Why This Matters

  • THE U.S. NEEDS ANOTHER 72,100 HEALTHCARE MANAGERS BY 2026

    Because of rapid changes in how healthcare is delivered, the need for health and medical service managers is forecast to grow an astounding 20% over the next seven years.

  • THE SENIOR POPULATION WILL TOTAL 78 MILLION BY 2035

    As the country’s senior population increases, so too does the need for high-quality care in rehabilitation centers, assisted living facilities, and nursing homes. An MBA will ready you to lead teams at these kinds of facilities.

  • INCREASE YOUR POTENTIAL EARNINGS BY $31,000

    Healthcare management professionals with bachelor’s degrees earn $77,709 yearly on average. With an MBA, the average jumps to $108,656.

Our Research

We reviewed many MBA in healthcare management programs that are available through on-campus, online, and blended formats. Online programs may have optional or required in-person components.

These degree programs are accredited by several bodies, including the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), and the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE). All of the programs listed are accredited by at least one of these bodies.

After compiling the list of available programs, we chose the best based on reputation, cost, course offerings, and flexibility. Our top MBA in Healthcare Management degree picks represent the highest-ranking programs.

We evaluated each program on the basis of flexibility, faculty, course strength, cost, and reputation. Then we calculated the Intelligent Score for each program on a scale from 0 to 100. For a more extensive explanation, check out Our Ranking Methodology.

  • 61 hours to write this article
  • 202 universities and colleges we assessed
  • 276 education programs we compared

The Top 50 MBA in Healthcare Management Degree Programs

Best MBA in Healthcare Management Degree Programs
01

What You Should Know About This Degree

MBAs in healthcare management and healthcare administration may be used interchangeably in some contexts, but there are important differences between the foci of the two degree programs. Healthcare management combines healthcare and business, and professionals who have an MBA in healthcare management usually oversee big-picture items such as reimbursement systems, financial planning, marketing campaigns, information technology infrastructure, and leadership elections. Professionals who pursue an MBA in healthcare administration normally manage the actual day-to-day operations of a facility.

If you’re considering an online degree program, check whether the degree has any in-person requirements. Some online degrees require students to complete internships or attend periodic on-campus sessions. You’ll want to confirm that an online program, including any travel requirements, fits your availability and budget.

After you graduate from your academic program, you’ll have to pass a certification exam before most facilities will hire you. Several agencies offer certifications and specializations, such as information technology or accounts management. If you want to work in a nursing care facility, you’ll also need a state-issued license and should confirm that a specific program complies with your preferred state’s licensing requirements.

What’s Next?

Here are some questions to ask when considering an MBA in healthcare management:

  • Am I eligible for this degree? Each program has its own admission requirements, but most expect that students have completed an undergraduate degree. The degree may have to be in a business-related field, or completing some business courses within another degree program might be sufficient. If you haven’t taken business courses, some programs may admit you but require that you complete a set of foundational business courses before officially enrolling.
  • Does the program offer a dual degree or concentration? There are several ways to specialize within healthcare management, and you can focus on accounting, human resources, information technology, or another area. Some programs offer dual degrees or concentrations that help with specialization.

After you’ve identified potential programs, research each one’s admission requirements and application deadlines. The information is commonly available on programs’ webpages, or you can directly contact the programs for more information.

For help paying tuition and related costs, speak with the program about financial aid and scholarship opportunities. If you already work in the healthcare field, your employer might offer tuition reimbursement.