Healthcare management programs examine big-picture policies and issues that affect entire facilities, organizations, and systems. On the other hand, healthcare administration programs focus on day-to-day matters, such as the supervision of personnel, operations, budgets, and departments. A master's in healthcare administration can qualify graduates for careers as clinic directors, office managers, and medical records managers.
Healthcare administration master's programs typically emphasize topics in healthcare finance, personnel management, performance improvement, and medical informatics. Curricula may also include organizational leadership coursework. Healthcare administration students developed b analysis, organization, and communication skills.
Professionals can earn a master's in healthcare administration degree to qualify for career and salary advancement. Master's degree-holders can also pursue doctoral programs in the field. This guide highlights the best healthcare administration master's programs and explores career options and scholarship opportunities for students in the field.
Best Online Master's in Healthcare Administration Programs
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The following ranking features the best healthcare administration master's programs for 2021. Updated annually, this list can help prospective students identify high-quality, accredited online programs. Learners can compare the accredited programs below to choose a master's in healthcare administration program that aligns with their interests, budget, and career goals.
Recommended Online Programs
Accreditation for Healthcare Administration Programs
Learners researching prospective master's in healthcare administration programs should look for schools with regional accreditation. TheCouncil for Higher Education Accreditation oversees regional accrediting agencies, which require institutions to meet high academic standards. Religious and for-profit schools typically receive national accreditation, which is less prestigious.
Attending an accredited institution ensures students can qualify for federal financial aid. Additionally, most schools only accept transfer credits from accredited institutions. The best healthcare administration programs also hold programmatic accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education.
Courses in a Healthcare Administration Program
Curricula of healthcare administration master's programs vary by school and concentration. However, the courses below appear in many healthcare administration programs. Common core classes include healthcare finance or budgeting, healthcare services administration, and healthcare information systems. Most master's programs also require an internship and a capstone project or thesis.
Many master's in healthcare administration programs offer concentrations and electives in areas such as epidemiology, healthcare marketing, healthcare improvement, and analytics. Degree-seekers gain skills in research, leadership, personnel management, and problem-solving.
Scholarships for Healthcare Administration
Students pursuing a healthcare administration master's degree can reduce out-of-pocket educational expenses by applying for scholarships. Many schools offer scholarships based on financial need, and learners can qualify for awards based on academic achievement and extracurricular involvement. Many scholarships are reserved for individuals studying a particular field, such as healthcare administration.
AHIMA Foundation Merit Scholarships
Who Can Apply: The American Health Information Management Association offers merit-based scholarships for students at various levels, including master's students. Applicants need a minimum 3.5 GPA and must be enrolled full time in a program related to health information management. Candidates must hold membership with the association.
Amount: $2,000
Albert W. Dent Graduate Student Scholarship
Who Can Apply: This award from the Foundation of the American College of Healthcare Executives supports racially and ethnically diverse learners. Applicants must be enrolled full time in a healthcare management graduate program and must demonstrate financial need. Candidates must not have completed classroom work or be enrolled in a doctoral program.
Amount: $5,000
Foster G. McGaw Graduate Student Scholarship
Who Can Apply: The Foundation of the American College of Healthcare Executives offers this scholarship to full-time master's students who are in their final year of a healthcare management-related program. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and U.S. or Canadian citizenship. ACHE student associates receive precedence.
Amount: $5,000
Career and Salary Outlook for Healthcare Administration
Healthcare administrators often work as directors or managers of departments, clinics, and healthcare offices. Major duties include hiring, training, and supervising staff. Administrators may also oversee activities related to budgeting, reporting, and regulatory and legal compliance.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment for medical and health services managers to increase 32% from 2019-2029, about eight times faster than the average for all occupations. According to the BLS, these professionals earn a median annual salary of $101,980 per year.
Administrators can work in facilities such as hospitals and doctors' offices. Responsibilities vary based on the professional's position and setting. For example, health information managers work with technology that safeguards patient data, while nursing home managers direct staff in admitting and caring for residents.
A healthcare administration master's degree meets the education requirements for most careers in the field. However, some positions require additional training, licensure, or certification. Some hospital positions require nursing licensure. Nursing home administrators and some assisted living-facility administrators need state licensure. Candidates with professional certification may be more competitive for high-level administrative positions.
| Career | Lowest 10% | Median Annual Salary | Highest 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical and Health Services Managers | Less than $58,820 | $100,980 | More than $189,000 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
