Find out where you should study online masters degree programs in healthcare administration. A master’s in healthcare administration program prepares professionals for complex and demanding roles. The healthcare industry is growing at a faster-than-average rate, owing to an aging population and rising demand for services.
Between 2018 and 2028, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) forecasts an 18 percent increase in health services manager employment. The highest earners work in government or local, state, and private hospitals, with a median annual pay of $100,980.
The following guide will walk you through how to pick a program, what to expect in class, and what careers are accessible to graduates.
Top 10 Online Masters in Healthcare Administration Programs
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- University of Pennsylvania
- Penn State World Campus
- Johns Hopkins University
- University of Southern California
- Florida International University
- University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
- Clarkson College
- Appalachian State University
- Western Carolina University
What is an Online Masters Degree Program in Healthcare Administration?
Students who earn an online master’s in healthcare administration are prepared for management jobs in health-care organizations. Students who study healthcare administration gain a wide understanding of leadership styles and information systems. Students also learn how to manage financial difficulties and evaluate patient-care practices.
“An online master’s in healthcare administration prepares students for leadership roles in health-care organizations.”
Specializations in informatics, organizational development and leadership, and healthcare policy are available in some programs. Students can learn skills including electronic medical records management, program planning, and policy interpretation through these selections. Candidates with a speciality can stand out to potential employers.
Healthcare workers who want to improve their management skills and promote their careers usually enroll in online MHA programs. Flexible online formats and minimum on-site requirements ensure that work, family, and other obligations are not disrupted.
Choosing an Online MHA Program
While many online MHA programs have a lot in common, especially in terms of subject matter, prospective students should weigh the distinctions to find the one that best matches their objectives and needs. The following are some things to think about:
Program Cost
It’s critical to look at the tuition, fees, and financial assistance opportunities at each potential institution. Calculate your return on investment by looking up salaries in your region.
Transfer Policies
If you wish to apply credits from another school or gain competency-based credit for earlier learning, look for schools with extensive transfer policies.
School Size and Type
Class sizes, whether the program uses a cohort or personalized learning approach, and the volume and availability of student services can all have a significant impact on online experiences.
Program Length
The majority of master’s programs last two years, while some specialities or dual degrees, such as MHA/MBA programs, require longer. Longer programs may result in a higher overall cost.
On-Campus Requirements
Residentships on campus are required in several online MHA programs, which augment the educational experience. However, for students who reside far from campus, they can be difficult commitments to meet, so it’s wise to understand any such requirements before enrolling.
MHA programs commonly conclude with a final project or on-site practicum in a local healthcare facility. Make sure you’re ready to finish all degree requirements before enrolling.
What Else Can I Expect From a Master’s in Healthcare Administration Program Online?
Team leadership, financial skills, information technology management, and organizational awareness are all covered in most online healthcare administration master’s programs. Typically, MHA programs require 36-42 credits.
Concentrations in informatics, strategic leadership, healthcare policy, and global health are available with some degrees. On-campus residencies or an on-site practicum may be required for MHA programs.
Healthcare Administration Curriculum
Clinical Systems Management
The ideas of computerized clinical information systems and computer-based patient records are introduced in this course. In complex healthcare settings, the coursework emphasizes on quality improvement, change management, governance, and clinical leadership development.
Organizational Behavior
The course looks at the elements that influence employee behavior, performance, and work satisfaction. The focus of the coursework is on effective management techniques for teams, people, and entire companies. Students learn how to manage and lead in a healthcare setting.
Health Economics
During this course, students learn about the economic forces that influence healthcare service production, consumption, reimbursement, and funding decisions. The market characteristics of acute and long-term care services, insurance services, and healthcare labor are all covered in this course. Demand, cost production, profit, and competitiveness are all factors that students consider while looking at healthcare operations and planning.
Accreditation for Online MHA Programs
Accreditation assures that a school or program adheres to specified standards of quality and efficiency. Regional, national, and programmatic accreditation are the three forms of accreditation. Third-party evaluations of curriculum content and other aspects, such as student services, school expenditures, and teacher qualifications are required for all three types of schools.
An institution’s complete structure is subject to national and regional accreditation. For-profit universities are typically subject to national accreditation, which is governed by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. It’s worth noting that most regionally recognized schools do not accept credits from nationally accredited schools.
It is a distinct sort of accreditation. On the basis of industry-specific educational standards, agencies and organizations review particular programs and departments and provide accreditation. A programmatic accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education should be considered when looking to study online MHA programs.
Healthcare Administration Jobs
An MHA gives highly transferable abilities that can be used in a variety of fields. Higher education, social services, advocacy, and government are all potential industries. A handful of these professions are discussed farther down.
- College Administrators
- Medical and Health Services Managers
- Social and Community Service Managers
Healthcare Administration Professional Organizations
Join a professional association for healthcare administration, such as the ones listed below, to gain access to webinars, scholarships, conferences, and online discussion forums.
Association for Healthcare Administrative Professionals
The American Healthcare Administrative Professionals Association (AHCAP) is the sole nonprofit healthcare association for administrative professionals in the United States. MHA students receive a student membership discount. Free webinars, networking and professional development opportunities, and access to the AHCAP job bank and discussion forum are just a few of the benefits.
American Association of Healthcare Administrative Management
The American Association of Hospital Administrative Administrators (AAHAM) is the nation’s leading professional organization for healthcare administrative managers. The major purpose of the organization is to help members advance their careers through publications, seminars, certifications, and networking opportunities. Members’ legislative and regulatory interests are also represented by the association through involvement in major industry groups. Full-time students are eligible to join for free.
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Health Care Administrators Association
The Healthcare Management Group of America (HCAA) is the nation’s biggest nonprofit trade association dedicated to serving the interests of medical managers, human resource managers, and other healthcare administration professionals. Organizations, not individuals, are members, however students and young professionals can benefit from online services such as job advertising and expert interviews.
The Best Online Masters Degree Programs in Healthcare Administration
1 University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
UNC is the earliest public university in the United States, having opened its doors in 1795.
Students in UNC’s executive master of healthcare administration program meet once or twice a week for synchronous online classes. Three on-campus sessions per year, for a total of 14 days, are included in this program.
After completing 49 credits and producing a business plan or technical paper, students can graduate in two years. Applicants must have three years of expertise in healthcare or public health and be currently employed in the field. They must hold a bachelor’s degree and provide transcripts demonstrating a 3.0 GPA.
Accreditation
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges has regionally accredited the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (SACSCOC).
2 University of Pennsylvania
Uni-Penn was first imagined in 1740 and brought to reality in 1751 courtesy to Benjamin Franklin.
Penn University provides a combined master’s degree in nursing and health care administration. Current topics in health and social policy, as well as principles in healthcare economics, are examples of sample courses.
To graduate, students must complete 14.5 course units. A bachelor’s degree in nursing is required for applicants. Those with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2 are exempt from taking the GRE. In addition, applicants must be immunized, have CPR certification, and pass a drug and background check.
Accreditation
The Middle States Commission on Higher Education has regionally accredited the University of Pennsylvania (MSCHE).
3 Penn State World Campus
Penn State’s online learning platform, World Campus, was introduced in 1998. It now has over 150 online degree programs to choose from.
Penn State’s master of health administration program can be completed entirely online or with in-person management intensives. The curriculum is usually 28 months long, or seven semesters long.
To graduate, students must complete 49 credits. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree and at least three years of professional work experience. They should also be employed in the medical area right now. For undergraduate education, Penn State prefers a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
Accreditation
The Middle States Commission on Higher Education has granted Pennsylvania State University regional accreditation (MSCHE).
4 Johns Hopkins University
Johns Hopkins is America’s first research institution, having been founded almost 140 years ago.
The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine provides an online master’s degree in health care management with a two-day on-site residency requirement. Accounting for health-care decision-making, health-care law and regulation, and frameworks for assessing health-care markets are among the topics covered.
To graduate, students must complete 36 credits. Applicants must be admitted to Johns Hopkins’ Carey Business School and should anticipate to submit transcripts and recommendation letters certifying the completion of a bachelor’s degree.
Accreditation
The Middle States Commission on Higher Education has granted Johns Hopkins University regional accreditation (MSCHE).
5 University of Southern California
Founded in 1880, USC taught just 53 students in its first semester. Now, enrollment has surpassed 46,000.
USC offers its executive master of health administration program in a hybrid format, combining both asynchronous and synchronous online lectures with in-person activities. Core competencies include communication, business and management knowledge, and knowledge of the healthcare environment.
Students must complete 36 credits and two four-day residencies to graduate. Applicants must have earned a bachelor’s degree with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or greater and have at least 5 years of work experience at the mid to senior level.
Accreditation
The University of Southern California is regionally accredited by the WASC Senior Colleges and University Commission (WSCUC).
6 Florida International University
When FIU officially opened its doors in 1972, it had the greatest first semester enrollment of any university, with 5,667 students.
In approximately 18 months, students can receive a master of business administration in healthcare from FIU. The curriculum combines accelerated online classes with three residence experiences, one of which can be completed entirely online.
To graduate, students must complete 42 credit hours. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 in upper-division courses, as well as two years of professional job experience.
Accreditation
The Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools has regionally accredited Florida International University (SACSCOC).
7 University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Founded almost 150 years ago, the University of Minnesota now educates approximately 50,000 students.
The master of healthcare management program at the University of Minnesota mixes online learning with 26 days of on-campus instruction. The curriculum takes roughly 25 months to complete. Health-care service innovation and financial principles in healthcare are two examples such courses.
To graduate, students must complete 42 credits. Applicants should have three years of clinical leadership experience and be currently employed in the healthcare field. They must also have a 3.0 GPA in their undergraduate studies.
Accreditation
The Higher Learning Commission has granted the University of Minnesota Twin Cities regional accreditation (HLC).
8 Clarkson College
Clarkson University is Nebraska’s first nursing school, graduating more than 350 students each year.
Clarkson University provides a fully online master’s degree in health care administration. Students enroll in one course at a time, which lasts six weeks. Healthcare analytics and health care project management are two examples such courses.
To graduate, students must complete 39 credits. Applicants must provide transcripts that indicate a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0.
Accreditation
The Higher Learning Commission has granted Clarkson College regional accreditation (HLC).
9 Appalachian State University
The University of North Carolina System has 17 campuses, with Appalachian being one of them.
Appalachian’s master of health management program is delivered entirely online, with only one brief in-person visit per semester. Students can specialize in health care administration or information systems.
To graduate, students must complete 46 credits. Applicants must submit transcripts and a personal statement demonstrating completion of a bachelor’s degree. GRE or GMAT scores are required for students with a cumulative GPA of less than 3.0.
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Accreditation
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges has regionally accredited Appalachian State University (SACSCOC).
10 Western Carolina University
WCU, which was founded in 1889, now has over 12,000 students and provides over 120 degree programs.
WCU provides a master’s degree in business administration with a focus on health care administration. Students meet face-to-face in Biltmore Park every other week for classes in a hybrid format.
To graduate, students must finish 36 credits and have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above. Full-time students can complete their studies in as little as three semesters.
Applicants must present transcripts demonstrating that they have completed an undergraduate degree. Depending on employment experience or academic history, WCU may additionally request GMAT or GRE scores.
Accreditation
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges has regionally accredited Western Carolina University (SACSCOC).
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