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Best Online Bachelor’s in Healthcare Management Programs of 2024
Best Online Bachelor’s in Healthcare Management Programs of 2024
Find your online healthcare management program in minutes!
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Healthcare management is a broad field that aims to improve the efficiency and quality of healthcare services through healthcare organizations’ administration, leadership, and management. An online bachelor’s in healthcare management can help students launch careers in this fast-growing field.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that, within the next decade, the employment of medical and health services managers will increase by 28%. The median annual salary for health services managers is $104,830, with top earners making over $209,000 annually.
Students interested in healthcare management education can choose from a variety of programs. To help students narrow their choices, we compiled this list of the best online bachelor’s in healthcare management degree programs. Students can also learn more about choosing the right program, how to apply and pay for their program, and what they can expect in an online bachelor’s in healthcare management program.
What Can I Expect from an Online Bachelor’s in Healthcare Management Program?
Healthcare management deals with the overall direction and large-scale needs of healthcare facilities like hospitals, healthcare systems, inpatient and outpatient medical facilities, community health agencies, and more. This field differs from healthcare administration, which focuses on the day-to-day operations of healthcare facilities, including the individual departments that a healthcare manager oversees.
To prepare students for the responsibilities of a healthcare manager, the curriculum for this degree typically consists of core coursework in areas like U.S. healthcare systems, principles of healthcare management and strategy, marketing, quality control, and risk management, budgeting and finance, ethics and regulations, organizational leadership, and more.
Depending on the program, students may also have the option to specialize in a niche area of healthcare management, such as health informatics, healthcare law and policy, finance, or human resources.
Most programs require a hands-on learning experience, such as an internship, which allows students to apply the theoretical knowledge they’ve gained from their classes in a practical setting. Students in online programs should find out if they can complete internship requirements remotely or if they must accommodate an on-site internship.
Students should also consider what type of bachelor’s degree they want, with a Bachelor of Science (BS) or Bachelor of Arts (BA) being the two most common choices. Both degrees will give students the foundational and advanced skills they need for careers in healthcare management, but they have different approaches. Students who want a broader curriculum with more general education requirements are better suited for a BA, while a BS emphasizes applied and technical skills.
The type of online program a student enrolls in will also impact what they can expect from their online bachelor’s in healthcare management degree. Students in asynchronous programs can access and complete their lessons and assignments anytime and are not required to attend pre-scheduled classes. Meanwhile, students in synchronous programs attend pre-scheduled classes, although they can log in remotely from anywhere.
Best 50 Online Bachelor’s in Healthcare Management Programs
This list features some of the best online bachelor’s in healthcare management programs in the U.S. The schools on this list are non-profit, accredited institutions, either public or private, with high-quality standards for post-secondary education.
We evaluated each degree program on tuition costs, faculty, reputation, student resources, and admission, retention, and graduation rates. We also compared our picks to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications like the U.S. News & World Report, among others. Using this data, we calculated an Intelligent Score for each program on a scale of 0 to 100. Read more about our ranking methodology.
Still Looking for the Right Fit? Discover Similar Programs
A bachelor’s in healthcare management is just one educational path that can lead to a fulfilling healthcare career. Explore the following options to find the best program that suits your needs and goals.
What Can I Do With an Online Bachelor’s in Healthcare Management Degree?
Career outlook
Individuals who earn an online bachelor’s in healthcare management typically go on to work in leadership positions within healthcare facilities. Some common jobs for graduates with this degree include:
Healthcare administrator
Clinical manager
Human resources manager
Medical billing manager
Marketing manager
Healthcare consultant
Healthcare managers are found in all healthcare settings, including hospitals, healthcare networks and systems, inpatient and outpatient medical facilities, urgent care centers, community health clinics, and private practices.
The BLS classifies healthcare managers and administrators as medical and health services managers. The career outlook for this field is strong, with employment expected to increase 28% by 2032. There will be about 54,700 new jobs per year, on average, during this period.
Depending on their career goals, students may also pursue further study in healthcare management or a related field after earning their bachelor’s degree. Pursuing a Master of Science (MS) or a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in healthcare management can prepare students for executive leadership positions or provide opportunities for research and scholarship in the field.
How to Choose the Online Bachelor’s in Healthcare Management Program That’s Right for You
Clarifying your area of study, career goals, and logistical needs early in the search process will facilitate your research and help you find the right program.
First, determine if a bachelor’s in healthcare management is the degree that best aligns with your interests and experience. This degree is ideal if you seek leadership positions within a healthcare facility or organization and want to oversee big-picture strategy and business operations.
While most bachelor’s in healthcare management degrees feature a broad curriculum that covers the foundations of management in healthcare settings, some programs include specialization options, like health informatics or finance. If you are interested in a specialization, focus your search on programs that give you that option.
Now is also an excellent time to determine your needs regarding program delivery format and pace. Can you accommodate synchronous online classes in your schedule, or do you need an asynchronous program that allows you to learn independently? Do you have the time for a full-time course load, or are you planning on enrolling part-time?
Step 2: Research schools and programs
Once you’ve established some parameters for your search, you can begin finding and researching programs that may fit your needs.
A key piece of information to obtain about any schools you’re considering is whether they have institutional and programmatic accreditation. Institutional accreditation confirms that a school meets high-quality standards for post-secondary education. A school’s accreditation status can also impact a student’s eligibility for financial aid, jobs, and further study. Additionally, the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME) accredits individual healthcare management degree programs, ensuring they meet industry standards for education in this field.
Additional questions students should ask when researching schools include:
Who are the faculty, and what are their qualifications?
What does the curriculum cover? Are there opportunities for electives or specializations?
Are there internship requirements, and do students complete them online or in person?
Are classes delivered synchronously or asynchronously?
What is the total program cost, and what financial aid resources are available?
What support services are available for online students, including academic and career advising, tutoring, counseling, and technical support?
How do online students interact with faculty and classmates?
Are there networking opportunities available for online students?
A school’s website is an excellent place to start for gathering information. If possible, attend virtual open houses or information sessions to interact with program representatives, faculty, and current students. Following schools and programs on social media will also provide insight into the institution and its culture. You can also contact the school’s admissions office with specific questions.
Step 3: Prepare for applications and tests
Find out the specific application requirements for each program you’re considering. There’s typically some variation between schools regarding application procedures and eligibility requirements, so keeping a spreadsheet or checklist can be helpful, especially if you’re applying to multiple schools. Most schools publish admissions information on their websites, or you can contact their admissions office for more details.
A standard application for an online bachelor’s in healthcare management includes:
Completed application and required fees
Official transcripts from all schools previously attended
Some programs may have eligibility requirements such as a minimum high school GPA or prerequisite coursework. Students transferring from a different college should submit transcripts showing all previous college coursework to receive credit for already completed classes.
Step 4: Select your program
After researching and reviewing admissions requirements, decide which programs best meet your needs and submit your applications. There’s no right or wrong number of schools to apply to; some students focus on one or two programs, while others may submit several applications to improve their admissions chances. If applying to multiple schools, remember that most charge application fees and budget accordingly.
If you’re accepted to multiple schools, review the criteria you established in Step 1 and consider any new information, such as financial aid awards, to help you select the program that’s the best fit.
Step 5: Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
If you haven’t already, find out the program’s total cost (including fees) and what financial aid options are available to you.
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which schools use to determine your eligibility for need-based aid, such as federal student loans, grants, work-study jobs, and scholarships. You should also research merit-based aid, like scholarships, grants, and fellowships, which are awarded based on students’ accomplishments and aptitudes.
If you’re working when completing your online bachelor’s in healthcare management, find out if your employer offers tuition assistance benefits. Active-duty military members and veterans may be able to get discounted tuition or use GI Bill benefits to pay for their degrees.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Bachelor’s in Healthcare Management Programs
Should I get a bachelor's in healthcare management in person or online?
Each option has pros and cons, so your choice will likely come down to personal needs and preferences.
Online programs are popular for the flexibility and accessibility they offer to students. Learning from anywhere at any time can make it much easier for students to earn a degree if they are working full-time, caring for kids or family members, or don’t live near a school that offers a bachelor’s in healthcare management. However, they may not provide the same level of support and accountability students are accustomed to from in-person programs. Students in online programs should feel confident learning independently and have strong time management and organizational skills.
Meanwhile, an in-person program might be a better fit for students who need additional academic support or prefer to learn through discussions and hands-on activities. An in-person program is also better for students who want a traditional college experience, including on-campus extracurriculars and student life.
How do I apply to an online bachelor's in healthcare management program?
Most schools accept applications and supporting materials through an admissions portal on their website. Undergraduate and transfer students may also be able to apply to multiple schools using the Common Application.
Contact the school’s admissions office or visit their website to confirm all application processes and requirements, including deadlines. Some programs have multiple enrollment points throughout the academic year, while others only admit new students once or twice yearly.
What is the average cost of an online bachelor's in healthcare management degree?
In the 2021-22 academic year, the average annual tuition for undergraduate programs was $9,596 at public institutions and $37,222 at private colleges, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).
However, tuition for an online bachelor’s in healthcare management varies based on several factors. For example, some public universities may charge students different tuition rates depending on whether they’re in-state or out-of-state students, while others charge online students the same tuition rate. Many schools charge extra fees for virtual classroom technology, technical support, or other student resources. Online students should also consider the cost of access to reliable internet and computers, books, and other supplies.
Students should speak with a financial aid counselor to get the most accurate information about how much a program will cost.
How long does it take to complete an online bachelor's in healthcare management program?
A standard 120-credit bachelor’s in healthcare management program should take a full-time student four years to complete. Students who enroll part-time may complete the program in 5-6 years.
Students who want to earn their degree faster can explore accelerated program options, including degree completion programs that allow students to transfer a maximum number of previously earned undergraduate credits and earn their degree faster. Other accelerated programs condense the curriculum into a shortened time frame, enabling students to complete all required credits more quickly.
Is an online bachelor's in healthcare management worth it?
For students who want a career that combines healthcare delivery and business practices, an online bachelor’s in healthcare management will provide the necessary education and training for roles in this field.
From an ROI perspective, pursuing this degree has its benefits. Medical and health services managers earn a median annual salary of $104,830. Individuals who work in hospitals or government settings can make upwards of $119,000 annually.
The demand for these employees is also expected to remain high through 2032. The BLS predicts an average of 54,700 new job openings annually for medical and health services managers.
However, it’s worth noting that a degree program is most worthwhile when students can dedicate time and effort to their studies to get the most out of their education.
