With experience: $45,028/year
Program Competencies
- Explain the importance of the role of a health administration professional in today’s healthcare setting
- Demonstrate knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, healthcare customer service, and the various medical specialties
- Utilize medical reference materials in all work settings
- Apply health insurance guidelines and practices
- Navigate electronic health records to optimize workflows
- Communicate effectively using verbal, nonverbal, and written communication skills
- Demonstrate professionalism and commitment to the field
- Apply time management techniques utilized in the healthcare setting
- Examine cultural diversity, healthcare disparities, and cultural competency in healthcare
Competencies revised date
AY2026 Nondiscrimination Statement
It is the policy of Des Moines Area Community College not to discriminate in its programs, activities, or employment on the basis of race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information (in employment) and actual or potential parental, family or marital status. Veteran status in educational programs, activities, employment practices, or admission procedures is also included to the extent covered by law. If you have questions or complaints related to compliance with this policy, please contact Director, Enterprise Risk Management, 2006 South Ankeny Boulevard, Bldg 22, Ankeny, IA 50023, 515-513-0655, feedback@dmacc.edu or the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, Cesar E. Chavez Memorial Building, 1244 Speer Boulevard, Suite 310, Denver, CO 80204-3582, Telephone: (303) 844-5695 FAX: (303) 844-4303, TDD 800-877-8339 Email: OCR.Denver@ed.gov (2026) |
Return to: Programs Available 2026-2027
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