Best Online Master’s in Healthcare Administration Degrees
- A master's in healthcare administration prepares you for leadership positions within the healthcare industry.
- MHA grads receive a targeted business education with a healthcare focus.
- People with this degree may benefit from a rapidly growing job market and strong salaries.
- These professionals are in high demand because of an aging population and a growing emphasis on preventative care.
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Not everyone who wants to get into healthcare is destined to work directly with patients. Some people would rather build the operational infrastructure that makes patient care possible. And those are the people who should get a master's degree in healthcare administration (MHA).
If that sounds like something you're interested in, here's what you should do next:
- Explore this page to determine whether this path is the right choice for you.
- Check out the top-ranked online master's in healthcare administration programs, as well as our sponsored programs.
- Request more information from schools you're interested in to find the best fit for you.
Is a Master's Degree in Healthcare Administration Worth It?
Yes. An MHA is a smart way to capitalize on the growing demand for healthcare workers without needing to provide direct patient care. The degree qualifies you for many high-paying careers where you'll help improve patient outcomes, increase operational efficiency, and provide high-quality services that impact people's lives.
Benefits of Getting a Master's in Healthcare Administration
- The job outlook is strong. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for medical and health services managers is projected to grow 28% from 2021-2031. That's over 56,000 openings a year on average!
- The pay is good. The BLS reports that medical and health services managers earned over $100,000 a year in May 2021, with the highest-paid 10% earning more than $200,000 a year.
- The degree is versatile. An MHA equips you with the business knowledge and specialized healthcare expertise you need to address organizational challenges at every level. You can use your training to pursue healthcare roles in marketing, project management, human resources, information technology, or whatever else you're interested in.
- The work is rewarding. Healthcare administrators make strategic decisions about how healthcare organizations run, resulting in better patient outcomes and improved employee well-being.
Reasons for Getting Your Master's in Healthcare Administration Online
- Online degrees are more flexible. An online MHA program gives you the freedom to set your pace, study from anywhere, and hold down a job or family while pursuing a degree.
- Online degrees can save you money. Aside from potential savings when it comes to on-campus fees, you won't need to pay a budget for moving or commuting. If you can keep working, you won't lose any wages either. In some cases, online programs may even cost less than traditional programs.
- Online degrees are great for career advancement. Increasingly, desirable healthcare positions require advanced degrees. Getting your MHA online allows you to acquire the skills and training you need to grow your career.
Read More: What Is Healthcare Administration? What Does a Healthcare Administrator Do?
Featured Master's in Healthcare Administration
Master's in Healthcare Administration Programs
Explore online master's in healthcare administration programs below. The list of schools was narrowed down to those with an admittance rate between 70% and 90%.
| University | Location | Graduation Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Appalachian State University | Boone, North Carolina | 75% |
| Bowling Green State University-Main Campus | Bowling Green, Ohio | 61% |
| California Baptist University | Riverside, California | 63% |
| Ferris State University | Big Rapids, Michigan | 49% |
| High Point University | High Point, North Carolina | 68% |
| Maryville University of Saint Louis | Saint Louis, Missouri | 67% |
| Mercy College | Dobbs Ferry, New York | 47% |
| Oklahoma State University-Main Campus | Stillwater, Oklahoma | 65% |
| Pennsylvania State University-World Campus | University Park, Pennsylvania | 36% |
| Saint Joseph's University | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | 82% |
| Southeast Missouri State University | Cape Girardeau, Missouri | 56% |
| State University of New York at Oswego | Oswego, New York | 64% |
| University of Arizona | Tucson, Arizona | 68% |
| University of Cincinnati-Main Campus | Cincinnati, Ohio | 72% |
| University of Denver | Denver, Colorado | 77% |
| University of Missouri-Columbia | Columbia, Missouri | 75% |
| University of North Texas | Denton, Texas | 59% |
| University of Rhode Island | Kingston, Rhode Island | 72% |
| University of Wisconsin-La Crosse | La Crosse, Wisconsin | 70% |
| University of Wisconsin-Platteville | Platteville, Wisconsin | 61% |
| University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point | Stevens Point, Wisconsin | 56% |
| University of Wisconsin-Stout | Menomonie, Wisconsin | 52% |
How Much Does a Master's in Healthcare Administration Cost?
Average Annual Cost of a Master's Degree
Public Institution | 2019-2020
$12,394
Private Institution | 2019-2020
$26,621
You can keep your graduate school costs as low as possible in a few ways.
- Pick a public, in-state school.
- Apply for scholarships and financial aid.
- Prioritize schools that offer grant-based aid over loans.
- Select a school that accepts transfer credits or offers course credit for work and volunteer experience.
Read More: How Much Does an Online College Cost?
How Much Money Will You Make With a Master's in Healthcare Administration?
Median Annual Pay for Medical and Health Services Managers in 2021
$101,340
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
Source: BLS
How Long Does an Online Master's in Healthcare Administration Take?
Typically, MHA students complete their degrees in 2-3 years. Accelerated programs can be as short as 18 months long. Part-time programs can take between 3-6 years.
Average Length of Time*
2 years
Required Course Credits*
30-60 credits
*Varies depending on your school/program
What Jobs Can You Get With a Master's in Healthcare Administration Degree?
An MHA provides you with the expertise and skills required for a variety of leadership roles within healthcare. Plus, leadership roles tend to pay higher salaries.
Want to work in a hospital? An outpatient clinic? A nursing home? Or how about a pharmaceutical company or a rehab center? Maybe you're more interested in working for a mental health nonprofit or government agency.
Great: You can do it all with an MHA.
Healthcare Administrator Nursing Home Administrator Health Services Manager Biopharmaceutical Manager Quality and Safety Manager Risk and Compliance Manager |
Hospital Administrator Hospital CEO Healthcare Consultant Clinical Director or Supervisor Clinical Trials Manager Operations Manager |
Note that some of the above healthcare administration jobs may require extra or specialized training.
Read More: 7 High-Paying Careers in Healthcare Administration
Master's in Healthcare Administration Curriculum
Coursework often focuses on specific challenges in healthcare. You may analyze case studies or healthcare policy statements as part of your assignments.
Before graduating, you'll typically complete a capstone project to address a real-world problem. Requirements vary by program, but you may complete a healthcare marketing plan or analyze hospital policies and procedures. Another option could involve developing a training program for healthcare administrators.
Common courses include:
- Healthcare Information Systems
- Healthcare Financial Management
- Healthcare Law and Compliance
- Leadership in Healthcare Administration
- Budgeting and Management
- Health Policy
Specializations
Along with core coursework, you may be able to pursue a specialization or concentration to further develop your skills in a focus area.
Common specializations include:
Health Policy: Health policy covers issues related to healthcare access, medical insurance, and safety regulations. You may also use your knowledge to evaluate and analyze current health policy debates.
Health Informatics: This concentration combines the study of data science, information security, and business as they apply within healthcare organizations. You may deal with electronic medical records, telemedicine delivery, or strategic data analysis.
Healthcare Marketing: A marketing plan is essential for successful business ventures. And medical organizations must carefully consider how they market their brands and services. This concentration teaches you how to balance marketing strategies with hospital regulations.
Project Management: This concentration enables you to pursue professional project management credentials. You'll learn about processes and tools that can help you define a project's scope, develop budgets, track task completion, and ensure quality control.
MHA Certifications
Some MHA students choose to pursue a certification in addition to their master's degree. A certification shows proficiency in a focus area. These credentials can set you apart from the competition when seeking a job in the healthcare field.
Common certifications related to healthcare administration include:
- Certified medical manager (CMM)
- Fellow of the American college of healthcare executives (FACHE)
- Certified professional in healthcare risk management (CPHRM)
- Certified healthcare administrative professional (cHAP)
- Certified revenue cycle executive (CRCE)
- Certified revenue cycle professional (CRCP)
- Certified healthcare financial professional (CHFP)
- Certified professional in healthcare information and management systems (CPHIMS)
- Certified healthcare access manager (CHAM)
- Certified professional in healthcare quality (CPHQ)
Is a Master's in Healthcare Administration Degree Right for Me?
Do you want to make the way we deliver healthcare better for everybody while also pulling a serious salary? Do you want to be the person calling the shots and finding better ways to do things? Are you patient, strategic, a problem-solver, and a leader?
Then a master's in healthcare administration is probably a great fit for you.
Still Looking for the Right Fit in Healthcare? Discover Similar Degree Programs
Everything Else You Need to Know About a Master's in Healthcare Administration Degree
What is the difference between an MHA and an MBA in healthcare administration?
An MBA in healthcare administration provides a broad business focus. It includes generalist courses on finance, strategy, economics, marketing, and accounting in addition to healthcare management courses. Students with an MBA in healthcare administration may find it easier to transition into roles in other industries.
Coursework for an MHA is more specialized. You'll study many of the same business fundamentals as an MBA student but will do so specifically through a healthcare lens. An MHA may be a better choice for people who want to become healthcare experts.
What can you do with an MHA?
With an online MHA degree, you can pursue leadership and management positions across various functions and healthcare organizations. Places of employment may include hospitals, assisted living facilities, and doctor's offices. You could also work at outpatient care centers, pharmaceutical companies, and nonprofit or government agencies.
What are the admission requirements for a master's in healthcare administration?
Common requirements for applying to a master's in healthcare administration include:
- Bachelor's degree in a related field
- Minimum GPA (often 2.5-3.0)
- Professional resume
- Personal statement/essay
- Letters of recommendation
- Demonstrated commitment to or experience in healthcare (usually one year of work experience in the field)
- GRE test scores
