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Best Online Master’s in Healthcare Administration Programs of 2024
Best Online Master’s in Healthcare Administration Programs of 2024
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When people think of healthcare facilities, they likely think of doctors, nurses, and specialists responsible for diagnosing and treating patients. But there’s also a whole team of administrative staff members who ensure that operations function smoothly so medical staff can do their jobs. Earning an online master’s in healthcare administration helps students prepare for leadership roles within the administrative team.
Healthcare administration is a fast-growing field. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the employment of medical and health services managers will increase by 28% through 2032, much faster than the overall employment rate during the same period. Healthcare administrators earn a median annual salary of $104,830, with top earners making nearly $210,000 annually.
There are dozens of healthcare administration programs available online. To help students find the right one, we compiled this list of the best online master’s in healthcare administration programs. Students can also learn more about admissions requirements, program cost, career outlook, and what to expect when they enroll in an online master’s in healthcare administration.
What Can I Expect from an Online Master’s in Healthcare Administration Program?
With a master’s in healthcare administration, students develop advanced skills in administering and managing healthcare facilities and services. The coursework for these programs draws from various areas, including healthcare, operations management, billing and accounting, information technology, marketing, human resources, and more.
In terms of specific degrees, there are a few options, including a Master of Health Administration (MHA), Master of Science (MS), Master of Arts (MA), and Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in healthcare administration. While all degree types prepare students for careers in the healthcare administration field, they each have a different pedagogical approach. For example, students who have a business background and are interested in executive positions may opt for an MBA. Those interested in research and scholarship related to healthcare administration may find an MA more appealing.
The curriculum of an online master’s in healthcare administration focuses on familiarizing students with practices related to healthcare services administration, information systems and informatics, finance, and budgeting in healthcare settings, marketing, and operations. Students will also develop soft skills like leadership, communication, and risk management. Depending on the program, students may also have the option to select a specialization, such as project management, health informatics, patient safety and quality of care, billing and accounting, or strategic communications.
Hands-on learning experiences like internships are common in healthcare administration master’s programs. Students already working in the industry may be able to complete internship hours at their current job or use the opportunity to gain experience in a new setting. Students should note that even if the program is entirely online, they might be required to attend in-person internships. Some programs also require a culminating project, like a research thesis or capstone project, that allows students to synthesize and demonstrate the theoretical and applied knowledge they gained in the program.
The program delivery format will also impact what students can expect from their online master’s in healthcare administration. Many programs are offered asynchronously, which means there are no designated class meetings, and students access and complete lessons and assignments on their own schedule. While this format is highly flexible, it requires higher accountability and independent student learning. Synchronous programs have less flexibility since students must attend virtual classes at pre-scheduled times, but they allow for more interaction with faculty and classmates. Another option is a hybrid program, which blends online and in-person learning.
The Top 55 Master’s in Healthcare Administration Programs
This list features some of the best online master’s in healthcare administration 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
Several different degrees can prepare students for careers in healthcare administration and related areas. If a master’s in healthcare administration isn’t the right program for you, consider these options:
What Can I Do With an Online Master’s in Healthcare Administration Degree?
Career outlook
An online master’s in healthcare administration prepares students for mid- to high-level positions within healthcare facilities and organizations. Many students use this degree to help them qualify for leadership and executive positions. Common career paths for students with a master’s in healthcare administration include:
Clinical director/supervisor
C-suite executive
Clinical finance manager
Data analyst
Nursing home administrator
Quality and safety manager
Risk and compliance manager
Most jobs within this field are classified as medical and health services managers, whose primary responsibilities are managing operations and services at hospitals, medical practices, community health agencies, specific clinical departments, or urgent care centers.
The career outlook for healthcare administrators for the next decade is very strong. The BLS reports that roughly 54,700 new job openings will be available annually through 2032. Driving factors for this increase include a rapidly aging population requiring care and changes in the healthcare industry related to new technology and regulations.
The setting in which a healthcare administrator works will influence their salary. Jobs in hospitals and government tend to earn more than the median annual salary, while administrators in physician’s offices and nursing homes make slightly less than the median annual salary.
How to Choose the Online Master’s in Healthcare Administration Program That’s Right for You
Finding the online master’s in healthcare management that’s right for you starts with clarity on what you want from the program, including curriculum, course delivery method, pace, and available hands-on learning experiences.
Think about where you currently are in your educational journey. If you have an undergraduate degree or professional experience in healthcare administration, you may be able to pursue an accelerated program that builds on existing knowledge with courses in advanced skills and topics. Individuals who have a background in a different field will likely seek out programs that provide education in both foundational and advanced areas of healthcare administration.
Consider if you want to specialize in an area of healthcare administration, such as health informatics, health and law policy, strategic communications, or project management, and look for programs that offer your desired concentration.
This is also an excellent time to assess your logistical needs, and decide if you have a preference between a synchronous or asynchronous program, and if you’ll enroll on a full-time or part-time basis.
Step 2: Research schools and programs
Using the criteria you set in step 1, begin researching schools and healthcare administration master’s programs.
A key piece of information to gather during your research process is whether the school has institutional and programmatic accreditation. Institutional accreditation confirms that the institution meets high standards for academic quality. In order to be eligible for federal financial aid, future educational opportunities, and employment, students must enroll in an accredited institution. Additionally, the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME) accredits healthcare administration degree programs. Employers may prefer to hire candidates who attended a CAHME-accredited program.
Other information students should seek during the research process includes:
How do online students interact with faculty and classmates?
Are classes delivered synchronously or asynchronously?
Who are the faculty, and what are their qualifications?
Are there internships or other in-person requirements?
What support services are available to online students, including tutoring, academic and career advising, counseling, technical support, and library resources?
What networking opportunities are available for online students?
What financial aid options are available?
Most schools publish this and other relevant information on their websites. Students may also contact an admissions counselor or program representative or attend a virtual open house or information session to learn more. Following schools and programs on social media can also provide insight into the department’s culture.
Step 3: Prepare for applications and tests
For any schools you’re seriously considering, learn more about their admissions processes and eligibility requirements. This information will likely vary by school. Using a spreadsheet or checklist can be helpful if you’re applying to multiple programs. Review this information online or speak with an admissions counselor for instructions.
In general, students applying to a master’s in healthcare administration program will submit the following:
Application and required fees
Undergraduate transcripts from all schools attended
The eligibility requirements will also vary by school. Some programs, especially those designed for students who don’t have a healthcare administration background, may have fewer requirements. For students applying to accelerated programs, requirements may include a bachelor’s degree or undergraduate coursework in healthcare administration or a related field, a minimum undergraduate GPA, or demonstrated professional experience.
Step 4: Select your program
Review the information you’ve gathered on various online master’s in healthcare administration and determine which ones best suit your needs based on the criteria you established in step 1. It’s your choice how many programs you apply to; some students focus on a single school, while others submit multiple applications to increase their odds of admission. If submitting several applications, remember that most schools charge application fees, which can add up quickly.
If accepted to multiple programs, compare them once more to your list of criteria. Consider any new information, such as financial aid offers, that can help you identify which school is best for you.
Step 5: Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
Most students pay for school through out-of-pocket payments, student loans, and merit-based aid such as scholarships and grants.
To determine if you qualify for need-based aid like federal student loans and grants, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Schools will also use this information to distribute their own need-based scholarships and grants.
Students can also explore merit-based aid like scholarships, grants, and fellowships from their institution, professional organizations, community and religious groups, non-profits, and other sources.
If you are working while completing your online master’s in healthcare administration, 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 Master’s in Healthcare Administration Programs
Should I get a master's in healthcare administration in person or online?
To answer this question, consider your learning preferences and logistical needs.
Online learning is often the best option for students who need a flexible schedule to fit education into their daily lives or live in an area where an in-person program isn’t accessible. If convenience is a top priority, an online master’s program is probably the way to go.
However, students should be aware that online programs require more autonomous learning and self-motivation than in-person programs. Online programs deliver content through videos, recorded lectures, and reading assignments, which may not work for all learners.
Meanwhile, students in an on-campus program have the advantage of direct contact with faculty and fellow students, which makes learning more accessible through discussions and interactive activities and seeking support if needed. Learning in person is likely the best option for students who want a traditional college experience with on-campus activities and social events.
How do I apply to an online master's in healthcare administration program?
Consult an admissions counselor to review the application procedures, deadlines, and eligibility requirements. Depending on the program, students may have to demonstrate a minimum undergraduate GPA, a bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration or a related field, or professional experience in the healthcare industry.
Schools typically accept applications and supporting documents electronically through an admissions portal on their website, although some programs seek hard copies of transcripts or test scores.
Students should also confirm if the program has specific deadlines or if they accept applications on a rolling basis. Students who miss application deadlines may be unable to enroll in their desired term.
What is the average cost of an online master's in healthcare administration degree?
Many factors influence what an online master’s degree costs and what students pay. To determine precisely what a specific program costs, consult the school’s financial aid office.
For example, one factor that impacts the cost of an online master’s in healthcare administration is the school’s status as a public or private institution. Public universities typically charge in-state students a lower tuition rate than out-of-state students, while private schools charge all students the same tuition rate.
There are also additional costs beyond tuition that students need to consider, such as additional fees for virtual classroom technology and online student services, and personal technology like a reliable computer and internet.
Meanwhile, scholarships, grants, and other financial aid can help offset the total students will pay for their degree. Students may also be able to maintain a full- or part-time job while enrolled in an online program, which can also help them pay for their degree.
How long does it take to complete an online master's in healthcare administration program?
The duration of an online master’s in healthcare administration program depends on how many credits students must complete and how fast they complete them.
Master’s in healthcare administration programs tend to require anywhere from 30-48 credits, which can be completed in one to two years of full-time or two to three years of part-time study.
Some schools may offer accelerated options for students with professional experience or certificates in healthcare administration, which can prepare students for graduation in 12-18 months.
Is an online master's in healthcare administration worth it?
For students who commit time and energy to their studies, an online master’s in healthcare administration can provide much value.
According to Salary.com, the average salary for healthcare administrators is $77,530 annually, with top earners making roughly $123,000 annually. The usual weekly earnings for individuals with a master’s degree are $1,661 compared to $1,432 for those with a bachelor’s degree. Unemployment rates are also lower for individuals with a master’s degree.
