Best Online Healthcare Administration Degrees

Interested in a degree in healthcare administration? Learn about the best online bachelor's in healthcare administration programs for your background and interests.

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People interested in running a medical or health services organization may consider a degree in healthcare administration. Healthcare administration positions help with the business management and the operations of healthcare facilities. Rather than managing a facility's clinical aspects, healthcare administration professionals oversee duties such as budgeting, staffing, and strategic planning.

Healthcare administration positions typically require a bachelor's degree. Prospective students seeking a bachelor's degree in healthcare administration typically need a high school diploma or the equivalent. Enrolling in an online healthcare administration program offers greater flexibility for working students.

Graduates with a healthcare administration bachelor's degree can work as administrative services or facilities managers. They can also work as medical or health services managers, although this position often requires a master's degree.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects jobs for administrative services and facilities managers to grow 6% between 2019 and 2029, which is faster than average for other occupations. The BLS projects jobs for medical and health services managers to grow 32% between 2019 and 2029, which is much faster than average.

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Best Online Bachelor's in Healthcare Administration Degrees 2021

  1. University of Central Florida
    Location

    Greenwood Village, CO

    Tuition

    $13016

    Located in Orlando, UCF offers an online bachelor of science in health services administration. The program prepares students to launch their careers as healthcare managers in hospitals, ambulatory care centers, and long-term care facilities. Students can complete coursework entirely online, but the program does require a two-semester internship within a healthcare organization.

    Courses in the 120-credit curriculum include healthcare systems, healthcare finance, and long-term care and administration. Students must also complete general education and program prerequisite courses, including principles of microeconomics and an introduction to computers. A three-credit capstone in health services administration culminates the program.

    The school offers a fee reduction to newly admitted students completing the program exclusively through UCF online classes. The school does not offer the required general education and prerequisite courses online, so applicants must keep that in mind before applying. UCF is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

  2. Florida International University
    Location

    Rexburg, ID

    Tuition

    $9180

    Based in Miami, FIU's Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing and Health Sciences offers an online bachelor of health services administration. The program prepares students for management positions in the health sector, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, and health insurance companies.

    Course topics for the 120-credit program include quality and evidence-based healthcare services, healthcare financial management, and healthcare quality management. Electives include psychology of aging, fundamentals of pathology, clinical physiology for health professionals, and managing diversity. FIU also offers special initiatives to provide student engagement in the online course, including 24/7 access and support, real-time faculty feedback, and a personal success coach.

    First-year applicants must submit SAT or ACT scores to qualify for admission. Transfer students with a minimum of 60 transferable college credits do not need to submit test scores. Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 on lower-level coursework to declare a major in health services administration. FIU is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

  3. Pennsylvania State University-World Campus
    Location

    Denver, CO

    Tuition

    $21678

    Based in University Park, Penn State World Campus offers an online bachelor of science in health policy and administration. The university boasts 125 years of experience in distance education, with 30 years in healthcare. Students gain the necessary skills to secure leadership positions in various healthcare settings, including physician offices and major hospitals.

    The curriculum offers a solid foundation in management, business, and healthcare policy. Students must dedicate 81-83 of the 120-credit program to the major. Course topics include financial decisions in healthcare organizations, principles of epidemiology, long-term care management, and physician practice management. The program also requires students to complete an internship in a healthcare facility or related agency before their final semester.

    The school does not require a minimum GPA or standardized tests for admission. Penn State World Campus is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

  4. Maryville University
    Location

    Saint Paul, MN

    Based in Saint Louis, Missouri, Maryville offers an online bachelor of science in healthcare management. The curriculum promises strategic healthcare insights informed by a business core so that students can run a successful healthcare business in the future or secure a leadership position across a variety of healthcare settings.

    Students may choose to pursue an additional certificate course in senior living management to cater to the aging population by completing a hands-on practicum. The 128-credit curriculum includes course topics such as healthcare operations, healthcare compliance and quality, revenue cycle management, and medical law and risk management. The program ends with training and a capstone project where students must identify and tackle a modern healthcare issue.

    Applicants must possess a minimum GPA of 2.5 to qualify for admission. Students can apply 12 of the credits they earn completing their bachelor's degree toward a subsequent master's degree through the school's early access program. Maryville is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

  5. University of Mary
    Location

    Hookset, NH

    A private Benedictine university based in Bismarck, North Dakota, Mary offers an online bachelor of science in healthcare administration. The 124-credit program includes concentrations in accounting, management, healthcare law and enforcement, and financial management in healthcare.

    The curriculum equips students with the management skills needed to establish their careers in diverse healthcare settings, including clinics, hospitals, nursing facilities, and government agencies. Most students can complete the program in about 18 months.

    Course topics include principles of management, introduction to healthcare administration, financial management in healthcare, operations management, and healthcare law and regulatory environment. The program also requires students to complete four credits of internship or experiential development.

    The school allows students with a minimum GPA of 2.0 to transfer up to 24 credits toward their degree. Mary is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The school also boasts programmatic accreditation from the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education.

  6. University of Minnesota
    Location

    Marion, IN

    Tuition

    $16691

    Based in Crookston, UMC offers an online bachelor of science in health management. The program prepares students to plan, direct, and coordinate medical health services in healthcare and other health-related organizations.

    The varied 120-credit curriculum comprises technology, management, and soft skills. Course topics include performance improvement in healthcare, healthcare finance, healthcare law, and biomedical ethics. Students must also complete a three-credit internship — a 10-week field experience in a healthcare organization or agency. Graduates may take the state and national examinations for licensure as nursing home administrators in Minnesota and other states.

    UMC follows a test-free approach to admissions. The school allows students to transfer credits from a regionally accredited college or university toward their degree, with the amount evaluated on a case-by-case basis. UMN is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

  7. Drexel University
    Location

    Lynchburg, VA

    Tuition

    $14166

    Located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Drexel offers an online bachelor of science in health services administration. Core competencies in the curriculum include healthcare administration, finance, economics and policy, ethics, marketing, and information systems.

    The program comprises four 10-week quarters per year instead of the traditional two-semester system. The curriculum covers core course topics such as ethics in healthcare management, healthcare law, and financial management in healthcare. Students must also complete 27 credits worth of electives, including organizational behavior, introduction to sociology, introduction to business statistics, and principles of microeconomics.

    Transfer students must possess 24 credits with a minimum grade of "C" to qualify for admission. The school allows students with a strong academic background in health service administration to transfer up to 75 credits toward their degree. Students with a military affiliation may receive reduced tuition rates. Drexel is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

  8. Lakeland University
    Location

    Orlando, FL

    Located in Plymouth, Wisconsin, Lakeland offers an online bachelor of arts in business administration with a concentration in healthcare management. The program offers a broad-based business education in business administration with a healthcare management specialization to students seeking leadership positions in healthcare settings.

    Course topics cover healthcare economics, a survey of the United States healthcare system, healthcare law and ethics, and healthcare financial management. The program culminates with an internship in healthcare management.

    First-year and transfer applicants must possess a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 to qualify for admission. Students can also earn up to 30 credits toward their degree for documented evidence of previous experiential learning. Lakeland is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

  9. University of Virginia
    Location

    Nashville, TN

    Based in Charlottesville, UVA offers an online bachelor of professional studies in healthcare management. The degree completion program caters to working adults looking at leadership roles in healthcare settings. Students must take a minimum of two courses per semester, and most students can complete the program in 3-4 years.

    Core course topics include healthcare management, legal and ethical decision-making in healthcare, economics and finance of healthcare, and health information systems and applications. Electives include understanding diversity in healthcare, global healthcare, and strategic business value of information technology. Students must also complete two capstone courses covering the development and implementation of a health sciences management project.

    Applicants need an approved allied healthcare associate degree from a regionally accredited college and a minimum GPA of 2.0 to qualify for admission. Those without an associate degree can also apply for the program if they possess 45-60 transferable credits and a minimum GPA of 2.0.

    The university also offers a reduced tuition rate of $250 per credit to active-duty military students. UVA is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

  10. Roger Williams University
    Location

    Standish, ME

    Tuition

    $17845

    Located in Bristol, Rhode Island, RWU's University College offers an online bachelor of general studies in healthcare administration. The program prepares students to direct health services and manage medical facilities.

    The 120-credit program trains students in ethics, grant writing, and medical record maintenance. Course topics include an introduction to public health, moral and ethical issues in healthcare, and healthcare administration. Students may also opt to pursue an associate degree or enroll for add-on certificate courses on case management, gerontology, and nursing home administration.

    RWU offers a lower-cost tuition agreement for residents of select cities in Rhode Island. The university also allows students to transfer up to 90 credits towards their degree — earned from previous coursework and other types of experiential learning. Military students can get tuition assistance. RWU is regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

Healthcare administration degrees prepare students to efficiently lead and manage the operations of a healthcare facility. This includes managing staff, organization finances, and business operations. Students also learn about different types of healthcare services, care strategies, and healthcare policies. Healthcare administrators generally work in hospitals, nursing homes, and group medical practices.

Students interested in coordinating activities in a healthcare setting pursue degrees in healthcare administration. Healthcare administration bachelor's programs may use different names, such as healthcare management, clinical operations management, and healthcare services administration. Many programs offer specializations such as healthcare leadership, health policy, and healthcare safety.

Bachelor's programs in healthcare administration offer courses to help students develop the skills needed to succeed in the field. Courses include public health management, healthcare policy, and health science leadership. Many learners also study health services writing and research in healthcare.

Why Get a Healthcare Administration Degree?

Earning a healthcare administration degree offers a variety of personal and professional benefits. Enrolling in an online healthcare administration program offers additional benefits such as saving time and money. The following list includes some of the top benefits of graduating with a degree in healthcare administration.

Career Opportunities
Graduates typically pursue careers in human resources, patient finance, and managed care. A master's degree especially increases job opportunities in this growing field.
High Earning Potential
Earning a degree in healthcare administration allows graduates to enter potentially lucrative careers. According to the BLS, the top 10% of medical and health services managers earned a median annual salary of $189,000 in 2019.
High Demand
With large, aging populations who require specific medical needs, healthcare administrators and managers are in high demand. The BLS projects jobs for healthcare administration professionals to grow much faster than other occupations between 2019 and 2029.
Learn New Skills
Healthcare administration programs offer a variety of courses that prepare students for careers in the field. Enrollees acquire the leadership, communication, and research skills needed to run a successful healthcare organization.
Help Others
A career in healthcare administration makes a difference in the lives of patients and healthcare workers. Healthcare administrators create and manage the infrastructure needed to ensure quality healthcare to the public.

What Are the Requirements for a Healthcare Administration Degree?

Admission requirements for healthcare administration programs vary by school and program. Programs typically require at least a high school degree or equivalent to qualify for admission. Some programs require an associate degree in a related field, such as medical laboratory technology or radiology. Applicants submit transcripts demonstrating completion of these degrees. If a program requires previous professional experience, applicants generally submit a resume or CV.

Students in healthcare administration programs complete coursework that often covers finance in healthcare, ethical decision-making, and epidemiology. Many programs also require students to complete an internship in a healthcare setting. Other programs require students to complete a capstone project to demonstrate healthcare project development, implementation, and management.

Professional organizations offer opportunities for healthcare administrators to network and advance their careers. Membership to professional organizations often provides continuing education resources, special access to conferences, and networking opportunities. The following list provides some examples of professional organizations available to aspiring healthcare administrators.

AHCAP supports healthcare administrators in the United States. Members pay an annual fee and receive preferred registration rates for AHCAP's annual conference. AHCAP offers regular, student, retired, and associate memberships. Regular memberships are available to professionals who provide administrative support to leaders in healthcare settings. Students in healthcare administration can apply for membership.

HCAA offers resources to healthcare administrators such as benefit administrators, medical managers, and healthcare consultants. Members pay annual dues and receive education, advocacy, and networking resources. HCAA also provides special access to publications in the field. HCAA's two memberships include regular and affiliate.

AAHAM provides education, advocacy, and networking resources to professionals in healthcare administrative management. The association supports professionals who fulfill a variety of tasks, such as reimbursement, data management, and medical records. Members receive an exclusive invitation to AAHAM's Annual National Institute and other educational resources. They also receive copies of the quarterly journal of Healthcare Administrative Management.

HFMA supports individual professionals and organizations in healthcare financial management. Members receive practical tools, education, and strategic guidance. HFMA offers members specialty certifications and free access to online webinars. Professionals, students, business partners, and faculty can apply for membership.

Scholarships for Healthcare Administration Students

Scholarships help students pay for their degree and do not require repayment. Many aspiring healthcare administration professionals find scholarships to help fund their education. Students enrolled in an online healthcare administration program also qualify for a variety of scholarships. This list includes scholarships available to students earning a degree in healthcare administration.

Harry J. Harwick Scholarship



Who Can Apply: Students enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program in healthcare administration may apply. Their attended program must be accredited by the Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education. Applicants must hold membership with the Medical Group Management Association. The American College of Medical Practice Executives sponsors this scholarship.

Amount: $3,000

Leaders Scholarship



Who Can Apply: Students enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program in medical practice management may apply. Fields related to medical practice management include healthcare administration, public health, and business administration. Applicants must demonstrate Medical Group Management Association membership.

Amount: $2,500-$5,000

Living for Zachary Scholarship



Who Can Apply: North Texas high school graduates who plan to pursue a medical-oriented program at a two- or four-year college or university may apply. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and must submit an essay and an educator recommendation. Applicants should also demonstrate community service, volunteerism, and a commitment to leadership development.

Amount: $2,500

Frequently Asked Questions about Online Healthcare Administration Degrees

What jobs can you get with a healthcare administration degree?

A healthcare administration degree allows graduates to help plan and coordinate various functions within medical and healthcare facilities. Graduates can work as healthcare managers, medical managers, and facilities managers.

How long does it take to get a health administration degree?

Full-time students typically need four years to complete a healthcare administration bachelor's degree. Online healthcare administration degrees often offer accelerated tracks.

How much money do you make in healthcare administration?

According to the BLS, administrative services and facilities managers earned a median annual salary of $96,940 in 2019. Medical and health services managers earned a median annual salary of $100,980 in 2019.

Is healthcare administration a growing field?

Managing healthcare facilities remains an important occupation. The BLS projects a faster-than-average growth rate for careers in healthcare administration between 2019 and 2029.

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