Best Online MBA in Healthcare Administration
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In 2020-2021, business was the most popular graduate degree field, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Within business, 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.
What Is an MBA in Healthcare Management?
An MBA in healthcare management prepares graduates for administrative roles in healthcare. These programs often require students to complete 30-50 credits, and most full-time learners 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.
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 29% job growth for medical and health services managers between 2023 and 2033. These professionals earned a median annual salary of $110,680 in 2023.
Looking for the overall top programs? Check out our ranking of the best accredited online MBA programs.
Best Accredited Online MBA in Healthcare Management Programs
Rankings compiled by the BestColleges Ranking Team
We have compiled a list of nonprofit and for-profit four-year institutions that offer this degree program. Use the table below to compare each school’s average net price, acceptance rate, and graduation rate.
| School | Average Net Price | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Johns Hopkins University | $89,000 | 8% | 93% |
| Pennsylvania State University | $59,000 | 58% | 57% |
| Florida International University | $60,000 | 64% | 74% |
| Purdue University | $37,000 | 69% | 82% |
| Webster University | 32,000 | 59% | 57% |
| University of North Carolina, Wilmington | $15,000 (in state) $39,300 (out of state) | 68% | 72% |
| University of Delaware | $41,800 | 72% | 81% |
| Bethel University | $27,300 | 89% | 74% |
| Marist College | $30,600 | 60% | 84% |
| Ball State University | $16,500-$23,600 (in state) $23,130-$33,153 (out of state) | 68% | 66% |
Johns Hopkins University
Johns Hopkins‘s Carey Business School offers a flexible MBA in healthcare management, innovation, and technology for experienced business leaders and managers. This 54-credit program requires 20 credits of core business courses and at least 10 credits in the concentration.
Courses may include medical devices and diagnostics, frameworks for analyzing healthcare markets, or the U.S. healthcare system: past, present, and future. Each course is two credits and may require a synchronous residence component either online, in Baltimore, or in Washington, D.C.
Students should be able to complete the program in 2-3 years. Applicants do not need to submit GMAT or GRE scores.
Pennsylvania State University
Penn State‘s customizable MBA provides 25 possible concentrations, including healthcare business. This comprehensive degree program is constructed on a framework of integration, collaboration, and engagement.
Students must complete 48 credits, including 39 core credits and nine concentration credits. Courses may include managing in the digital economy, financial management in health institutions, and introduction to health economics. All courses are asynchronous, although students frequently work in teams to solve real-world problems.
Applicants need an undergraduate degree in health management or healthcare administration and/or three years of full-time experience in the industry. Penn State does not require the GRE or GMAT for admission to this degree.
Florida International University
FIU offers an MBA in healthcare through the Alvah H. Chapman Jr. Graduate School of Business. Students can complete this 42-credit degree in 18 months.
The curriculum focuses on health system finance, global health policy processes, and decision-making in healthcare. Enrollees also learn visual analytics with Tableau, a tool that helps transform raw data into actionable insight. As part of the program, FIU offers multiple certifications, including Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services certification.
Applicants need a bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 or better in the last 60 credits, along with two-plus years of work experience. The school does not require GMAT or GRE scores.
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.
An online degree may be worth it for the unexpected advantages alone. 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
- 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.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.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 application 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 29% job growth for medical and health services managers between 2023 and 2033.
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 (2023): $98,580
Healthcare Management Not for You? Check Out These Related Careers.
Is an MBA in Healthcare Management Worth It?
What is the ROI of 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 of 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 a master’s 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 an online 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 accredit 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 earned a median annual salary of $110,680 in 2023, per the BLS.
What is the highest-paying job I can get with an MBA in healthcare management?
Hospital CEOs earned an average annual salary of $399,910 in 2023, according to the BLS.
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