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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
#1 Best Master’s Degrees In Healthcare Administration
University of Florida
- Gainesville, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Healthcare administration students attend University of Florida for top-ranked degrees such as the online master of health administration. A bachelor’s degree provides foundational education compared to the advanced training in this program. The degree gives graduates the credential they need to pursue a terminal degree like a doctorate.
The school’s online format is a big draw for students who have a lot to accomplish and need adaptability. The flexible program grants learners more control over their schedules and makes education easier to fit with other priorities. Enrollees benefit from a supportive learning environment no matter the mode of delivery they choose to pursue advanced education at this institution.
Prospective students need a bachelor’s to apply to this program. Degree-seekers applying to this school get accepted at a rate of 37%. Once accepted, enrollees pay $10,770 per year in in-state tuition, with grants, loans, and scholarships popular funding options for those who qualify.
Percent Online Enrollment
46%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 Best Master’s Degrees In Healthcare Administration
Ohio State University-Main Campus
- Columbus, OH
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The Ohio State University offers several graduate programs through its online platform. The master of health administration is one of those degrees, designed for degree-holders with a bachelor’s in healthcare administration or a related field. The graduate program provides advanced training in a format friendly to those who work or must manage other obligations.
The benefits of a 19-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio that master's degree-seekers enjoy include individualized attention, more room to collaborate, and faculty mentorship opportunities. Learners receive strong preparation using a curriculum that emphasizes advanced theoretical concepts and practices in healthcare administration. Graduates leave the program well-prepared for careers in academia, business and industry, or a doctoral program in some cases.
Paying for college is a top issue. Ohio students can expect to pay $11,560 per year, while out-of-state students pay $35,144. Many degree-seekers qualify for financial aid such as grants and scholarships from the school and third parties. Another popular way to pay for school is to take out a student loan, funding used by about 36% of learners at the school.
Percent Online Enrollment
34%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#3 Best Master’s Degrees In Healthcare Administration
University of Washington-Seattle Campus
- Seattle, WA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Prospective graduate students interested in pursuing a healthcare administration degree that provides a flexible format should consider University of Washington - Seattle Campus. Learners can choose the master of health administration from 10 online master's programs, some of them top-ranked degrees offered from the Seattle, Washington, school. This adaptable degree is ideal for full-time workers, caregivers, and others who want to pursue graduate education but need flexibility.
Application requirements include a bachelor’s degree in the same field or other criteria as stipulated on the program website. The master of health administration program provides advanced education beyond a bachelor’s, preparing enrollees for career advancement and other opportunities. Degree recipients can pursue a Ph.D. program or other terminal degree.
The average tuition for students living in Washington is $18,198 per year, and $32,439 if they live elsewhere. Learners can use resources at the financial aid department to determine if they qualify for grants and scholarships. Loans are another way to help pay for part or all of the program's tuition.
Percent Online Enrollment
8%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
#4 Best Master’s Degrees In Healthcare Administration
Harvard University
- Cambridge, MA
- 4 years
- Campus
Many students want to attend graduate school online, and Harvard University offers that privilege. One option is the master's in health care management for healthcare administration students.
The program lets students earn an advanced degree without sacrificing rigor or other obligations. Professionals, caretakers, and other workers can schedule their studies on the evenings, weekends, and other convenient times. This online format lets faculty seamlessly integrate academic rigor, advanced career preparation, and flexible scheduling.
The admissions rate for this school is 5% on average per year, but expect some variations across programs. It’s typical for degree-seekers to need a bachelor's in the major or a related one to apply to a master’s program. All of the application details are available on the program web page or from the admissions department.
Percent Online Enrollment
18%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
New England Commission on Higher Education
#5 Best Master’s Degrees In Healthcare Administration
California State University-Long Beach
- Long Beach, CA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
A public college located in Long Beach, California, California State University, Long Beach has a lot to offer. Learners can choose from three master's degrees available online. The master's in health care administration is ideal for learners interested in the healthcare administration field.
Graduate students can appreciate online education's flexibility and adaptability. Caretakers, workers, and other busy enrollees appreciate the ability to schedule instruction and coursework in a way that works with their schedules. Candidates gain invaluable knowledge that employers value or they may use to enter a doctoral program.
According to the latest data, the school accepts about 39% of applicants each year, but that may vary by program. The requisite background for entry into a master’s program is usually a bachelor’s degree and other requirements. The department can tell you more about application requirements such as transcripts, interviews, and recommendation letters.
Percent Online Enrollment
30%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
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