A&M-Commerce Introduces Competency-Based Health Services Administration Degree Program

With its new Bachelor of Arts and Sciences in Health Services Administration degree, the College of Innovation and Design at Texas A&M University-Commerce is furthering its mission to empower working professionals through competency-based education.

David Deggs, Ph.D., is associate director of academic programs for the college.

“It is quite exciting to launch the health services administration degree to help address workforce needs in the state of Texas,” Deggs said. “We are equipped to help students throughout the state prepare for career opportunities in this vital field.”

The degree program is aimed at students interested in working with interdisciplinary teams in healthcare settings to address the needs of communities and targeted populations. Health services administrators may manage whole healthcare systems, individual facilities and practices, or specific clinical departments.

The program will expose students to aspects of healthcare administration including interprofessional communication, financial issues, health informatics, healthcare ethics and legal issues, and critical incident management, among others.

Instructor Deena Besson helped develop the program based on her diverse healthcare career. Her extensive background includes working as a 911 paramedic, practicing adult and pediatric care in hospital settings, and hospital emergency management and disaster preparedness.

Besson is excited to share her knowledge with future healthcare professionals.

“I am so delighted to be part of this new program at A&M-Commerce,” Besson said. “Having worked in healthcare for nearly 20 years, I know this is a much-needed program that will change many lives.”

The College of Innovation and Design provides competency-based programs designed particularly for transfer and non-traditional students, and working professionals who have difficulty attending face-to-face classes.

Courses are offered through two seven-week terms per semester at an affordable cost of $750 per term. Students can transfer up to 90 student credit hours to be applied toward their degree plan. Additionally, the fully online, competency-based format allows students to accelerate through coursework by leveraging their current knowledge, which helps to speed up the time it takes to complete their degree.

The college is actively recruiting students for the next available term, which begins January 18, 2022. Tuition assistance may be available through Project Complete. Interested candidates may contact [email protected] or [email protected].

Learn more about the BAAS in Health Services Administration at tamuc.edu/HealthAdministration.