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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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Editor: Jordan Cosselman
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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.
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What is an MHA Degree? | Inside the Master of Healthcare Administration

Healthcare organizations need skilled leaders who understand both the operational and strategic sides of care delivery. An MHA degree is designed to build that expertise and prepare you for leadership roles across the healthcare system.

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 of Healthcare Administration (MHA) is an advanced graduate degree that prepares students to lead and manage healthcare organizations. MHA programs focus on the business and operational side of healthcare, blending leadership training with industry-specific knowledge. Students learn how to guide teams, improve care delivery, and navigate the financial, regulatory, and organizational challenges of today’s healthcare landscape.

Graduates can pursue a wide range of leadership roles in healthcare, including:

  • Director of Patient Services
  • Department or Practice Manager
  • Healthcare Consultant
  • Hospital Administrator or Executive Director
  • Chief Nursing Officer (CNO)
  • Chief Executive Officer (CEO) or Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Not all graduates start in executive positions. Many begin in analytical or operational roles that build essential experience for future leadership.

Examples of early-career roles:

  • Healthcare Data Analyst
  • Quality Improvement or Performance Specialist
  • Project or Program Coordinator
  • Health Informatics Specialist
  • Revenue Cycle Manager
  • Patient Experience or Engagement Manager

What You’ll Learn in an MHA Program

MHA programs teach students how healthcare organizations function and how leaders make decisions that affect patient care, finances, operations, and long-term strategy.

Typical areas of study include:

  • Healthcare Finance and Accounting: Reimbursement models, budgeting, and fiscal management.
  • Health Policy and Law: How legislation, ethics, and policy shape operations and patient access.
  • Organizational Leadership and Change Management: Motivating teams, leading initiatives, and navigating complex systems.
  • Healthcare Operations and Quality Improvement: Improving workflows, patient safety, and performance metrics.
  • Health Informatics and Data Analytics: Using data systems and technology to guide strategic decisions.
  • Population Health and Health Equity: Understanding social determinants and strategies for equitable care delivery.

Many programs also include internships or capstone projects, allowing students to apply their skills in real-world settings.

If you’re exploring leadership roles, take a look at our guide to the top online MHA programs for a deeper comparison.

Admission Requirements

Prospective students often wonder whether a clinical background is required for an MHA. The answer is no – a healthcare background can be helpful, but it isn’t necessary. Many students come from business, finance, or administrative roles and build their healthcare knowledge through coursework and experiential learning.

Common admissions requirements include:

  • Bachelor’s degree (not necessarily in healthcare)
  • Resume
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Personal statement.
  • Minimum GPA (often around 3.0, but varies by program)

Types of MHA Programs

MHA programs come in several formats so students can choose what best fits their schedule and career goals.

  • Full-time, on-campus programs: Often completed in about 2 years
  • Part-time programs: Designed for working professionals; typically 2 to 3 years
  • Online or hybrid programs: Offer flexibility without sacrificing academic rigor
  • Accelerated programs: Condensed curriculum for faster graduation
  • Dual-degree options: MHA/MBA, MHA/MPH, and others for students wanting broader credentials

How an MHA Differs from Other Healthcare Master’s Degrees

With so many healthcare graduate degrees available, it can be difficult to determine which path aligns best with your strengths and goals. While these degrees share overlapping coursework, each prepares students for distinct types of roles.

MHA vs. MBA in Healthcare Management

An MHA focuses specifically on healthcare systems, policy, and operations, while an MBA in Healthcare Management emphasizes general business strategy, finance, and leadership with a healthcare concentration.

Students who want to stay within healthcare leadership often choose the MHA, while those seeking broader, cross-industry management roles may prefer the MBA.

For a deeper comparison and program options, explore our guide on online MBA programs in healthcare management.

MHA vs. MPH

An MPH centers on population health, prevention, and community wellness, while an MHA prepares students to lead healthcare organizations and optimize their operations. If you want to design public health programs or work in government agencies, the MPH may be the better fit; if you’re drawn to organizational leadership, the MHA is likely the stronger choice.

You can explore program options and career paths in our guide to online MPH degree programs.

MHA vs. MSN or DNP

Nurses pursuing advanced practice or clinical leadership roles typically choose the MSN or DNP. These degrees focus on clinical expertise, patient care, and advanced nursing leadership. By contrast, an MHA emphasizes systems, processes, and administrative strategy, appealing to nurses who want to expand into operational or organizational leadership.

Degree Comparison at a Glance

DegreeFocusHow it Differs from an MHA
Degree
MHA vs. MBA in Healthcare Management
Focus
Business strategy and leadership across industries
How it Differs from an MHA
An MBA builds a strong general business foundation that can be applied across industries, while an MHA focuses specifically on managing healthcare systems, policy, and operations.
Degree
MHA vs. MPH
Focus
Population health, prevention, and community wellness
How it Differs from an MHA
An MPH is centered on disease prevention and community health programs, whereas an MHA prepares students to lead healthcare organizations and optimize internal operations.
Degree
MHA vs. MSN or DNP
Focus
Clinical expertise and advanced nursing leadership
How it Differs from an MHA
An MSN or DNP develops deeper clinical practice and nursing leadership skills, while an MHA emphasizes healthcare management, system processes, and organizational strategy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need healthcare experience before starting an MHA program?

Not necessarily. While previous healthcare experience can be an advantage, it isn’t required. Many MHA students enter the program from fields like business, finance, or administration and gain the healthcare-specific knowledge they need through coursework and hands-on learning experiences.

How long does it take to earn an MHA?

Most programs take between 1 and 3 years to complete, depending on whether you attend full-time or part-time. Accelerated and dual-degree options (such as MHA/MBA or MHA/MPH) may vary in length but can often be completed in a similar timeframe.

Can I earn an MHA online?

Yes! Many accredited universities now offer online or hybrid MHA programs designed for working professionals. These programs provide flexibility while maintaining the same academic rigor as on-campus options.

What can I do with an MHA degree?

Graduates can work in hospitals, health systems, consulting firms, insurance companies, and government or nonprofit organizations. Common roles include hospital administrator, department manager, quality improvement director, or healthcare data analyst.

How is an MHA different from an MBA in Healthcare Management?

An MHA focuses specifically on healthcare systems, policy, and operations, while an MBA provides a broader business foundation that can apply to many industries. Students who want to stay within healthcare leadership typically choose the MHA, while those seeking cross-industry flexibility may prefer the MBA or a dual degree.

Keep Learning

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

Further your career as a healthcare administrator...

Most Affordable Online MHA Programs: Finding a School

Decrease the cost of your education with an...

Online MHA Programs with No GRE Required

Elevate your career conveniently with an online...

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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