(Code 660-054)

The Health Care Administration program at UW-Eau Claire offers bright and committed students the opportunity to work with faculty who are dedicated to preparing leaders in a wide variety of health care organizations and to the individual development of each student. The goal is to prepare students to make a positive difference in the lives of others by joining efficient management practices with dedication to service.

This program focuses on the post-acute care continuum of health care institutions and services. For students who want to enter the acute care sector (hospitals), this program has proven an excellent preparation for the graduate education required.

All Health Care Administration students complete a 12-month administrative residency experience at one of the many affiliated health care facilities, with most spread across Wisconsin, Minnesota, and the Midwest, although there are occasionally “distance sites” available as well. Graduates are thereby ready upon graduation to begin performing as leaders and managers in health care. The Health Care Administration program is HSE-accredited by the National Association of Long Term Care Administrator Boards (NAB). Graduates of the Health Care Administration Program are eligible to take the Wisconsin, Minnesota, and the majority of other states’ licensure examinations for Nursing Home Administrators (NHA). Graduates are also eligible to apply for the Health Service Executive (HSE) Qualification via the Education Pathway. This credential affirms the holder has expertise acrost the Post-Acute/Long-term Care continuum and facilitates license portability across the majority of states. Because states establish their own licensure requirements, students are always encouraged to explore any given state’s licensing requirements directly.

Transferring Students. Any student anticipating transferring to UW-Eau Claire for the Health Care Administration Program is urged to consult the university Admissions Office as early as possible for information about GPA and course requirements for admission and for the degree requirements. Official review of the student’s academic record is made by the Admissions Office. Transfer students may declare Pre-Health Care Administration when transferring, or may apply for acceptance into the Health Care Administration program prior to transferring to the university.

Costs. Health Care Administration is a professional discipline, and students enrolled in the program must anticipate some additional costs that are directly related to the Health Care Administration program. These include textbooks, health requirements, technology costs (e.g., laptop and internet access), and transportation and lodging associated with the administrative residency experience and learning modules.

Scholarships. Several scholarships are available to students in the Health Care Administration major. Additional information may be obtained from the College of Business website or by visiting the Scholarship section of the Admissions website.

University Requirements

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS FOR BACCALAUREATE DEGREE
Credit Requirements
Minimum total for graduation 1		120
Upper division credits (courses numbered 300 and higher)		39
Liberal Education Core		36
Academic Concentrations
Grade Point Requirements 2
Total		2.00 average
Resident		2.00 average
Major		2.00 average
Minor		2.00 average
Certificate		2.00 average
University Residency Requirements
Minimum total		30
Senior year		23
Major, Standard, upper division in residence		12
Major, Comprehensive, upper division in residence		21
Certificate		25 percent of credits
Procedures Required for Graduation
Obtain admission to the degree program and/or the College offering it.
Apply for graduation on CampS.

¹

Certain programs exceed this minimum.

²

See special requirements in each College.

Applicability of Credits Toward Graduation

Junior College or Two-Year College Credits. A maximum of 72 semester credits earned in a junior college or two-year college will be accepted as degree credits at UW-Eau Claire.

Extension Credits. Credits earned in credit outreach courses offered by UW-Eau Claire are treated as resident credits. Credits earned in extension courses offered by other units of the University of Wisconsin System are treated as transfer credits. All other (non-UW) extension and correspondence credits are normally limited to one-fourth of the total required for graduation from any curriculum.

WTCS Credits. A maximum of 72 semester credits earned in college parallel programs at Madison Area Technical College, Milwaukee Area Technical College, Nicolet Area Technical College, or Chippewa Valley Technical College may be accepted as degree credits at UW-Eau Claire. A set number of general education courses will be accepted from other technical schools. Occupational and technical courses may also be considered for transfer if the quality and content of the course work from the technical college is judged to be comparable to course work at UW-Eau Claire. Refer to the Transfer Credit Wizard or contact the UW-Eau Claire Admissions Office for information about the current transfer policy.

USAFI Credit. UW-Eau Claire will accept up to 32 semester credits for work done through the United States Armed Forces Institute, under the provision for non-UW correspondence credit (see Extension Credits above).

Activity Credit (band, chorus, drama, KINS 100-184 courses) Students may count toward graduation no more than one credit of KINS 110-184 courses. Students may count toward graduation no more than four credits earned in any single activity course and no more than 12 credits resulting from any combination of activity courses (excluding KINS 110-184 courses). 

Other Restricted Credits. For other University restrictions, see the following: Cooperative Education; Credit by Examination; Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory Registration; Transfer of Credits. College or departmental restrictions may also be placed on Independent Study (399-499 courses), Directed Study (395-495), and other types of credits.

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
APPLICABILITY OF CREDITS TOWARD GRADUATION		Credit Restrictions
Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Total degree credit		maximum 12
Major, Standard		maximum 1 course
Major, Comprehensive		maximum 2 courses
Minor		maximum 1 course
Credit by Examination
Total degree credit		maximum ¼ of total
Major or minor		maximum ½ of total
Two-Year College Credits
Total degree credit		maximum 72 credits
Activity credit (band, chorus, drama, KINS 100-184)
Total KINS 100-184		maximum 1 credit
Total Band, chorus, drama		maximum 12 credits
Single course band, chorus, drama		maximum 4 credits
Extension credits
UW-System		no maximum
Other extension/correspondence		maximum ¼ of total
USAFI
USAFI		maximum 32 credits

Liberal Education Core

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire measures learning outcomes to ensure that its graduates have achieved a liberal education and prepared themselves to contribute to a complex society. Upon graduation, each undergraduate will have met the five learning goals of our liberal education core and the 12 learning outcomes they comprise. 

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
LIBERAL EDUCATION CORE REQUIREMENTS		a minimum of 36 credits
Knowledge Goal
Knowledge Outcome 1 (K1): Natural Sciences		Two (2) learning experiences
One experience in laboratory science must be selected from either K1 or K2.
Knowledge Outcome 2 (K2): Social Sciences		Two (2) learning experiences
One experience in laboratory science must be selected from either K1 or K2.
Knowledge Outcome 3 (K3): Humanities		Two (2) learning experiences
Knowledge Outcome 4 (K4): Fine Arts		One (1) learning experience
Skills Goal
Skills Outcome 1 (S1): Written and Oral Communication		Two (2) learning experiences
One S1 must meet the University Writing Requirement
Skills Outcome 2 (S2): Mathematics		One (1) learning experience
One S2 to meet the University Mathematics Requirement
Skills Outcome 3 (S3): Creativity		One (1) learning experience
Responsibility Goal
Responsibility Outcome 1 (R1): Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity		Two (2) learning experiences
One R1 must satisfy Design for Diversity
Responsibility Outcome 2 (R2): Global Perspectives		One (1) learning experience
Responsibility Outcome 3 (R3): Civic and Environmental Issues		One (1) learning experience
Integration Goal
Integration Outcome 1 (I1): Integration		Two (2) learning experiences
Service-Learning Goal
Service-Learning		30 hours

College Degree Requirements

Bachelor of Business Administration Degree Requirements

Credits for Graduation

All candidates for the BBA degree need a minimum of 120 credits to graduate, to include a minimum of 48 semester credits in courses other than those offered by the College of Business. The Health Care Administration major is exempt from the 48-credit requirement.

Student Professional Development Program

All students pursuing a major in the College of Business must complete the Student Professional Development Workshops. All students pursuing a minor in the Department of Management and Leadership Programs must complete the Student Professional Development Workshops. The program is designed to equip students with the skills needed to present themselves professionally during their job search and upon entering their chosen careers. Students are strongly encouraged to complete the workshops prior to the end of their third semester on campus. The workshops are prerequisites for a number of 300-level courses in the College of Business Core and need to be completed prior to registration for those courses.

The program consists of four workshops: The Business Professional, Professional Image, Professional Etiquette, Professional Networking Event. For more information, visit the College of Business website.

Grade Point Requirements

Candidates for the BBA degree must earn a minimum GPA of 2.00 in their major and in courses taken in residence. (See the special requirements for the Comprehensive Major in Health Care Administration.) If a minor is required, or is to be listed as an official minor, the candidate must earn a minimum GPA of 2.00 in the minor.

• Unless otherwise indicated, no College of Business course may be taken on a Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory basis as part of a major, minor, or certificate described by one of the departments in the College of Business. This excludes courses that are only offered on an S/U basis. Specific programs (major, minor, certificate) may have additional requirements. Please check program requirements.  
• Business courses may be taken on a Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory basis only concurrent with or following completion of the student’s major or business minor.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the Health Care Administration Program

Students intending to major in Health Care Administration should indicate their area of interest when they apply to the University so they may be admitted as “Pre-Health Care Administration.” Students may declare “Pre-Health Care Administration” at any time, but must formally apply for acceptance into the Health Care Administration program and their desired administrative residency cohort. Specific due dates for applications to the Health Care Administration program/cohort are posted each semester, with priority applications due in October and standard applications due in March, typically in a student’s sophomore year. 

Enrollment in this program is limited to approximately 60 students per cohort.

In order to apply for admission to the Health Care Administration Program, the student must:

1. be declared as Pre-Health Care Administration.
2. complete all application materials (essay, application, proposed degree plan with desired administrative residency cohort year).
3. have a resident and total GPA of at least 2.5.

Administrative Residency

Following satisfactory completion of all required campus-based courses, including Liberal Education, the student is eligible for enrollment in the Administrative Residency. 

The administrative residency, consisting of 50 weeks in an affiliated health care institution, is started at the beginning of the summer session. Students are enrolled at UW-Eau Claire for the courses taken while at affiliated institutions and pay full fees to the University. Students in the administrative residency receive a provider-sponsored stipend.

The University does not guarantee placement in the administrative residency but does aid the student in every way possible. Since academic achievement plays a part in selection of students for the administrative residency, resident and total GPAs above the 2.5 minimum are recommended. Application to administrative residency positions occurs one year prior to the administrative residency starting date.

Administrative Residency Cohort

At the time of admission to the program, students are assigned to their administrative residency cohort for a specific year. Application to specific administrative residency sites occurs the year prior to placement, and there is a competitive application and matching process among admitted students. More information about this process may be found on the Health Care Administration program website. Even if placed at an administrative residency site, students must meet academic standing requirements and have completed all non-administrative residency course work before being allowed to move forward. If the student’s degree plan changes such that more time is required to complete non-administrative residency course requirements, students may be reassigned to a future cohort.

Student Background Check and Health Requirements

State law requires background checks on all students placed at the clinical administrative residency sites. All students accepted into the program must complete the Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services Background Information Disclosure, as well as a release for a Wisconsin Department of Justice Criminal Background Check. Non-resident students must also have background checks completed in their state of residence. Additional information regarding the Wisconsin Caregiver Program can be obtained from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services website.

Within 90 days prior to beginning the administrative residency experience, the student must have a physical exam to provide evidence that the student is free from infectious disease and evidence of a negative TB skin test. A chest X-ray is required if the TB skin test is positive. It is also recommended that students be vaccinated annually against influenza. Students are not permitted to participate in clinical course work unless all immunizations, TB tests, and background checks are current.

All expenses associated with background checks and health requirements are borne by the student unless the Student Health Service specifically indicates otherwise. Students are not covered by health or accident insurance by UW-Eau Claire, the administrative residency facility, or the administrative residency institution. In addition, workers’ compensation insurance does not cover students while engaged in clinical practice. For example, if a student suffers a needle stick or is hurt while in their administrative residency, they will need personal health insurance to cover medical bills.

Readmission to the Health Care Administration Program

Students who withdraw from the program and wish to return for completion must send a letter requesting readmission to the Management and Leadership Programs department at least three months in advance of the desired readmission date.

Applicants must meet the current admission requirements of the Health Care Administration program. Consideration will be given to the length of absence, the student’s ability to achieve, and availability of space in the student’s desired administrative residency cohort. If readmission to the program is granted, the remaining program will be planned as considered best for the student and according to the current curriculum.

Termination from Program

A student may be terminated from the Health Care Administration program for any of the following reasons:

1. Failure to maintain good academic standing.
2. Failure to demonstrate the potential for consistently safe, responsible, and ethical professional practice.
3. Likelihood that a student’s condition, presentation, or prior experience will adversely affect the student, other persons, the University, an agency or site used for administrative residency, or the patients or residents served.

If a student demonstrates deficiencies during the administrative residency experience that the faculty or administrative residency supervisor determine to be clearly unsafe or unprofessional behavior, the student will be immediately removed from the administrative residency situation.

A student who has been notified of termination from the program may appeal for reinstatement. This policy applies to termination from the Health Care Administration program only. A student’s status within the University remains subject to University academic standing policies.

Major Requirements

(Code 660-054)

Health Care Administration Major Proficiency Requirements

Program Learning Outcomes

Students in this program are assessed on their ability to meet the following COB learning goals:

• Written and Oral Communication: Students will be effective communicators.
• Problem Solving: Students will be effective problem solvers.
• BBA Common Body of Knowledge: Students will demonstrate discipline-specific knowledge (represented by the BUSCORE).

Additionally, students completing this program will be expected to meet the following learning outcomes:

1. Students possess the knowledge and skills necessary to ensure that resident quality of care and quality of life are maximized by assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating resident services, including ancillary care, as appropriate.
2. Students possess the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively and efficiently lead core business operations of a long-term care organization in areas of financial management, risk management, and human resources.
3. Students possess the knowledge and skills necessary to ensure they are providing an environment and atmosphere that promotes, protects, and provides resident centered care and quality of life in compliance with relevant rules and regulations.
4. Students possess the knowledge and skills necessary to become a leader who develops and maintains a strong organizational culture that supports staff, while ensuring strategic business planning and development in alignment with an organization’s mission, vision, and values.

Health Care Administration, B.B.A. (Comprehensive Major)

The following is a sample degree plan, based on the current catalog. It is based on the 120-credit graduation requirement and assumes no transferred credits, no requirements waived by placement tests, no courses taken in the summer or winter, no repeated courses, and no remedial courses that may be required. This sample degree plan is intended for first-year students entering UW-Eau Claire in the fall semester. Your own degree plan may differ depending on the course of study selected (second major, minor, etc.). UW-Eau Claire cannot guarantee all courses will be offered as shown, but will provide a range of courses that may enable prepared students to fulfill their requirements in a timely period. This sample degree plan is just a guide. Please consult your advisor, your degree audit, and the catalog to create your own degree plan. Note: In order to earn the required minimum of 120 credits for the degree in four years, you should plan to take 15 credits each semester or 30 credits each year.

To earn a degree, students must fulfill all University Graduation Requirements, including the Liberal Education (LE) Core.  LE Core course work in the following sample degree plan uses abbreviations such as LE-K1, LE-S2, LE-R3, and LE-I1 to represent the learning outcomes students will meet via completion of their liberal education course work.  Please click here for a description of the Liberal Education Core outcomes and requirements.  Note that the LE Core may be completed through both course and non-course experiences.

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
FIRST YEAR
SOMETIME IN THE FIRST YEAR
ECON 103	Principles of Microeconomics (LE-K2)	3
ECON 104	Principles of Macroeconomics (LE-K2)	3
PSYC 100	Introduction to Psychology (LE-K2)	3
HCAD 101	Introduction to Health Care Administration	1
WRIT 114	Intensive Blugold Seminar in Critical Reading and Writing (LE-S1, 5 credits)	5
or WRIT 116	Blugold Seminar in Critical Reading and Writing
or WRIT 118	Accelerated Blugold Seminar in Critical Reading and Writing
or WRIT 120	Blugold Seminar in Critical Reading and Writing for Transfer Students
SOMETIME IN THE FIRST OR SECOND YEAR
LE Option: Knowledge 3 (K3) Humanities		3
LE Option: Knowledge 3 (K3) Humanities		3
LE Option: Knowledge 4 (K4) Fine Arts		3
LE Option: Responsibility 1 (R1, DDIV) Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity with Design for Diversity		3
LE Option: Responsibility 1 (R1) Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity		3
LE Option: Responsibility 2 (R2) Global Perspectives		3
SPDP: Student Professional Development Program (SPDP) workshop completion recommended by the end of the 1st year, 2nd semester—but no later than the end of the 3rd semester or 45 credits earned. 1
Study Abroad: Students participating in study abroad may opt-in to complete one of the two Integrative Learning 1 (I1) experiences. Many courses taken at approved study-abroad institutions will satisfy LE or elective requirements. Consult the Transfer Credit Wizard and consult with your academic advisor to plan which LE or elective courses to take while abroad. Health Care Administration Majors: If interested in studying abroad for a fall/spring semester, please plan for a study abroad experience for the 1st or 2nd year.
NSE: Students participating in NSE should work with their academic advisor to select courses at their NSE site that will cover UWEC degree requirements. If interested in NSE, please plan for a NSE experience for the 1st or 2nd year. Popular study-abroad destinations for COB students include Seoul, South Korea; Limerick, Ireland; Glasgow, Scotland; Lorenzo d’Medici, Italy and Massey University in New Zealand.
SECOND YEAR
FIRST SEMESTER
Priority Application: Apply for Admission to Major (Priority) 2
HCAD 222	Multidisciplinary Perspectives on Aging (LE-R3)	3
SECOND SEMESTER
Regular Application: Apply for Admission to Major (Regular) 2
BIOL 151	Biology of Humans (LE-K1L) 3	4
SOMETIME IN THE SECOND YEAR
ACCT 201	Introduction to Accounting	3
BCOM 206	Business Writing (LE-S1)	2
BCOM 207	Business Presentations (LE-S1)	2
BIOL 196	Human Nutrition (LE-K1) 3	3
HCAD 201	Overview of the U.S. Health Care System (LE-R3)	3
IS 240	Information Systems in Business	3
MATH 246	Elementary Statistics (LE-S2)	4
NRSG 220	The Language of Health Care	1
THIRD YEAR
FIRST SEMESTER
ECON 280	Health Economics	3
HCAD 301	Foundations of Quality Management in Health Service	3
SECOND SEMESTER
HCAD 302	Leadership and Management Practices in Health Services	3
HCAD 375	Health Care Reimbursement and Financial Management	3
SOMETIME IN THE THIRD YEAR
BLAW 305	Legal and Regulatory Environment	3
BSAD 300	Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in the Workplace	1
MGMT 340	Organizational Behavior	3
MGMT 349	Human Resource Management	3
MKTG 330	Principles of Marketing	3
Elective Credits: Additional credits needed to reach 120 credits. 4
FOURTH YEAR
Students Complete the HCAD Administrative Residency in the Fourth Year 5
SUMMER
HCAD 400	Administrative Residency I (LE-SL) 6	3
HCAD 420	Health Care Management Competencies	3
FIRST SEMESTER
HCAD 401	Administrative Residency II (LE-SL) 6	6
HCAD 403	Resident Service and Supports in Health Care	1
HCAD 404	Quality Management Applications in Health Care (LE-SL) 6	1
HCAD 405	Human Resources Management in Health Services	1
HCAD 421	Leadership and Prof Development in Health Services	3
WINTERIM
HCAD 413	Health Care Rules and Regulations	1
SECOND SEMESTER
HCAD 402	Administrative Residency III (LE-I1, LE-SL) 6	6
HCAD 407	Financial Management in Health Care	1
HCAD 406	Data Driven Health Care Decision Making	1
HCAD 408	Marketing and Public Relations in Health Services	1
HCAD 422	Organizational Leadership Practices in Health Care (LE-S3, LE-I1)	3
Minimum total for the baccalaureate degree = 120 credits

¹

Please see this webpage for more information regarding the SPDP program.

²

All students must apply to the HCAD program in the fall (priority admissions) or spring (regular admissions) of their sophomore year. Please visit http://www.uwec.ly/hcad for more information and application forms.

³

Classes to take early, if possible: BIOL 196 (offered over Summer/Winterim), BIOL 151

⁴

Ideal electives, if there’s room in the schedule: PSYC 230 (K2/R1), MKTG 338, KINS 294, PHIL 306 (K3/R3), SW 360, SOC 101 (K2/R1), MKTG 425, ENPH 225 (R1/I1), NRSG 389 (R1 Design for Diversity), ENPH 115 (R2/K2).

⁵

All students in this major are required to participate in a year-long, paid administrative residency their final year in the program. 

⁶

Fulfills the 30-hour service-learning requirement.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR HIGH IMPACT PRACTICES (HIPs)

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire encourages all students to participate in High Impact Practices.  The following information identifies any specific recommendations that faculty in this major have concerning which HIPs might be most beneficial to students, and any recommendations about when those HIPs best fit into the degree plan. Students should also consult their faculty advisor for information on HIPs. There are many additional high impact opportunities available. Talk to your academic advisor for more information about incorporating HIPs like Study Abroad, Intercultural Immersion, Internships, and/or Student/Faculty Collaborative Research into your time at UW-Eau Claire.

HCAD students are strongly encouraged to participate in the American College of Health Care Administration (ACHCA) student organization.

Liberal Education (LE) Core Guidance