Articles
HCC’s Healthcare Management bachelor's degree opens doors to leadership roles
By Andi Atkinson
Sep 20, 2024
Servando Gonzalez III, Healthcare Management BAS Class of 2025, checks his assignments during his lunch break.
The popularity of the Healthcare Management Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) program at Houston Community College (HCC) proves that affordability, flexibility and community count more than ever in higher education.
Launched in August 2023, the BAS offering can provide the credentials needed for healthcare professionals with an associate degree in health science to move into administrative and/or management roles. This two-year, online curriculum also allows students to work as they earn their degree.
HCC Coleman College projected a class size of 15 for its inaugural class, but it more than doubled due to the interest. A year later in Fall 2025, the program offered two sections instead of one to accommodate the growing demand.
“The 100% online classes and the HCC tuition were definitely strong selling points,” said Dr. Michele Voight, Healthcare Management BAS program director. “Our students love that they don’t have to take on substantial debt to earn their bachelor's degree.”
Program retention from the initial cohort remains high.
“We’ve had a few students drop due to circumstances or other obligations, but the remaining are fully vested in their education,” said professor Kristin Bennett. “They all really appreciate the value and accessibility of their education. And even though the program is online, there’s a strong sense of community among students.”
Members of the Class of 2025 look forward to the doors their bachelor’s degree will open.
Ric McKinney, physical therapist assistant with MD Anderson Cancer Center, will use his degree to position himself for future roles at his workplace.
“I plan to continue doing physical therapy for a while, but eventually I’ll be looking for administrative opportunities within MD Anderson,” McKinney said. “Plus, it’s always been a goal for me to finish my undergraduate degree.”
For Irvin Rodriguez, physical therapist assistant with Houston Methodist – The Woodlands, his education will serve as a stepping stone.
“I plan to get a doctorate in physical therapy,” Rodriguez said. “I would like to have my own clinic one day.”
Unlike most of his classmates, Rodriguez takes one course each semester rather than two.
“I’ll graduate in four years instead of two, but this is so I can still work and have the hobbies I love — working out and jiu-jitsu,” he said. “This program gives me that flexibility.”
Servando Gonzalez III, occupational therapy assistant with Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Pearland, will use his degree to become an effective leader.
“Everything we learn is very useful and relevant to our work in the healthcare industry,” Gonzalez said. “Now we have a better understanding of what our managers do and go through.”
The program offers Gonzalez more than value — it offers quality.
“Our professors are extremely knowledgeable, and they’re with you from beginning to end,” Gonzalez said. “If I reach out to them, they reach out to me quickly. Even though it's online, it's still personal and caring.”
HCC Coleman College is starting a new cohort in Spring 2025. To apply or learn more, visit hccs.edu/Healthcare-BAS.