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Recent college graduates and experienced healthcare professionals can explore online master's in healthcare management degrees. Degree-holders may work as healthcare department managers or healthcare finance managers. Master's in healthcare management programs include classes like principles of health information technology and data-driven decision-making.
Applicants typically submit a resume, official undergraduate transcripts, and recommendation letters. Some programs limit applicants to those with relevant experience.
This article lists some of the best online master's in healthcare management degrees. Read on to learn about costs, common classes, and potential careers for graduates.
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Questions About Healthcare Management
Q. How long does it take to get a healthcare management degree?
Most master's in healthcare management programs take 1-3 years. Some programs waive specific academic requirements for learners with healthcare experience. Students earning an MBA with a concentration in healthcare management may need longer to graduate.
Q. What do healthcare managers do?
Healthcare managers administer a hospital or clinic's business operations. They schedule workers and create budgets. These managers collaborate with healthcare administrators who oversee specific departments.
Q. Is healthcare management in demand?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects jobs for medical and health services managers to grow 32% from 2020-2030. The BLS also projects high growth for related positions.
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Best Online Master’s in Healthcare Management Degrees
#1 Best Online Master’s In Healthcare Management Degrees
Penn State World Campus
- University Park, PA
- 4 years
- Online
Located in University Park, Pennsylvania, Penn State World Campus is a public school. A leader in online graduate education, the institution offers 52 online master's degrees. The master of business administration is ideal for learners interested in the healthcare administration field.
Online education's flexibility and adaptability make it an attractive choice for many graduate students. They can learn using video recordings and completing coursework in the evenings, weekends, and at other convenient times. This online format allows faculty to seamlessly integrate academic rigor, advanced career preparation, and flexible scheduling.
The school’s admissions statistics show that about 76% of applicants get in, with some variations across programs. A bachelor’s degree in the field, or a related one, is the usual threshold for entry into a master’s program. Consult the program to find out more details, such as how to submit transcripts and recommendation letters, if required.
Retention Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#2 Best Online Master’s In Healthcare Management Degrees
Florida International University
- Miami, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
With a Miami, Florida, campus, Florida International University is a public school with graduate programs in different fields. The institution’s 31 online master's degrees are a big draw for many people who want to attend graduate school online. Among these programs is an MBA in healthcare for graduate learners in healthcare administration.
The program allows students to earn an advanced degree without sacrificing rigor or other obligations. Professionals, caretakers, and other workers can schedule their studies in the evenings, on weekends, and at other convenient times. A hallmark of this institution is experience providing rigorous degrees that emphasize both rigor and flexible learning.
The school accepts an average of 58% of applicants each year, though this number can vary between programs. Master's degree-seekers usually need a bachelor's degree in the same or a similar field in order to receive consideration. Contact the school to see how to apply to this program and submit the required documents.
Percent Online Enrollment
68%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#3 Best Online Master’s In Healthcare Management Degrees
University of North Carolina Wilmington
- Wilmington, NC
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The MBA with a specialization in healthcare management at University of North Carolina Wilmington is a top-ranked degree designed for online healthcare administration students. The master’s program equips enrollees with advanced training valued by employers in their profession. Students who earn this master's degree can also pursue a doctorate later, if they choose.
The convenient online format makes this school an especially good choice for many. Students may want an advanced degree but have other concerns, such as caregiving and employment, and this flexible degree supports those endeavors. No matter whether enrollees study remotely or on campus, they benefit from a supportive learning environment that includes faculty and community support.
Applicants usually need a bachelor’s in order to be considered for this program. The acceptance rate is 65% at this school, but expect some differences across programs. Financial aid options such as loans and scholarships can help students pay for tuition, which is $4,719 per year for North Carolina residents.
Percent Online Enrollment
49%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#4 Best Online Master’s In Healthcare Management Degrees
Johns Hopkins University
- Baltimore, MD
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Johns Hopkins University provides healthcare administration students with an online MBA program that ranks highly among similar degree offerings. The program prepares learners for higher-level work in the field than a bachelor's degree typically allows. Students often earn this master's degree so they can also pursue a doctorate later.
The school’s online format is a big draw for students who need to effectively manage their time. Students may want an advanced degree but have other concerns, such as caregiving and employment, and this flexible degree supports those endeavors. Here it is not enough to emphasize academic rigor and flexibility. Support from faculty and the community plays an integral role in enrollees' academic development.
The application requirements include a bachelor’s degree, unless the program states otherwise. Though some programs post different averages, the school accepts about 11% of all who apply. Paying for college is a big concern for many, and this school charges Maryland residents about $55,350 per year, partially offset by financial aid options for qualifying students.
Percent Online Enrollment
46%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#5 Best Online Master’s In Healthcare Management Degrees
Florida Atlantic University
- Boca Raton, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Earning a graduate degree is achievable at Florida Atlantic University because of an institutional emphasis on flexibility. Learners can choose the from 13 online master's programs, some of them top-ranked degrees offered from the Boca Raton, Florida, school. Accessibility is a key determining factor for many degree-seekers exploring graduate school, and this degree addresses that concern with a flexible format.
A bachelor’s degree or the equivalent in the major, or a related field, is usually required for admission, unless otherwise stated. The program provides advanced preparation through an intensive curriculum that may involve research opportunities and other hands-on experience. Some degree recipients will continue to doctoral studies in this field.
Students living in Florida pay an average of $5,467 of in-state tuition per year, and those residing elsewhere pay $16,695 per year. Avenues for exploration when it comes to paying for tuition are grants and scholarships. Loans offer a viable option to help students fund their tuition.
Percent Online Enrollment
49%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Why Get a Degree in Healthcare Management?
Online master's in healthcare management degrees help professionals advance their careers. Graduates may work in hospitals, clinics, or nursing homes. They can positively impact the healthcare field, ensuring patients receive quality care in a timely manner.
Many students earning a master's in healthcare management online continue working while in school. They complete asynchronous coursework when convenient. This benefit also lets them apply what they learn on the job. Online degree-seekers can attend a top out-of-state program without relocating.
How Much Does a Healthcare Management Degree Cost?
Master's degrees cost an average of $66,340, according to EducationData.org. However, cost varies by school, learners' residency status, and program length.
Master's in healthcare management degrees from top universities can cost nearly $90,000. Some programs may cost much less. Students should compare their prospective programs' costs and graduate outcomes before applying.
Degree-seekers can limit their expenses by researching private and institutional scholarships. These awards may require a separate application. Students with financial need should submit the FAFSA annually to qualify for federal grants and loans. Many university grants also require FAFSA results.
Additional Online Student Fees
Online degree-seekers may pay higher fees than on-campus learners. Universities charge these fees to cover online learning delivery. Students in a hybrid program should also budget for commuting costs. Many schools charge a one-time graduation fee.
Recent graduates can advance their career by earning professional certifications. The Professional Association of Health Care Office Management (PAHCOM) awards a certification to experienced information technology healthcare managers with at least two years of experience. Other requirements include passing an exam. As of Feb. 2022, PAHCOM members pay $385 in certification fees.
How Much Do Healthcare Management Majors Make?
Professionals with a master's in healthcare management earn an average annual salary of $87,000, according to Jan. 2022 Payscale data. However, many factors influence salary, including employer and geographic location.
Medical and health services managers working for government agencies earn a median $116,380 annually, according to the BLS. Top executives working in the healthcare field earn over $160,000.
Earning a master's in healthcare management or an MBA with a healthcare focus can help candidates stand out in the job market.
Courses in Healthcare Management
Online master's in healthcare management degrees typically take two years to complete. Some programs offer a dual-degree option that let learners earn a master of science and a master of business administration.
Typical core classes include navigating managed care, healthcare financial management, and healthcare informatics. Programs may offer electives like gerontology or population health. Most programs end with a final-semester capstone.
The following core classes emphasize healthcare management fundamentals. Keep in mind that classes vary by program. Students should check with their prospective schools for details.
Navigating Managed Care
The private insurance industry and federal insurance programs impact healthcare delivery. This class requires students to analyze how different insurance programs operate. Enrollees research the last 50 years of U.S. healthcare delivery trends. Students develop analytical reasoning skills and learn how to create balanced budgets.Healthcare Financial Management
Healthcare managers must know how to keep their employer profitable. They must understand funding models, different mathematical formulas, and budgeting best practices. Degree-seekers develop their financial skills by analyzing how healthcare providers create and manage budgets. Assignments include reviewing case studies and the latest news.Healthcare Informatics
Healthcare managers base their decisions on financial data and patient outcome statistics. This class trains students in this skill through coursework in data analysis. Assignments include critiquing care-management programs. Graduates apply their skills to create affordable programs offering excellent patient care.
Career and Salary Outlook for Healthcare Management
Online master's in healthcare management degrees can lead to many careers. Degree-seekers can work with a career advisor to explore potential jobs. Students can also take career interest inventories and use their school's career center resources to prepare for job interviews.
Graduates with a master's in healthcare management may pursue the jobs below. Please note that this section highlights only primary job responsibilities. Day-to-day tasks vary by employer.
Medical and Health Services Manager
These professionals recruit and train staff, create budgets, and coordinate other managers' work. They work at hospitals, nursing homes, and other clinical settings. Workers need some professional experience and a degree to qualify for this position.Healthcare Executive
Top executives in the healthcare field need at least an undergraduate degree and five years of relevant experience. They lead a company or organization by setting goals, managing employees, and negotiating contracts. They also hire new managers and reduce costs. These professionals may work as executive officers or general managers.Health Facility Administrator
Health facility managers and other management analysts determine their employer's improvement areas. They interview staff and review financial information. This data helps them make recommendations to senior managers. Administrators also create improvement plans. Many positions require at least a bachelor's degree and some experience.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
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