Online Healthcare Administration Degrees: Top Programs for 2027

Expert-Backed Tips for Finding the Right Healthcare Administration Degree

A healthcare administration degree opens doors across hospitals, health systems, and beyond, and the programs in this guide are all well-regarded options. But the right program for you depends on where you are now and where you’re trying to go. Format, concentration options, and the reputation of the program within your target sector all factor in. Our experts share their perspective.

Seek Applied Leadership Experience

One thing healthcare administration students often overlook is the value of demonstrated leadership experience. Hiring managers want to see that you know how to manage people and processes, not just that you’ve studied them. If you’re stuck between programs, consider which ones offer applied projects or practicums with real organizations. This gives you real experience to talk about in interviews and will help you land a job post graduation.

Cody DeBos, RN, BSN

The Practicum Opens Doors

As someone who has spent years on the clinical and administrative side of healthcare, whatever program you choose, don’t overlook the practicum or internship requirement. The connections you make during that experience can open the door to your first administrative role.

Maggie Aime, RN, MSN, CPC

Inside Online Healthcare Administration Programs

Want to see how they really work? Use the following profiles to better understand healthcare administration degree programs online. Review the details and see if one has what you’re looking for.

Key Questions to Ask Before Applying

Many prospective healthcare administration students have questions: about potential schools, programs, degree levels, online learning, and more. Here’s a list of 5 key questions that every student should ask before applying to a school or program.

Are there different types of online programs in healthcare admin?

Yes. With synchronous courses, students meet with instructors and cohorts at set times throughout the week. This could be for Q&A sessions, quizzes, online lectures, or other activities that benefit from real-time virtual communication. Other classes or activities tend to be asynchronous, meaning you can complete them on your own time (but watch out for deadlines).

Expert Insight

You may be able to complete some assignments in your own time but I would recommend at least understanding or starting an assignment early in case you have questions (this will give your instructor time to help guide you, should you need assistance). Discussion boards are a common element in online learning. For the best learning experience, it’s important to set some time aside early in the week to work on assignments and post on discussion boards. You’ll be amazed how much you can learn from your classmates’ experiences throughout a course.

Abrie Edwards, BSN, MHA

Do online programs in healthcare administration have rolling admission?

Many programs do. For example, the programs at the University of Providence offer enrollment for the fall, spring, and summer semesters. This is common for online programs because many have work-at-your-own-pace scheduling, meaning it’s less critical to follow along with a cohort. However, some programs may stick to traditional admissions schedules, with all materials due either the January or April before a fall start date. Make sure you know what your shortlist schools require and by when.

Is there anything I can do to prepare for a healthcare administration program?

Absolutely. Before enrolling in a healthcare administration degree program, regardless of level, do your best to improve your math, English, and writing skills. You can do this officially via university classes or unofficially via free online courses. Math, English, and writing tend to be prerequisites for many upper-level classes in healthcare administration, so staying strong in those areas will be key.

Will I be able to earn an HCA degree while working full-time?

Yes, but that’s up to you. Online degrees in healthcare administration at all levels often cater to healthcare professionals who are currently employed. Some even require you to be actively working in healthcare in some capacity to enroll in the program. If you’re working full-time and considering a degree, consider programs with more asynchronous options. This means you can complete assignments, take exams, etc. on your own time and you’re not locked into a schedule that could conflict with work.

Can I transfer previous college credits to a new HCA program?

In general, yes, but you may be required to take a certain amount of credit hours at your new school. Most programs allow for transfer of general college or university requirements up to a certain number. Or, if you’re enrolling in a bachelor’s program in healthcare administration, certain associate degrees you’ve already earned may cover the bachelor’s prerequisites. Before enrolling in a program, contact any school at which you plan to enroll, ask the admissions office if your previous coursework will transfer, and then make your decision.

Healthcare Administration Degree Breakdown

Online healthcare administration degrees help prepare students for managerial and administrative roles in hospitals, physician’s offices, insurance companies, and other medical and health settings. The non-clinical nature of healthcare administration – meaning you don’t work with patients – makes it possible to earn your degree 100% online. Here’s a quick rundown of the degree levels to help you narrow in on a program:

• Associate degrees in healthcare administration are two-year foundational degrees designed to teach basics and prepare students for (1) entry-level careers in the field and/or (2) for more advanced degree programs.
• Bachelor’s degrees in healthcare administration, also called BHA degrees, have foundational elements, as well, but go deeper into core ideas and practical application than an associate. These four-year programs are the most common credential and can be taken online, on campus, or both.
• Master’s in healthcare administration (MHA) degrees and beyond offer more specialization and tend to attract students with a strong interest in seeking positions at the manager level and above.
• Doctorates in healthcare administration (DHA) serve as the pinnacle of leadership education in the field. DHA holders often run large healthcare organizations and hold titles such as Healthcare Administrator or Healthcare Manager.

Comparing Tuition & Fees at Online HCA Programs

All higher education is a financial commitment. Healthcare administration degrees are no exception. As a student, you’re responsible for tuition, fees, equipment, transportation (if on-campus), and anything else you need to be successful. That said, not all schools and programs have the same cost profiles, and tuition and fees can vary by degree level and where you live (even if you’re taking an online program).

Expert Insight

Some employers have generous tuition reimbursement programs. Check with your Human Resources department and make sure you know the terms of this benefit (e.g., the application deadlines, amount allotted per year, and GPA requirements).

Abrie Edwards, BSN, MHA

Because cost is such a critical factor in a school decision, we’ve compiled a list of healthcare administration programs and their associated in-state tuition and fees. We’ve skipped the room and board and other costs to create the most apples-to-apples comparison possible. This will give you an idea of what you might be facing once you decide to enroll.

Need Certification in Healthcare Administration?

While no certifications are required to work as a healthcare administrator, a number of them can increase your employability. In general, certifications show current and future employers that you have certain skills and can add value to a hospital or organization starting day one. Here are three credentials you should consider if you have a degree in healthcare administration and plan to stick your toe in the hiring waters.

Certified Professional in Healthcare Risk Management (CPHRM)

CPHRM certification can improve your credibility as a healthcare professional and give you an edge over other applicants for risk-related management positions. To qualify for the exam, you must have a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university plus five years of experience working in healthcare. Certification seekers without a bachelor’s degree may substitute an associate degree + 7 years of experience in healthcare, or a high school diploma online + 9 years of experience. Seekers must also have 3,000 hours of healthcare risk management or half of full-time job duties in the subject during the last three years.

Exam cost: $275 for ASHRM members, $425 for non-members

Certified Medical Manager (CMM)

This base certification is for managers with two years of healthcare experience and at last 12 credits in business management or healthcare management. The examination tests your ability in revenue management, risk management, patient education, data management, and human resources. Renewal is required every two years.

Certification in Healthcare Quality Management (CHCQM)

This certification by the American Board of Quality Assurance and Utilization Review Physicians (ABQAURP) focuses on healthcare quality and patient safety. Candidates must have documented healthcare experience during the past five years, at least 208 hours in one of the exam’s categories, and 25 hours of continuing education. You also need to hold a current, unrestricted professional license such as an RN, NP, PharmD, PA, or MD). The exam is Pass/Fail and contains 175 multiple-choice questions.

Find Top HCA Programs in Your State

One benefit of pursuing your degree online is having a greater choice in programs when geography isn’t a barrier. However, finding top schools near you can help make fulfilling clinical requirements, accessing on-campus resources, and creating a community easier. To find programs in your state, take a look at our dedicated guides below.

• Alabama (AL)
• Arizona (AZ)
• California (CA)
• Florida (FL)
• Georgia (GA)
• Illinois (IL)
• Maryland (MD)
• Massachusetts (MA)
• Michigan (MI)
• New Jersey (NJ)
• New York (NY)
• North Carolina (NC)
• Ohio (OH)
• Oklahoma (OK)
• Pennsylvania (PA)
• Tennessee (TN)
• Texas (TX)
• Virginia (VA)
• Washington (WA)

Salary & Career Outlook

Online Healthcare Administration Learning Center

Get detailed reviews of healthcare administration degrees by level, including a rundown of how they work, who they’re for, top programs, salary and job outlook, and more.

Video Snapshot: Top Online HCA Programs

Get a quick look at reputable online HCA degrees and what makes each one stand out.

Ranking the Best Online Healthcare Administration Programs