Best Online Healthcare Administration Programs of 2023
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Finding A Program That's Right For You
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- A healthcare administration degree can prepare you for many in-demand, well-paying jobs.
- Healthcare administrators work with other hospital staff to keep medical organizations running smoothly.
- Job growth in this field is projected to climb dramatically over the next 10 years.
- An online program in healthcare administration can help you capitalize on growing demand.
As a healthcare administrator, you probably won't be cast as a main character in "Grey's Anatomy." But you will be a behind-the-scenes superstar keeping the whole healthcare machine running. And you'll build valuable leadership skills while doing so.
So if you want to be a decision-maker with the power to impact patients and providers, consider getting a bachelor's degree in healthcare administration. There's probably more to it than you think.
Is a Bachelor's in Healthcare Administration Right for Me?
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What the Degree Is About: Equipping students with a combination of business, operational, health policy, and management training to prepare them for leadership roles in healthcare.
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Career Path: Become qualified for various well-paid roles in hospitals, clinics, physician's offices, home healthcare, and other care services.
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Keep in Mind: Many programs offer areas of specialization to prepare students to work in niche areas of healthcare. Some popular specializations include:
- Organizational leadership
- Human resources management
- Finance and accounting
- Project management
- Marketing
Featured Online Healthcare Administration Programs
Best Online Bachelor's in Healthcare Administration Programs
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Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $390
Out of State | $390
Credits to Graduate
120
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | Yes
Institutional Accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Liberty offers an online healthcare administration program that takes 3.5 years to complete. And it's possible to graduate even sooner, since Liberty accepts transfer credits, including eligible life experience, for up to 75% of the degree total.
This 120-credit program doesn't require you to travel to campus. But you need at least a 2.0 GPA. You can prepare for healthcare administrator positions with courses that cover fundamental business skills and healthcare fundamentals. Plus, you can pick from eight different start dates.
City University of Seattle
Seattle, WA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $470
Out of State | $470
Credits to Graduate
180
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Institutional Accreditation | Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Earning a healthcare administration degree online from CityU can prepare you for careers like medical office manager, nursing home administrator, and healthcare supervisor.
CityU's online program focuses on building a foundation in all business content — from marketing to healthcare administration budgeting. Upper-division courses let students integrate their studies with courses from other departments, including business, communication, and psychology. The capstone course requires a healthcare practicum.
AdventHealth University
Orlando, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $540
Out of State | $540
Credits to Graduate
121
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Institutional Accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
AHU's 121-credit healthcare administration degree program gives you the chance to put your practical experience to work with a 400-hour internship or research project.
The major requirements teach a broad spectrum of accounting, economics and finance, marketing, and health science. Healthcare management courses focus on patient care management, data analytics, research methods, long-term care and administration, human resource management, and leadership and organizational behavior.
If you want to enter AdventHealth's healthcare administration program, it requires a minimum 2.70 GPA plus standardized testing.
The Christ College of Nursing and Health Sciences
Cincinnati, OH - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $470
Out of State | $470
Credits to Graduate
120
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | Yes
Institutional Accreditation | Higher Learning Commission
In the healthcare administration degree program at TCCNHS, you can benefit from convenient online classes and in-person clinicals at Christ Hospital. Online learners have guaranteed clinical placement and the chance to land entry-level positions at the school's hospital affiliate.
You need a minimum of a 2.0 GPA and a high school or GED diploma to apply to the healthcare administration program at TCCNHS.
State College of Florida-Manatee-Sarasota
Bradenton, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $102-$112
Out of State | $387-$442
Credits to Graduate
120
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | Yes
Institutional Accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
SCF's healthcare administration degree program offers specializations in management, nursing, emergency management, or gerontology. The four-year study plan features core coursework in healthcare finance, healthcare risk management, evidence-based research methods, informatics in healthcare, and quality management in healthcare.
You need at least 60 transferable college credits, preferably from an associate degree, and a minimum 2.0 GPA. Keep in mind: SCF's online program accepts applications on a rolling basis throughout the year.
Radford University
Radford, VA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $495
Out of State | $1,018
Credits to Graduate
120
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Institutional Accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Radford University's healthcare administration degree program gives you the chance to specialize in long-term care, medical practice management, or healthcare management. You also can complete a research project.
Part of Radford's healthcare administration program includes hands-on experience at Carilion Clinic with an internship in healthcare. You can study healthcare management, post-acute care management, healthcare law and ethics, and organizational development.
You need to complete prerequisite courses, and first-time students must submit SAT or ACT scores. Admission requires a minimum 2.5 GPA.
Indiana Wesleyan University
Marion, IN - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $455
Out of State | $455
Credits to Graduate
120
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | Yes
Institutional Accreditation | Higher Learning Commission
IWU's national and global division offers a healthcare administration degree program with an emphasis on biblical studies that you can complete in as few as 19 months. With 16 required courses, you study topics such as healthcare marketing, human resource management, accounting, and technology and information systems. The healthcare administration program at IWU also includes a final capstone project.
You need proof of high school graduation or GED education and transcripts. And you need at least 60 transferable credits.
Charter Oak State College
New Britain, CT - 4 years
- Online
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $319
Out of State | $419
Credits to Graduate
120
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Institutional Accreditation | New England Commission of Higher Education
Charter Oak's online healthcare administration degree program lets you earn college credits for healthcare experience or military credit. Plus, Charter Oak's healthcare administration major requires at least 42 credits.
Required coursework teaches students about healthcare systems and administration, financial accounting, regulatory and accrediting requirements, human resource management, and leadership practices. And new students can choose from six start dates.
Why Should I Get a Bachelor's Degree in Healthcare Administration?
There are three main reasons to consider getting an online healthcare administration degree.
First: The best healthcare administration programs prepare you for rewarding leadership positions in healthcare with strong projected job growth.
Second: Healthcare administrators make great money. If you want a degree that will pay off in job prospects and income potential, this is a good choice.
Third: Your work will matter. Not everyone gets the satisfaction of having a positive impact on others. But healthcare administrators do — they're the driving force behind a system that saves lives.
Benefits of Getting a Bachelor's in Healthcare Administration
- Learn the ins and outs of the U.S. healthcare system
- Acquire a marketable skill set that translates into a variety of business organizations
- Qualify for coveted healthcare positions across the country
- Prepare for leadership roles with upward mobility
- Boost your earning potential in a growing field
- Lay the groundwork for an advanced degree
Benefits of Getting Your Bachelor's in Healthcare Administration Online
- Save money: Many online degrees cost less than traditional on-campus programs. At the very least, you won't have to pay for gas, on-campus fees, or limp salads in the dining hall.
- Save time: The flexible scheduling of online programs — many of which offer asynchronous classes and accelerated courses — allows you to complete coursework as quickly or as slowly as you want.
- Minimize opportunity costs: Going to school online makes it possible to hold down a job while you're studying. This means you aren't losing wages or stalling your career progress while getting your degree.
- Do it all: It's also much easier to fit online coursework around family, hobbies, volunteer work, or other commitments.
How Much Does an Online Bachelor's Degree in Healthcare Administration Cost?
Weighing the cost of an online degree? There are a few things that will affect your bottom line.
- Tuition: Online programs can save you money. But they aren't always your cheapest option. You can keep your tuition costs down by picking in-state, public schools.
- Financial aid: Remember, you'll have to pay loans back at some point (usually with interest). But if a school offers grant-based assistance, that can reduce your net cost. Scholarships and work/study options can also make a big dent in the final ticket price.
- Unexpected costs: Some schools charge additional online learning or technology fees for distance learners — be sure to ask about costs you may not be aware of.
Average Annual Cost of a Bachelor's Degree
Public Institution | 2020-2021
$9,400
Private Institution | 2020-2021
$37,600
Read More:
How Long Does an Online Bachelor's in Healthcare Administration Take?
The degree typically takes four years of full-time study, though some schools may offer accelerated programs.
Average Length of Time
3-4 years (Full Time)
5-6 years (Part Time)
Required Course Credits*
120 credits
*Varies depending on your school/program
It's fair to say that a degree in healthcare administration can be challenging. In just a few short years you'll develop extensive training in both business and healthcare. This means that you'll cover topics like:
- Organizational leadership
- Financial management
- Healthcare policy and ethics
- Medical billing and coding
- Recruiting, hiring, training, and mentoring
- Risk management
- Quality assurance
While much of your education will likely be healthcare specific, a lot of your learned skills will be widely transferable across industries.
How Much Money Will I Make With a Bachelor's in Healthcare Administration?
Many students also choose to go on to pursue their master's in healthcare administration — which can considerably increase your earning potential. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the highest 10% of earners in this field make more than $205,620 a year. Woah.
A flexible online master's program can help you gain that additional expertise while still working in the field, earning money, and racking up years of experience.
Read More: How Much Do Healthcare Administrators Make?
What Jobs Can I Get With a Bachelor's Degree in Healthcare Administration?
There are so many career paths available to you with this degree.
American healthcare requires an enormous amount of qualified people just to function, including administrators. And you could be one of them.
It requires administrators in industries such as insurance, billing, and staffing. Hospitals also need leaders who can oversee legal and policy compliance. And it needs managers who hire, schedule, organize, and support entire medical teams.
Even better: Roles like this pay well above the annual mean wage for all occupations, which is just over $58,000. Check it out for yourself:
| Job | Average Salary (October 2022) |
|---|---|
| Healthcare Administrator | $70,330 |
| Medical Marketing Manager | $68,160 |
| Medical and Health Services Manager | $101,340* *Median salary as of May 2021 |
| Nursing Home Administrator | $93,850 |
| Health Policy Analyst | $64,670 |
With this degree, your skills will be highly sought-out: The BLS projects the U.S. economy will add around 8.3 million jobs from 2021-2031. And nearly one-third of those jobs will be in healthcare and social assistance.
Most jobs in healthcare administration will see average to well-above-average growth over the next decade.
Projected growth for medical and health services managers
from 2021-2031
28%
With baby boomers growing older and chronic conditions on the rise, demand for qualified healthcare employees isn't going anywhere.
Read More:
Curious About Other Careers in Healthcare? Discover Similar Degree Programs.
Everything Else You Need to Know About a Bachelor's in Healthcare Administration
What are the admission requirements for a bachelor's in healthcare administration?
While requirements may vary slightly, undergraduate healthcare administration programs typically look for the following:
- Application
- Test scores
- Recommendation letters
- Personal statement or essay
- Transcripts
- High school diploma or GED certificate
Some schools may also require a personal interview.
What can I do with a bachelor's in healthcare administration?
With a BA or BS in healthcare administration, you can land entry-level roles in various healthcare organizations, including doctor's offices, hospitals, and standalone clinics.
Some healthcare administrators specialize in human resources, marketing, or safety and risk management. Others become policy analysts, working with government agencies to develop new healthcare policy initiatives.
Read More: 10 Emerging Public Health Careers
What's the difference between healthcare management vs. healthcare administration?
The main difference between healthcare management and healthcare administration centers around their main objectives. Healthcare management tends to focus on the long term goals of an organization, while healthcare administration focuses on the day-to-day duties.
Healthcare management is a "big picture" role: Managers typically oversee the direction and needs of an entire medical organization. That can mean taking on HR responsibilities, setting operational budgets, managing patient care, tracking and supporting business goals, and overseeing operational and structural functions.
Healthcare administration has a narrower focus, usually on departmental and individual needs. Administrators may be responsible for staffing, scheduling, training, departmental finances, medical records, or directing specific areas of care.
Read More: Learn More About Healthcare Management vs. Healthcare Administration
