Is 35 Too Old to Get a Healthcare Administration Degree?

Earning a bachelor's degree in healthcare administration builds business and administrative skills, and it offers a rewarding career for individuals in a consistently sought-after field. But is it too late to enroll in college at the age of 35?

No, 35 is not too old to get a healthcare administration degree to embark on a fulfilling job path that provides financial stability and security.

Here is why obtaining a healthcare degree in your 30s is a wise choice and commonly asked questions about the program to put you on track toward a successful health-related career.

Reasons To Earn Your Healthcare Administration Degree at 35

Deciding to pursue your healthcare administration degree at 35 is not something to be taken lightly, and doing so has many benefits.

Here are a few good reasons to make this important educational investment in your future.

Career Advancement

Obtaining a college degree in healthcare administration provides the necessary skills for employment in health-related leadership and management positions. It offers the potential to advance your career in various medical settings, where most roles require at least a bachelor's degree, such as hospitals and healthcare agencies.

Job Security

It is well known that there will be a consistently high demand for healthcare workers in the coming years, which means increased job security for those seeking employment in this field. Even if you're 35 years of age or older, pursuing a degree can open up even more opportunities, especially in roles that are unlikely to become obsolete.

Personal Fulfillment

Going back to school at 35 is an empowering experience. Getting a college degree in your 30s leads to personal fulfillment by providing you with the necessary skills in healthcare administration that will help you make a difference in patient care and become an asset in various healthcare settings.

What Will I Learn In a Healthcare Administration Degree Program?

A healthcare administration degree program teaches specialized administrative and managerial skills for running the daily operations of facilities and departments. It combines healthcare and business coursework to help you deliver quality patient care in health-related settings.

For example, Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) has an online Bachelor of Science degree in healthcare administration, where students choose from concentrations in health information management or patient safety and quality.

The coursework of SNHU's bachelor's degree in healthcare administration includes the following:

• Healthcare Strategic Management and Policy
• Ethical and Legal Considerations of Healthcare
• Healthcare Finance
• Principles of Epidemiology
• Healthcare Delivery Systems
• Healthcare Economics
• Organizational Behavior
• Healthcare Quality Management
• Human Resource Functions
• Managing and Leading Business

Courses vary between schools and programs, and individuals should research their preferred one for specifics.

What Can I Do With My Healthcare Administration Degree?

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a consistent increase in employment opportunities in essential healthcare roles until 2032. This job growth is much faster than the average for all professions, and a promising sign for the industry and a great reason to go back to school at 35.

Here are a few examples of what you can do when graduating from an accredited college with a degree in healthcare administration.

Community Health Manager

The role of a community health manager is to oversee the implementation of community health programming and outreach services. They often supervise teams and assist community members in getting their required healthcare support and services.

Medical Records Manager

A medical records manager maintains highly confidential and important health-related documentation. They keep patient information secure and organized and work in a variety of medical settings, such as doctor's offices and hospitals.

Assisted Living Facilitator

The responsibilities of an assisted living facilitator include managing staff and coordinating services. They oversee the daily operations of assisted living facilities that cater to older adults who lead independent lives with minimal health support.

FAQs About Starting a Healthcare Administration Degree at 35

Learn more about enrolling in college to begin your healthcare administration degree at 35 years old with the following most commonly asked questions.

Are There Benefits To Starting My Healthcare Administration Degree at 35?

Returning to school at 35 to obtain your healthcare administration degree can be very beneficial. The healthcare sector shows a rapid employment growth rate and offers rewarding job opportunities.

A healthcare career can significantly impact people's lives by providing them with quality patient care, and getting a degree qualifies individuals for lucrative roles.

Can I Apply Life Experience Credits To Earn My Healthcare Administration Degree?

Yes, you can apply your life experience credits to earn your degree. For instance, Grand Canyon University provides an online bachelor's degree in healthcare administration and offers the Lifelong Learning Assessment. It lets adult learners with a certain level of life experience gain up to eight general education or elective credits toward their degree.

Is It Worth It Going Back to College?

Yes, deciding to go back to college is worth it and can be one of the most important decisions you make. Many positions in healthcare administration today require a minimum of a bachelor's degree, and having one sets you apart from other job candidates. There are many online bachelor's degrees in healthcare administration available for those with busy schedules.

Even if you are 35 years old, obtaining a degree can put you on the ideal path for higher-paying roles and pursuing a fulfilling career in a high-demand job sector.