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Jump Start Your Career with an Associate Degree in Business Management Healthcare Practice from NECC

A student in the Business program at our NECC Campus

Why Pursue a Healthcare Business Management Associate Degree?

Want to unlock fresh career doors in the rapidly-growing healthcare industry? If so, earning a Business Management Healthcare Practice Associate Degree from NECC could supply the voltage you need to excel in a variety of electrifying entry-level healthcare business roles in Massachusetts and beyond.

Unlock Your Business Potential and Level-Up with NECC

NECC’s Business Management Healthcare Practice Degree program will help you gain vital skills in leadership, communication, customer service, and problem-solving for managing healthcare practices. Learn medical terminology, coding, and classifications essential for medical billing, as well as sound managerial practices and procedures specific to the healthcare industry.

Once you’ve completed our program, you’ll be prepared to fill a variety of healthcare positions or transfer credits towards a bachelor’s degree in business or a health discipline. Some NECC program graduates have done both; accelerating their careers while saving thousands of dollars on their education!

Business Management Healthcare Associate Degree Program at NECC

View video on the NECC YouTube Channel.

What You’ll Get from Our Business Management Healthcare Practice Program

Healthcare Business Leaders Start Here

Explore the game-changing power of business management as you kick-start your career in healthcare settings. At NECC, it’s more than just learning essential business principles – it’s about uncovering endless opportunities waiting beyond the realm of business leadership.

Do Cool Stuff, Not Just Homework

Forget about endless lectures. We’re talking about interactive classes and workshops where you practice what you’ve learned in real-life scenarios, as well as projects that connect you with your community. You’ll have the opportunity to join Alpha Beta Gamma, a prestigious national business honor society.

Gear Up for a Great Career in the Healthcare Field

At NECC, we’re here to help you build a skill set that’s in high demand. Whether you see yourself as a strategic analyst shaping healthcare practice decisions, a marketing guru driving brand success, or anything in between, we’ve got you covered. While guiding you every step of the way, our experienced instructors will show you how to:

  • An emoji version of the NECC Knight giving a thumbs upDevelop leadership, communication, customer services, and problem-solving skills necessary to manage financial and human resources.
  • Learn medical billing terminology, coding, and classifications.
  • Understand sound managerial practices, procedures, and operations of the healthcare industry.
  • Manage all facets of medical offices, including billing, staffing, and customer service.
  • Transfer credits earned towards a bachelor’s degree in Business Management, Healthcare Management, or a related healthcare field.

Your Schedule, Your Rules

Juggling life, work, and study? No sweat. With a mix of online and on-campus options, NECC makes it easy for you to fit study into your life, not the other way around.


Quote:

Northern Essex opened doors for me and helped me find a career I love.”

SHARI CARTER, BUSINESS MANAGEMENT, HEALTHCARE PRACTICE MANAGEMENT


Where This Journey Can Take You

An illustration of support for every student - students climbing a bar graphMany entry-level sales, marketing, and management jobs offer much potential for growth. In some ways, starting out with an associate degree is an advantage – you can begin working in the field and decide whether you like it before investing additional time and money obtaining a bachelor’s degree.

Imagine Yourself Serving in One of These Business Management Healthcare Roles:

  • Ensuring quality patient care as a Medical Practice Manager
  • Safeguarding sensitive patient data as a Health Information Technician
  • Keeping the financial pulse strong as a Medical Billing Specialist
  • Launching a successful small business in the healthcare field
  • Many more!

Why Choose NECC for Your Business Management Healthcare Practice Degree?

We Get It

At NECC, inspiring our students to succeed is our top priority. Modern, relevant, and engaging, our Business Management courses are designed with you in mind.

NECC’s dedicated faculty and staff help students develop the skills they need to advance in the workforce or transfer to a four-year college or university. Our small class sizes ensure personalized attention and support, empowering students to thrive academically. We also offer a variety of student support services, including tutoring, counseling, and academic advising.

With over 60 credit programs, two convenient campuses, robust student support services, and a vibrant student life, NECC is committed to providing an affordable, accessible, and high-quality education for all.

Learn from the Pros

Our instructors aren’t just teachers. They’re experienced professionals who live and breathe healthcare accountancy.

Experience Beyond the Classroom

At NECC, it’s not just about earning a degree. It’s about building a network, finding your tribe, and acquiring the tools necessary to chase your dreams. Our Haverhill and Lawrence campuses are home to a diverse range of clubs and organizations and activities that help students connect with peers who share similar interests.

Whether you choose to gain leadership experience, stay healthy and fit, join a club, or participate in varsity sports, and student activities, we’ll guarantee you’ll have fond memories of your time at NECC.

We Got Your Back

From the day you start until the day you land your first big gig, our team is here to support, guide, and cheer you on. At NECC, our goal is to empower our students by equipping them with the skills and tools necessary to thrive, wherever they choose to work.

Career Services

Career Services

Career Services is here to assist you at every stage in your career development.
NECC Connect

NECC Connect

Networking and mentoring opportunities for NECC students and alumni.
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What Can I Do With This Major?

Map your NECC major to hundreds of career paths and opportunities.

Got Prior Learning or Work Experience?

With NECC’s Credit for Prior Learning, you can move through the program at a faster pace, and graduate sooner! The best part is these credits are covered free-of-charge for eligible Massachusetts learners.

Support for Every Student

NECC offers a variety of student support services, including tutoring, counseling, and academic advising, to help students thrive academically. Want to transfer to NECC? Our advisors are happy to assist you.

Accommodations at NECC

As an ADA-compliant institution, NECC is committed to serving the needs of students, faculty, staff, and visitors with disabilities, including those who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. We partner with multiple entities are dedicated to ensuring accessibility and inclusivity for all members of the NECC community.

Do you have a documented disability? Are you Deaf or Hard of Hearing? If so, the Center for Accessibility Resources & Services (CARS) can connect you to the services you need to thrive at NECC.

Career Outlook for Business Management Healthcare in Massachusetts

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the career outlook for Medical and Health Services Managers is bright, with a much higher-than-average job growth rate expected over the next seven to eight years. At NECC, our Business Management Healthcare Practice program graduates have an exceptional rate of employment while working in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, nursing, homes, and group medical practices. Others have gone on to start their own successful businesses.

How Much Can I Expect to Make As a Healthcare Business Professional?

The earning potential for individuals with a Business Management Healthcare Practice background in Massachusetts varies based on several factors, including education, role, certifications, experience, and employment setting. For example, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual median wage for Medical and Health Services Managers was $110,680 as of May, 2023.

With an Associate Degree in Business Management Healthcare Practice from NECC, you’ll be qualified to pursue or advance your career in these roles:

Medical Practice Manager

Create and manage business plans, develop marketing campaigns, and explore and implement ways to keep a company competitive and profitable. The median annual wage in Massachusetts for this role was $51,518 as of May, 2024. The wage range typically falls between $39,411 and $64,402.¹

Registered Health Information Technician

Tasks may include organizing and managing patient health records, coding medical diagnoses and procedures for insurance reimbursement purposes, and ensuring the confidentiality and security of patient health information. The median annual wage in Massachusetts for this role was $51,557 as of May, 2024. The wage range typically falls between $45,755 and $58,101.¹

Medical Billing Specialist

While acting as a liaison between the medical office and insurance companies, help a healthcare facility manage insurance claims, invoices, and payments. The median annual wage in Massachusetts for this role was $52,102 as of May, 2024. The wage range typically falls between $48,479 and $56,976.¹

Health Care Analyst

Gathers data to be interpreted and used to create more efficient systems within a clinic or medical facility, including data from patient records, insurance claims, reports, research, and surveys. The median annual wage in Massachusetts for this role was $87,607 as of May, 2024. The wage range typically falls between $76,635 and $98,284.¹

Healthcare Sales/Marketing Manager

Creates communication plans to connect with patients. Collaborates with the healthcare provider’s leadership team to analyze data and strategize marketing plans. Develops strategic partnerships with local clinics and other healthcare organizations. The median annual wage in Massachusetts for this role was $113,973 as of May, 2024. The wage range typically falls between $98,502 and $127,547.¹

How to Get Started in the Business Management Field Near the Merrimack Valley

Feeling pumped? We thought so! Learn more about how to apply for the Business Management Associate Degree program. Still unsure that it’s the right fit for you? Contact us to chat more about why this could be the best decision you’ll ever make!

Program Costs

For the 2024-2025 academic year, non-health for-credit courses have a cost of $263/credit for in-state students.

Program Info

A program pathway is the most efficient semester-to-semester sequence of courses recommended for students to complete their degree.

Transfer For A Bachelor's Degree
Faculty

Program Coordinator

David J. Weber, Esq., NRP, FP-C

Email: dweber@necc.mass.edu
Phone: 978-665-5873

FAQs

How much does an associate degree cost?

Community college is now free for eligible Massachusetts residents!

For learners living in other New England states, we offer a reduced out-of-state rate. All others, including international students, pay the full out-of-state rate, before any financial aid awards are made. 

Tuition and Financial Aid at NECC

What types of financial aid are available?

There are three basic types of financial aid you can receive while attending NECC: grants and scholarships, loans, and work-study. Grants and scholarships are a gift and carry no work or repayment requirements. Loans, regardless of the lending source, are funds that must be repaid. Loan repayment terms vary, while the actual loan gives you an opportunity to borrow against future earnings.

Available in on-campus and off-campus formats, all work-study jobs are part-time and filled on an as-needed basis.

Tuition and Financial Aid at NECC

How do I apply for financial aid?

At NECC, we understand that financial aid can make earning your college degree a reality. Many types of aid are available; funds that can be used to help pay for tuition and fees, books, and other personal costs. To qualify, you must meet certain eligibility requirements and complete the application process.

While you can complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at any time after October 1 to receive funds for the following academic year, we recommend you apply as early as possible since some grant funds are distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis. The priority deadline for the state of Massachusetts is May 1. Although applications are accepted throughout the year, some state funds are awarded only to those who meet this deadline.

Please note: You must complete a FAFSA each academic year to be eligible for financial aid.

Tuition and Financial Aid at NECC

How do I transfer credits to NECC from another school?

Tried another college but had trouble making it work? At NECC, we make it easy for students to transfer from another school to ours. Roughly one-third of all NECC students have previously been enrolled at other colleges and then found success here. We welcome you to join them so you can get your education back on track!

Transfer to NECC

How do I transfer my NECC credits to a four-year school?

At NECC, our transfer agreements help ensure you are taking the right courses and electives so you can seamlessly transfer to the four-year college or university of your choice. We offer over 100 transfer agreements with public and private institutions.

Contact the Transfer and Advising Center to learn more.

Does the school assist with job placement?

At NECC, we want you to get a career you love. Our Career Services department is here to assist you at every stage in your career development. From career exploration and internships to landing that first job or navigating career changes, we can help you get on the right path to a career you will love! Whether you are a currently enrolled student or a recent grad, contact us and we can help you.

Our job placement specialists are here to learn about your academic interests and discuss related careers. NECC welcomes you to participate in our various career events and workshops and use our free resources to help you identify the right career for you.

How does NECC support diversity and inclusion?

NECC offers a positive and supportive learning environment of cultural inclusion; one which challenges prejudice, celebrates differences, embraces all identities, and inspires all students, staff, and faculty to succeed. As a Hispanic Serving Institution, we are passionate about closing racial equity gaps and ensuring the success of Hispanic members of our college and community.

What learning options are available if I work full-time?

At NECC, our staff and faculty understand that many of our students work or have other responsibilities outside the classroom. That’s why we offer flexible traditional and nontraditional learning options, including on-campus, online, and hybrid programs. Our online programs offer the same high-quality education and support as our on-campus programs, ensuring all students have an equal opportunity to thrive academically.

Online: Whether you want to complete one online class or your entire degree or certificate online, NECC’s online associate degree and certificate programs make it easy for you to enhance your knowledge and achieve your goals. On-campus: Northern Essex Community College is easily accessible from throughout the Merrimack Valley region to either of our campus locations in Haverhill and Lawrence, MA.

What is the average class size?

At NECC, inspiring our students and graduates to succeed is our top priority. That said, we understand that smaller class sizes help ensure that each student receives the personalized attention they deserve. Presently, our average class size is 16.3 students.

Does NECC have a study abroad program?

Are you interested in other cultures? Would you like to earn a degree while studying abroad? NECC understands that increasing your global awareness can help you gain an edge in the job market when you graduate. For students interested in other cultures or who want to travel and see new places, we offer an International Studies program.

Once accepted into the program, you can take advantage of short course opportunities to visit another country, study abroad for a semester, or increase your global awareness right here on campus by participating in One Geographic Region events or becoming a Global Scholar.

International Studies at NECC

Sources and Citations: ¹Salary information provided on this page is sourced from Salary.com. The data reflects estimates based on employer surveys and job listings. Actual salaries may vary based on location, experience, and other factors.

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