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About Sue Brissette
Expertise
I can answer questions about types of healthcare, healthcare institutions, healthcare delivery systems, insurance types, national healthcare issues. I can't answer questions about specific medical billing issues or medical problems.

Experience
I spent 12 years as a hospital administrator, including roles as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Executive Officer during my 30 year career as a healthcare executive. I spent 9 years as an executive in a national healthcare management company and now run a healthcare consulting business.

Publications
Group Practice Management Journal Health Information Management Journal Southern California Physician www.healthworldnet.com

Education/Credentials
B.S. Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA M.S. Health Policy & Management, Harvard School of Public Health

Past/Present Clients
Cardiovascular Associates of the Virgin Islands MedQuest Ultimate Transition Fitness Emeryville Medical Groups Occupational Medical centers PeopleCARE Intivia Healthworldnet ESources AussieMed MedCARE Nereus Medical International Hayes Consulting Sohnar ConceptShare

You are here: Experts > Industry > Hospital Administration > Health Care Industry > Business Administration vs. Health Service Administration

Health Care Industry - Business Administration vs. Health Service Administration

Expert: Sue Brissette - 10/30/2009

Question
Sue,
I am currently in college in Ohio, and I am having a hard time trying to figure out what path I should take. I am debating between getting a bachelor's degree in business administration and a bachelor's degree in health service administration. I might want to be a nursing home administrator. I am hesitant to get my degree in Health Service Administration though because I don't want to limit my opportunities since I am still undecided on what to do. Do you have any advice on what to do? Can I get a degree in business and then decide with a master's degree or will it hurt my chances of getting a job since I will not have any health care experience. Are there other job opportunities with a bachelor's degree in health service administration besides being an administrator? Also, would it be hard to get a job even with a master's degree in health service administration since I would not have any medical background such as being a nurse or doctor?

Answer
Hi,

Go for the business degree. You can't get a decent job with a BS in healthcare administration - you have to go to a master's degree. The BS business is less limiting. When you finish you can decide about whether or not to get an MHA or MBA.

It's always harder when you don't have healthcare experience; that doesn't mean it's impossible. Get involved in a hospital in your area. Volunteer for committee work or other projects. Hospitals love to make use of talented people. The more you do, the more experience you can claim. Also joint the Rotary and the Chamber; introduce yourself to the hosp folks - they are always there. Connections are verty important.

Best of luck!

Sue

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