NASHVILLE – To address an urgent shortage of health care professionals needed to navigate an increasingly complex health care system, Western Governors University (WGU) is now offering a first-of-its-kind Bachelor of Science in Health Services Coordination (BSHSC) degree program. 

In addition to medical coordination skills, students will develop competencies in leadership skills, cultural awareness, patient-centered care coordination, and the ability to identify and intervene with high-risk patients through WGU’s proprietary Professional Leadership and Communication course. Applications have been accepted since Sept. 1.

“We’re excited to expand our degree offerings for one of the largest enterprises in the state of Tennessee – health care,” said Kimberly Estep, chancellor of WGU Tennessee. “The health care field is growing rapidly, and the addition of the Bachelor of Science in Health Services Coordination degree program will help prepare students to fill many roles in this high-demand profession.”

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that jobs in health services coordination will increase 20% by 2026. This degree program will benefit students new to health professions, while also creating a bachelor’s degree pathway for experienced pre- and paraprofessionals, medical assistants, certified nursing assistants (CNAs), home health aides, EMTs, paramedics, and military medics seeking job security or promotion. BSHSC graduates will be prepared to navigate emerging value-based care systems, promote patient-centered holistic care, and provide integrated care management.   

The BSHSC, like all WGU degree programs, is competency-based, allowing students to study and learn on their own schedules and advance as soon as they demonstrate mastery of course materials. WGU’s affordable tuition of approximately $7,000 per year and flexible learning model make it possible for busy students to earn an accredited degree on a tight schedule.  

Details of the program are available at www.wgu.edu/BShealthservices.