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
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Johns Hopkins UniversityLocation
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.
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Pennsylvania State UniversityLocation
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.
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Florida International UniversityLocation
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.
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Purdue UniversityLocation
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.
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Webster UniversityLocation
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.
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University of North Carolina - WilmingtonLocation
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.
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University of DelawareLocation
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.
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Bethel UniversityLocation
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.
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Marist CollegeLocation
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.
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Ball State UniversityLocation
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.
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University of Massachusetts - AmherstLocation
Amherst, MA
UMass Amherst offers a flexible online MBA for mid-to-late-career professionals. Students may choose to complete their degree entirely online or through a hybrid format. MBA students at UMass Amherst often hold more than 10 years of business or management experience.
UMass Amherst offers the MBA with a focus in healthcare administration jointly through the Isenberg School of Management and the UMass School of Public Health. The 45-credit curriculum includes foundational courses and electives in healthcare administration. Covered topics include ethical issues in public health, healthcare data analytics, and healthcare disparities.
Program Snapshot
- Program URL: Visit Program
- Program Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
- Cost-per-credit: $2,081 for in-state students; $4,043 for out-of-state student
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 45 credits
- Format: Online or hybrid
- Instruction Style: Asynchronous
- School Status: Public
University of Massachusetts Amherst is accredited by New England Commission on Higher Education.
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Florida Atlantic UniversityLocation
Boca Raton, FL
FAU's online MBA features an embedded specialization in international business and an optional concentration in healthcare administration. Students complete eight-week courses asynchronously online with a cohort of peers.
Full-time students can complete the 40-46-credit program in 16-23 months. Coursework explores health policy, health law, and medical practice management. FAU offers start dates throughout the year in May, August, and January. FAU's College of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
Program Snapshot
- Program URL: Visit Program
- Program Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
- Cost-per-credit: $800
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 40-46 credits
- Program Length: 16-23 months
- Format: Online
- Instruction Style: Asynchronous
- School Status: Public
Florida Atlantic University is accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
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University of MaryLocation
Bismarck, ND
Mary offers an MBA with an optional healthcare concentration online or through evening courses at campuses throughout North Dakota, Kansas, and Montana. The program requires 36 credits, culminating in a graduate business capstone. Students can complete the online MBA in 16 months.
The healthcare concentration explores healthcare organizations and finance, contemporary issues in healthcare administration, and healthcare law and policy. Mary offers rolling admissions with start dates every five weeks and a fixed, per-credit tuition rate for online MBA coursework.
Program Snapshot
- Program URL: Visit Program
- Program Accreditation: International Accreditation Council for Business Education
- Cost-per-credit: $550
- Program Length: 16 months
- Format: Online
- School Status: Private
University of Mary is accredited by Higher Learning Commission.
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Messiah UniversityLocation
Mechanicsburg, PA
Messiah offers an online MBA in healthcare management from a Christian perspective. The 36-credit program includes coursework in health informatics, economics of healthcare, and Christian philosophical and ethical foundations of healthcare. The program culminates in a management capstone.
Messiah's online MBA in healthcare management offers new courses every eight weeks. Students may complete the degree online in 1-2 years of full-time or part-time study. Messiah offers a flat, no-fee tuition rate for online learners regardless of residency.
Program Snapshot
- Program URL: Visit Program
- Program Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
- Cost-per-credit: $710
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 36 credits
- Program Length: 2 years
- Format: Online
- School Status: Private
Messiah University is accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
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Anderson UniversityLocation
Anderson, SC
AU offers an MBA with an optional concentration in healthcare leadership. Learners can complete the program on campus in South Carolina, online, or through hybrid study. AU welcomes both experienced and non-business MBA applicants. Students can graduate in 12-24 months.
AU's online MBA in healthcare leadership features accelerated, six-week courses. The 36-credit curriculum explores management thought and application, leadership and ethics, and global business, culminating in a strategic management capstone. Students may opt to complete an MBA internship.
Program Snapshot
- Program URL: Visit Program
- Program Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
- Cost-per-credit: $525
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 36 credit hours
- Program Length: 12-24 months
- Format: Online or hybrid
- Instruction Style: Asynchronous
- School Status: Private
Anderson University is accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
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 -
Economics for Decision-making -
Information Systems -
Statistical Analysis -
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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Reviewed by:
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
