Professionals with master's degrees in healthcare administration can pursue many in-demand careers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects jobs for medical and health services managers to increase 32% from 2020-2030. This rate exceeds the average growth rate of 8% for all occupations.
Healthcare administration programs focus on the business and management side of healthcare. Some programs require applicants to hold a professional background or bachelor's degree in a healthcare-related field. Others accept candidates of all backgrounds.
Students pursuing a healthcare administration degree online benefit from flexibility. Many online programs run asynchronously, allowing enrollees to complete coursework around their schedules.
This guide lists the best master's degrees in healthcare administration. Read on to learn about degree costs and common courses.
Frequently Asked Questions About Healthcare Administration
Where do healthcare administrators work?
Healthcare administrators may work in hospitals, clinics, or doctors' offices. These professionals may also work in nursing homes or government facilities.
What kind of healthcare administration specializations exist?
Common healthcare administration specializations include hospital management, health policy, and health informatics. Many programs offer specializations.
Can I get a healthcare administration degree online?
Many schools offer master's degrees in healthcare administration fully online. Others use a hybrid format with some in-person components.
Featured Online MHA Programs
Find a program that meets your affordability, flexibility, and education needs through an accredited, online school.
Why Get a Degree in Healthcare Administration?
Master's degrees in healthcare administration build advanced knowledge in business, management, healthcare policy, and administration. This degree can help candidates move into high-paying careers. Master's graduates may advance in their current position or pursue new jobs.
How Much Does a Healthcare Administration Degree Cost?
Tuition varies by school. Master's degrees cost an average of $66,340, according to EducationData.org. Learners attending public in-state schools usually pay the most affordable tuition. Students attending out-of-state or private schools may pay much higher tuition. Full-time enrollees can complete a master's degree in two years.
Online healthcare administration programs can help students reduce their education expenses. These programs may offer lower tuition rates. Online learners can also enroll in the most affordable program without relocating. An online format means degree-seekers can often continue working and earning a paycheck while completing their degree.
How Much Do Healthcare Administration Majors Make?
Graduates with a master's in healthcare administration often pursue administrative or management positions in the healthcare field. Medical and health services managers earn an annual median salary of $104,280, according to the BLS. The top 10% of healthcare managers earn more than $195,630 annually.
Healthcare manager salaries vary by employer. Professionals in government positions earn a median annual salary of $116,380. Managers at hospitals earn $112,870 annually. Managers at nursing and residential care facilities earn $89,880.
Courses in Healthcare Administration
Master's degrees in healthcare administration focus on both business and healthcare concepts. Courses cover topics such as organizational management, health information systems, and healthcare ethics. Students develop broad business knowledge in budgeting and human resources management.
Many programs require candidates to complete a practicum in a professional healthcare setting. The practicum helps learners gain hands-on experience. Students apply course concepts to real-life healthcare administration practice.
See below for three common courses in online healthcare administration programs. Keep in mind that course content and titles vary among schools.
Public Health
This course examines major public health principles. Students explore the practices of health promotion and disease prevention at local, national, and global levels. Public health draws on many disciplines, including epidemiology, environmental health, and biostatistics.Healthcare Policy and Law
Healthcare policy and laws affect how organizations offer care. This course explores the factors that influence healthcare policy, including political and socioeconomic factors. Students explore healthcare policy at state, federal, and international levels. The course may also highlight healthcare reform and policy's role in organizational decision-making.Healthcare Management
This course applies organizational management principles to the healthcare field. Students learn the framework for healthcare leadership. Enrollees explore different management theories and decision-making strategies. They also study organizational systems relating to healthcare. The course may also highlight factors that affect organizations, such as environmental characteristics and culture.
Featured Online MHA Programs
Find a program that meets your affordability, flexibility, and education needs through an accredited, online school.
How to Become a Healthcare Administrator
Healthcare administrators need at least a bachelor's degree. Employers may prefer candidates with a master's degree. These professionals also need healthcare experience. Many employers prefer candidates with experience in either healthcare administration or clinical practice.
Healthcare managers oversee the operation and administration of medical settings. They may manage specific departments or entire healthcare facilities. These managers direct general operations, supervise hiring, and manage an organization's finances.
Best Master's Degrees in Healthcare Administration 2022
Featured Online Health Services Programs
Find a program that meets your affordability, flexibility, and education needs through an accredited, online school.
