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Author: Abrie Edwards, BSN, MHA
A woman with shoulder-length reddish-brown hair smiles at the camera. She is wearing a black cardigan over a pink top and stands in front of a plain light-colored background.
Abrie Edwards, BSN, MHA Arrow up right
Abrie Edwards is a registered nurse with over 15 years of experience spanning across clinical practice and administrative services. She developed clinical expertise working in various inpatient settings, including ICU, PACU, Medical/Surgical, endocrine/renal, and specialty clinics, before transitioning into leadership roles focused on quality improvement, clinical transformation, and data-driven performance management. Abrie has led enterprise-wide initiatives at major health systems, with a focus on value-based care strategies, and plays a key role in regulatory reporting for programs including MIPS, MA Stars, and MSSP. She earned her BSN from the University of Vermont and MHA from Champlain College. Abrie is also passionate about leveraging technology to improve healthcare outcomes and is pursuing a second Master’s degree in Information Technology. In addition to her clinical and operational work, Abrie has trained providers and care teams, facilitated quality improvement events, and served as faculty for a clinical residency program. Her combined experience in patient care, clinical operations, and health IT brings a grounded, systems-level perspective on healthcare delivery.
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Check NursingHealthcare Admin
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Editor: Jordan Cosselman
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Jordan Cosselman Arrow up right
Jordan Cosselman is an editor with a BA in English from the University of Nevada, Reno. Since joining EduMed in 2021, she has been focused on making nursing and allied health education more approachable for students at every stage of their journey. With three years of experience in healthcare education content, Jordan is especially interested in highlighting low-cost, fast-track pathways into the field.
Areas of Expertise
Check HealthcareOnline Learning
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Is a Master’s in Healthcare Administration Worth It?

An MHA can open doors to leadership roles across healthcare, but deciding whether it’s theright investment depends on howthe degree aligns with your career goals, earning potential,and long-term opportunities.Is it worth it for you?

The following professionals lent their expertise to this article:

A woman with shoulder-length reddish-brown hair smiles at the camera. She is wearing a black cardigan over a pink top and stands in front of a plain light-colored background.
Author: Abrie Edwards, BSN, MHA
A woman with shoulder-length reddish-brown hair smiles at the camera. She is wearing a black cardigan over a pink top and stands in front of a plain light-colored background.
Abrie Edwards, BSN, MHA Arrow up right
Abrie Edwards is a registered nurse with over 15 years of experience spanning across clinical practice and administrative services. She developed clinical expertise working in various inpatient settings, including ICU, PACU, Medical/Surgical, endocrine/renal, and specialty clinics, before transitioning into leadership roles focused on quality improvement, clinical transformation, and data-driven performance management. Abrie has led enterprise-wide initiatives at major health systems, with a focus on value-based care strategies, and plays a key role in regulatory reporting for programs including MIPS, MA Stars, and MSSP. She earned her BSN from the University of Vermont and MHA from Champlain College. Abrie is also passionate about leveraging technology to improve healthcare outcomes and is pursuing a second Master’s degree in Information Technology. In addition to her clinical and operational work, Abrie has trained providers and care teams, facilitated quality improvement events, and served as faculty for a clinical residency program. Her combined experience in patient care, clinical operations, and health IT brings a grounded, systems-level perspective on healthcare delivery.
Areas of Expertise
Check NursingHealthcare Admin
NursingHealthcare Admin
Editor: Jordan Cosselman
A person with curly dark hair, glasses, and a green corduroy jacket stands with arms crossed in front of a textured reddish-brown stone wall.
Jordan Cosselman Arrow up right
Jordan Cosselman is an editor with a BA in English from the University of Nevada, Reno. Since joining EduMed in 2021, she has been focused on making nursing and allied health education more approachable for students at every stage of their journey. With three years of experience in healthcare education content, Jordan is especially interested in highlighting low-cost, fast-track pathways into the field.
Areas of Expertise
Check HealthcareOnline Learning
HealthcareOnline Learning

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A Master’s in Healthcare Administration (MHA) is an advanced graduate degree that builds leadership, management, policy, and analytical skills for the healthcare environment. Students strengthen their understanding of finance, operations, ethics, and organizational strategy, preparing them for management and executive roles across hospitals, public health agencies, outpatient facilities, insurance organizations, and healthcare consulting firms.

Below, we explore whether an MHA is worth the investment by reviewing salary potential, job outlook, advancement opportunities, and long-term career flexibility.

What Does an MHA Prepare You For?

An MHA prepares graduates to lead teams, manage operations, and make strategic decisions that shape how healthcare organizations function. The curriculum builds a foundation in management, policy, quality improvement, and financial planning, giving graduates the tools to improve productivity, patient outcomes, and organizational performance.

Common workplaces include:

  • Hospitals and health systems
  • Outpatient and ambulatory facilities
  • Public health agencies
  • Insurance companies
  • Consulting firms

Potential career paths:

  • Healthcare Administrator/Executive Director – Oversees daily operations, finances, and compliance.
  • Quality & Performance Improvement Manager – Leads initiatives to improve outcomes and efficiency.
  • Health Policy Analyst – Evaluates policies and recommends improvements.
  • Chief Operating Officer (COO) or Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) – Provides senior-level oversight and strategic planning.
  • Healthcare Informatics or Data Analytics Manager – Uses data to drive operational and clinical decision-making.

To explore job settings and titles, visit our guide on careers in healthcare leadership.

MHA Job Outlook

Healthcare continues to grow, and so does the need for qualified administrators. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for medical and health services managers is projected to grow 23% from 2024 to 2034, far faster than the average for all occupations. Growth is driven by an aging population and a systemwide shift toward preventive and outpatient care.

MHA Graduate Salaries

The median salary for healthcare administrators is about $117,000 per year. Pay varies by experience, workplace, and job scope – with senior executives earning more than $200,000 annually.

PercentileAnnual WageExample Roles
Percentile
10th
Annual Wage
$77,750
Example Roles
Entry-level or assistant manager roles
Percentile
25th
Annual Wage
$94,600
Example Roles
Department or practice manager
Percentile
50th
Annual Wage
$117,960
Example Roles
Mid-level administrator or operations director
Percentile
75th
Annual Wage
$150,300
Example Roles
Senior manager or regional director
Percentile
90th
Annual Wage
$219,080
Example Roles
Executive-level roles (COO, CEO, CNO, or system administrator)

Specialized Careers in Healthcare Administration

Leaders who combine strategic, technical, and analytical skills are especially valuable in today’s healthcare environment. Some specialized areas of demand include:

  • Population health management
  • Informatics and data analytics
  • Finance and revenue cycle
  • Quality improvement

Frequently Asked Questions: Is an MHA Worth It?

What can you do with a master’s in healthcare administration?

An MHA qualifies you for leadership and management roles across healthcare organizations. Common positions include hospital administrator, operations manager, policy analyst, quality improvement director, and chief operating officer. Graduates work in hospitals, outpatient centers, consulting firms, or public health agencies.

How much can you make with an MHA?

Most MHA graduates earn around $117,000 annually, with higher salaries for experienced leaders. Entry-level roles start near $77,000, while executives in large systems often exceed $200,000.

Is an MHA a good investment?

Yes, most graduates experience a strong return on investment. Programs generally cost $25,000 to $80,000, and many graduates move into six-figure roles within a few years of completion.

How long does it take to earn an MHA?

Most MHA programs take two to three years, but timelines vary. Some offer accelerated formats for faster completion, while part-time options support students balancing school and work.

Can you earn an MHA online?

Yes, many accredited universities offer fully online or hybrid MHA programs. These carry the same accreditation and curriculum as campus-based programs and are designed for working professionals.

Do you need healthcare experience before starting an MHA?

Not always. While some programs prefer applicants with healthcare experience, many accept students from business, finance, or related fields. Internships or residencies may be included to help build industry exposure.

What’s the job outlook for MHA graduates?

The job outlook for MHA graduates is very strong, with healthcare administration roles projected to grow 23% from 2024 to 2034. This growth reflects an aging population and increased emphasis on preventive and value-based care.

The Bottom Line

A master’s in healthcare administration is often a worthwhile investment for professionals who want to advance into leadership roles. With strong job growth, competitive salaries, and opportunities for long-term career mobility, the MHA offers both financial and professional value.

Keep Learning

Online Resources & Scholarships for Healthcare Administration Students

Find 15 scholarships, plus academic and career...

Online BHA Degrees in Georgia: Reviewing Top Schools

Become a leader in healthcare and shape patient...

Online Doctorates in Healthcare Admin (DHA): View Top Schools

Further your career as a healthcare administrator...

Abrie Edwards, BSN, MHA AUTHOR

Abrie Edwards is a registered nurse with over 15 years of experience spanning across clinical practice and administrative services. She developed clinical expertise working in various inpatient settings, including ICU, PACU, Medical/Surgical, endocrine/renal, and specialty clinics, before transitioning into leadership roles focused on quality improvement, clinical transformation, and data-driven performance management. Abrie has led enterprise-wide initiatives at major health systems, with a focus on value-based care strategies, and plays a key role in regulatory reporting for programs including MIPS, MA Stars, and MSSP. She earned her BSN from the University of Vermont and MHA from Champlain College. Abrie is also passionate about leveraging technology to improve healthcare outcomes and is pursuing a second Master’s degree in Information Technology. In addition to her clinical and operational work, Abrie has trained providers and care teams, facilitated quality improvement events, and served as faculty for a clinical residency program. Her combined experience in patient care, clinical operations, and health IT brings a grounded, systems-level perspective on healthcare delivery.

Read More About Abrie Edwards

Jordan Cosselman EDITOR

Jordan Cosselman is an editor with a BA in English from the University of Nevada, Reno. Since joining EduMed in 2021, she has been focused on making nursing and allied health education more approachable for students at every stage of their journey. With three years of experience in healthcare education content, Jordan is especially interested in highlighting low-cost, fast-track pathways into the field.

Read More About Jordan Cosselman
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