Best Online MHA Programs in Washington

Washington state is home to several major healthcare systems that all rely on administrators who grow and manage complex care for patients in hospitals, clinics, and public health agencies statewide. An online master’s in healthcare administration (MHA) is an excellent way to take your career to the next level without stepping away from your current job. In this EduMed guide, you’ll get a look at some of Washington’s top MHA programs and walk away with a better feel for their curriculums, costs, and accreditations.

The following professionals lent their expertise to this article:

Author: Cody DeBos, RN, BSN

Healthcare EducationNursingPediatric Nursing

Editor: Jordan Cosselman

Healthcare EducationOnline Learning

Updated: 08/11/2026

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School Spotlights: Inside Popular Washington MHA Programs

Washington’s MHA selection includes just one program with CAHME-accreditation, and its online track is currently closed to applicants. However, there are still plenty of other programs capable of delivering an exceptional MHA education.

Rather than accreditation through CAHME, these programs rely on institutional accreditations or partnerships with other healthcare administration organizations.

As you narrow your search, it’s important to consider more than just accreditation. The format, timeline, and cost of your degree all play a major part in your future, so ensure they align with your personal and career goals.

University of Washington

The University of Washington’s Master of Health Administration is the state’s only CAHME-accredited program. Notably, it offers two distinct branches:

The traditional MHA, which is hosted at its Seattle main campus
The Executive MHA, which is offered online or on campus

Admissions for the latter are currently paused. However, interested students should keep a close eye on the enrollment page as it may reopen at any time.

UW’s MHA offerings are consistently ranked as the top program on the West Coast. They are designed in small, team-based cohorts that give students an opportunity to connect with peers while applying their knowledge in meaningful projects. In addition to the 76-credit curriculum, students can also participate in an optional summer internship program between the first and second years for additional experience.

Duration: Two years full-time

Mode: In-person (traditional track) or fully online (Executive track)

Cost: $950 per credit hour

Admissions Requirements:

Completed online application
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
3.0 GPA minimum
Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
Resume, personal statement, and three letters of recommendation
Demonstrated English language proficiency
One year of full-time healthcare experience recommended, but not required

Washington State University

WSU’s Master of Healthcare Administration and Leadership, administered through the Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine in partnership with the Carson College of Business, is offered through three stackable certificates. Students earn a certificate in Foundations of Leadership, Essentials of Healthcare, and Managing the Business of Healthcare, in addition to a capstone project.

Though WSU’s program is not CAHME-accredited, the university holds regional accreditation through NWCCU. Notably, students can pursue both individual certificates or apply the coursework towards a full MHAL degree, making it possible to break the experience into chunks and earn it over time. Coursework is delivered primarily asynchronously with a once-weekly synchronous online session.

WSU’s MHAL program is also quite new, with its first cohort graduating in 2026. Though it doesn’t yet have the track record of some other programs, it is run by faculty who also manage some of the region’s biggest hospital systems and health institutions.

Duration: Flexible pacing across three certificates plus a capstone, but roughly two to three years for the full MHAL

Mode: Fully online and primarily asynchronous

Cost: $950 per credit hour

Admissions Requirements:

Completed online application
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
3.0 GPA minimum for MHAL degree
Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
Resume, personal statement, and two letters of recommendation
Minimum of two years of full-time healthcare experience

City University of Seattle

City University of Seattle’s Master of Science in Healthcare Administration is a 39-credit, fully online program and is open to students without professional experience. It is built around applied projects, meaning students use data-driven analysis and research methods to solve real-world organizational problems rather than working through theory alone.

Though CityU’s program doesn’t have CAHME accreditation, the university carries regional accreditation, and it has been ranked highly against other online MHA offerings. Further, the university emphasizes an engaged faculty with connections to major healthcare institutions in the region, adding a valuable networking component for students.

Duration: Two to three years full-time

Mode: Fully online

Cost: $775 per credit hour

Admissions Requirements:

Completed online application
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
Specific GPA requirements are not posted, so check with an admissions counselor before applying

FAQs About Online/Hybrid MHA Programs in Washington

Are there CAHME-accredited online MHA programs in Washington?

Yes, but it is not accepting new applications at the time of this writing. The University of Washington is the state’s only CAHME-accredited MHA program, and its Executive track is offered online.

Programs without CAHME accreditation typically rely on institutional accreditation instead. This makes them a reasonable choice for most students, but it’s worth considering if a CAHME status matters to your desired future employers.

What are the general admissions requirements for Washington MHA programs?

Applicants are expected to have a bachelor’s degree and a GPA of around 3.0 for almost every MHA program. Where they often differ is required professional experience. Some require a year or more of relevant work history in healthcare, while others are open to students who haven’t yet entered the workforce.

Aside from this, students should be prepared to complete a resume, personal statements, and provide letters of recommendation.

Is financial aid available for MHA programs in Washington?

Yes, financial aid for an MHA degree is available in many forms. It’s best to start at the federal level since Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Grad PLUS Loans can be used regardless of program.

Washington students can also apply for a scholarship through the state chapter of the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society. This program is open to students pursuing healthcare-related degrees in Washington, including an MHA.

It’s also worth asking your admissions counselor if there are any university-specific programs available to students in their MHA programs. Tuition assistance is another common source of financial support for students already employed by a healthcare system.

How long do MHA programs in Washington take to complete?

Generally, it takes about two to three years to earn an MHA in Washington. Though, the answer depends largely on the program’s structure and whether you intend to enroll full-time or not.

Some programs let students move at their own pace across stackable certificates or asynchronous coursework, while others follow a more traditional semester-based sequence.

Is it worth pursuing an MHA in Washington?

Yes, for most students. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for medical and health services managers is nearly $118,000 and employment is projected to grow by 23% by 2034.

The biggest names in Washington’s healthcare system are clustered on the coastal side around Seattle. However, there are plenty of hospitals and organizations in need of talented administrators in all corners of the state. As Washington’s population continues to climb, healthcare demand will also rise, paving the way for plenty of job opportunities in the coming years.

How Much Will I Earn with an MHA in Washington?

Show entries

Medical and Health Services Managers

Area ↕︎	10th Percentile ↕︎	Median ↕︎	90th Percentile ↕︎
Washington	$88,970	$145,290	$282,250
Bellingham, WA	$76,560	$116,210	$208,760
Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA	$77,570	$109,550	$171,620
Kennewick-Richland, WA	$81,180	$137,570	$200,880
Longview-Kelso, WA	$77,890	$134,790	$269,460
Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA	$79,980	$141,030	$338,380
Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA	$89,380	$137,870	$231,950
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA	$98,360	$160,100	$307,930
Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA	$74,970	$126,460	$192,650
Walla Walla, WA	$82,680	$135,030	$191,100
Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA	$79,590	$119,990	$183,070
Yakima, WA	$81,130	$127,720	$249,300

Source: Medical & Health Services Managers, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2025

Showing 1 – 10 of 12 entries | Data reflects national numbers, not school-specific information.

Best Online MHA Programs in Washington

School Spotlights: Inside Popular Washington MHA Programs

University of Washington

Washington State University

City University of Seattle

FAQs About Online/Hybrid MHA Programs in Washington

Are there CAHME-accredited online MHA programs in Washington?

What are the general admissions requirements for Washington MHA programs?

Is financial aid available for MHA programs in Washington?

How long do MHA programs in Washington take to complete?

Is it worth pursuing an MHA in Washington?

How Much Will I Earn with an MHA in Washington?

Cody DeBos, RN, BSN AUTHOR

Jordan Cosselman EDITOR