Undergraduate

Healthcare Administration

Lead the future of healthcare

Healthcare Administration major and minor

Interested in a career in healthcare administration or management? At Simpson, our Healthcare Administration program prepares you with the knowledge, practical experience, and personalized support to succeed in one of the fastest-growing fields in the U.S. With relatively few colleges offering dedicated healthcare administration coursework, Simpson students gain specialized preparation that can help them stand out when pursuing careers in the healthcare industry.

Learning goes beyond the classroom. You’ll gain hands-on, project-based experience through high-quality internships while learning directly from healthcare executives and providers. During a three-week experience in May, you’ll visit a dozen healthcare organizations throughout central Iowa, gaining firsthand insight into the diverse roles, challenges, and opportunities within the industry. Along the way, you’ll build valuable professional connections and develop skills you can apply in the workplace.

Whether you plan to enter the healthcare workforce, pursue graduate school, or advance into healthcare management, the Healthcare Administration program will help you develop the confidence, experience, and foundation to succeed. You’ll graduate prepared to compete for positions across the growing healthcare industry and make a meaningful impact on the organizations and communities you serve.

 

View major course requirements

View minor course requirements

Why Simpson College for Healthcare Administration?

What Will I Learn?

You’ll learn how healthcare organizations operate while developing skills in leadership, management, communication, and decision-making. At Simpson, you’ll gain hands-on experience through project-based internships and experience visiting healthcare organizations across central Iowa. You’ll learn directly from healthcare executives and providers, build professional connections, and gain firsthand insight into the industry. This practical experience, combined with specialized coursework, prepares you to stand out in the growing healthcare field.

Career Ready

A degree in Healthcare Administration (HCA) prepares you for careers in various organizations that intersect with healthcare. HCA students have interned for, and graduates are employed by, organizations such as:

  • Iowa Hospital Association
  • Iowa Healthcare Collaborative
  • UnityPoint – Des Moines
  • Greater Regional Medical Center
  • The Village – a Wesley Life community
  • Adair County Memorial Hospital
  • Iowa Home Care
  • Iowa Healthcare Association
  • Compass Memorial Healthcare
  • Lakeview Surgery Center
  • Knoxville Hospital and Clinics
  • The Iowa Clinic
  • ChildServe

Why Simpson College for Healthcare Administration?

$124k

Median annual national pay

- U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics 2025

24%

Anticipated job growth between 2025-2035

- Bureau of Labor and Statistics 2025

$81k

Bachelor's healthcare administration salary in Iowa

- Zip Recruiter 2026

Explore Opportunities Beyond the Classroom

Interested in the unique opportunities the department has to offer? See more opportunities and experiences that will shape your future at Simpson.

The Pre-Health and Exercise Science Club at Simpson College provides students with opportunities to engage in topics related to physical fitness, health, and wellness. Our club organizes various activities such as Workshops and Seminars that focus on health education, fitness, and nutrition led by professionals or faculty members. Fitness and Group Workouts: We may host regular group exercise sessions, such as yoga or strength training, to encourage physical activity and peer support in maintaining fitness goals. Community Outreach: Members may participate in health fairs, offer fitness classes or wellness activities to the broader community, or collaborate with local health organizations to promote active lifestyles. Professional Development: The club often provides networking opportunities with professionals in health-related fields, career panels, or guidance on internships, certifications, and job opportunities in areas like physical therapy, sports medicine, and dietetics. Research and Learning Opportunities: The club encourages participation in research projects related to health and exercise science to support academic growth. Social Events: To build a close-knit community, the club organizes biweekly gatherings, recreational sports games, or outdoor activities like games for team members or those who are interested. The Health and Exercise Science Club promotes a culture of health, wellness, and academic/professional development within the context of exercise science and fitness.

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Meet Our Faculty

Cal Busby

Cal Busby '09

  • Assistant Professor of Sport Science and Health Education
Jacy Downey

Jacy Downey '97

  • Associate Professor & Program Director of Healthcare Administration
  • Advising and Recruiting Coordinator for Health Professions
  • Pre-Nursing Advisor

Danny Reetz

  • Assistant Professor of Physical & Health Education

Nicci Whalen '98

  • Department Chair of Sport Science and Health Education
  • Professor of Sport Science and Health Education