The Best Online MBA in Healthcare Management Programs
The Master of Business Administration, or MBA, tops the list among the most popular educational degree pathways for today's graduate students. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), nearly 190,000 MBAs earned MBAs in 2013-14; this number represents more than 25% of all master's degrees conferred during that academic year. MBA programs usually follow a comprehensive curriculum to prepare students for the various roles and responsibilities in corporate environments, but many allow students to earn a degree specialization in niche areas of business administration.
The BLS projects that positions in medical and health services management will grow by 17% through 2024.
A popular specialization option among MBA students is healthcare management, or the study of administrative and operational needs of hospitals, clinics and other facilities that deliver medical treatment and healthcare services. Healthcare management MBA programs often require students to complete practicum courses or clinical residencies, which allow them to receive supervised onsite training from experienced professionals; a final capstone project may also be included, as well. Many of today's students are choosing to earn their MBA in healthcare management online. Web-based students follow the same rigorous curriculum as their brick-and-mortar counterparts, leading to the same number of job opportunities after graduation. The asynchronous (or self-paced) schedule and study-from-home format are also ideal for students with part-time jobs, childcare duties and other responsibilities that stand to interfere with campus-based learning.
Learn more about what you can do with an online MBA in healthcare management and what kind of career opportunities you can look forward to with this comprehensive guide.
- WHY GET AN MBA IN HEALTHCARE MANAGEMENT?
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An MBA in healthcare management is a good fit for professionals with a bachelor's degree and a few years of experience who want to advance their career into a management-level role. Read more here..
- WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH AN MBA IN HEALTHCARE MANAGEMENT?
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Graduates with an MBA in health care management can pursue business roles like financial manager or business operations manager. They may also obtain health care-related roles like medical and health services manager. Read more here..
- IS AN MBA IN HEALTHCARE MANAGEMENT WORTH IT?
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Graduates with an MBA in health care management are prepared for specialized health care management roles and other business positions. Earning an MBA can also increase a professional's earning potential. Read more here..
- WHAT IS AN MBA IN HEALTHCARE MANAGEMENT?
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An MBA is a business degree that includes core business courses that are applicable to any industry. An MBA in healthcare management includes these same foundational business concepts and along with specialized study in health care-related topics. Read more here..
- HOW TO GET INTO A HEALTHCARE MANAGEMENT MBA PROGRAM
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Applicants to health care management MBA programs must usually have a bachelor's degree, one year or more of work experience, and must submit standardized test scores like the GMAT. Read more here..
Choosing a Program
WILL AN ONLINE MBA IN HEALTHCARE MANAGEMENT PROVIDE ME WITH THE SKILLS I NEED TO ADVANCE MY CAREER?
Healthcare management MBA programs integrate the fundamentals of business administration and leadership, as well as a comprehensive overview of U.S. healthcare systems, patient care strategies and medical law and ethics. Thanks to this multidisciplinary approach, students who graduate with an MBA in healthcare management are prepared for the various demands and challenges of their profession. Furthermore, practicum courses and/or clinical internships allow students to apply the skills and knowledge they have gained in real-world workplace settings.
WILL AN ONLINE MBA IN HEALTHCARE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM WORK WITH MY SCHEDULE?
MBA online programs offer a flexible, easily accessible alternative to traditional college education. Students can download course lectures and readings, participate in virtual discussions with other students, submit written assignments, take exams and communicate with their professors on their own schedule. Current technology also enables them to study away from home using a laptop, tablet, smartphone and other portable devices with Wi-Fi capabilities. For added convenience, online healthcare management MBA students can usually coordinate practicum courses and internships at hospitals, clinics and other facilities that are reasonably close to their current residence.
WHAT JOBS CAN I GET WITH MY MBA IN HEALTHCARE MANAGEMENT?
Students who leave grad school with an MBA in healthcare management will be qualified for a wide range of supervisory and administrative roles in the healthcare industry. Common job titles for these degree-holders include hospital or clinic directors, healthcare administrators and medical services managers. The majority of healthcare management MBA recipients are found in the public health and nonprofit sectors.
WHAT ARE THE BEST ONLINE MBA IN HEALTHCARE MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS?
Choosing a program is an incredibly personal decision, and only you can properly evaluate whether a target school's strengths match your educational needs. The following ranked list of schools should serve as a helpful starting point in your search for the best online MBA in healthcare management programs in the United States. If you are considering an online MBA in healthcare management, be sure to contact admissions specialists at different colleges and universities to learn more their about specific requirements and offerings.
Accredited Online Healthcare Management Programs
| Rank | School | Cost | Enrolled Online | Description | Toggle |
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| 1 | Johns Hopkins University Baltimore, MD | Cost: $$$$$ | Enrolled Online: 47% |
Johns Hopkins offers students in its part-time online MBA degree the same networking benefits as full-time learners. The school offers access to over 200,000 Johns Hopkins alumni around the world, providing students with the opportunity to forge valuable personal and career connections with business leaders. Additionally, the same experienced instructors teach online and in-person at Johns Hopkins Carey Business School. On average, students complete the 54-credit flexible MBA in healthcare management program in two-and-a half-years. The curriculum encompasses core business, elective, and concentration coursework in topics such as evaluating healthcare innovations. Self-paced online courses last for eight weeks, with occasional synchronous coursework required. Three courses: business communication, leadership in organizations, and negotiation, require an in-person residency, each taking 1.5-3 days to complete. Online students can access academic advising, library, and information technology services. Within six months of graduation, 93% of Johns Hopkins MBA graduates found employment or started their own business. Some alumni from John Hopkins’ MBA program pursued competitive positions with prestigious health organizations like Humana, Geisinger Health System, and The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. MBA candidates promote diversity, with more than 15 countries represented within the program. The university charges a flat fee for tuition, per credit, along with an application and matriculation fee. The flexible MBA suits working adults, though competitive, especially in its admissions process. On average, Johns Hopkins’ students accepted into the program possess at least a 3.39 undergraduate GPA, a 618 GMAT score, and roughly 9.4 years of full-time work experience. The school offers extensive financial aid including merit-based scholarships, loans, and tuition reimbursement plans. Program Overview Delivery Admission Requirements Contact |
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| 2 | Carnegie Mellon University Pittsburgh, PA | Cost: $$$$$ | Enrolled Online: 13% |
Pittsburgh's CMU features a dual master’s in business administration (MBA) and master’s in healthcare policy and management (MHCPM) degree. Developing students' leadership skills through in-depth study of the political, economic, and financial concerns inherent in modern healthcare systems, CMU's online healthcare MBA prepares degree candidates for successful careers as consultants, team leaders, policy influencers, among other roles. The university delivers courses in the part-time, hybrid program through a combination of asynchronous and synchronous learning, typically requiring students to progress through the curriculum in a cohort format. Online courses range from 6-12 units. To earn their degree, distance learners complete a total of 342 units. This includes classes from CMU's School of Business on topics like managing people and teams, leadership assessment, and operations strategy. Students also complete courses through the university's School of Public Policy and Management, like health economics and information systems, in addition to specialized electives such as consulting communications and corporate finance. Degree candidates who want to gain a more globalized perspective on business and healthcare systems can pursue study abroad opportunities in a variety of countries, including China, Dubai, and Israel. All distance learners pay the same tuition rates, regardless of their state of residence. CMU offers a range of financial aid opportunities, including scholarships, fellowships, loans, and veterans education benefits. Resources for online learners mirror on-campus offerings, including career services, student clubs, and academic advising. Additionally, all degree candidates can borrow up to $1200 toward the cost of a laptop for use in their studies. The program begins each August, and students generally finish their healthcare MBA online in five semesters. Applicants must submit scores from the GRE or GMAT in addition to a letter of reference, transcripts, a current resume, a fee, and an essay. Prospective students must apply to both CMU's School of Business and its School of Public Policy and Management. Program Overview Delivery Program Requirements Program Length Admission Requirements Contact |
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| 3 | George Washington University Washington, DC | Cost: $$$$$ | Enrolled Online: 30% |
Located in D.C., GW offers an online healthcare MBA that enhances health-related management skills of working professionals who have existing business expertise. The curriculum emphasizes experiential learning, featuring a variety of courses that focus on practical application of competencies. Classroom study targets real-world situations and challenges, tasking students with duties similar to those involved in their desired roles in the healthcare industry. Requiring just under 56 credit hours, the program includes core classes, healthcare-focused electives, and general electives. The degree plan leaves room for customization, offering specialized electives in such topics as healthcare quality analysis, regulatory compliance, and medicines development. If they so choose, learners can fulfill these elective requirements through study abroad, either on faculty-led trips or with independent study at a partner university. In addition to their graduate degree coursework, distance learners can opt to pursue supplementary certificates, in areas like health sciences and clinical and translational research, to further enhance their competitiveness in the job market. GW delivers course content for its online health MBA program using the Blackboard Learning Management System (LMS). Distance learners can take advantage of student support resources through the school's GWeb portal. Additionally, the MyGW site provides access to administrative tech support, the school's career services center, and student accounts. Online students have the opportunity to join academic clubs and professional organizations, like the MBA Association and Business Gives Back initiative. Learners typically earn their degree in three years, though they have up to five years from the date of enrollment to do so. Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher learning. Other admission requirements include transcripts, a statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation. To be eligible for admission, prospective students must submit GMAT scores and a professional resume. International applicants should meet GW's minimum score requirement for the IETLS, TOEFL, or PTE exam. Program Overview Delivery Program Requirements Program Length Admission Requirements Contact |
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| 4 | The University of Texas at Dallas Richardson, TX | Cost: $$$$$ | Enrolled Online: 18% |
Students enrolled in the University of Texas at Dallas’ MBA in healthcare leadership and management benefit from learning under the Alliance for Medical Management Education, the first ever university partnership between a major medical school and a school of management. The partnership trains students to become skilled leaders in the ever-changing landscape of today’s healthcare industry. This MBA caters to physicians looking to transition into an executive leadership role in the medical field. Students must complete nine residential healthcare classes and six general business classes in topics including global business and financial management. UT Dallas offers its MBA almost entirely online. Learners must complete the healthcare leadership courses in person, though accelerated four-day sessions help to minimize time spent away from work. Students complete the majority of the in-person coursework in Dallas, with the exception of the healthcare policy course, held in Washington, D.C. Among the nation's best online MBA programs, UT Dallas prioritizes the needs of working professionals. For the 2017, 2018 and 2019 academic years, UT Dallas' MBA candidates averaged 30 years of age. Additionally, the class of 2019 includes only 45 students, ensuring personal attention for online learners. All online MBA students contribute individual expertise to the cohort: enrollees in the healthcare leadership and management concentration averaged 15 years of work experience in the field. The program offers start dates every two months. Admission does not require submission of GMAT scores. Learners pay tuition for one class at a time, eliminating the burden of paying the cost of the entire degree up front. Program Overview Delivery Admission Requirements Contact |
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| 5 | Colorado State University Greenwood Village, CO | Cost: $$$$$ | Enrolled Online: 100% |
CSU Global offers a master’s in management with an optional specialization in healthcare administration. Requiring just 12 credit hours, the curriculum broadens students' understanding of logistics in leadership within the healthcare field. By exploring the relationship between healthcare quality and the day-to-day operations of business, particularly in terms of policy and administrative best practices, graduates can improve their professional marketability and advance their careers in the field. Similar to most online healthcare MBA degrees, CSU Global's healthcare administration program consists of core business requirements and courses in the concentration. For the fundamental management portion of the curriculum, students can choose between a practitioner or research track. Either way, degree candidates complete classes in global economics, managerial accounting, and innovative leadership, in addition to a capstone involving theory and/or research. Within the healthcare concentration, students complete four courses in topics like the U.S. healthcare system, policy analysis and development, and quality improvement in healthcare and information systems. Students learn by analyzing case studies and real-world situations in order to ensure that the skills they learn can translate to whatever career path they choose. Distance learners access course content through the Schoology LMS, which they can also use for technical support, career and library services, online tutoring, and other resources. With the exception of active-duty military, veterans, their spouses, and their dependents, (who receive a 10% tuition discount), CSU Global charges all online students the same tuition rate, regardless of where they live. The school also guarantees a locked-in rate for the duration of continuous enrollment and offers financial aid options including scholarships and awards for academic excellence. Prospective students should have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or above. Applicants must submit a statement of purpose and a current professional resume. Additionally, all those interested in earning their online healthcare MBA from CSU Global must complete a SmarterMeasure Assessment to demonstrate their readiness for the rigors of the program. Program Overview Delivery Program Requirements Program Length Admission Requirements Contact |
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| 6 | Regis University Denver, CO | Cost: $$$$$ | Enrolled Online: 65% |
Denver's Regis features an MBA in health industry leadership, available as a joint degree through its College of Business and Economics and its College for Health Professions. The program endows students with a broad knowledge base not only in healthcare management, but also in entrepreneurship, technology, and medical practice. In earning their degree, candidates develop flexible business and leadership skills that allow them to adapt to changing industry standards. Students must complete 36 credit hours in core and specialization courses to earn their degree. Each course lasts for eight weeks, and Regis offers entry dates for the program every eight weeks throughout the academic year. Required MBA courses cover topics like developing effective organizations, accounting and finance, and the economics of management. In addition, learners complete specialized health-related coursework in subjects such as medical practice management and information systems. These classes teach students how to apply marketing and other business principles to facilitate effective decision-making within organizations. In addition, degree candidates learn to consider continually evolving policy standards in addition to worldwide systems and product technologies. Students round out their online MBA in healthcare degree with a capstone project wherein they synthesize their newly acquired knowledge in an original analysis of existing healthcare policies and programs or the creation of a new program (complete with a proposal and implementation plan). Online students access courses for the school's online healthcare MBA using the WorldClass LMS. Additional support tools available through the RegisLearns portal include technical support, library services, and individual counseling opportunities. As part of the Regis community, distance learners gain access to the university’s array of professional services. Such resources include the WELL Center and SEED Institute, which help students find work opportunities and connect with local businesses to promote growth and sustainability in their community. Regis features affordable online tuition priced the same as on-campus programs, and offers several methods of financial assistance to graduate students. Program Overview Delivery Program Requirements Program Length Admission Requirements Contact |
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| 7 | Rutgers University - New Brunswick New Brunswick, NJ | Cost: $$$$$ | Enrolled Online: 20% |
One of New Jersey’s leading public institutions of higher learning, Rutgers features an MBA with pharmaceutical management concentration online. Requiring 54 credits, the curriculum includes a combination of core business and foundation courses in topics like organizational behavior, law and legal reasoning, and data analysis and decision-making. In addition, degree candidates must complete an integrative course wherein they engage in hands-on projects and research as individuals or in groups. For this requirement, students can choose to focus their work in one of several fields, including supply-chain management and urban entrepreneurship. Distance learners round out their degree with the custom healthcare concentration, which requires them to complete at least five courses from three different schools within Rutgers. Students can work with their faculty advisor to develop a concentration course plan, and can choose to pursue independent study in a particular topic or a travel course to help them develop an international perspective on healthcare. For added flexibility, Rutgers permits learners to pursue their degree full- or part-time. Students earning their online healthcare MBA access course content through the Blackboard LMS. In addition, distance learners can access the school's business library, IT support, financial aid opportunities, and one-stop bill-pay services through Blackboard. Rutgers prices tuition based on a student’s residency status, but does provide various forms of financial aid. Scholarship opportunities including some specific to students pursuing a career in supply chain management. Applicants should submit GMAT or GRE scores, unless they have a certain amount of full-time professional experience. Other admission requirements include letters of reference. Rutgers does allow students to transfer credits toward their master's degree, with a cap of 12 credits for part-time students and six credits for part-time. Students must have earned any transfer credits within the past five years and with a grade of "B" or better. Program Overview Delivery Program Requirements Program Length Admission Requirements Contact |
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| 8 | Dallas Baptist University Dallas, TX | Cost: $$$$$ | Enrolled Online: 43% |
DBU features an online MBA with healthcare concentration in management that emphasizes five key areas: strategic healthcare planning, marketing, healthcare policy, managed care, and long-term care. As they progress through the curriculum, degree candidates gain critical problem-solving skills, flexible social aptitudes, and in-depth understanding of fundamental business principles through real-world project applications based on leading research in the field. Students also develop proficiencies in groundbreaking technologies and systems in the healthcare industry, preparing them to take on positions as leaders and advisors in the field. Highly qualified faculty design and lead courses in DBU's online healthcare MBA. The 36-credit hour curriculum includes a business core featuring topics in corporate finance, qualitative analysis for managers, and creative problem-solving marketing decisions. Learners also complete 12 credit hours in the healthcare concentration, in addition to a hands-on capstone project in an area like clinical practice, administration, or education. With the help of their faculty advisor, students create a comprehensive case analysis that incorporates all they’ve learned about executive leadership, corporate communications in a diverse environment, and the complexities of healthcare systems in the United States. To be eligible for graduation, degree candidates must present their capstone project and demonstrate concrete plans for a proposed produce or service. If they choose, students can opt to pursue two concentrations for a total of 48 required credit hours. DBU delivers online courses asynchronously through the Blackboard LMS. With a single login to the school's virtual portal, distance learners can access comprehensive support services including 24/7 tech support, the school's Writing Center, and Vance library searches. Some courses in the program do require participation in field education as a service-learning component. Those who submit their applications online can avoid a $25 application fee. Additionally, the university provides financial aid opportunities for graduate students in the form of scholarships, loans, and grants. Program Overview Delivery Program Requirements Program Length Admission Requirements Contact |
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| 9 | Western Governors University Salt Lake City, UT | Cost: $$$$$ | Enrolled Online: 100% |
Located in Salt Lake City, Utah, Western Governors University offers a competency-based approach to its MBA online programs. The school tailors its programs to the individual, testing a student's knowledge and skills through assessments and offering potential credit exemptions, prerequisite fulfillment, and/or accelerated program options based on the results. The MBA degree online prepares students for mid-level-to-advanced roles in a variety of healthcare fields. Nearly 70% of students finish the program in 6-18 months, taking advantage of WGU's affordable, flat-rate tuition and graduating sooner than many comparable degrees. Students completing multiple courses in a single semester can maximize their savings toward earning the MBA in integrated healthcare management. Students meet with a program mentor to design a personalized degree plan based on their educational and career goals. Learners complete a sequence of 11 courses in a combination of healthcare management and core business curriculum. Western Governors University requires students to complete at least eight competency units—the equivalent of 2-3 courses—per semester. The healthcare management MBA at Western Governor University also includes a unique capstone project, assembling teams of 3-4 students in an immersive experience that simulates management of a healthcare organization. The experience prepares students for the unique problems they will face in the healthcare arena. Only available on certain dates throughout the program, the capstone project cannot be accelerated. Among the nation's most practical online MBA (without) no GMAT programs, WGU graduates pursue careers with some of healthcare's most influential employers. Alums hold positions at prestigious companies including Kaiser Permanente, Humana, and Healthcare Corp. of America. Program Overview Delivery Admission Requirements Contact |
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| 10 | Liberty University Lynchburg, VA | Cost: $$$$$ | Enrolled Online: 96% |
Liberty University’s online MBA in healthcare management provides students with the ethical and financial framework to become well-rounded leaders in the medical field. The curriculum emphasizes a strong business core, with coursework in healthcare topics including managing human capital and navigating legal/ethical issues. Students complete a total of 45 credit hours, conducted entirely online. Liberty University recommends completing the course load over the span of five semesters. Students may transfer up to 50% of previous credits from another accredited institution, upon approval from Liberty University. Liberty University also offers significant financial benefits and resources to members of the military. Service members, veterans, spouses and DoD employees receive a tuition discount. Additionally, these individuals do not pay an application fee. They can also receive college credit for prior military training, and take advantage of flexible course options and start dates. The school provides virtual resources, including online tutorials, tech support, and an online writing center, to distance learners. Liberty University also offers an online student life portal, through which distance learners can search study tips and watch videos about improving their educational experience. Though the MBA program can be completed entirely online, students near Liberty’s Lynchburg, Virginia campus can opt to participate in events including trivia night, intramural sports, and regular concerts. With a case-by-case admissions process, Liberty University generally requires a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA. Students must also complete 15 hours of upper level undergraduate business courses for admission into the MBA program. Those who do not meet MBA requirements qualify for the master of arts in executive leadership program, through which they can fulfill the prerequisites needed to apply to the MBA. Program Overview Delivery Admission Requirements Contact |
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| 11 | University of St Francis Joliet, IL | Cost: $$$$$ | Enrolled Online: 63% |
Located in Joliet, Illinois, USF features an online MBA healthcare degree in management that provides practical expertise and builds decision-making skills through an integrated, interdisciplinary curriculum. As they develop leadership prowess and business acumen, students focus on ethical, strategic, and financial decision-making related to the diverse and evolving healthcare environment. Coursework involves case studies, class discussions, and team projects and presentations. Students must complete 36 semester hours to finish the program, and can earn their degree in 12-18 months. USF delivers courses in an asynchronous format, encouraging distance learners to collaborate with peers and instructors using chat rooms, discussion boards, and other group communication tools. The school divides the curriculum for its MBA health online program into three equal areas: core requirements, competency work, and a health administration concentration. In addition to fundamental business topics like managerial finance, applied research models, and information technology, students also explore financial management, interactive technologies, and ethical and legal issues in healthcare today. To graduate from the program, degree candidates must complete an experiential learning project through internships in their local communities or study abroad through the university. Additionally, students can take advantage of coeducation and professional development opportunities by joining student organizations like Delta Mu Delta, the national honors society for the business administration field. Application requirements include a minimum 2.75 GPA, minimum GMAT scores, and at least two years of full-time employment in a management capacity. Due to USF's accreditation structure, distance learners residing in certain states may not be eligible for the school's online degree programs. The university does allow degree candidates to transfer credits toward their master's, capping such transfers at nine semester hours. In addition, USF provides financial aid opportunities in the form of scholarships, grants, and work-study programs. Distance learners all pay the same tuition, regardless of residency status. Program Overview Delivery Program Requirements Program Length Admission Requirements Contact |
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| 12 | Harding University Searcy, AR | Cost: $$$$$ | Enrolled Online: 48% |
Faith-based Harding University’s MBA in healthcare management stands out from other MBA online programs with its extensive cohort opportunities, enabling students to move faster through the program and providing them with invaluable job experience. Corporate cohorts can match students with organizations like ArcBest, Murphy USA, and the Arkansas Hospital Association. Students can also start their own cohort, provided they can assemble at least 12 coworkers or colleagues willing to participate. MBA students can take anywhere from between 15 months to seven years to complete the degree. Undergraduate students can accelerate their degree-completion time and get a jump on pursuing their MBA by taking nine credits of MBA coursework in their final semester. Coursework encompasses 6-8-week sessions, delivered entirely online. Through Harding’s master schedule system, students can see all available course dates and plan ahead. The university also translates its on-campus curriculum into online format, offering some events held at its Searcy, Arkansas campus online. Students can begin Harding’s accelerated program in August, January, or May. Distance learners must complete 36 credit hours, including core and elective courses, over four semesters to earn the degree. The school admits candidates with a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA, personal essays, letters of recommendation, work experience, and extracurricular activities. Applicants who meet above requirements must also submit GMAT or GRE scores, exempt only if they hold a 3.5 cumulative undergraduate GPA with no work experience, or a 3.0 cumulative GPA with five years of full-time work experience. While the program does not require a background in business, it recommends that students complete at least one course in either accounting, financial management, or statistics. Program Overview Delivery Admission Requirements Contact |
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| 13 | Brenau University Gainesville, GA | Cost: $$$$$ | Enrolled Online: 57% |
Located in Gainesville, Georgia, Brenau offers an online MBA in healthcare management degree suited to clinical professionals including residential nurses and technologists. The degree prepares medical professionals for their choice of career in a variety of healthcare management specialties, focusing on advancing their business and networking skills. Students must complete 45 credit hours, or 15 courses, to earn the degree. The curriculum encompasses a business core of seven courses, and a five-course healthcare concentration. Healthcare courses span diverse topics including financial management in healthcare, and ethics and leadership in healthcare. Designed to impart a global perspective, Brenau’s curriculum also requires at least one course in an international focus; options include global economics, international finance, and international organizational behavior. Candidates with a graduate degree can earn a healthcare management certificate by completing only the healthcare core requirements. The program director for the MBA, an accomplished medical professional with strong experience in private and government sectors, leads a faculty of individuals with exemplary achievements in higher education, business, and healthcare occupations. Students can complete courses online in as few as seven weeks. Brenau provides online learners with virtual resources including tutoring, counseling, ebooks, and career services. Financial aid, available through scholarships, grants, and loans to all qualifying students, includes tuition discounts for members of the military. MBA candidates must satisfy a prerequisite in applied economics and business essentials for managers, though students with undergraduate credits in micro- and macro-economics, accounting, and/or finance may qualify to waive out of this requirement. Program Overview Delivery Admission Requirements Contact |
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| 14 | Concordia University - Saint Paul Saint Paul, MN | Cost: $$$$$ | Enrolled Online: 98% |
CSP features an online MBA with healthcare concentration in management. As they complete seven-week courses entirely online, students explore current events and trends in the healthcare industry to learn how they interact with contemporary business practices and principles. Graduates find professional success in careers as leading administrators who take active roles in shaping the policies of organizations to promote growth, cost-efficiency, and patient satisfaction. The 42-credit curriculum includes core coursework in business management covering topics like integrated marketing communications, strategic human resources management, and global economics. Students also complete a number of healthcare concentration courses, including bioethics, informatics, and strategic leadership in healthcare settings. The program culminates in a managerial application portfolio course, wherein degree candidates synthesize the skills they’ve learned to create and present a professional portfolio customized to their personal interests and goals. Faculty advisors guide students through this comprehensive project to ensure that the finished product not only fulfills the degree requirement but also helps learners find success in their chosen career path post-graduation. Using the Blackboard LMS, online students can access course content and support resources, including library databases and student accounts. Uncommon among online MBA healthcare management programs, CSP's innovative mentor system pairs students with a personal academic advisor/business coach within the field for the duration of their educational experience. These coaches help degree candidates with professional development work, like realization of networking opportunities and effective resume creation. All distance learners at CSP receive a tuition discount that limits their eligibility for certain types of financial aid. However, the school offers alternatives for mitigating the cost of tuition, including scholarships. Applicants must have at least a 3.0 undergraduate GPA and some applicable professional experience in order to gain eligibility for admission. Other requirements include a personal statement, a resume, and official transcripts evidencing a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution, but CSP does not require an application fee. Program Overview Delivery Program Requirements Program Length Admission Requirements Contact |
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| 15 | Seton Hall University South Orange, NJ | Cost: $$$$$ | Enrolled Online: 22% |
South Orange, New Jersey's SHU features a joint master’s degree in business administration and health systems administration available through its Schools of Business and Nursing. The degree stands out among other online MBA healthcare management programs because it caters to professional nurses who are seeking to transition into executive roles within the healthcare industry. Graduates leave with advanced management and administrative skills necessary to lead teams through care quality improvement plans and nationwide policy changes. The curriculum includes 25 credits in nursing coursework and 30 credits of business classes. Topics range from forces in healthcare and management of assessment processes to an international perspective on business and analytical methods for information systems. Electives in the dual master’s program explore financial and economic analysis, global decision-making, and other subjects. In addition, degree candidates must complete two clinical internships in managed care and reimbursement and an executive internship in healthcare administration. These experiences allow students to apply what they’ve learned in the program and from past work experiences to contemporary, real-world situations. Internships also afford learners the opportunity to gain further professional experience and network with professionals in nursing, healthcare, and business. Online students retrieve course content through the Blackboard LMS, while the school’s PirateNet gateway provides access to online library services, a virtual bookstore, and student accounts. Full-time learners may complete their online health MBA in as little as three years. SHU provides flat-rate tuition dependent on the particular school, and offers several graduate scholarship opportunities. In order to enroll in the program, an applicant must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and a bachelor’s degree in nursing from an accredited university. Though SHU does not require prior work experience for admission, the school does recommend that applicants have experience in the field. Other application requirements include a personal statement, a resume, and two letters of professional recommendation. Program Overview Delivery Program Requirements Program Length Admission Requirements Contact |
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| 16 | Simmons College Boston, MA | Cost: $$$$$ | Enrolled Online: 77% |
Boston's Simmons offers one of the top MBA healthcare administration online programs in the country. Created specifically for the integrated study of business and healthcare, the program provides a more comprehensive approach to healthcare management than a traditional MBA with a concentration in the field. More than 60% of the curriculum focuses on healthcare topics, enabling students to build upon their existing business knowledge and skills through application to real-world healthcare challenges. Distance learners seeking their MBA healthcare online must complete 50 credit hours, and can complete the program in as little as 24 months. The curriculum includes core business topics, like managerial accounting and individual and group leadership, and healthcare-specific courses covering subjects such as health economics, law and ethics, and healthcare leadership and change. As part of the degree plan, students must engage in two immersion experiences in the form of seminars, conferences, or other in-person activities. These immersions can function as networking opportunities, allowing learners to interact with and make connections with professionals in the field. Simmons’ interactive virtual learning platform facilitates both synchronous and asynchronous content delivery. As they progress through the curriculum in classes capped at 15 students, degree candidates participate in online discussions, live lectures, and virtual office hours. Distance learners enjoy the same academic services as their campus peers, including advising and professional assistance through Simmons' Career Services Center. The school prices tuition at a per-credit hour rate and charges the same for all online students, regardless of residency status. Additionally, Simmons provides financial assistance, including military aid. Prospective students should submit three essays, a current resume, and three professional recommendations with their online application. Simmons does not require GRE or GMAT scores for admission. Applicants must also pay a nonrefundable fee of $75, which the school reduces to $45 on or before the priority deadline. Program Overview Delivery Program Requirements Program Length Admission Requirements Contact |
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| 17 | The University of Texas at Tyler Tyler, TX | Cost: $$$$$ | Enrolled Online: 78% |
Students can complete the accelerated master of business administration in healthcare management program at The University of Texas at Tyler in just one year. Students must complete 36 credit hours, or 12 courses, to earn the degree. The curriculum includes business core courses and a healthcare concentration in topics like healthcare management and healthcare marketing in contemporary society. Students complete courses in seven-week increments. Students employed by one of the university's corporate partner organizations can receive a tuition discount of up to $5,000. The university designed its MBA for those seeking advanced positions in healthcare administration and management. Additionally, the program caters to students with some business experience, and those looking to refresh their skills to adapt to the evolving healthcare landscape. The MBA online degree emphasizes the business side of healthcare, including key points including managing patient care, implementing organizational strategies, and interpreting and navigating complex healthcare issues. Graduates exemplify a strong foundation in the business of healthcare, advanced managerial skills, and a unique, globally-focused leadership strategy. For admission into one of the best online MBA programs, The University of Texas at Tyler requires that students hold a bachelor's degree and satisfactory GMAT scores, or a GMAT waiver. Students who fall short of a minimum 3.25 GPA can potentially waive the GMAT requirement if they complete three or more years of experience in healthcare or an executive managerial role. Learners pay tuition per credit hour. Students can begin the program at four dates throughout the year, in January, March, May, and June. Program Overview Delivery Admission Requirements Contact |
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| 18 | Saint Joseph's University Philadelphia, PA | Cost: $$$$$ | Enrolled Online: 74% |
SJU offers an online MBA with an optional concentration in health and medical services administration that prepares students to advance into professional management positions within both for-profit and nonprofit healthcare settings. In small classes featuring an 18:1 student-to-faculty ratio, degree candidates complete coursework based in theory, practice, and relevancy. As they progress through the curriculum, learners study actual cases and engage in realistic simulation scenarios in order to better understand the complex healthcare systems in the U.S. and abroad. Including both courses that reinforce foundational business and management concepts and specialized coursework, SJU's online health MBA program accepts students from all undergraduate majors. Totaling 53 credits, the curriculum covers topics ranging from managing work organizations and marketing concepts to creating and measuring shareholder value and ethical concerns. Concentration courses, which comprise nine credits of the program, explore healthcare coding systems, coverage and reimbursements, and much more. Additionally, degree candidates complete a cross-functional capstone in healthcare administration that enables them to synthesize knowledge from their previous coursework in a particular interest area. Full-time students can graduate in as little as one year, while part-time learners may take up to six years to complete the degree. Online students may also opt to pursue a nine-month post-MBA certificate in a specific area of business, like business intelligence or managing human capital, to further enhance credentials important in a competitive job market. Distance learners access course content through the Blackboard LMS, which also provides them with collaborative communication tools, access to the writing center, Drexel Library resources, and career counseling services. Students can enter the program at three different times during the year. Required application materials include recent GMAT or GRE scores and a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university. SJU provides tuition for its MBA health online degree at the same per-credit rate for all distance learners, whether or not they live in Pennsylvania. Additionally, the school offers different types of financial assistance to graduate students. Program Overview Delivery Program Requirements Program Length Admission Requirements Contact |
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| 19 | Concordia University - Chicago River Forest, IL | Cost: $$$$$ | Enrolled Online: 72% |
Engaged professors with invaluable experience distinguish the online MBA program at Concordia University-Chicago, where passionate instructors translate their personal experience into vital MBA curriculum. The MBA degree allows up to two specializations, providing graduates the opportunity to enhance their career skills, two-fold. In addition to healthcare management, specializations include digital marketing, entrepreneurship, finance, and sports management. Alongside core curriculum, the healthcare management certificate consists of two semesters of coursework including healthcare systems and public policy in healthcare. With less stringent admission into the online MBA program at Concordia University-Chicago than comparable MBAs, students do not pay an application fee or submit GRE scores during the application process. The program offers open enrollment, with multiple start dates throughout the year. Concordia University-Chicago prepares graduates to address unique conflicts and think analytically in a healthcare concentration within the medical field. The MBA corresponds to the university's signature four pillars of education: ethics and social responsibility, critical thinking and entrepreneurial mindset, communication and human relations, and global interconnectedness and inclusiveness. Many students qualify for financial aid in the form of loans and grants. The university also offers a tuition guarantee, ensuring that as long as students continue their course of study with no interruption, they will not pay increased tuition fees. Concordia University-Chicago hosts an MBA student association, providing its members with networking, career advising, and global awareness opportunities. Program Overview Delivery Admission Requirements Contact |
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| 20 | Florida Institute of Technology Melbourne, FL | Cost: $$$$$ | Enrolled Online: 29% |
Founded in 1958 to educate professionals living on the Space Coast, FIT continues to expand its reach through off-site locations in the eastern United States and online programs. The MBA with a concentration in healthcare management is offered completely online, led by the same nationally recognized faculty that teaches traditional courses at the main campus in Melbourne. The curriculum, comprised of 36 credits, combines a business core with a specialized sequence that addresses policy, managerial economics, and legal issues surrounding contemporary practice of healthcare professions. Coursework in the healthcare management program focuses on practical application. Graduates of this online healthcare MBA have the skills and business acumen to be competitive in the workforce and lead in their chosen field as administrators, managers, and clinicians. Students must earn 36 credits, including a strategic management capstone, to graduate. Classes are asynchronous and last for eight weeks. The online MBA in healthcare consists of 23 classes and takes about two years to complete. The degree is housed under the Nathan M. Bisk College of Business and is one of 15 online business degrees. Online courses are accessed through TRACKS and University Alliance platforms. Florida Tech's online student portal also provides resources for distance learners, including 24/7 tech support, library and tutoring services, and career counseling to ensure students remain on pace for graduation. Transfer credit is welcomed at FIT and is awarded after acceptance into the program. An enrollment representative is able to provide further guidance for potential credit and how to submit it for review. The GRE or GMAT is not required. Florida Tech is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Program Overview Delivery Program Requirements Program Length Admission Requirements Contact |
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| 21 | University of Cincinnati Cincinnati, OH | Cost: $$$$$ | Enrolled Online: 44% |
The University of Cincinnati's MBA online degree combines the academic resources of a major university and the industry experience of a talented business faculty. Online students learn from the same award-winning professors who teach on campus. Courses span seven-week sessions, allowing students to complete coursework in an accelerated format. Learners can complete the MBA in just 12 months, during which they build leadership and decision-making skills, an understanding of business ethics and legal issues, and a strong foundation in economics, finance, marketing, and information technology. The University of Cincinnati’s healthcare MBA suits students pursuing leadership and managerial positions in the healthcare industry. Students may choose a concentration in healthcare administration, healthcare finance, healthcare operations, or healthcare policy and regulation. Each concentration provides coursework tailored to a student’s academic and professional goals in a healthcare specialization. Each concentration encompasses two classes, or six credit hours, of the 38-credit-hour program. Students can pursue additional healthcare courses outside of their primary concentration as electives. The curriculum includes an MBA business core of 26 credit hours, concluding with a capstone project. Candidates with an undergraduate degree in a non-healthcare field must take up to 10 hours of business foundation courses, including accounting and marketing. Tuition prices vary depending on a student's in-state or out-of-state status and full-time or part-time enrollment. More than half of online MBA students receive some sort of merit-based aid, including scholarships. Program Overview Delivery Admission Requirements Contact |
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| 22 | Excelsior College Albany, NY | Cost: $$$$$ | Enrolled Online: 100% |
Located in Albany, New York, Excelsior College maintains an esteemed reputation for distance learning, at the forefront of educational innovation since 1971. Its master of business administration (healthcare management) degree incorporates revisions made on a regular basis to address the latest trends in the changing healthcare and educational landscape. This MBA online degree provides students with a thorough background in business and advanced knowledge of medical topics like healthcare economics, and healthcare law and government regulations. The program accommodates students with prior academic and professional experience; students can transfer up to 24 credits of the 45-credit program. They may also waive out of the economics, organizational behavior, and quantitative analysis foundation courses if they complete the necessary undergraduate prerequisites. Graduates of Excelsior’s program can manage a diverse health workforce and confidently make decisions regarding healthcare funding and organizational action. Excelsior remains one of the few online MBA programs that does not require GMAT scores. To apply, students must submit prior undergraduate transcripts. Transfer students must possess a grade of B- or higher in all transferable coursework. Each term of the yearly trimester (fall, spring, and summer) encompasses two eight-week sessions. Excelsior provides extensive financial aid to active and veteran military service members. To maintain current student status, students admitted to the program must register for classes or transfer credits within six months. Program Overview Delivery Admission Requirements Contact |
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| 23 | Quinnipiac University Hamden, CT | Cost: $$$$$ | Enrolled Online: 48% |
Whether aspiring to a career at a small hospital or a major healthcare firm, graduates of the MBA degree online at Quinnipiac possess the skills needed to lead a healthcare organization. Located in Hamden, Connecticut, Quinnipiac's MBA encompasses a strong business core in topics including marketing, finance, and accounting. The program also emphasizes interpersonal skills for the healthcare workplace, building on a foundation in collaboration, ethical reasoning, and recognition of opportunity skills. Quinnipiac’s MBA - healthcare management track suits prospective leaders of hospitals, health centers, physicians' offices, and assisted living facilities. The healthcare management concentration requires the same number of credits as the standard Quinnipiac MBA, but with additional healthcare-specific courses including financial management in healthcare organizations and quality management in healthcare facilities. Students also complete an elective course, a decision-making course, and a core business component to earn the degree. Quinnipiac remains a leading provider of online education after nearly 20 years of crafting high-quality distance programs. Reduced tuition rates apply to corporate partners and members of the military. Students may also apply for financial aid in the form of graduate assistantships, loans, corporate and organizational partnerships, payment plans, and employer reimbursement options. The academic calendar spans two 14-15-week terms in August and January. Each term may split further into two shorter seven-week sessions. Quinnipiac offers round-the-clock tech support to distance learners. The university also offers a web orientation for new students online. Students can meet with admissions counselors about the program and their career goals before enrolling in the degree. Program Overview Delivery Admission Requirements Contact |
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| 24 | Belhaven University Jackson, MS | Cost: $$$$$ | Enrolled Online: 76% |
The master of business administration health administration concentration at Jackson, Missouri's Belhaven University emphasizes complex problem-solving skills for a diverse healthcare environment. The Christian school caters to a large population of working professionals, offering eight-week terms on an accelerated schedule for faster degree-completion times. Belhaven's unique "project team activities," incorporated into every class, encourage strong teamwork skills in addition to the core business and healthcare curriculum. Students complete a total of 42 credit hours, including 33 in the business core, and courses in technical problems in business and quantitative decision making, to earn the degree. Nine additional elective credits round out the health administration specialty, in topics including current issues and trends in health administration, legal and regulatory environment for healthcare, and healthcare quality management. The university provides advanced notice of course schedules for the upcoming academic year, allowing students to plan ahead. Admission requires a minimum 2.8 cumulative GPA, or nine graduate hours with at least a B average. Applicants who do not meet that criteria may still receive conditional admission if they submit an essay with two letters of recommendation along with their application. Students with prior graduate education can transfer up to six credits, provided they earned a grade of B or higher, from another accredited institution. Belhaven provides tuition discounts to members of the military. Students may qualify for financial aid to offset tuition costs, charged per credit hour. Though online students do not qualify for Belhaven's institutional scholarships, many apply for and receive federal funding or external monetary awards. Program Overview Delivery Admission Requirements Contact |
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| 25 | University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Oshkosh, WI | Cost: $$$$$ | Enrolled Online: 26% |
The University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh enrolls almost 14,000 students. The school's catalog consists of 200 majors, minors, and concentrations. Students study in classrooms with an 18:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Learners can engage in extracurricular activities through more than 180 student organizations. Students with at least two years of professional experience can enroll in the 36- to 37.5-credit MBA in healthcare management. Faculty deliver the online MBA on a part-time schedule. The program is offered in a blended format, which includes on-campus and online coursework. The curriculum requires a 21-credit business core that examines topics such as financial management, cost management, operations and process management, and information systems in organizations. Faculty delve into the healthcare management specialization with courses in healthcare finance and economics, healthcare organization and delivery, human resources and organizations, and healthcare administration law. Learners can customize their degrees to meet career goals through electives. During the international business elective, learners visit a number of countries to learn about the business and economic challenges that other societies face. The course on money and capital markets has students analyze information about the suppliers and users of funding in financial markets. During a project management elective, students learn how to successfully complete the four major stages of the project management process. Learners demonstrate their master of the online MBA's learning objectives by completing a capstone analysis of operations that require written work and oral presentations; students also use learned knowledge to solve organizational dilemmas. The program usually takes two to four years to complete. The program admits students in the spring, summer, and fall. Admission requirements include a minimum of two years of business experience and GRE or GMAT scores. Program Overview Delivery Admission Requirements Contact |
What Else Can I Expect From an Online MBA in Healthcare Management Program?
Healthcare management professionals who want to become leaders in their field often earn an online healthcare MBA. While every program includes similar courses and requirements, all MBA healthcare administration online programs are unique. Online MBA healthcare management degrees can vary in curriculum, completion time, admissions requirements, and accreditation. Prospective students should compare programs before enrolling.
CONCENTRATIONS OFFERED FOR AN ONLINE MBA DEGREE IN HEALTHCARE MANAGEMENT
| Concentration | Description | Careers This Concentration Prepares For |
|---|---|---|
| Hospital Administration | A hospital administration concentration prepares students to help run a hospital, large physician group, or health system. Courses cover topics like organizational leadership, finance, informatics, and general administration. | Hospital administrator, insurance administrator, health system executive, pharmaceutical administrator |
| Global Health Management | Focusing on healthcare in countries around the world, a global health management specialization is perfect for students who want to study comparative healthcare or work outside of the U.S. Students take many of the same classes as other online healthcare management students but with a greater emphasis on global systems and issues. | International health system administrator, pharmaceutical administrator, foreign hospital administrator, NGO administrator |
| Healthcare Finance | Students with a background in finance or a love of accounting may want to focus more heavily on the monetary side of healthcare. Those with a healthcare finance specialization take courses on the complex healthcare and insurance system, as well as MBA courses on finance. | Billing specialist, hospital CFO, insurance administrator, financial executive for a large health system |
CURRICULUM FOR AN ONLINE MBA DEGREE IN HEALTHCARE MANAGEMENT
Every online healthcare MBA offers different classes, but most include courses on fundamental topics in the field. These shared topics form the core of healthcare management MBAs.
- Public Health Law: Courses on public health law, business law, and healthcare ethics are at the core of most MBA healthcare management online programs. These courses are important because MBAs graduates often pursue leadership positions where they are responsible for making legal and ethical decisions.
- Financial Management in Healthcare: Regardless of a student's concentration, healthcare financial management is at the forefront of any administrative position. From patient and insurance billing to operational costs and financial reporting, financial courses are found in all MBA programs.
- Health Administration: Healthcare administration classes help students learn more about the specific details of day-to-day life in their profession. From the realities of healthcare today to the ideal organizational structures, health administration courses cover some of the most important material in each program.
- Leadership and Organization: Leadership and organization classes are important for students who are preparing to become hospital CEOs or leaders in the insurance industry.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET AN ONLINE MBA IN HEALTHCARE MANAGEMENT?
The biggest factor that determines completion time for MBA healthcare management online degrees is whether or not the program allows for accelerated learning. Like other MBA programs, many healthcare management MBAs can be completed in 12 to 18 months with multiple, short academic terms each year that offer individual pacing and an accelerated format. However, other programs stick to a more traditional academic calendar that emphasizes cohort learning or a part-time learning format. These programs are designed for working students and can typically be completed in two years or more.
Degree requirements, program cost, and capstone projects may also affect the length of an online healthcare management MBA program. Schools that award competency-based credits may also have a shorter completion time than others. Credit requirements for healthcare management MBAs varies widely, though the average includes roughly 45 credits.
CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES AN MBA IN HEALTHCARE MANAGEMENT PREPARES FOR
- Certified Healthcare Administrative Professional: The Association for Healthcare Administrative Professionals offers students a cHAP recognition if they can pass the certification exam. cHAP-holders are recognized as for their excellence in the healthcare management field.
- Certified Revenue Cycle Professional: The American Association of Healthcare Administrative Management (AAHAM) certifies healthcare billing experts in a variety of roles with the CRCP and other designations. AAHAM certifications denote in-depth billing knowledge in the field.
Accreditation for Online MBA in Healthcare Management Degrees
Programs and schools are accredited nationally or regionally by organizations that ensure the program meets a rigorous set of criteria. An accredited school or program meets the requirements set forth by peer institutions, professional organization, and the government to create a reliable educational experience for students.
Many colleges and universities are accredited by regional accreditation agencies recognized by the Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), a nongovernmental industry group. Online and adult learning schools are often nationally accredited by CHEA-approved organizations. Some programs are also individually accredited by professional groups, such as a law school being accredited by the American Bar Association.
The Department of Education and the CHEA are the two most important accrediting bodies in the country. The Department of Education does not directly accredit school, but rather acts as an oversight body that ensures proper accreditation practices. The Department of Education exercises its power by recognizing certain bodies as accreditors, namely regional agencies. The CHEA is a nongovernmental organization made up of university and college leaders that recognizes regional accreditors and independently offers national accreditation to schools. Learn more about collegiate accreditation here.
Employment Outlook for MBA in Healthcare Management
Job Placement: MBA in Marketing vs Bachelor of Business Administration
The healthcare industry boasts a strong employment outlook due to the consistent need for qualified professionals in this field. In recent years, this demand has also been fueled by a growing number of people receiving medical and healthcare services in the U.S. More than 20 million previously uninsured adults and children now receive medical coverage under the Obama Administration's Affordable Care Act, and an aging baby boomer population has added to this demand as well.
How does healthcare management stack up against other management fields in terms of job security? The following table features the unemployment rates for 'medical and health services managers', as well as five other management-oriented occupations. All six professions listed on the table were included on the 'Best Business Jobs' list published by U.S. News & World Report in 2016.
| Occupation | Unemployment Rate (2016) |
|---|---|
| Medical and Health Services Manager | 1.7% |
| Market Research Analyst | 2.4% |
| Market Research Analyst | 2.4% |
| Financial Manager | 2.6% |
| Management Analyst | 3.0% |
| Human Resources Specialist | 3.1% |
| Business Operations Manager | 3.7% |
Source: U.S. News & World Report
Of all six jobs listed on the table, medical and health services managers boast the lowest unemployment rate. This figure is also considerably lower than the national unemployment rate for all industries, which currently sits at 4.6%
Earning a Living
In addition to more favorable job placement rates, graduates with an MBA in healthcare management also enjoy higher earning potential than their bachelor's degree-holding counterparts. The table below features entry-level earnings expectations for students with bachelor's and master's degrees in fields related to healthcare management.
| Bachelor's Degree Field | Median Entry-Level Salary for Bachelor's Graduates | Median Entry-Level Salary for Master's/ MBA Graduates |
|---|---|---|
| Public Health | $38,300 | $52,400 |
| Healthcare Administration | $39.400 | $57,100 |
| Healthcare Management | $37,800 | $59,700 |
Source: 2015-16 PayScale College Salary Report
As the table indicates, students with a master's in all three fields outearn those with a bachelor's in healthcare management by a considerable margin. Those with a master's in healthcare management enjoy the highest salary premium, with 57.9% higher earnings than bachelor's graduates. Healthcare administration master's recipients reported a 44.9% earnings premium, while those with a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree reported a premium of 36.8%.
Master's degree field of study can also have an impact on career earnings, although salary growth rates also depend on the graduate's specific professional title. The next table uses PayScale data to explore career salary projections for five of the most common healthcare management occupations.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary for Entry-Level Employees (0-5 Years) | Median Annual Salary for Mid-Career Employees (5-10 years) | Median Annual Salary for Experienced Employees (10-20 years) | Median Annual Salary for Late-Career Employees (20+ years) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare Manager | $51,065 | $62,573 | $65,930 | $72,8765 |
| Healthcare Administrator | $51,000 | $67,000 | $77,000 | $75,000 |
| Registered Health Information Administrator | $44,000 | $45,000 | $52,000 | $65,000 |
| Medical Health and Services Manager | $51,000 | $69,000 | $70,000 | $77,000 |
| Medical Records Administrator | $41,000 | $41,000 | $45,000 | $58,000 |
All five occupations on the table experienced at least 40% salary growth after 20 years in the workforce. Medical health and services managers saw the highest growth rate: a 51% increase between the entry-level and late-career benchmarks. Registered health information administrators ranked second with 47.7% salary growth, followed by healthcare administrators at 47.1%.
Career Opportunities
Students who graduate with an MBA in healthcare management will be qualified for dozens of top-level positions, although individual eligibility will depend on additional factors like company size and city/state of employment. Four of the most common career pathways in healthcare management are detailed below.
Medical and Health Services Managers: Also known as healthcare executives or healthcare administrators, medical and health services managers oversee different medical services offered at healthcare facilities. Those who work at physician offices and smaller clinics may manage the entire staff, while those at hospitals and other large facilities are typically dedicated to specific departments.
Administrative Services Managers: Administrative services managers are responsible for the hiring, logistics, technology support and other administrative services at their company or organization. In the healthcare industry, these professionals oversee medical recordkeeping, machine and equipment maintenance and logistical needs.
Social and Community Service Managers: Social and community service managers lead various programs, activities and initiatives aimed at children, the elderly, military veterans and other key community member demographics. They often work with community leaders and stakeholders to develop effective programs, and then oversee various administrative tasks to ensure these programs are successfully delivered.
Human Resources Managers: Human resources managers (also known as HR managers) are responsible for recruiting, interviewing, screening, hiring and training new employees. They also serve as intermediaries between organizational leaders and non-manager employees, and may mediate disputes between members of these two groups. In the healthcare industry, HR managers bridge the gap between physicians, nurses, technicians, custodians and other personnel divisions.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary | Projected Growth (2014-24) |
|---|---|---|
| Medical and Health Services Managers | $94,500 | 17% (+56,300 jobs) |
| Administrative Services Managers | $86,110 | 8% (+23,500 jobs) |
| Social and Community Service Managers | $63,530 | 10% (+13,200 jobs) |
| Human Resources Managers | $104,440 | 9% (+10,800 jobs) |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
Professional Organizations
Making professional connections and learning about different approaches to healthcare management is crucial to your success. Professional organizations offer a great entry point for students who want to learn more about their chosen career path. Below you'll find three of the country's most prominent organizations established for healthcare management professionals. These organizations host networking events, provide online trainings, maintain active job boards, and offer other services for career-ready college graduates. Resources like these often prove invaluable as you complete your degree requirements and prepare to enter the job market.
- Association for Healthcare Administrative Professionals: AHCAP is a non-profit organization dedicated to healthcare management professionals. Members enjoy a slew of benefits, including six free webinars per year, reduced tuition for continuing education opportunities and an invitation to the organization's annual conference.
- Health Care Administrators Association: First formed in 1980, the HCAA supports educational opportunities, professional networking and advocacy for third-party administrators in health and medicine, including insurance providers and health consultants. The association offers a Certified Self Funding Specialist certification; the website also features an online job board.
- American Association of Healthcare Administrative Management: Founded in 1968, AAHAM today oversees more than thirty regional chapters across the United States. The organization specializes in education and advocacy related to areas like medical reimbursement, patient registration, data management and medical recordkeeping.
Financing Your Online MBA in Healthcare Management
Despite the relative affordability of online programs, most students still need financial assistance. Students should complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form to learn more about loans, grants, and other opportunities offered through the U.S. government. Additionally, private grants and scholarships are widely available through nonprofit organizations, companies, and other sources. Check out our collection of resources below to learn more about financial aid options.
AN OVERVIEW OF FINANCIAL AID
Approximately two-thirds of today's college students rely on loans to fund their education, but there are plenty of overlooked financing options you can use to reduce your overall student debt.
UNDERSTANDING THE FAFSA
Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a crucial first step for any student with financial needs. Our FAFSA guide features a step-by-step rundown on the process and answers to several frequently asked questions.
FINANCIAL AID FOR ONLINE COLLEGE STUDENTS
Financial aid for online learning is equivalent to what you'll find for campus-based learning, but that hasn't always been the case. Learn about the changes that have taken place, as well as the different funding opportunities available to online students.
SCHOLARSHIPS FOR WOMEN
Online programs can provide an affordable and flexible option for women trying to balance the demands of work, family, and earning their degree. We've curated a list of valuable scholarships specifically for women.
SCHOLARSHIPS FOR SINGLE PARENTS
Online college programs can be a flexible, affordable option for single parents who are interested in earning a degree and securing their family's financial future. We've compiled a list of scholarships, grants, and other financial aid options geared toward single moms and dads.
FINANCIAL AID FOR VETERANS AND ACTIVE MILITARY
Millions of dollars in free money is available to U.S. military personnel, but much of it goes unused. Learn more about grants, scholarships, and other financial aid opportunities available to veterans, active-duty service members, and reservists.
Rankings Archive
- Best Online Online MBA in Healthcare Management Programs of 2017
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Rank School Location 1 George Washington University Washington, DC 2 Carnegie Mellon University Pittsburgh, PA 3 University of St Francis Joliet, IL 4 Simmons College Boston, MA 5 Rutgers University-New Brunswick New Brunswick, NJ 6 Colorado State University-Global Campus Greenwood Village, CO 7 University of Scranton Scranton, PA 8 Seton Hall University South Orange, NJ 9 Saint Joseph's University Philadelphia, PA 10 Concordia University-Saint Paul Saint Paul, MN 11 University of Saint Mary Leavenworth, KS 12 Dallas Baptist University Dallas, TX 13 Regis University Denver, CO 14 Ohio University Athens, OH 15 Cleary University Ann Arbor, MI 16 Salve Regina University Newport, RI 17 Pfeiffer University Misenheimer, NC 18 Belhaven University Jackson, MS 19 Mount Vernon Nazarene University Mount Vernon, OH 20 Florida Institute of Technology-Online Melbourne, FL