Health Care Management Courses | 2025-2026 Academic Catalog | SIU

An online seminar course designed to ensure academic and professional success of students entering the Health Care Management program. Introduces students to the unique field of healthcare and explores career and academic opportunities. Discussion on program policies, requirements for degree completion, internship site/supervisor timelines, workforce need for both administrative clinical leaders, analysis of job functions of allied health professionals, current events relative to the field of healthcare management, and student resources available at the University. May be taken concurrently with HCM 320, HCM 340, HCM 360, HCM 364. Restricted to HCM majors.

Credit Hours: 1

A course designed for users of healthcare services, students will explore the history of US healthcare reform and landmark healthcare legislation. Focus is on the impact of healthcare organizations, employers, insurers, medical practice, the economy, and especially the consumer of healthcare services. Exploration of varying ACA plans, interpretation of EOBs, and a review of coding/billing mechanisms such as ICD, CPT, Copays, deductibles, assignment of benefits, capitation, co-insurance, coordinator of benefits, etc. will be conducted aiding consumers of healthcare services in making informed healthcare decisions. Course uses microcomputer applications.

Credit Hours: 3

A course focusing on the U.S. health policy-making process within the context of the political environment. Emphasis is on the ways health policy affects the social determinants of health. Through real-world cases in health policy, students analyze and discuss the public policy environment and gain an understanding of how to exert influence and deal with the political environment. Comparative analysis of other countries is completed to strengthen students' global perspective. Prerequisite: ENGL 101 (or higher) and HCM 302 with a grade of C or higher. Concurrent enrollment allowed with HCM 302. Restricted to HCM major/minor.

Credit Hours: 3

A course in managerial epidemiological principles involving access, delivery, and management of healthcare services in healthcare settings and post-acute care facilities. Focus is on issues involved with populations and community health including outreach and campaigning, evidence based practice, prevention, payor models, and effectiveness of comparative health systems. Discuss medical pluralism and global outcome management and the role of epidemiology as a foundational tool for making management decisions in both clinical and non-clinical environments. Social determinants of health and intersectionality of policy and cultural issues are explored. Prerequisite: ENGL 101, AH 105, HCM 302, all with a C or higher. Concurrent enrollment allowed with HCM 302. Restricted to HCM major/minor. $20 fee for lab license(s) and/or annual technology updates.

Credit Hours: 3

This course is a study of the major components which comprise the US healthcare system. Focus is given to basic terminology, history, settings, personnel, access to care, types of care, utilization of services, vulnerable populations and future challenges for the delivery of healthcare services. Students will closely review clinical aspects and terminologies as they relate to medical conditions, medical equipment, and medical procedures for the purposes of interacting successfully with healthcare administrators, physicians/providers of care, and patients. Prerequisite: HCM 302 with a grade of C or higher, concurrent enrollment allowed. Restricted to HCM major/minor.

Credit Hours: 3

Evaluation of relationships in healthcare organizations. Studies the motivational factors of patient care vs. profits and modifying behaviors to achieve balance. Environmental factors of the healthcare field are evaluated for their impact on employee-management relations of healthcare professionals and patient care providers. Promotes effective planning and organizing within the complex and highly regulated healthcare industry assuring alignment of organizational goals and mission/visions/values related to quality of patient life and organizational success. Restricted to Health Sciences major/minor.

Credit Hours: 3

A course for students beginning a major in healthcare professions. Students examine and apply data to their professions with an emphasis placed upon the understanding of the basic principles, techniques and applications involved with analysis, synthesis and utilization of data and research methodology. Focus will be placed on using data for empirical research. Prerequisite: MATH 101 (or higher), HCM 302 both with a grade of C or higher. Restricted to Health Sciences major/minor.

Credit Hours: 3

(University Core Curriculum) A course focusing on the analysis of the strategic application of information systems technology and the management of such in health care organizations. Focuses on leveraging information systems to analyze clinical and operational data. Students will review reimbursement mechanisms used to track service utilization patterns which assist in the decision making processes within an overall organizational capacity and for the purposes of quality/performance improvement. Leadership aspects pertaining to evidence based management, data extraction, synthesis, analysis, regulation, and governance will be explored along with challenges facing the health care industry in terms of the management of information systems. Prerequisite: ENGL 101, UCC Math, AH 105, all with a C or higher. Restricted to Health Sciences major/minor.

Credit Hours: 3

This course is a study of the major components and processes involved with medical coding as required for the reimbursement of health care services and for capturing data for information and informatics used in managerial decision making within the health care industry. Medical documentation, ICD-9/10-CM coding, CPT coding, HCPCS, the claims processes will be covered through hands-on course exercises and case studies. Prerequisites: AH 105, HCM 360, HCM 366 with grades of C or better.

Credit Hours: 3

A course designed to prepare healthcare professionals for the diverse workforce and patient mix in healthcare. This course will serve as an introduction to diversity management and cross-cultural interaction. Students will explore individual and cultural values to better understand the importance of cultural awareness and diversity management in the delivery of health services. The course aims to develop critical thinking skills, empathy, compassion, and cultural competency in healthcare professionals. Prerequisite: HCM 302, ENGL 101 (or higher) both with a grade of C or higher. Restricted to HCM majors/minors.

Credit Hours: 3

Explores information technology as a governance structure in patient care environments and the impact on systems management of healthcare organizations. The life cycle is examined, as well as EHR/EMR systems and their ROI and how they support organizational functions related to patient care, registration and scheduling, clinical and ancillary systems including CPOE, project management, and predictive analytics/informatics used for decision making. Discusses current issues surrounding the use of big data, data conversion, and interoperability in clinical environments. The complex regulatory environment is explored as well as cyberattacks, security, and HIPAA. Prerequisite: HCM 302, ENGL 101 (or higher), both with a grade of C or higher. Restricted to HCM major/minor.

Credit Hours: 3

Examines the high demand healthcare environment which requires proactive approaches to regulatory compliance forced on both mitigating risk and appreciation for the accreditation/compliance processes as a form of safety and quality for consumers of healthcare services including emerging issues with Artificial Intelligence. A thorough analysis of the varying regulatory bodies associated with the field of healthcare are examined and how their requirements differ. Both organizational integrity and excellence will be explored by examining varying regulatory compliance site surveys, examining the Malcolm-Baldridge excellence framework, and understanding assessment methodologies used to support accreditation and compliance efforts through the lens of leadership and governance. Prerequisite: HCM 302 with a grade of C or higher, concurrent enrollment allowed. Restricted to HCM major/minor.

Credit Hours: 3

Strategic and critical thinking skills are enhanced through study of the fundamentals of strategic planning as a leadership function, including the ethical marketing of healthcare services. Emphasis is placed on leadership styles, governance, business/SWOT analysis, marketing principles/theories, analytics and strategies specific to consumer-driven healthcare including pricing, provision, promotion, and products. Strategic planning models and frameworks used in the planning process will be explored especially focusing on internal/external environments, resource allocation, and change management. Prerequisite: HCM 302, ENGL 101 (or higher) both with a grade of C or higher. Restricted to HCM major/minor.

Credit Hours: 3

An analysis of the economics and fiscal issues in healthcare organizations. Students will explore issues that impact access and delivery of healthcare and the impact on the population's health, and the fiscal nature of healthcare organizations. Supply and demand for healthcare services from the perspective of consumers, producers, and insurers will be discussed. Financial analysis involving the unique financial structures of the healthcare industry will be explored and applied to reimbursement, working capital, financial statements, and the monetary control of the healthcare industry with a special focus on how private and governmental payers form the foundation of healthcare finance. Prerequisites: MATH 101 and HCM 302, both with a grade of C or higher. Restricted to HCM major/minor.

Credit Hours: 3

Principles of law and the U.S. legal system are applied, in part, through case study and an exploration of current events, in the areas of healthcare management. Legal issues include malpractice, contracts, corporate liability, professional liability, patient rights, and the legal aspects of managed care. Prerequisite: HCM 302, ENGL 101 both with a grade of C or higher. Restricted to HCM major/minor.

Credit Hours: 3

Examines factors impacting healthcare organizations and how effective human resources policies and procedures can improve organizational efficiencies within the context of emerging health care models/legislation. The recruitment, hiring, orientation, reviewing, and retention of healthcare professionals in the midst of labor shortages will be addressed with an emphasis of linking outcomes to patient care. Legal and ethical implications associated with the healthcare workforce, including credentialing, CEUs, and unionization will be discussed. Cultural competency will be explored with an emphasis on diversity and inclusiveness for both the healthcare professionals and as part of the patient experience. Prerequisite: HCM 302, ENGL 101 both with a grade of C or higher. Restricted to HCM major/minor.

Credit Hours: 3

(University Core Curriculum) Exploration of the ethical issues surrounding the delivery of health care services. Students will apply ethical principles and decision making processes to a series of cases involving ethical dilemmas unique to the health care environment. Students will carefully explore governance and regulatory issues associated with health care organizations and how their actions as future health care managers will impact the patients and employees they serve and will be microscopically examined by varying entities. Controversial topics such as abortion, religion, and right to die will be discussed as they relate to patient perspectives, values, beliefs and the health care managers' obligation to respect individuals without bias. Prerequisite: ENGL 101 with C or higher. Restricted to Health Sciences major/minor.

Credit Hours: 3

Examines the applications of operations management in the framework of healthcare organizations. Focus will be placed on supply chain and inventory management, forecasting, queuing models, and capacity planning. Determinants to achieve quality management in healthcare facilities will be explored. Utilizes analytical methods of systematic monitoring and evaluation and the application of quality improvement initiatives. Includes impact on quality of accreditations, credentialing, liability, and governmental regulations in varying healthcare settings and post-acute care facilities. Prerequisite: HCM 302 with a grade of C or higher. Not for graduate credit. Restricted to HCM majors/minors.

Credit Hours: 3

A study of the principles of nursing home management and assisted living services which examines administrative and staffing functions relating to clients, community, public policy, programming, state and federal laws, and financing. Examines post-acute care issues related to seamless transitions along the continuum of patient care. Prerequisite: HCM 302 with a grade of C or higher. Not for Graduate Credit. Restricted to HCM major/minor.

Credit Hours: 3

Examine the social constructs of aging. Study theological, cultural, and historical aspects associated with aging, death, and dying. Provides an exploration of social gerontology and the sustainability and equitability of long term care along with the cultural and historical differences in how death, grief, and dying are perceived and managed. Further focus is given toward the social aspects of aging and how society, peers, family members, and healthcare professionals can empathetically improve relations with the aging population. Not for graduate credit. Restricted to Health Sciences majors/minors or consent of department.

Credit Hours: 3

Prepares students for the health care management internship. Professional development topics such as resumes, interview skills, professional organizations, inter-professional education, graduate education, networking, and end of course assessment will be completed. Students must enroll in HCM 421 at least one semester prior (but not more than one year prior) to when they intend to enroll in the HCM 422 Internship course to give adequate time for site selection/university approvals. By the end of HCM 421, site selection/university approval must be achieved or students must repeat HCM 421. If the site, student, or university cancel an internship selected/approved in a previously completed HCM 421 course (prior to the student successfully completing the internship in HCM 422), the student must repeat HCM 421 to select/gain approval for a new internship site. Repeat of HCM 421 is allowed only once. Students may not enroll in HCM 422 without all applicable approvals as completed in HCM 421. Restricted to HCM majors.

Credit Hours: 1-3

As an intern in a University approved healthcare facility, students engage in activities related to healthcare management. Each student performs duties as assigned to complete a managerial/analytical project useful to the organization. Report logs and performance evaluation required. Hours and credit arranged individually with course instructor and site supervisor. 1 credit hour=75 contact hours. A minimum of 150 contact hours required. No waiver of internship is permitted except for students in clinical programs in the School of Health Sciences and only with prior approval from the HCM Internship Coordinator. Must complete the internship with a grade of C or higher. No repeat of the course is allowed. Must have an internship site secured through properly completed MOU from HCM 421 prior to enrolling in HCM 422. End of program review and evaluation conducted. Prerequisite: HCM 302, HCM 320, HCM 340, HCM 360, HCM 364, HCM 365, HCM 371, HCM 375, HCM 382, HCM 384, HCM 385, HCM 388, HCM 390, HCM 410, HCM 413, HCM 421, and HCM 471, each with minimum grade of C. Restricted to HCM major with consent of HCM Internship Coordinator. Not for graduate credit.

Credit Hours: 2-6

An introductory course focusing on the Lean Six Sigma approach to improving quality in healthcare organizations. An exploration of error prevention, problem solving, problem detection, change management, and effective and efficient process improvement. Cases will be used to demonstrate how the approach can be applied specifically to the healthcare industry. Restricted to Health Sciences majors or minors.

Credit Hours: 3

An introductory course designed to examine the different aspects of operating a physician's practice. Focus is placed on licensing and professional regulation; selection of HMOs, PPOs, and other managed care programs; medical records and regulatory compliance; community outreach required for building a medical practice, and practical development of templates for practice activities such as streamlined appointment scheduling and encounter forms. Not for graduate credit.

Credit Hours: 3

A study of the elements important for a safe care environment, including the physical space, equipment, and people. Students will discuss how to examine and assess the care environment for environmental risks. Emphasis will be placed on the disinfection and sterilization process, employee/occupational health, and education of staff to ensure a safe care environment.

Credit Hours: 3

Explores the use of surveillance technology to identify healthcare-acquired infections (HAIs) and other infection prevention data. Discusses how to develop a surveillance system based on risk assessment and systematic collection of data. Use of EHRs, clinical decision support systems, data warehouses, and predictive analysis related to infection prevention programs will be examined.

Credit Hours: 3

Examines the key elements of infection prevention and control programs within healthcare organizations. Students will study the basic principles of microbiology and the most common healthcare-acquired infections. Explores how infection prevention and control programs can control the spread of infectious pathogens within healthcare organizations. Emphasis will be placed on developing programs to identify infection risks and implement infection interventions.

Credit Hours: 3

Advanced course in medical coding and claims auditing. This course examines coding audits associated with regulatory bodies such as OIG, DOJ, CMS, RAC. Students will learn to extract specific clinical data and utilize it for quality improvement initiatives, data analytics, patient marketing, reporting mechanisms, claims and services audits, and managerial decision making in clinical and non-clinical environments. Emphasis is placed on calculating and reporting healthcare outcomes and the legalities/ethical challenges of accurate medical coding for EHR/EMRs, physician practices, hospitals, hospice, and other organizations that provide health care services. Prerequisite: HCM 368 with a grade of C or better. Not for graduate credit.

Credit Hours: 3

Through use of research methodology and/or case study, students will examine critical issues related to the balancing of quality care with operational efficiency through the lens of ethics and social responsibility in the context of healthcare service delivery and the governance of healthcare organizations. Conflict resolution, critical thinking, and moral reasoning will be explored as applied to analyzing contemporary and global healthcare issues and applied to decision-making models in topic areas applicable to patient care environments. A writing intensive course that critically examines ways to ensure the most benefit and the least harm, achieve justice, eradicate disparity in healthcare, and assure transparency. Prerequisite: HCM 302, HCM 365, ENGL 101 (or higher) all with a grade of C or higher. Restricted to HCM major/minor.

Credit Hours: 3

Provides advanced health care management/informatics or administration students with the opportunity to develop a special program of studies to fit a particular need not met by other offerings. Each student will work under the supervision of a sponsoring program faculty member approved by the HCM Program Director. Restricted to School of Health Sciences majors. Requires special permission from HCM Program Director.

Credit Hours: 1-3