Why This Matters

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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

Top Online Doctorate in Healthcare Administration Programs Badge
01
Intelligent Pick
A.T. Still University
01
Best in the Midwest
Central Michigan University
01
Best for Accounting
Franklin University
01
Best in the South
University Of Mississippi Medical Center
01
Best for Organizational Leadership
Grand Canyon University
01
Best for Policy
Capella University
01
Best for International Students
UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health
01
Best in the West
Aspen University
01
Best for Behavioral Health
Arizona State University
01
Most Flexible
Keiser University
01
Best Tech School
Colorado Technical University
01
Best Cohort Model
Medical University Of South Carolina
01
Best for Vets
Liberty University
01
Best Blended Option
University of Alabama at Birmingham
01
Best for Business Administration
California Intercontinental University
01
Best for Strategic Leadership
Regent University
01
Best Accelerated Option
University Of Phoenix
01
Best for Public Health
University of South Florida
01
Most Affordable
Atlantic International University
01
Best for Health Information
Rutgers University
01
Best Faculty
Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
01
Best for Research
Virginia Commonwealth University
01
Best for Education
Clarkson College
01
Best for Nursing Practice
George Washington University
01
Best in the Northeast
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
01
Best for Exercise Science
Concordia University Chicago
01
Best for Global Health
Indiana University - Online
01
Best Part-Time Option
Nebraska Methodist College
01
Best Start Dates
Northcentral University
01
Best for Human Services
Nova Southeastern University
01
Best for Population Health
Thomas Jefferson University
01
Best Self-Paced Option
Radford University
01
Best for Nutrition
University Of Bridgeport
01
Best Student-to-Faculty Ratio
Rush University
01
Best for Working Professionals
Rivier University
01
Best Interprofessional Option
Rosalind Franklin University
01
Best Pharma Option
Regis University
01
Best for Adult Learners
Trident University International
01
Best for Health Economics
University of Illinois Chicago - School of Public Health
01
Best for Nursing Administration
University of Arizona

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.