Mega Doctor News
By Amanda Sotelo
The Medical and Health Service Management Bachelor of Applied Technology program at South Texas College is celebrating a national recognition as the No. 6 Most Affordable Online Degree in Health Care Management in the country from OnlineU.
OnlineU is a digital resource that presents data and research, which provides rankings and student reviews for online colleges and degree programs. All rankings are based on factors such as return on investment and graduate salaries.
“We were thrilled to hear the good news…this isn’t the first time we receive a “Most Affordable” or “Top Program” ranking. It’s an honor,” said STC Medical and Health Services Management Department Chair Hillaire Saint Pierre, Ph.D. “This gives our program national attention and enhances our student network.”
Tuition for STC’s Medical and Health Service Management program is around $7,600, making it one of the most affordable online programs, on the heels of two other Texas institutions of higher education.
“STC’s goal is to always function on three A’s: Affordable, Accessible and Accelerated,” said Ali Esmaeili, STC dean of Math, Science, Information Technology and Bachelor Programs. “We propel our students toward opportunity and our bachelor’s programs like Medical and Health Service Management, giving our students a number of career opportunities and growth, while saving money and often times graduating with little to no debt.”
In addition to affordable tuition, because the program is 100% online, all program textbooks are embedded into each course as an Open Education Resource (OER), meaning students do not need to purchase textbooks, saving students hundreds of dollars.
Program alumna Walaa Shaath said the courses within this program were well structured and gave her a strong foundation in administration, leadership and management, boosting her knowledge and confidence in supporting STC students as the coordinator of STC’s Transfer and Educational Advancement Center.
“The affordability of this program made a huge difference for me. STC’s low tuition allowed me to focus on my studies without the constant stress of overwhelming student debt,” said Shaath. “This level of affordability opened doors for me that might not have been possible otherwise. This degree has not only strengthened my skills but also expanded my career opportunities and long-term earning potential.”
She added that the program’s flexibility also allowed her to work her 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. doing what she absolutely loves – helping students reach their educational goals like STC has helped her.
The Medical and Health Service Management program focuses on management principles for health care facilities, technological advances in the delivery of health care services, health information processing and health care industry government regulations.
Graduates from the program will be prepared to enter entry to mid-level management positions in health care, health organizations and other health care environments with potential jobs ranging from medical and health services manager/assistant manager or director/assistant director, hospital administrator to medical system administrator and medical operations manager.
Saint Pierre said he also credits program faculty and staff for the achievements it has received.
“All our faculty and staff are here for student success. From our advisory committee and academic coaches to our staff, they empower our students and work to create a legacy for our program,” he said. “Our program has grown and is always able to level-up because of their support and that of our college leadership. Our program has a high return on investment because we invest in our students.”
Through OnlineU, STC is also ranked within the “Top 15” in the nation as the Most Affordable Online Associate Degrees, Best Online Associate Degrees in Computer Science, Best Online Community College in Texas, Most Popular Associate Degrees in Social and Behavioral Science Online, Most Affordable Online Associate Degree in Human Resources and Best Online Associate Degree in Psychology.
STC is the only community college in Texas to offer five baccalaureate degrees.
For more information on STC’s Medical and Health Service Management Bachelor of Applied Technology program, visit southtexascollege.edu/academics/medical-management/index.html.
