Earning a master's in healthcare administration (MHA) gives you the expertise and skills to pursue a variety of well-paying leadership positions in the healthcare industry.
Are you more interested in building operational efficiency and improving the quality of healthcare outcomes than providing direct patient care? Then, an MHA degree might fit your goals. Check out our ranking of the top online MHA programs and what to expect once you enroll.
Featured Online Healthcare Administration Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
The 10 Best Online MHA Programs of 2023
Learn About Our Methodology Here
Online Master's in Healthcare Administration: Program Overview
Online MHA requirements vary by program. Earning your degree typically takes two years if you're attending full-time, but accelerated programs may only require 18 months. Part-time programs may take four years to complete depending on the number of credits you earn each term.
Most MHA programs require 30-60 credits in courses such as healthcare information systems, financial management, budgeting and marketing, law and compliance, and health policy. MHA students generally complete a thesis or capstone project addressing a real-world problem or policy issue.
How to Choose an Online Master's in Healthcare Administration Program
When comparing online MHA programs, pay attention to key factors such as program delivery, accreditation status, tuition and fees, and the availability of specializations that interest you.
Program Format
While an online program may offer more flexibility than a campus-based degree, it's still important to understand your course delivery options. Does the program offer asynchronous courses that you can access at your convenience or a synchronous format that requires you to log in at specific times? Some degrees use a hybrid model that includes in-person attendance or on-campus residencies and online coursework.
Accreditation
Attending a school that holds accreditation from agencies approved by the U.S. Department of Education ensures that you can transfer credits and receive federal financial aid. When choosing an online MHA program, look for degrees accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Healthcare Management Education (CAHME). CAHME accreditation indicates that your program meets rigorous standards of academic quality.
Cost
The average annual tuition for a graduate program in 2020-21 was $12,394 at a 4-year public institution compared to $26,621 at a private school, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Some online programs cost less than on-campus options. Enrolling in an online program may save you money on housing and transportation and give you the flexibility to keep working while earning your degree.
Specializations
Specializations can help you develop your expertise in a particular focus area that interests you. As the demand for healthcare administrators grows, specialization can make you more marketable. This list describes some of the most popular MHA specializations.
Healthcare Informatics: This subfield applies data analysis, information security, and business practices to healthcare delivery and electronic medical record-keeping.
Financial Management: Financial managers in healthcare organizations create and manage budgets, allocating and utilizing funds while minimizing risks.
Healthcare Policy: This specialization focuses on ethics and health law with applications in healthcare access, insurance, safety regulations, and government compliance.
Healthcare Operations: Prospective healthcare operations managers study marketing, human resources, facilities and project management, and asset management.
What Can You Do With a Master's in Healthcare Administration
An MHA helps prepare you for leadership roles in the healthcare industry, including hospitals, residential care facilities, and outpatient clinics. Many management roles in healthcare administration pay average salaries of 100,000 or more.
| Healthcare Administration Careers | Median Annual Salary (2021) | Projected Growth Rate (2021-2031) |
|---|---|---|
| Medical and Health Services Managers | $101,340 | 28% |
| Administrative Services and Facilities Managers | $99,290 | 7% |
| Financial Managers | $131,710 | 17% |
| Sales Managers | $127,490 | 5% |
Source: BLS
Healthcare Administration Job and Salary Outlook
According to theBureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), several demographic and industry changes will drive the employment and salary outlook for MHA jobs between 2021-31. The growing healthcare needs of the nation's aging population, the emphasis on preventive care, and the expansion of IT and informatics systems and electronic health records contribute to the strong demand for healthcare administrators.
Is a Master's in Healthcare Administration (MHA) Worth It?
An online master's in healthcare administration program offers a convenient path to help you advance to leadership positions within the industry.
The BLS projects that medical and health service manager jobs will grow 28% between 2021 and 2031. These positions also pay a high average salary of about $100,000 per year. The top 10% of earners earn more than $200,000. Healthcare administration graduates can also pursue other hot jobs in the field.
Frequently Asked Questions About MHA Degrees
How long is a master's degree in healthcare administration?
Full-time students can complete an MHA degree in about two years, although curriculum requirements vary by program. Some schools offer accelerated programs that lead to a master's in 12-18 months.
What is the difference between an MHA and MBA in healthcare?
An MBA in healthcare is a business management degree that offers generalist courses in finance, economics, marketing and accounting with applications in healthcare administration. An MHA features a more specialized healthcare focus that covers the knowledge and skills for leadership roles in the healthcare industry.
What are the highest-paying healthcare administration jobs?
Healthcare administration jobs typically pay average annual salaries of $90,000-$100,000. According to Payscale, the average annual salary for hospital administrators was $90,770 as of June 2023. Clinical informatics managers — a relatively new position — earned $102,000.
