Explore Top Online Healthcare Administration Degrees

See who ranks highest this year, explore degree options, and start your path to a rewarding education and career in healthcare administration.

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Timon Kaple

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Timon Kaple, Ph.D., is a full-time writer and researcher. His work focuses on sociolinguistics, small-group folklore, the anthropology of sound, higher education, and student support services. He has experience as an ethnographer and enjoys conducting fieldwork and archival research.

last updated

09/19/2022

Best Online Healthcare Administration Degree Programs for 2023

Many highly regarded colleges and universities now offer their healthcare administration programs in a convenient online format. In our annual rankings, we’ve highlighted some of the best online programs currently available. We’ve listed comprehensive programs with the accreditation, curriculum, and flexibility needed to earn a valuable academic credential and begin down the path to a career in healthcare administration. Read on to learn about the schools that stand out for 2023.

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About the ranking

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Base Methodology for EduMed’s 2023 Online College Rankings

1. Create List of Eligible Schools and Programs

To be eligible for this ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on government data provided by The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).

  • Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
  • At least one program in subject area offered partially or fully online.

2. Assign Weightings

After creating the list of eligible schools, EduMed data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of affordability, support services, and online program availability metrics. Online program availability and overall affordability metrics received the heaviest weightings.

Online Program Availability

  • Number of online programs in subject area reported by school to the U.S. Department of Education.

Affordability

  • Cost – Relative cost of attendance compared to peer schools on the list. Based on tuition and fees per academic year.
  • Students w/ Institutional Aid – Percentage of students who receive financial aid from the school itself.

Support Services

  • Academic Counseling – Existence of this service on campus or online.
  • Career Placement – Existence of this service on campus or online.

About Our Data

EduMed’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2022

# School Name Type Cost Online Programs More Details School Information Online Students Academic Counseling Career Placement Students w/Institutional Aid Median Earnings 10yrs After Entry Accreditation
1 Purdue University-Main CampusWest Lafayette, IN Public $$ 3

Purdue University offers a fully online Master of Health Administration that can be completed in 6 semesters. The program covers principles of population health and public health, and prepares graduates to handle the workings of healthcare from daily operations to high-level decision making. The program has an interdisciplinary focus that covers topics such as organization operations, finances, management, and real-world problems facing the healthcare industry. Courses are offered in 8-week terms. The degree finishes with a capstone experience intended to help students apply their learning in practical fashion, tackling an authentic problem faced by healthcare managers. The program does not require a GRE/GMAT score for admission.

Program Highlights:

Master of Health Administration

  • Credits: 40
  • Cost: $750 / credit (in-state); $850 / credit (out-of-state)
  • Length: 6 semesters
  • Mode: online
Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
13/1
AccreditationHLC
2 University of Louisiana at LafayetteLafayette, LA Public $$ 3

University of Louisiana at Lafayette offers an MBA in healthcare administration that can be completed fully online in as few as 18 months. The tuition is packaged at $15,127.32 for the entire program, and all courses use no-cost materials. The 39-credit program breaks down into 15 hours of core business courses, 18 hours of healthcare Administration courses, and 6 internship hours. Two separate internships in different areas of administration are completed during the course of the degree. The courses are offered in accelerated 8-week terms. A GMAT score is required for admission, but a high enough GRE score may be accepted in its stead. The GMAT score requirement may be waived for applicants with an undergrad GPA of 2.5 and 5 years of relevant work experience.

Program Highlights:

MBA in Health Care Administration

  • Credits: 39
  • Cost: $15,127.32 / program
  • Length: 18+ months
  • Mode: online
Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
19/1
AccreditationSACSCOC
3 Southeast Missouri State UniversityCape Girardeau, MO Public $$ 3

Southeast Missouri State University offers three different degrees in healthcare administration and management, which are all fully online. The B.S. of Business Administration is an undergraduate degree consisting of 120 credit hours. This degree is an interdisciplinary preparation of business, leadership, and healthcare offerings. The two graduate-level degrees include a Master of Science in Healthcare Management (30 credit hours) and a Master of Business Administration in Health Administration (33 credit hours). All of SEMO’s programs are AACSB accredited. These programs prepare graduates to make high-level decisions while coordinating care and to manage business aspects of a variety of health settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and group medical practices.

Program Highlights:

Bachelor of Science of Business Administration in Healthcare Administration

  • Credits: 120
  • Cost: $300.50 / credit
  • Length: 4 years
  • Mode: Online

M.S. In Healthcare Management

  • Credits: 30
  • Cost: $386.50 / credit
  • Length: varies
  • Mode: Online

MBA in Health Administration

  • Credits: 33
  • Cost: $386.50 / credit
  • Length: varies
  • Mode: Online
Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
19/1
AccreditationHLC
4 University of Oklahoma-Norman CampusNorman, OK Public $ 1

The Norman Campus of the University of Oklahoma offers a fully online MA in Human and Health Services Administration. This 33-credit program can be completed in as few as 20 months and features a packaged tuition of $22,605 for the program. Textbooks and other course materials are not included in the tuition cost. This interdisciplinary degree offers broad level preparation rather than specific professional training and is intended for those who already have work experience in the healthcare field. Curriculum focuses on strategic planning and decision making, cultural and diversity issues, and ethics. This program has rolling admissions and does not require a GMAT/GRE score.

Program Highlights:

Master of Arts in Human and Health Services Administration

  • Credits: 33
  • Cost: $685 / credit hour; $22,605 / program, books and additional materials not included
  • Length: 20+ months
  • Mode: Online
Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
20/1
AccreditationHLC
5 Southern New Hampshire UniversityManchester, NH Private not-for-profit $$ 4

Southern New Hampshire University has degree offerings at both undergraduate and graduate levels for healthcare administration, all of which are fully online. The 120-credit Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration can be completed fully online at a cost of $320/credit. Highlighted objectives include stakeholder communication, data-based decision-making, operational strategies, ethical functioning, and culture building. The Master of Science in Healthcare Administration is a 36-credit program that can be completed in 15 months. This program emphasizes topics including finance and economics, legal and ethical policy, informatics, and strategic planning. Finally, the Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Management consists of 21 credits of core courses and 9 credits of concentration courses. This degree can be completed in about a year.

Program Highlights:

Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration

  • Credits: 120
  • Cost: $320 / credit
  • Length: 4 years
  • Mode: Online

Master of Science in Healthcare Administration

  • Credits: 36
  • Cost: $627 / credit
  • Length: 15+ months
  • Mode: Online

Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Management

  • Credits: 30
  • Cost: $627 / credit
  • Length: ~1 year
  • Mode: Online
Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
21/1
AccreditationNECHE
6 Minnesota State University MoorheadMoorhead, MN Public $$ 4 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
18/1
AccreditationHLC
7 University of MississippiUniversity, MS Public $$ 2 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
16/1
AccreditationSACSCOC
8 Wichita State UniversityWichita, KS Public $$ 3 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
18/1
AccreditationHLC
9 Montana State University BillingsBillings, MT Public $ 2 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
15/1
AccreditationNWCCU
10 Southern Illinois University-CarbondaleCarbondale, IL Public $$ 2 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
11/1
AccreditationHLC
11 University of Missouri-ColumbiaColumbia, MO Public $$ 1 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
18/1
AccreditationHLC
12 Appalachian State UniversityBoone, NC Public $ 1 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
16/1
AccreditationSACSCOC
13 Florida Atlantic UniversityBoca Raton, FL Public $ 1 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
22/1
AccreditationSACSCOC
14 Florida International UniversityMiami, FL Public $ 2 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
25/1
AccreditationSACSCOC
15 Baker CollegeOwosso, MI Private not-for-profit $$ 3 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
8/1
AccreditationHLC
16 University of Arkansas-Fort SmithFort Smith, AR Public $ 1 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
18/1
AccreditationHLC
17 The University of West FloridaPensacola, FL Public $ 1 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
20/1
AccreditationSACSCOC
18 East Tennessee State UniversityJohnson City, TN Public $$ 2 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
16/1
AccreditationSACSCOC
19 Central Michigan UniversityMount Pleasant, MI Public $$$ 3 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
18/1
AccreditationHLC
20 Radford UniversityRadford, VA Public $$ 2 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
14/1
AccreditationSACSCOC
21 University of North Carolina WilmingtonWilmington, NC Public $ 1 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
17/1
AccreditationSACSCOC
22 St. Petersburg CollegeClearwater, FL Public $ 2 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
23/1
AccreditationSACSCOC
23 Texas Tech University Health Sciences CenterLubbock, TX Public $$ 3 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
7/1
AccreditationSACSCOC
24 Indiana University-Purdue University-IndianapolisIndianapolis, IN Public $$ 1 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
14/1
AccreditationHLC
25 Liberty UniversityLynchburg, VA Private not-for-profit $$$ 3 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
17/1
AccreditationSACSCOC
26 Park UniversityParkville, MO Private not-for-profit $$ 2 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
15/1
AccreditationHLC
27 Arizona State University Digital ImmersionScottsdale, AZ Public $$$ 6 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
26/1
AccreditationHLC
28 Midland CollegeMidland, TX Public $ 1 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
13/1
AccreditationSACSCOC
29 University of North TexasDenton, TX Public $$ 1 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
26/1
AccreditationSACSCOC
30 Weber State UniversityOgden, UT Public $$ 1 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
21/1
AccreditationNWCCU
31 Ohio University-Main CampusAthens, OH Public $$$ 2 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
16/1
AccreditationHLC
32 Midwestern State UniversityWichita Falls, TX Public $$ 1 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
17/1
AccreditationSACSCOC
33 Western Kentucky UniversityBowling Green, KY Public $$$ 2 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
19/1
AccreditationSACSCOC
34 University of Southern IndianaEvansville, IN Public $$ 2 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
17/1
AccreditationHLC
35 University of Maryland-College ParkCollege Park, MD Public $$ 1 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
17/1
AccreditationMSCHE
36 University of Cincinnati-Main CampusCincinnati, OH Public $$ 1 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
19/1
AccreditationHLC
37 Middle Georgia State UniversityMacon, GA Public $ 1 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
19/1
AccreditationSACSCOC
38 Texas Woman’s UniversityDenton, TX Public $$ 1 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
19/1
AccreditationSACSCOC
39 Jackson State UniversityJackson, MS Public $$ 1 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
14/1
AccreditationSACSCOC
40 University of Central FloridaOrlando, FL Public $ 1 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
31/1
AccreditationSACSCOC
41 Auburn University at MontgomeryMontgomery, AL Public $$ 1 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
16/1
AccreditationSACSCOC
42 Louisiana State University-ShreveportShreveport, LA Public $ 1 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
16/1
AccreditationSACSCOC
43 University of LouisvilleLouisville, KY Public $$$ 1 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
19/1
AccreditationSACSCOC
44 George Mason UniversityFairfax, VA Public $$ 1 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
17/1
AccreditationSACSCOC
45 Portland State UniversityPortland, OR Public $$ 1 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
19/1
AccreditationNWCCU
46 Sam Houston State UniversityHuntsville, TX Public $$ 1 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
21/1
AccreditationSACSCOC
47 Davenport UniversityGrand Rapids, MI Private not-for-profit $$$$ 3 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
13/1
AccreditationHLC
48 Virginia Commonwealth UniversityRichmond, VA Public $$$ 1 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
18/1
AccreditationSACSCOC
49 Metropolitan State University of DenverDenver, CO Public $$ 1 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
18/1
AccreditationHLC

Profiling Online Healthcare Administration Programs

Before choosing an online program in healthcare administration, it’s important to research. What am I getting into? How much will it cost? Is it fully or partially online? To help answer these questions and others, we’ve profiled three of today’s most popular online programs in the field. Learn what you need to know before applying.

Manor College

Manor College

Located in Jenkintown, Pennsylvania, Manor is a private institution that features a fully-online associate degree in healthcare administration. This program prides itself on preparing learners to become effective leaders in medical care settings and serve as community health educators or health advocates. Online healthcare administration students need 61 credits for graduation. Most learners finish their degree in two years.

Students from other colleges or universities may be able to transfer credits toward the degree, provided they have a “C” grade or higher. Competitive applicants possess a 2.0 or higher GPA and at least a 720 on the SAT. The school subscribes to a rolling admissions policy, so applicants should apply sooner than later. Online students can apply for internal merit- or need-based scholarships through Manor to help offset the cost of tuition and expenses.

University of Central Florida

university

Located in Orlando, Florida, UCF is a public state university with nearly 70,000 students. Remote learners can pursue an online bachelor’s degree in health services administration through its college of community innovation and education. Students need 120 credits for graduation, which takes most full-time students four years to complete. While enrolled, students in the health services administration program can take advantage of dozens of internal scholarship opportunities.

Online students engage with rigorous coursework that helps them understand and manage the challenges presented by the ever-changing healthcare industry. Bachelor’s students study a variety of topics in the field, including organizational behavior and health information technology, to prepare for entry- and mid-level careers in the field. This curriculum prepares online students for administrative roles in long-term care facilities, clinics, private practices, ambulatory care centers, and more. UCF graduates typically move on to careers as health information managers, health services administrators, community service managers, training and development managers, and similar positions.

UCF also offers an online Executive Master of Health Administration (EMHA). this program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education and is designed for healthcare management professionals with at least three years of experience who are looking to further advance in the field.

Drexel University

drexel

Drexel is a private research institution located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Drexel offers more than 100 graduate programs, including an online master’s degree in health administration. Online students complete 45 credits for graduation. Most online students need two or three years to complete the degree.

Drexel’s program features a problem-based learning curriculum that can be completed entirely online. Online students attend a mandatory five-day on-campus residency to meet graduation requirements. Classes are organized into four 10-week quarters per year and include courses such as fiscal accountability, professional accounting and advocacy, relationship-building and collaborative problem-solving, transformational leadership, and human resources and team management.

Competitive applicants possess a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with a 3.0 or higher GPA. Applicants need at least three years of previous healthcare management experience with a documented history of increased responsibility. Applicants lacking healthcare management experience should consider Drexel’s online bachelor’s in healthcare administration program.

Online Healthcare Administration Learning Center

Choosing the Right Online Healthcare Administration Degree Program

Choosing a college is a highly personal decision. Make sure to give yourself enough time to organize your thoughts, make a list of must-haves, and vet all of your options so you can make an educated decision about which schools you want to apply to. Here are a few important things you should look for in an online healthcare administration program.

Is within budget

It is important to know what kind of financial commitment you want to make when pursuing your education. Check a program’s tuition rates and other fees to make sure you’re comfortable with the total cost. You can also seek out financial assistance in the form of scholarships, grants, or loans to help cover the cost.

Holds proper accreditation

Institutions or programs with credentials from recognized accrediting bodies possess the resources, curriculum and instructors to provide a top-notch education to students. Accreditation standards differ based on the level of healthcare admin degree. Undergraduate programs are often accredited under an institutional umbrella credential, while the most prestigious accreditation for master’s programs is awarded by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education.

Fits your schedule and learning style

Students should enroll in a program that accommodates their learning preferences and current time commitments. Students who want to finish their degree as quickly as possible should look into full-time online programs with real-time classes, for example, while busy professionals or parents will likely prefer part-time programs with evening classes or self-paced coursework – even if it means taking longer to earn their healthcare admin degree.

Curriculum matches your interests and learning goals

The curriculum a school offers reflects its faculty members’ specialty areas and the institution’s access to resources. Research course offerings of multiple healthcare administration programs to ensure they meet your academic goals and will hold your interest. This holds especially true for graduate students who typically work more directly with faculty members on highly specialized projects, including a master’s thesis.

Offers a strong student support system

Being an online student can feel isolating, especially when you do not take classes on campus or interact in-person with faculty or classmates regularly. When researching programs, consider schools that have strong communication resources for distance learners, online counseling services, distance tutoring, peer support groups, and online office hours with faculty members.

Earning Your Healthcare Administration Degree Online

The process of earning an online degree in healthcare administration can vary greatly between schools. For students who wish to pursue a degree with no on-campus obligations, the good news is that virtually every online program in healthcare administration can be completed entirely remotely. Students earning a doctoral degree, depending on their faculty or dissertation committee and departmental regulations, may need to attend in-person meetings on campus. Depending on the school, however, these advisory sessions may take place over video chat.

Healthcare Administration Degree

Online healthcare administration students may take classes presented in either a synchronous or asynchronous learning format. Synchronous coursework requires learners to attend class on a regular schedule, oftentimes alongside other online students, at specific times during the day or evening. In these cases, students can participate in online group activities such as message boards, chat rooms, and live video lectures. Asynchronous learning, on the other hand, allows students to work more independently on a schedule of their choosing. In most healthcare administration programs that feature asynchronous classes, students can access course materials, including lectures, assignments, and exams, at any time, although specific deadlines for homework and projects are still common. Regardless of the format, either fully-online or hybrid (a blend of on-campus and online classes), healthcare administration online students need to be proactive and organized self-starters.

Comparing Online Healthcare Administration Degree Options

The section below highlights program requirements, duration, and potential career options for associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs in healthcare administration. With this information, prospective students can quickly assess the time commitment and potential employment opportunities upon graduating with their degree.

certificate

Online Associate Degree in Healthcare Administration

Students in associate degree programs explore the different types of roles carried out by healthcare administrators and hospitals, nursing facilities, physician offices, and insurance companies. Associate students often enter a program to prepare for further study in a bachelor’s program or pursue entry-level positions in their field. Programs include introductory courses in business management, organizational behavior, principles of marketing, foundations of healthcare management, and business communications.

Program-Requirements

Program Requirements

Total Credits: 60

Other Common Requirements: N/A

Time-to-Complete

Time to Complete

Part-Time Program: 3 years

Full-Time Program: 1.5 to 2 years

career

Popular Career Options

Medical Records and Health Information Technician

National Median Salary (2018)

$40,350

National Job Growth (2018 to 2028)

11%

Job Level

Entry-Level

Secretary or Administrative Assistant

National Median Salary (2018)

$38,880

National Job Growth (2018 to 2028)

5%

Job Level

Entry-Level

certificate

Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Healthcare Administration

Bachelor’s degree students study similar topics as associate degree learners but on a deeper level. Bachelor’s students study real-world situations in case studies to understand and learn how to uphold the highest professional standards in the field. Additionally, bachelor’s degree seekers complete general education courses in the humanities, computer sciences, social sciences, history, science, and more. A bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration best serves learners interested in pursuing entry- and mid-level work in the field. Alternatively, this degree prepares undergraduates for further education at the graduate level.

Program-Requirements

Program Requirements

Total Credits: 120

Other Common Requirements: Capstone project or final paper

Time-to-Complete

Time to Complete

Part-Time Program: 4 to 5 years

Full-Time Program: 3 to 4 years

career

Popular Career Options

Medical and Health Services Manager

National Median Salary (2018)

$99,730

National Job Growth (2018 to 2028)

18%

Job Level

Entry-Level / Mid-Level

Administrative Service Managers

National Median Salary (2018)

$96,180

National Job Growth (2018 to 2028)

7%

Job Level

Mid-Level / Late Career

certificate

Online Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) Degree

A master’s degree in healthcare administration allows learners to further explore a concentration or specialization in the field. Most colleges and universities expect incoming master’s students to possess a history of related undergraduate coursework or an undergraduate degree in healthcare administration. Some programs also require students to have at least three years of healthcare admin work experience. Master’s learners often move on to advanced careers in the field, including positions in hospitals, research facilities, and educational institutions. This degree is best for remote students interested in developing a specialization in the field and pursuing higher-level administrative and management positions. A master’s degree may also qualify healthcare administration graduates for some teaching positions at the college or university level.

Program-Requirements

Program Requirements

Total Credits: 60

Other Common Requirements: Master’s thesis or final research project

Time-to-Complete

Time to Complete

Part-Time Program: 3 to 4 years

Full-Time Program: 2 years

career

Popular Career Options

Administration Executive

National Median Salary (2018)

$104,980

National Job Growth (2018 to 2028)

6%

Job Level

Mid-Level / Late Career

Postsecondary Education Administrators

National Median Salary (2018)

$94,340

National Job Growth (2018 to 2028)

7%

Job Level

Mid-Level / Late Career

certificate

Online Doctoral Degrees in Healthcare Administration

Students interested in pursuing a doctoral degree in healthcare administration choose between two degrees: a Doctor of Healthcare Administration (DHA) or a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). While both degrees prepare learners for the highest-level jobs in the field, the DHA is best for those interested in direct administrative leadership positions. The PhD is a research-focused degree that readies learners for college and university teaching positions and academic research pursuits.

Online Doctor of Healthcare Administration (DHA)

The DHA is best for students who foresee a career as administrators, high-level managers, and healthcare executives. Students in online DHA programs train for these positions by studying areas such as health policy and regulations, economics, finance, and informatics. Required courses for DHA students typically include quantitative and qualitative research methods, research design methods, organization innovation and business strategies, and leadership theory. Most programs include multiple dissertation-focused classes to help walk remote students through the process, including coursework focused on academic writing and research methods, writing an annotated bibliography, and writing a literature review.

Program-Requirements

Program Requirements

Total Credits: 90-120

Other Common Requirements: Write a doctoral dissertation, pass qualifying exams, pass dissertation defense.

Time-to-Complete

Time to Complete

Part-Time Program: 5 to 7 years

Full-Time Program: 3 to 5 years

career

Popular Career Options

Clinical Manager

National Median Salary (2018)

$70,414

National Job Growth (2018 to 2028)

18%

Job Level

Mid-Level / Late Career

Compliance Officer

National Median Salary (2018)

$67,942

National Job Growth (2018 to 2028)

18%

Job Level

Mid-Level / Late Career

Online PhD in Healthcare Administration

The PhD is a research degree that prepares learners to contribute to and advance the body of knowledge that currently exists in their field. It’s best for online learners who wish to pursue high-level teaching or research careers at colleges, universities, or research organizations. PhD graduates can also find fulfilling work at nonprofit and governmental organizations.

PhD programs in healthcare administration allow learners to develop a specialization in the field. Depending on the program, doctoral degree holders can pursue concentrations in areas such as quality management, financial management, and healthcare policy. Required coursework and areas of study typically include research methodologies, quality improvements, finance, and organizational analysis.

Program-Requirements

Program Requirements

Total Credits: 60

Other Common Requirements: Write a doctoral dissertation, pass qualifying exams, pass dissertation defense, attend several on-campus residencies.

Time-to-Complete

Time to Complete

Part-Time Program: 5 to 7+ years

Full-Time Program: 4 years

career

Popular Career Options

College or University Professor

National Median Salary (2018)

$78,470

National Job Growth (2018 to 2028)

11%

Job Level

Mid-Level / Late Career

Medical Sociologist

National Median Salary (2018)

$82,050

National Job Growth (2018 to 2028)

9%

Job Level

Late Career

Paying for Your Online Healthcare Administration Degree

 Help-Paying

While the total cost of a healthcare administration degree can seem overwhelming at first, there are many ways to save money, especially by securing scholarships and grants. Students should consider all potential avenues to garner funding assistance, including awards from inside their department or school and those awarded by outside organizations or individuals. Scholarships can be need- or merit-based. Additionally, some awards are reserved for students from particular ethnic backgrounds or those pursuing a certain field of study. Students should apply for as many scholarships or grants for which they qualify in order to maximize their funding opportunities.

Find scholarships and other financial aid for your healthcare administration degree.

Recommended Healthcare Administration Degree and Career Resources

Check out our dedicated student resources page for healthcare administration students, where we’ve listed a variety of online resources that are helpful for both new learners to the field and seasoned professionals. You’ll find healthcare admin professional organizations that provide valuable resources for members (especially those who are students or new graduates), helpful online communities you can join, support resources specifically designed for online healthcare admin students, and much more.