Why This Matters
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32% OF HOSPITALISTS RECOMMEND A DOCTORAL DEGREE
Of those surveyed, 32% of hospitalists working in roles such as inpatient services director or medical director said a doctoral degree is required to succeed in this profession.
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32% INCREASE IN THE NEED FOR HOSPITALISTS BY 2029
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), a 32% increase in the need for healthcare managers and directors is anticipated by the year 2029.
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POTENTIAL TO EARN MORE THAN $195,630 PER YEAR
Data published by the BLS indicates that the top 10% of earners working as hospitalists and healthcare directors earned more than $195,630. The average salary for those in this profession is $104,280.
Our Research
The programs included on this list are focused on healthcare administration. They prepare students to take on leadership roles in a healthcare setting but do not provide medical training. While some programs award a Doctor of Healthcare Administration degree, others may award an Ed.D. or Ph. D.
Every program listed here is accredited by an organization that’s been approved by the U.S. Department of Education. These organizations include the Higher Learning Commission and the Council on Education for Public Health. Obtaining a degree from one of these accredited institutions ensures the quality of your education and the legitimacy of your degree.
- 59 hours to write this article
- 123 universities and colleges we assessed
- 123 education programs we compared
The Top 50 Online Doctorate in Healthcare Administration Programs
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What You Should Know About This Degree
As you prepare yourself for a rewarding career in the healthcare field, you might be considering several options when it comes to your degree. It’s important to keep in mind that a doctorate in healthcare administration is focused on the business side of healthcare while some similar degrees, such as a doctorate in public health, focus on health sciences and research.
It’s vital that you select a program that’s accredited by a recognized organization. These organizations ensure that credits earned are transferrable and your education meets national quality standards. You can check a school’s accreditation status at the U.S. Department of Education’s accreditation database.
Upon graduation, you might consider several career options. While hospitalist or healthcare manager is the most common role among graduates, you might also consider work as a community service manager or social service manager.
While hospitalists don’t generally require additional training or licensure to work in healthcare administration or management, positions in social or community work may require state licensing.
What’s Next?
Here are some questions to ask when researching online doctorate in healthcare administration programs:
- Am I eligible for this program? While every program is different, most require students to have a minimum 3.0 GPA and an undergraduate degree in a similar field, as well as some work experience in the healthcare industry.
- How long does it take to complete this online degree? The amount of time it takes you to complete your degree program depends on whether you study part-time or full-time. While full-time students can usually complete their program in two to three years, part-time students might take up to seven years.
Make sure to keep track of important program details while you research your options for this degree. Make note of the programs you’re most interested in and include information about application deadlines, course prerequisites, and procedures for applying.
If you require financial aid, be sure to submit applications for FAFSA, scholarships, and grants on time and according to guidelines.