Bachelor of Health Administration (Post Diploma)
This program is closed to new students as of October 17, 2022, and will be closed to in-progress students on June 30, 2028.
Canada’s health care system is faced with challenges from all directions; rising costs, shortage of human resources, and an aging population. Athabasca University’s Bachelor of Health Administration program is designed to help health care administrators and managers meet these challenges. By developing organizational, analytical, and managerial skills, the program enables graduate students to seek innovative ways of meeting the increasing demands on Canada’s health care system. To receive more information about this program, please contact Athabasca University’s Faculty of Health Disciplines.
Planning your program
Our online program plans can assist you in selecting the courses needed to fulfill your program requirements.
Counselling Services offers an assessment website, Mapping Your Future.
Athabasca University has also developed program learning outcomes that describe the career options that may be available to you upon graduating.
Admission requirements
The Bachelor of Health Administration (Post Diploma) is open to holders of approved two- or three-year diplomas from an accredited college or technical institute. All diplomas presented must be approved for credit by Athabasca University.
Program requirements
Students complete the program regulations in effect at the time of their enrolment.
Program structure
| Total credits in the program | 90 |
| Maximum block credit transfer from college | 66 |
| Senior (300/400 level) credits | 30 |
| Residency requirement. A minimum of 24 credits must be obtained through Athabasca University. | 24 |
| Graduation with Distinction or Great Distinction. At least 24 credits must be obtained through Athabasca University in order to be considered. | 24 |
| Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) credits | 6 |
Enrolment requirement for business diplomas
Students presenting AU-approved two-year diplomas in any health-related field or in business administration may be awarded up to 60 credits towards this 90-credit degree. Students presenting AU-approved three-year diplomas in business administration may be awarded up to 66 credits towards this degree.
In order to be awarded a block transfer of 60 credits, students must have completed the following courses (24 credits) or their equivalent.
| ACCT 250 | Accounting for Managers | (3) |
| ADMN 232 | Introduction to Management | (3) |
| ADMN 233 or ENGL 255 | Writing in Organizations* or Introductory Composition* * see English Writing Skills Requirement | (3) |
| COMM 243 | Interpersonal Communication | (3) |
| HADM 488 | Risk Management and Safety in Health Services | (3) |
| PHIL 252 | Critical Thinking* * PHIL 252 will be waived if students have completed a university-level course in indigenous philosophy. | (3) |
| HADM 435 | Practicum – Senior Field Placement in Health Administration | (6) |
Required courses
(24 credits)
| HADM/ECON 321 | Health Care Economics | (3) |
| HADM 336 | Community Health Planning | (3) |
| HADM 339 | Organization of the Canadian Health Care System | (3) |
| HADM 369 | Health Policy in Canada | (3) |
| HADM 379 | Introduction to Epidemiology | (3) |
| HADM 400 | (3) | |
| PHIL 333 | Professional Ethics | (3) |
| HADM 399 | Evaluating Health Research Evidence | (3) |
Options
(6 credits)
| Six credits in any discipline at the senior (300 or 400) level | (6) |
| Students who have work experience in Health and Human Services are strongly encouraged to take HADM 326 and HADM 315 to fulfill this option. |
Updated June 22, 2023 by Office of the Registrar (calendar@athabascau.ca)