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B.S. Health Services Management

Bachelor of Science in Health Services Management
Get ready to lead organizations and improve health outcomes with a Health Services Management degree from NSU.
Norfolk State University
Bachelor of Science in Health Services Management

A Health Services Management degree from Norfolk State University ensures you’re equipped with the industry knowledge and business skills to lead health service organizations. Make a difference in doctors’ offices, hospitals, residential care facilities and other health care settings.

Complete your degree online. You’ll learn from experienced faculty who care about your success. Our engaging curriculum, innovative labs and experiential learning will put you on the path to becoming an effective manager in the health care field. You’ll be ready to apply your knowledge and problem-solving skills to address the diverse needs of customers in a variety of settings.

Pursue licensure as a registered dietitian nutritionist

Registered dietitians help individuals achieve optimal health through nutrition. If your future plans include pursuing licensure as a registered dietitian nutritionist, we offer a concentration in Food Science and Nutrition that will prepare you for advanced education and certification.

HSM Degree at a Glance

  • Formats Offered: Online
  • Total Credit Hours: 120 
  • Optional Concentration in Food Science & Nutrition (123 credit hours)

View Health Services Management plans of study  | Request more information  | Apply now 

Why Study Health Services Management at NSU? 

Norfolk State University has been preparing health service administrators for over 50 years. We provide resources and support to ensure you’re successful, such as a personal advisor who will help you prepare for the career you desire. Built-in internships and industry-related student organizations help build your network and provide real-world experience to enhance your resume.

Get hands-on experience in your field

At the end of the program, you will complete an internship that provides field training so you can apply your learning in a real-world setting. You’ll gain valuable experience that enhances both your skills and confidence while building your professional network — many students receive job offers from their internship experience. This internship does not meet the requirements for licensure in Long-Term Care Administration (LTCA). Students planning to seek LTCA licensure will be responsible for arranging their own internships.

Build your network

Health care students are encouraged to join one of our student organizations, such as the Health Services Management Student Association and the Upsilon Phi Delta Honor Society. These organizations promote the advancement of health care management and policy. They also encourage engagement among students, so you can get to know others in the field.

Individualize your learning experience

In addition to core classes, you can choose electives to align with your interests and career goals. Or choose the Food Science and Nutrition concentration for focused studies that will prepare you for certification as a registered dietitian nutritionist.

What Courses Will I Take as a Health Services Management Student?

Our Health Services Management degree consists of HSM courses, general education core, including electives and an internship. Core classes cover health topics like population health and comprehensive health planning, as well as business topics like marketing, financial management and human resources.

Popular courses include:

  • African American Health: Examine the health care issues of African Americans in comparison with other racial/ethnic minority populations.
  • Current Trends in Health Care Delivery: Study the healthcare industry and organizations, current issues and forces impacting the health care delivery system.
  • Legal Aspects and Ethics of Health Care Delivery: Examine the role of ethics and moral decision-making in the everyday life of the health service manager, with special emphasis on the various professional codes of ethics.
  • Population Health: Address the prioritized health care needs of populations to make recommendations to improve care in areas of access, quality and cost.

Where Will My Health Services Management Degree Take Me?

Health service managers oversee the day-to-day operations of health care facilities such as doctors’ offices, hospitals and nursing homes. Professionals in this field must understand the unique challenges facing health care facilities and possess knowledge of both health and business concepts. We’ll help you develop knowledge and skills in both of these areas so you’re ready on day one of your new career.

Your Health Services Management degree also will prepare you for advanced education. Our graduates have gone on to pursue master’s degrees in health care administration as well as nursing programs.

Career outlook for Health Services Management majors

The health care industry is booming, which puts health service professionals in high demand. 

How Do I Get Started in Health Services Management at NSU? 

It’s easy to get started. The first step is to gain admission to NSU by completing the admissions process . You’ll create an NSU portal account, complete the online application and upload required documents like transcripts. Our Office of Admissions  is available to help you navigate the admissions process and answer any of your questions.

Once you are accepted, we will send you information about financing your education. Many of our students receive some type of financial aid, such as scholarships, grants, student employment and federal student loans. Our Financial Aid Office  is available to answer your questions related to paying for college.

“The HSM department is filled with the most genuine faculty — every staff member in the department has contributed to my success. They put me in a position to be a leader and excel. I am who I am today because of the never-ending support from everyone in this department.”

- Jazmine P. ’20, Health Services Management Major

Degree Programs Related to Health Services Management

Accreditation for Health Services Management at NSU

The Health Services Management degree program is a member of the Association of University Programs in Health Administration (AUPHA).

Norfolk State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, master’s and doctoral degrees.


Admissions Criteria

Accepted applicants must meet the following minimal criteria:

  • Admission to the University
  • Declaration of major in the program

Program Notes

Long Term Care Administration (LTCA)

The B.S. in Health Services Management at Norfolk State University does not offer the internship required for licensure in Long Term Care Administration (LTCA). Therefore, students planning to seek licensure in LTCA will be responsible for arranging their own internship.

  • The Healthcare Management Degree Guide ranked the Bachelor of Science degree in Health Services Management at NSU as one of the most affordable Health Management programs online.
  • Study.com ranked the Health Services Management program at NSU as #5 on their list of best Bachelor's degree programs in Healthcare Management. https://study.com/degrees/bachelors-degrees-in-healthcare-management.html/

Healthcare Management Degree Guide - Most Affordable    Ranked #5 for Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Health Managementg