Best Online MBA in Healthcare Management Programs

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MBA graduates make up the largest percentage of graduates of any program. Although there are many MBA programs to choose from, prospective students interested in healthcare may find that an MBA in healthcare management is a rewarding and lucrative option.

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Why Get an MBA in Healthcare Management?

An MBA in healthcare management program combines the multidisciplinary nature of an MBA degree with an in-depth focus on leadership positions within the healthcare field. Graduates are prepared to take on roles in healthcare management, such as healthcare administrator, project manager, and financial manager.

The total tuition required to earn an MBA in healthcare management varies widely, with most students paying $35,000-$85,000. Tuition at public colleges generally costs less than at private schools. Prospective students can compare costs between programs and may find online MBA in healthcare management programs more affordable.

Although the cost of an MBA may seem daunting, the healthcare field continues to grow. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 32% job growth for medical and health services managers between 2019 and 2029. These professionals earn a median annual salary of $104,280.

Looking for the overall best online MBA programs? Check out our ranking here.

Featured MBA Healthcare Management Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

What Is an MBA in Healthcare Management?

An MBA in healthcare management prepares graduates for administrative roles in healthcare. These programs often require 30-50 credits, and most full-time students graduate within two years.

Online programs can offer students the flexibility to continue working while completing courses. Some colleges may offer accelerated options that allow students to graduate within one year.

Coursework in these programs usually covers accounting and finance, operations management, marketing, and information systems. Most programs culminate in a capstone course or internship.

Best Accredited Online MBA in Healthcare Management Programs

Rankings compiled by the BestColleges Ranking Team

Online Healthcare Management MBA Programs

  1. Johns Hopkins University
    Location

    Baltimore, MD

    Johns Hopkins offers a flexible MBA through the Carey Business School. The 54-credit program offers an online-specific concentration in healthcare management. Coursework explores topics, such as healthcare law and regulation, economics for decision-making, and frameworks for analyzing healthcare markets.

    Students can complete the MBA in healthcare management entirely online or in a hybrid format. At least three courses in the core business foundations module require a campus residency, each lasting for several days. Students may choose to complete a two-part practicum in healthcare strategy consulting as an elective course.


    Program Snapshot

    • Program URL: Visit Program
    • Cost-per-credit: $1,650
    • Total Credits Required to Graduate: 54 credits
    • Program Length: 3 years
    • Format: Online
    • School Status: Private

    Johns Hopkins University is accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

  2. Pennsylvania State University
    Location

    University Park, PA

    Penn State World Campus offers an online MBA through the internationally-renowned Smeal College of Business. The 48-credit MBA features a concentration in healthcare business, exploring health economics, health services organizations, and the financial management of healthcare institutions. Students may concurrently earn an MBA and a graduate certificate in this concentration.

    Learners must complete a three-day residency on campus before starting the online MBA. Penn State World Campus admits MBA students in the fall, spring, and summer semesters. Learners in the online MBA pay a set, per-credit graduate tuition rate based on their individual course load each semester.


    Program Snapshot

    • Program URL: Visit Program
    • Cost-per-credit: $1,236
    • Total Credits Required to Graduate: 48 credits
    • Format: Online
    • Instruction Style: Asynchronous
    • School Status: Public

    Penn State World Campus is accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

  3. Florida International University
    Location

    Miami, FL

    Students can complete FIU's online healthcare MBA in 18 months. The 42-credit program imparts specialized skills in federal and global health policy, healthcare financing and reimbursement, and decision-making for healthcare managers. The program uses an accelerated cohort model through which students take two eight-week courses at a time.

    Learners must complete three in-person residencies throughout the program. Each residency prepares students to earn the Lean Six Sigma yellow and green belt designations. Students may participate in an optional global travel program to earn an advanced certificate in global healthcare administration in addition to their degree.


    Program Snapshot

    • Program URL: Visit Program
    • Program Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education
    • Cost-per-credit: $1,426
    • Total Credits Required to Graduate: 42 credits
    • Program Length: 18 months
    • Format: Online
    • School Status: Public

    Florida International University is accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

  4. Purdue University
    Location

    West Lafayette, IN

    Purdue's online MBA in healthcare management requires 60-76 credits, includes six-week courses, and features multiple start dates throughout the year. Purdue offers tuition discounts to Indiana residents and military and international students.

    Learners explore topics in health policy, healthcare marketing, public health leadership and administration, and healthcare operations and quality assessment. Graduates with a BBA from Purdue may qualify for the university's accelerated MBA program. This online MBA in healthcare management culminates in an MBA capstone requirement.


    Program Snapshot

    • Program URL: Visit Program
    • Program Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
    • Cost-per-credit: $485
    • Total Credits Required to Graduate: 76 credits
    • Format: Online
    • School Status: Public

    Purdue University is accredited by Higher Learning Commission.

  5. Webster University
    Location

    Saint Louis, MO

    Webster's MBA with an optional emphasis in health administration stresses both business and personal effectiveness competencies. The curriculum explores topics, such as financial management, organization, and management in health administration, and health administration law. The program culminates in a consulting project capstone.

    Students can complete the MBA entirely online or in a hybrid format. This health administration MBA requires 39-42 credits. Online learners pay a flat, per-credit tuition rate for MBA courses. Webster offers multiple dual degrees in fields, such as finance, international relations, and IT management.


    Program Snapshot

    • Program URL: Visit Program
    • Program Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
    • Cost-per-credit: $780
    • Total Credits Required to Graduate: 39-42 credits
    • Format: Online
    • School Status: Private

    Webster University is accredited by Higher Learning Commission.

  6. University of North Carolina - Wilmington
    Location

    Wilmington, NC

    Students can complete UNCW's online MBA with a specialization in healthcare management within one year. The 36-credit program features accelerated, seven-week courses, with no prerequisite coursework. This online MBA in healthcare management is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

    Learners build professional skills in business law, business analytics, and strategic management. The program also includes specialization coursework in healthcare analytics and healthcare systems. UNCW accepts applications on a rolling basis and offers six start dates per year for the online MBA.


    Program Snapshot

    • Program URL: Visit Program
    • Program Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
    • Cost-per-credit: $414.72 for in-state students; $1,092.62 for out-of-state students
    • Total Credits Required to Graduate: 36 credit hours
    • Program Length: 12 months
    • Format: Online
    • School Status: Public

    University of North Carolina at Wilmington is accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

  7. University of Delaware
    Location

    Newark, DE

    UD offers an online MBA with an optional concentration in healthcare management. Students can also major in healthcare or choose multiple concentrations to suit their career goals. This online MBA in healthcare management includes seven-week courses, and learners can graduate within 16 months.

    This MBA concentration explores topics in modern health systems, e-services, and informatics. Students may qualify for a variety of financial aid opportunities, including a merit scholarship, corporate partner tuition discounts, military scholarships, and a GMAT waiver. This online MBA in healthcare management pairs students with their own personal career coach.


    Program Snapshot

    • Program URL: Visit Program
    • Program Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
    • Cost-per-credit: $950
    • Total Credits Required to Graduate: 44 credits
    • Program Length: 16 months
    • Format: Online
    • Instruction Style: Asynchronous
    • School Status: Public

    University of Delaware is accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

  8. Bethel University
    Location

    Saint Paul, MN

    Bethel offers an MBA with an optional concentration in healthcare administration. Students may complete the MBA entirely online, on campus, or through hybrid study. New courses start every six weeks. Learners can complete the program in 18-24 months.

    The 42-credit curriculum explores topics in healthcare policy and economics, health informatics and application, and organizational diagnostics and health. MBA students also develop a professional portfolio and complete an integrative team capstone.


    Program Snapshot

    • Program URL: Visit Program
    • Program Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
    • Cost-per-credit: $650
    • Total Credits Required to Graduate: 42 credits
    • Program Length: 18-24 months
    • Format: Online or hybrid
    • School Status: Private

    Bethel University is accredited by Higher Learning Commission.

  9. Marist College
    Location

    Poughkeepsie, NY

    Marist offers an online MBA through its School of Management, which is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Marist does not require campus attendance but offers optional residency weekends in nearby New York City. Courses last for eight weeks, and the program delivers all coursework asynchronously.

    The healthcare administration concentration explores U.S. healthcare policies and systems, ethical/legal issues in healthcare, managing organizational change, and critical issues in healthcare. Marist offers five start dates per year.


    Program Snapshot

    • Program URL: Visit Program
    • Program Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
    • Cost-per-credit: $850
    • Total Credits Required to Graduate: 36 credits
    • Program Length: 2.5 years
    • Format: Online
    • Instruction Style: Asynchronous
    • School Status: Private

    Marist College is accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

  10. Ball State University
    Location

    Muncie, IN

    Ball State offers a highly customizable online or hybrid MBA, including full-time and part-time enrollment and fall, spring, and summer start dates. Students can choose a concentration in healthcare administration or health economics policy and administration.

    The program requires 30-43 credits depending on whether applicants hold a business degree. Learners develop skills in financial and strategic management specific to healthcare organizations. In all concentrations, students complete a capstone course in global strategic management.


    Program Snapshot

    • Program URL: Visit Program
    • Program Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
    • Cost-per-credit: $549 for in-state students; $771 for out-of-state students
    • Total Credits Required to Graduate: 30-43 credits
    • Format: Online or hybrid
    • Instruction Style: Both
    • School Status: Public

    Ball State University is accredited by Higher Learning Commission.

What Can I Expect From an Online Healthcare Management MBA?

An online MBA in healthcare management prepares graduates for managerial positions in hospitals, private practices, and other medical facilities. Students complete foundational business courses in economics, leadership, and statistics, along with healthcare administration-specific coursework.

Students in an online MBA in healthcare management can experience unexpected advantages. Pursuing a degree online can allow students to live anywhere. This flexibility can help save money on housing or make it easier to relocate for a job. Many distance learners continue working part time or full time while in school.

Example MBA in Healthcare Management Courses

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    Health Systems Management
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    Economics for Decision-making
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    Information Systems
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    Statistical Analysis
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    Business Leadership and Human Values

What are Admission Requirements for an MBA in Healthcare Management Program?

Test Scores

Applicants to online MBA in healthcare management programs must often submit GMAT or GRE scores.

The average GRE scores at top business schools from 2017-2019 ranged from 310-330. Average GMAT scores in MBA schools in 2020 ranged from 639-733. Aim for test scores above the college's average and create a plan to study for the GRE or the GMAT.

Letters of Recommendation

Expect to provide two or three letters of recommendation. Many business schools prefer letters of recommendation from professional contacts instead of professors.

Start with your current supervisors and consider previous managers. Give your recommenders sufficient time to write their letters. Consider providing them with a few qualities you would like them to highlight.

Resume

Consider creating a resume specific to your application. You would tailor your resume for each job you apply for, so you should do the same for your MBA application.

Although your resume should include standard sections, such as education, work experience, volunteer experience, and special skills or training, you should pay special attention to focusing on your leadership skills. Highlight management experience, team collaborations or projects, and problem-solving skills.

Essays

The college essay is a great opportunity to showcase who you are and why you would make a great fit for an MBA in healthcare management program. Prepare to spend several days or weeks planning, writing, and editing your essay. If possible, have at least one other person read your essay and provide constructive feedback.

Official Transcripts

You must submit official college transcripts when applying to MBA programs. Depending on the classes you have completed, you may be able to transfer graduate credits toward your MBA.

What Can I Do With an MBA in Healthcare Management Degree?

An MBA in healthcare management provides a well-rounded business education focused on preparing graduates to become innovative leaders in healthcare.

Completing an MBA in healthcare management prepares graduates to work in managerial positions in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and private practices. The BLS projects 32% job growth for medical and health services managers between 2019 and 2029.

Project Management Specialist

These professionals supervise projects at healthcare facilities from beginning to end. They create project plans and debrief and analyze finished projects. Strategic project managers must possess strong leadership skills.

Median Annual Salary: $84,290

Healthcare Administrator

Working in hospitals, outpatient facilities, and nursing homes, healthcare administrators keep healthcare centers running efficiently. Keeping the hospital in compliance with health regulations, healthcare administrators create new policies, balance budgets, and may help recruit and hire medical staff.

Median Annual Salary: $100,980

Medical Records Technician

Medical records technicians maintain patient data. They work in mental health facilities, hospitals, and long-term care facilities. These professionals also collect and interpret data to make informed decisions around staffing and medical care.

Median Annual Salary: $44,090

Hospital Chief Executive Officer

Hospital CEOs focus on tasks related to the cost of running hospitals, such as organizing budgets, negotiating contracts, and marketing.

Median Annual Salary: $214,550

Pharmaceutical Product Manager

Pharmaceutical product managers use industry research to create strategies for marketing and developing a product. They may also lead communication between different teams, such as marketing and sales teams and investors.

Median Annual Salary: $131,100

Healthcare Management Not for You? Check Out These Related Careers.

Is an MBA in Healthcare Management Worth It?

What is the ROI on an MBA in healthcare management?

Although the average price of a graduate degree has risen over the decades, many positions in healthcare management pay above average salaries. The multidisciplinary nature of an MBA creates options for graduates beyond healthcare. Overall, the ROI on an MBA in healthcare management is high.

Why get an MBA in healthcare management instead of a general MBA?

If prospective students are not sure which environment they want to work in, a general MBA is a better choice. For those who are sure they want to work in healthcare, concentrating in healthcare management prepares them to do so.

Why pursue an MBA in healthcare management?

If you are interested in management-level positions in healthcare, an MBA in healthcare management can help you stand out from the competition. Although there are jobs within the field that only require a bachelor's degree, an MBA provides a more thorough understanding of the field.

Why Get an MBA in Healthcare Management Instead of a Master's in Healthcare Management?

Prospective students may wonder whether an MBA in healthcare management or a master's in healthcare administration degree is more beneficial. Although there is overlap, there are differences between these two paths.

An MBA in healthcare management provides a broader business education. Learners take courses in business, finance, and economics. Graduates with an MBA in healthcare management program qualify for business positions outside of healthcare.

Students who are committed to working in healthcare may find a master's degree in healthcare administration more beneficial. Although career opportunities are similar for both degrees, master's in healthcare administration programs include more coursework focused on healthcare.

If you still cannot decide between the two degree options, you could pursue a dual MBA in healthcare management and a master's in healthcare administration degree. Consider your long-term career goals and interests before committing to a program.

Still Looking for the Right Fit? Discover Similar Programs.

How Do I Choose an MBA in Healthcare Management Program?

Cost

Tuition can be a huge factor when determining which school to attend. Consider all fees to find the true cost of each program.

For instance, private colleges tend to cost more than public universities. Typically, in-state tuition is lower than out-of-state tuition. At the graduate level cost may be the same regardless of residency, but scholarship opportunities may be available to in-state residents.

Program Format

Some people find synchronous courses (live classes) keep them accountable, while others prefer the flexibility of asynchronous delivery. The choice to attend part time or full time is worth considering as well. Knowing what level of workload you can commit to is important. Likewise, the opportunity to pursue an accelerated degree may be right for you.

Location

Pursuing an online MBA in healthcare management can open up opportunities at colleges across the nation. However, it can still make sense to enroll in a program close to you. Some programs may have on-campus requirements. Many online MBA in healthcare management degrees also require an internship, and it may be easier to coordinate with a nearby program.

Career Opportunities

Research what type of career resources each program offers students and alumni. Many colleges provide information on their career resources web pages. Some colleges provide information on employment rates and corporate partners.

Programmatic Accreditation

Although you should always research a college's accreditation, be especially vigilant when browsing online programs. The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs, and the International Accreditation Council for Business Education all focus on MBA programs and business schools.

Frequently Asked Questions About MBA in Healthcare Management Programs

Is an MBA in healthcare management program hard to get into?

Most MBA programs are competitive. As such, it can be difficult to earn admission to these programs.

What can I do with an MBA in healthcare management?

An MBA in healthcare management prepares you to work in managerial positions in healthcare. These programs also offer a foundational business education that allows you to pursue various business and finance careers.

Is healthcare management a good career?

Yes. Healthcare management allows you to earn a high salary in an in-demand industry. Because there are several types of careers and a variety of job settings, it may be easier to find a position in healthcare management that fits you well.

How much money can I make with an MBA in healthcare management?

Many positions in healthcare management pay a salary well over the national average. For example, medical and health services managers earn a median annual salary of $104,280.

What is the highest-paying job I can get with an MBA in healthcare management?

Hospital CEOs earn an average annual salary of $214,550.

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Portrait of Krystal Covington, MBA

Krystal Covington, MBA

Krystal Covington, MBA, is a business growth strategist with 15 years of experience in marketing and public relations. Her company, Go Lead Consulting, provides clients foundational tools to build new client and customer relationships.

Krystal founded Women of Denver, one of the largest privately held membership organizations in Denver, Colorado. Her program helps women increase their business acumen, sharpen leadership skills, and connect with other high-achieving women. Krystal received her MBA from Western Governors University in 2012.

Preferred Pronouns: She/Her

BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

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