2023 Best Online Healthcare Administration Programs
An online bachelor's degree in healthcare administration introduces students to the science of managing complex, modern healthcare delivery systems. Coursework is designed to teach students how organizations — such as hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes — run smoothly to meet patient needs effectively. Graduates are likely to take on entry-level roles within healthcare organizations; however, a master's degree in healthcare administration may be required to advance into leadership positions.
While healthcare administration is focused on the micro-operations of a facility — such as staffing and budgeting — an online health management degree explores a more macro approach to create policies for the organization as a whole. Students may also explore similar options, such as a medical office administration certificate.
View our methodology for more details about our list, or learn about OnlineU.
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Online Healthcare Administration Bachelor's Degrees You May Be Interested In

Southern New Hampshire University Online
Annual Tuition: $9,600
2 Programs (view all)

ECPI University Online

The University of Arizona Global Campus
Annual Tuition: Not Provided
2 Programs (view all)
2023 Best Online Healthcare Administration Programs
Rank | School | Salary Score | Median Starting Salary |
---|---|---|---|
Concordia University - Saint Paul | $53,999 | ||
Capella University | 95 | $52,610 | |
Waldorf University | 95 | $52,459 | |
Charter Oak State College | 95 | $52,192 | |
Champlain College | 91 | $50,262 | |
Colorado State University Global | 86 | $48,123 | |
Washburn University | 82 | $46,968 | |
National University | 82 | $46,892 | |
Columbia Southern University | 80 | $46,392 | |
Southern New Hampshire University Online | 78 | $45,661 |
#1 Concordia University - Saint Paul
- Salary Score: 97
- Median Starting Salary: $53,999
- Locations: Saint Paul (MN)
- Accreditation: HLC
Concordia University - Saint Paul (CSP) is a private religious university offering an online Bachelor of Arts in Health Care Administration that requires 120 credit hours, which can be completed in as little as two years with up to 90 transferable credits. Full-time students with no existing credits are likely to graduate in four years. The acceptance rate at CSP is 69%, with 62% of students achieving their degrees.
At CSP, students use Blackboard for their remote courses, which they can complete entirely online and asynchronously (i.e., at their own pace). This learning management system (LMS) allows students to listen to lectures and complete coursework virtually. The healthcare administration program looks at the wider issues of the healthcare industry while teaching the crucial leadership skills needed to obtain a fulfilling career. Required classes include Leadership Communication, Health Care Finance, and Health Care Information Systems. Graduates may explore roles in hospitals, doctor's offices, and other clinical practices.
#2 Capella University
- Salary Score: 95
- Median Starting Salary: $52,610
- Locations: Minneapolis (MN)
- Accreditation: HLC
Capella University is a private institution with an online Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration Leadership requiring 180 total credits. Capella also offers an online Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration - Health Information Management, which includes a stronger emphasis on data management. Full-time students generally complete one of these programs in around four years. Capella accepts 100% of its applicants, while only 16% of students end up graduating.
Capella uses the Blackboard LMS for their online coursework. This software allows students to finish their degrees completely online and on a schedule that meets their needs. They offer a guided track with more structure and a flexible path where students can set their own deadlines. The core curriculum encompasses various aspects of the industry, including marketing, economics, research, and wellness, alongside teaching students crucial leadership skills. Required classes include Strategic Leadership and Workforce Planning in Health Care, Managing Population Health, and Present and Future State Developments within the United States Health Care System. Students are also required to complete one capstone project. Career options include practice manager, health administrator, and business analyst.
#3 Waldorf University
- Salary Score: 95
- Median Starting Salary: $52,459
- Locations: Forest City (IA)
- Accreditation: HLC
Waldorf University is a private university with an online Bachelor of Applied Science in Business Administration - Health Care Management. This degree requires 120 credit hours, which full-time students can complete in four years. Approximately 61% of applicants are accepted into Waldorf, with 50% of students finishing with degrees.
Waldorf students use Blackboard as their primary LMS, where they can complete courses online and asynchronously. The core of this program focuses on developing strong business skills through accounting, management, and marketing, while the concentration explores the healthcare industry through a business lens. Among the required classes are Medical Terminology, Introduction to Health Care Management, and Health Care Law. Career opportunities may be available in entry-level positions in healthcare facilities.
#4 Charter Oak State College
- Salary Score: 95
- Median Starting Salary: $52,192
- Locations: New Britain (CT)
- Accreditation: NECHE
Charter Oak State College is a public university that offers a Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration. This degree requires 120 credit hours, which is generally completed in four years while studying full time. They also offer a Health Information Management Bachelor's Degree, which may allow students to work in similar facilities. Charter Oak accepts all applicants, while 57% of its undergraduate students earn degrees.
Blackboard is the main digital learning platform used by Charter Oak students for their degree program, which can be completed 100% online and in an asynchronous format. This degree is all about developing the professional skills needed for students to develop and implement healthcare services and programs effectively. Approximately 42 of the required credits are devoted to the core curriculum, including classes such as Health Care Systems and Administration, Economics of Health and Health Care, and Health Care Quality Concepts and Principles. Additional credits are required for the capstone project. Jobs for graduates may include human resources managers, administrative service managers, and medical and health service managers.
#5 Champlain College
- Salary Score: 91
- Median Starting Salary: $50,262
- Locations: Burlington (VT)
- Accreditation: NECHE
Champlain College is a private institution with a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration requiring the completion of 120 credit hours. Typically, students graduate within four years while studying full time. Champlain accepts 85% of applicants, with 64% of students reaching graduation.
All online courses at Champlain are delivered through the Canvas LMS, which allows students to study fully online in an asynchronous format. This degree focuses on developing technical, communication, and leadership skills along with an understanding of the complex healthcare industry. Among the major requirements are Navigating the U.S. Healthcare System, Catalyzing Positive Organizational Behavior, and Info Systems in Healthcare Organization. Additionally, students must complete an integrative capstone project. Upon graduation, students are often prepared to become administrative medical assistants, healthcare financial consultants, and hospital administrators.
#6 Colorado State University Global
- Salary Score: 86
- Median Starting Salary: $48,123
- Locations: Greenwood Village (CO)
- Accreditation: HLC
Colorado State University Global (CSU-Global) is a public university offering an online Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration and Management that requires 120 credit hours. There are 20 specializations available, most of which focus on aspects of the business world. Typically, students complete this program in around four years while studying at a full-time pace. The acceptance rate at CSU-Global is 96%, with 46% of students reaching their degree.
Online students use Canvas for their remote courses, which can all be completed online with flexible, asynchronous classes. This online degree program teaches foundational skills in business, such as human resources, marketing, operations, and finance — all through the lens of the healthcare industry. Required core classes include Introduction to the U.S. Healthcare System, Healthcare Operations Management, and Population Health Management. A capstone project in Healthcare Analysis and Policy Development is also required. Graduates may explore roles as health services managers, compliance managers, and regulatory affairs specialists.
#7 Washburn University
- Salary Score: 82
- Median Starting Salary: $46,968
- Locations: Topeka (KS)
- Accreditation: HLC
Washburn University (WU) is a public institution offering an online Bachelor of Health Science in Health Services Administration, which requires a minimum of 120 credit hours. Generally, students complete this in four years while studying full time. WU has an acceptance rate of 100%, along with a 54% graduation rate.
Brightspace is WU's primary learning management system. Students' coursework in this degree program is 100% online and asynchronous, meaning students can study at their own pace. This online bachelor's in health service administration requires students to already hold an associate degree or at least be actively pursuing one while in the bachelor's program. The core program is designed to teach leadership skills as well as an understanding of health care policy, health information systems, and population health. Required classes include Foundations of Quality Improvement in Health Care, Supervisory Practices for the Health Care Professional, and Research in Health Care. A three-credit seminar in healthcare is also required. Graduates may go on to work in patient advocacy, human resources, or healthcare management.
#8 National University
- Salary Score: 82
- Median Starting Salary: $46,892
- Locations: Multiple Locations
- Accreditation: WSCUC
National University (NU) is a private institution that hosts an online Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration. In order to earn this degree online, students must complete at least 180 quarter units (120 credits), which is typically achieved in four years if studying at a full-time pace. NU also offers a Bachelor of Science in Public Health that more closely explores human anatomy and health crises. NU's acceptance rate is 55%, with 36% of students graduating with a degree.
Online students at NU use Blackboard to complete their coursework online. Students in the psychology program studying public health will learn about the different healthcare roles as well as healthcare delivery systems and how to analyze healthcare data — all directly from industry professionals. The core curriculum features 13 major preparation courses and 15 major requirements, such as Health Informatics, Global Health Systems, and Intro to Organizational Behavior. Students are also required to complete an eight-week allied health capstone project. Graduates may find employment in leadership roles within healthcare organizations.
#9 Columbia Southern University
- Salary Score: 80
- Median Starting Salary: $46,392
- Locations: Orange Beach (AL)
- Accreditation: DEAC
Columbia Southern University (CSU) is a private institution offering an online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration/Supply Chain Management, which requires the completion of 120 credit hours. Typically, students graduate within four years while studying full time. CSU accepts 100% of applicants, with 46% graduating on average.
All online courses at CSU are delivered through the Blackboard learning management system. This allows students to study fully online. This degree explores the fundamentals of administrative roles in healthcare, including the principles of business, ethics in a professional setting, and various leadership styles. Among the major requirements are courses in Community Health, Health Care Marketing, and Critical Issues in Health Care. This degree prepares students for entry-level management roles while also providing additional experience for professionals already working in healthcare. These jobs include healthcare department managers, administrative coordinators, and case managers.
#10 Southern New Hampshire University Online
- Salary Score: 78
- Median Starting Salary: $45,661
- Locations: Manchester (NH)
- Accreditation: NECHE
Southern New Hampshire University Online (SNHU) is a private university that features an online Bachelor of Science in Operations Management - Health Information Management, requiring 120 credit hours. Another concentration option for this major is Patient Safety and Quality. Full-time students can generally complete a bachelor's degree online at SNHU in four years. SNHU accepts 92% of its applicants, with 36% earning degrees.
SNHU uses the Brightspace learning management system to deliver the program's core courses, which are fully online. Students can study on flexible schedules. The curriculum for this online degree covers operational strategies, ethical policies, and building company culture. Students will also learn how to make decisions based on data. The core classes include Healthcare Economics, Principles of Epidemiology, and Healthcare Delivery Systems. A healthcare administration capstone is also required. Graduates may gain employment as health policy analysts, medical services administrators, and community health managers.
#11 Pennsylvania State University
- Salary Score: 76
- Median Starting Salary: $45,122
- Locations: State College (PA)
- Accreditation: MSCHE
Pennsylvania State University (PSU) is a public institution with an online Bachelor of Science in Health Policy and Administration requiring 120 credit hours. Students studying full time are likely to complete the degree in four years. PSU accepts 92% of its applicants, while 70% graduate with degrees.
PSU uses Canvas to deliver coursework online. This software allows students to finish their degrees completely online and on a flexible schedule that meets their needs. The curriculum combines health science with business administration and liberal arts studies, all designed to meet the needs of a constantly shifting healthcare industry. Required classes include Health Care Payment, Health Services Policy Issues, and Health Systems Management. Practical experience is also required through a two-course internship, which online students can complete in their own communities. Career options include clinical directors, hospital unit coordinators, and healthcare managers.
#12 Pima Medical Institute
- Salary Score: 72
- Median Starting Salary: $44,210
- Locations: Multiple Locations
- Accreditation: ABHES
Pima Medical Institute Online (PMI) is a private university offering an online Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration, requiring 123 credit hours. If studying at a full-time pace, students can complete this program in two-and-a-half years. No student data is available for PMI's online school; however, its main campus in Phoenix, Arizona, has a 100% acceptance rate and a 65% graduation rate.
At PMI, students use the Blackboard learning management system to access their core online courses, which are taught completely online. Students are taught management skills, business theories, regulatory policies, and other important strategies that impact the healthcare industry. Required courses include Health Insurance Reimbursement, Statistical Concepts, and Public Health. Students must also complete a three-credit capstone project involving real-world experience. Graduates may earn career opportunities in hospitals, insurance companies, and rehabilitation facilities.
#13 Indiana Wesleyan University Online
- Salary Score: 69
- Median Starting Salary: $43,658
- Locations: Marion (IN)
- Accreditation: HLC
Indiana Wesleyan University Online (IWU) is a private university with an online Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration. The degree requires 120 credit hours, which most students complete in four years on a full-time schedule. The core program can be completed in two years by transferring existing college credits. IWU has a 100% acceptance rate and a 54% graduation rate.
IWU students who opt for remote learning will use the Brightspace learning management system, where they can study online. The curriculum is designed to instill good business practices through faith-based learning and teach skills in communication and developing organizational success. This program's major consists of 48 credits including required classes, such as Communication in Business, Human Resources Management, and Healthcare Marketing. The three-credit capstone project for healthcare administration is also required. Graduates may explore careers as Medicare administrators, program case managers, and executive directors.
#14 King University
- Salary Score: 67
- Median Starting Salary: $43,199
- Locations: Bristol (TN)
- Accreditation: SACS COC
King University is a private institution with an online Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration that requires the completion of 124 credit hours. Typically, students graduate in around four years while studying full time. King University accepts 66% of applicants, with 72% reaching graduation.
All online courses at King University are delivered through the Moodle learning management system. This allows students to access their assignments, syllabi, and resources online and on a flexible schedule. Students will study a range of disciplines including finance, leadership, ethics, and current healthcare research. Among the major requirements are Human Resource Management, Financial Management of Healthcare Organizations, and Population-Based Health. Upon graduation, alumni are often prepared to take on entry-level roles as clinical managers, community health managers, and health information managers.
#15 Davenport University
- Salary Score: 66
- Median Starting Salary: $42,980
- Locations: Grand Rapids (MI)
- Accreditation: HLC
Davenport University (DU) is a private university offering an online Bachelor of Science in Health Services Administration, which requires 120 credit hours. This program is specifically designed for working healthcare professionals or associate degree holders. Full-time students can generally complete bachelor's programs in around four years. DU accepts 98% of its applicants, with 38% earning degrees.
Online students use the Blackboard learning management system to access their fully online, mostly asynchronous courses. Some classes may require scheduled meetings. Students strive to learn skills in management, communication, applied research, and analytics. Required courses include Health Information Technology, Intro to Health Careers, and Healthcare Reimbursement Management. Healthcare majors with previous experience may go on to explore careers in integrated healthcare systems, community health organizations, and long-term care facilities.
#16 Weber State University
- Salary Score: 66
- Median Starting Salary: $42,936
- Locations: Ogden (UT)
- Accreditation: NWCCU
Weber State University (WSU) is a public university offering an online Bachelor of Science in Health Services Administration that requires 120 credit hours. If studying full-time, students are likely to complete this program in four years. WSU accepts all of its applicants, with 42% of students earning degrees.
At WSU, students use the Canvas learning management system to access online courses. All courses are delivered 100% online, allowing students to maintain flexible schedules. The curriculum blends core business competencies, such as teamwork, professionalism, and quality control, with leadership skill development in a way that is designed for the healthcare industry. For example, students are required to take the following classes: Human Resource Development in Healthcare, Professionalism in Healthcare, and Healthcare Financial Administration. A three-credit senior seminar capstone is also required.
Students may also be interested in pursuing the online Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management or the online Bachelor of Science in Public Health. Career options for any of the mentioned programs include roles in nursing facilities, rehabilitation centers, and community health organizations.
#17 Keiser University
- Salary Score: 64
- Median Starting Salary: $42,444
- Locations: Daytona Beach (FL) (and 15 others)
- Accreditation: SACS COC
Keiser University (KU) is a private university offering an online Bachelor of Arts in Health Services Administration requiring students to earn at least 120 credit hours. Students who study full time may complete this program in four years. The acceptance rate for Keiser University is 96%, with 56% of students graduating.
KU's eCampus uses Blackboard as the primary learning platform for online students. This program provides foundational knowledge in health services administration, including an exploration of healthcare topics in leadership, marketing, and public policy. Core classes include Public Policy in Healthcare, Research Methods in Healthcare, Issues in Healthcare Communication. A health services administration capstone project is also required to graduate. Career opportunities may be available at insurance companies, hospitals, medical practices, and long-term care facilities.
#18 Trevecca Nazarene University
- Salary Score: 62
- Median Starting Salary: $42,186
- Locations: Nashville (TN)
- Accreditation: SACS COC
Trevecca Nazarene University (TNU) is a private, religious university that offers an online Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration. This degree requires 120 credit hours, which students generally complete in four years while studying full time. TNU has a 78% acceptance rate and a 58% graduation rate.
Blackboard is the main learning platform used by TNU's remote students. All courses are completed entirely online and in an asynchronous format. In this program, fundamental business courses are taken alongside a healthcare management education, including industry regulation and policy. There are 36 credits devoted to the major, which requires courses such as The Culture and Ethics of Healthcare, Legal Aspects of Healthcare Management, and Financial Management in Healthcare. An additional three credits are required for Biblical Perspectives and the Christian Life. Jobs for graduates may be available as practice administrators, medical records managers, and insurance specialists.
#19 Northeastern University Global Network
- Salary Score: 59
- Median Starting Salary: $41,623
- Locations: Boston (MA)
- Accreditation: NECHE
Northeastern University Global Network is part of Northeastern University (NU), a private institution featuring a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration that requires 120 credits. Bachelor's degrees can generally be completed in four years while studying full time. NU accepts 18% of applicants, with 89% graduating.
Students use Canvas to complete their coursework remotely. This program looks at the business side of the healthcare industry, including its finances, policies, and legal issues. Students also gain experience with analytical and conceptual problem-solving. There are 39 credits devoted to the major, which include courses such as Foundations of Healthcare Management, Public Health, and Healthcare Policy. Students must also complete a healthcare management capstone to graduate. Alumni may become insurance underwriters, community service managers, and healthcare administrators, to name a few options.
#20 Upper Iowa University
- Salary Score: 58
- Median Starting Salary: $41,425
- Locations: Fayette (IA)
- Accreditation: HLC
Upper Iowa University (UIU) is a private university with an online Bachelor of Science in Health Services Administration requiring the completion of 120 credit hours. The bachelor's in health services administration offers three areas of emphasis: Dental Hygiene, General Leadership, and Pre-Nursing. Typically, students graduate within four years while studying full time. UIU's acceptance rate is 65%, and exactly half of all students graduate.
Online courses at UIU are delivered through the Brightspace learning management system. The core of the program delves into facets of the industry, such as how to integrate business practices and manage diverse populations. Required classes include Introduction to the American Health System, Healthcare Informatics, and Health Program Planning and Evaluation.
There's also the option of pursuing the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration - Health Services Administration, which takes a broader look at business with only five classes devoted to health services administration. Graduates of either major are often prepared to explore roles as health insurance analysts, clinical managers, and hospice directors.
Overview of Online Healthcare Administration Degrees
What Is a Bachelor's in Healthcare Administration Degree?
Healthcare administration bachelor's programs are designed to teach students to perform common managerial functions in the healthcare industry, such as planning schedules, monitoring budgets, and hiring employees. Students who plan to go into management in this field need specialized knowledge of healthcare facilities, medical services, health informatics, and the regulations governing the U.S. healthcare system.
Many accredited colleges offer fully online bachelor's in healthcare administration degree programs. The majority of online programs on our list lead to a Bachelor of Science (BS), which is a more technically oriented program. The courses focus on developing both managerial and technical skills that help prepare graduates for positions in the healthcare industry, such as organizational management, data management, or IT management.
Some schools, however, offer an online Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Healthcare Administration. This degree will likely have similar courses from arts and humanities programs, such as a bachelor's in psychology or bachelor's in sociology. Much like a BS in Healthcare Administration, a BA also prepares students for management positions. However, given the inclusion of more general education courses, a BA in Healthcare Administration may be better suited for students interested in keeping their career options open.
If you're looking for an affordable degree, explore our rankings of the most affordable online bachelor's in healthcare administration and most affordable online master's in healthcare administration degrees.
Can You Get a Bachelor's in Healthcare Administration Online?
Yes, you can earn your bachelor's degree in healthcare administration online. However, you'll want to check with a program advisor to see if any on-campus coursework is necessary. Some programs require students to attend on-campus intensive courses where they spend several days in person at the start and end of a program. You may also have to complete an on-site practicum for real-world experience at a healthcare facility near where you live. A program advisor may be able to help you secure an opportunity.
Online programs offer the same rigor as on-campus programs, are often taught by the same instructors, and are becoming increasingly popular. They may also be more affordable than a traditional on-campus program, which may yield a higher return on your investment. Many also find their career opportunities just as competitive with an online degree as if completed on campus. The healthcare industry tops the list of industries that hire the most online graduates.
Degree Requirements
Online or on campus, healthcare administration bachelor's programs generally require the completion of 120-124 credit hours. Full-time healthcare administration majors may be able to complete the graduation requirements in four to five years, while part-time students may need additional time. Some online schools offer accelerated programs, which students can finish in approximately three years. Enrollees with an associate degree in a related area can shorten the length of a healthcare administration program by transferring credits that meet a program's coursework requirements.
Healthcare Administration Courses
Students enroll in online healthcare administration programs to learn about the unique challenges, laws, and technologies they are likely to encounter in the workplace after graduation. While coursework may vary depending on the program, the following is a list of common core courses in a healthcare administration bachelor's degree:
Finance and Accounting in Healthcare
This course provides students with a basic understanding of managerial accounting. It typically covers accounting terminology, financial statements, budgeting, and the time value of money. Students may also learn how they can apply their knowledge to real-world examples from the healthcare industry.
Health Informatics
Healthcare information systems are essential to improving patient care, increasing operational efficiency, and ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations. In this course, faculty generally introduce students to healthcare technologies, explain how data helps deliver services, and emphasize the need for taking an ethical and legal approach to managing information.
Human Resource Management
An introductory course on human resource management offers students a range of strategic approaches regarding how to manage employees and guide an organization's direction. Specific topics may include performance evaluations, retention, compensation, inclusion and diversity, culture, health and safety issues, labor union relations, and regulatory compliance.
Management and Leadership in Healthcare
This course focuses on developing some basic managerial skills that a healthcare administrator could utilize in the field. These skills may include strategic planning, decision-making, communication, and critical thinking. Additional topics may include team and individual behavior in the workplace, diversity and equality issues, change management, and organizational development.
Admissions
Depending on the admissions format of the college or university, prospective students can submit their applications as early as a full year preceding the fall semester when they plan to start attending college. Some colleges are more selective than others, and the most selective colleges often have earlier deadlines.
Many colleges require applicants to submit the following along with their online application:
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Official high school or GED transcripts, usually with a minimum GPA of 2.5-3.0
-
Scores from college entrance exams, such as the SAT or ACT
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A personal essay on a designated topic
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One or more letters of recommendation from teachers, coaches, or other mentors
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A list of extracurricular activities, jobs, and volunteer activities
What Can You Do With a Bachelor's Degree in Healthcare Administration?
An aging population in the U.S. and the pandemic have increased the need for healthcare services provided by trained professionals with medical degrees, including managers with healthcare degrees. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), healthcare professions are projected to grow by 13% over the next decade, significantly faster than the average for all occupations.
An online healthcare administration degree program helps prepare students for entry-level management positions in this growing field, with graduates potentially going on to work in areas such as human resources and general management. Some graduates may also pursue advanced degrees to position themselves for senior management positions in larger healthcare organizations.
Healthcare Administration Careers
The U.S. healthcare industry is vast and diverse, encompassing many types of healthcare providers. Hospitals, nursing homes, private practices, and more all need health services managers and other healthcare management professionals to keep them running smoothly and efficiently.
Graduates with a bachelor's degree and some years of work experience may want to become a medical and health service manager. They oversee the operation of private practices, hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare providers by setting policies, monitoring budgets, and evaluating employees' work.
Further Education
After earning a bachelor's in healthcare administration, the value of continuing a healthcare administration education at the graduate level depends on a student's career goals. Although some well-paying positions are available to bachelor's degree holders, those who aspire to the highest paying positions in the healthcare industry will most likely need an advanced degree.
Master's in Healthcare Administration
A master's in healthcare administration provides students with a deeper understanding of the healthcare system and helps in further developing their people management skills. Courses may cover topics such as leadership, healthcare laws and regulations, health informatics, and healthcare finance. Graduates with a master's degree may be equipped to manage large departments, such as the nursing team or surgery ward, or large private practices.
MBA in Healthcare Administration
Like a master's in healthcare administration, an MBA in Healthcare Administration is designed to train students to manage the staff of larger healthcare departments or possibly entire facilities. However, an MBA program is likely to have more courses focused on broader subjects in general management and fewer courses dedicated specifically to healthcare.
Doctorate in Healthcare Administration
At the highest level of education, students can choose between two types of doctoral degrees in healthcare administration. A Doctor of Health Science (D.H.Sc.) may be the preferred option for those who plan to continue working as executive-level leaders of healthcare facilities, pharmaceutical companies, and insurance providers. A PhD in Healthcare Administration may be better suited for healthcare professionals who want to conduct research in the field by working in academia or for healthcare think tanks.
FAQs About Healthcare Administration Programs
Is Healthcare Administration a Good Degree?
Healthcare administration can be a good degree to earn for those who are interested in both management and patient care. A bachelor's degree in this subject helps prepare you for a variety of lucrative management opportunities in the growing healthcare industry. Additionally, the technical and managerial skills you'll develop while earning your degree can be applied to an even broader array of occupations in other industries if you decide to take your career in a new direction in the future.
How Do I Get Into Healthcare Administration?
Earning a bachelor's degree in healthcare administration is a smart first step on the career path toward managerial roles in the healthcare industry. However, if you're eager to get started in healthcare without earning a four-year degree, you may want to consider completing an associate degree or certificate program in a related subject, such as medical billing and coding or medical office administration. Most healthcare administration roles require some college education.
What Does a Healthcare Administrator Do?
A healthcare administrator performs a range of managerial functions related to the staff of an entire healthcare organization or perhaps a smaller department within one. Primarily, they ensure that the facility's employees — all types of medical professionals — have the training and resources they need to provide quality care. They also manage work schedules, keep employee records, and hire new staff. Those who hold administrator roles in healthcare need a thorough understanding of management, human resources, and the healthcare industry.
What's the Difference Between Healthcare Management and Healthcare Administration?
Healthcare managers are typically high-level leaders in hospitals and larger healthcare organizations. They are responsible for running the entire operation, particularly overseeing the budget, which means that healthcare managers need a strong background in finance and accounting. Healthcare administrators often work in smaller facilities and individual departments, and their primary responsibility is to manage the staff and ensure that they provide excellent patient care.
What Else Should You Consider?
Prospective students naturally need to consider whether a healthcare administration bachelor's degree will equip them for the career they have in mind. For example, some healthcare administration programs focus on specific aspects of management, such as operations, human resources, or health informatics, so students should take a close look at each program's curriculum to determine the most suitable options. Also, those who plan to go to graduate school should make sure the program prepares them for advanced study.
Another essential consideration is accreditation, which is an important designation granted to schools that meet the national standards for educational excellence. The U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation each offer a database of recognized schools, programs, and accrediting agencies.
While schools can be accredited on an institutional basis, specific degree programs can be assessed by professional organizations to determine whether they meet educational standards in a given discipline. The Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) is the primary body evaluating online bachelor's degrees in healthcare administration. Programs accredited by ABHES have been proven to help prepare students for careers in the health services field by ensuring that they have developed the necessary professional competencies.
In addition to these factors, prospective students must decide whether to pursue a healthcare administration degree online. Online programs usually offer greater flexibility than traditional programs because most are structured around asynchronous classes that students can engage in at their convenience. Students with strong time management skills may be better suited for online courses, while students who require more structure may prefer on-campus classes.
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