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Timon Kaple
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Best Online Healthcare Administration Degree Programs for 2021
Many highly regarded colleges and universities now offer their healthcare administration programs in a convenient online format. In our Best-in-Class profile, 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 2021.
| # | 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 | St Petersburg CollegeClearwater, FL | Public | $ | 3 | A public institution located in Pinellas County, Florida, St. Petersburg College has helped students gain hands-on skills and practical knowledge in science, education, and health sciences since 1927. The school values flexibility and affordability, offering tuition rates 50% cheaper than other state colleges for all its degrees, including a bachelor of applied sciences in health services administration. The 120-credit course of study comes in fully online formats, administering courses in convenient 8-week sessions. Student can opt to enroll in self-paced or real-time classes, exploring a diverse range of topics in evidence-based healthcare practice, strategic planning, financial accounting, and healthcare delivery in the U.S. The program also extends a custom pathway for registered respiratory therapists along with subplans that develop specialized skills six different areas: compliance and security, human services, respiratory care, management, clinical documentation, and marketing and public relations. During their final semester, students spend 16 weeks completing a capstone project that directly pertains to their proposed career path in healthcare administration. Program Highlights: Health Services Administration, B.A.S. Degree
|
Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid19% |
AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges | |||
| 2 | Weber State UniversityOgden, UT | Public | $ | 3 | Initially founded in 1899 by local religious leaders, Weber State University administers over 250 certificates and degree programs, including multiple options for students interested in healthcare administration. Its bachelor of science in health administration includes 120 credits of core instruction that prepares learners for roles in clinics and hospitals, public health departments, and health insurance organizations. Students already equipped with an undergraduate degree can pursue Weber State’s executive master of health administration, a 39-credit course of study designed for working professionals interested in moving into healthcare leadership positions. Both programs offer online delivery formats, but the graduate program provides more flexibility, administering all courses fully online. Recent offerings cover subjects like human resources management, health population analytics, healthcare finance, and executive leadership in healthcare. The bachelor’s program uses face-to-face and online learning modules, with students receiving expert instruction in healthcare marketing, informatics, and healthcare communications. Learners in either program undertake fieldwork and capstone experiences in healthcare administration before moving to graduation. Program Highlights: Bachelor of Science in Health Administration
Executive Master of Health Administration
|
Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid59% |
AccreditationNorthwest Commission on Colleges and Universities | |||
| 3 | University of ToledoToledo, OH | Public | $$ | 3 | The University of Toledo’s College of Health and Human Services extends two fully online undergraduate programs in healthcare administration: a standard bachelor of science in healthcare administration with a general minor in business and a unique degree completion program designed for students with some experience in a healthcare-related field. The bachelor’s program requires 120 credits, including instruction in quality improvement, healthcare finance, leadership and management, public health, and medical ethics. Students also complete an applied internship that readies them for mid-management positions in healthcare administration. The degree completion program ultimately results in the same credentials but offers an accelerated path, only accepting students with a related associate’s degree. Most learners complete the program in 2 years, enjoying an expedited graduation timeline. Both programs use mostly asynchronous learning tools to deliver program material with some face-to-face options available. Learners can access course content anytime, anywhere or opt for a more hybrid experience with traditional classroom instruction. Program Highlights: Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration
Healthcare Administration 2+2
|
Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid92% |
AccreditationHigher Learning Commission | |||
| 4 | Minnesota State University MoorheadMoorhead, MN | Public | $$ | 3 | Minnesota State University, Moorhead offers healthcare services administration programming for students at both the graduate and the undergraduate level. Both programs boast job placement rates over 80%, preparing leaners for roles in clinics, hospitals, and treatment centers. Students with a relevant bachelor’s degree can earn a master of healthcare administration in just 2-3 years, completing fully online courses in healthcare economics, operations management, and healthcare program evaluation. The school also extends convenient dual enrollment options for aspiring professionals interesting in obtaining a nursing master’s degree concurrently. New students interested in launching their careers qualify for the school’s bachelor of science in health services administration, a 4-year program that places special emphasis on long-term care administration. Transfer students can take advantage of the flexible pathways Minnesota State maintains with regional community colleges and technical schools, potentially reducing the number of required credits by half. All programs culminate with individual internship placements in healthcare administration. Program Highlights: BS Degree in Health Services Administration
Master of Healthcare Administration
|
Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid56% |
AccreditationHigher Learning Commission | |||
| 5 | University of Phoenix-UtahSalt Lake City, UT | Private, For-Profit | $$$ | 3 | At the University of Phoenix, eligible students can earn an a fully online bachelor of science in healthcare administration that includes four different concentration tracks: lifespan management, retail health management, health information systems, and general health care administration. Learners move through the program one course at a time, an ideal format for busy students and working professionals. Each course lasts just 5 weeks, resulting in 10 courses. Most students complete those requirements in 4 years or less, exploring topics like business communications in healthcare focus, electronic record-keeping, healthcare finance, and organizational management. The school delivers content for each class entirely online using asynchronous tools and provides around the clock resources and technical support for those in need. Students who live near one of the University of Phoenix’s brick-and-mortar campus in Utah can opt for blended for hybrid formats. Learners finish the program equipped to evaluate healthcare organizations, analyze their impact and legal compliance, and assess programming for quality, risk, and adaptability. Program Highlights: Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration Degree
|
Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementNo |
Students w/ Institutional Aid100% |
AccreditationHigher Learning Commission | |||
| 6 | Temple UniversityPhiladelphia, PA | Public | $$$$ | 3 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid82% |
AccreditationMiddle States Commission on Higher Education | ||||
| 7 | Broward CollegeFort Lauderdale, FL | Public | $ | 2 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid10% |
AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges | ||||
| 8 | Seminole State College of FloridaSanford, FL | Public | $ | 2 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid16% |
AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges | ||||
| 9 | Southeast Missouri State UniversityCape Girardeau, MO | Public | $$ | 2 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid78% |
AccreditationHigher Learning Commission | ||||
| 10 | Clayton State UniversityMorrow, GA | Public | $ | 2 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid12% |
AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges | ||||
| 11 | University of ArizonaTucson, AZ | Public | $$$ | 2 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid83% |
AccreditationHigher Learning Commission | ||||
| 12 | Saint Johns River State CollegePalatka, FL | Public | $ | 2 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementNo |
Students w/ Institutional Aid29% |
AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges | ||||
| 13 | Purdue University-Main CampusWest Lafayette, IN | Public | $$ | 2 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid43% |
AccreditationHigher Learning Commission | ||||
| 14 | Florida International UniversityMiami, FL | Public | $ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid76% |
AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges | ||||
| 15 | Bowling Green State University-Main CampusBowling Green, OH | Public | $$ | 2 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid66% |
AccreditationHigher Learning Commission | ||||
| 16 | University of Central FloridaOrlando, FL | Public | $ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid41% |
AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
| # | School Name | Type | Cost | Online Programs | More Details | School Information | Online Students | Academic Counseling | Career Placement | Students w/Institutional Aid | Median Earnings 10yrs After Entry | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Minnesota West Community and Technical CollegeGranite Falls, MN | Public | $$ | 2 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid4% |
AccreditationHigher Learning Commission | ||||
| 2 | Harrisburg Area Community CollegeHarrisburg, PA | Public | $$ | 2 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid1% |
AccreditationMiddle States Commission on Higher Education | ||||
| 3 | Middlesex Community CollegeBedford, MA | Public | $ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid30% |
AccreditationNew England Commission of Higher Education | ||||
| 4 | Galveston CollegeGalveston, TX | Public | $ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid36% |
AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges | ||||
| 5 | Iowa Central Community CollegeFort Dodge, IA | Public | $ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid62% |
AccreditationHigher Learning Commission | ||||
| 6 | Northeast Texas Community CollegeMount Pleasant, TX | Public | $ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid21% |
AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges | ||||
| 7 | Bossier Parish Community CollegeBossier City, LA | Public | $ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid13% |
AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
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
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
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 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
- Online Associate Degrees in Healthcare Administration
- Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Healthcare Administration
- Online MHA Programs
- Online Doctorates in Healthcare Administration
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.
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.
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.
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
Total Credits: 60
Other Common Requirements: N/A
Time to Complete
Part-Time Program: 3 years
Full-Time Program: 1.5 to 2 years
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
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
Total Credits: 120
Other Common Requirements: Capstone project or final paper
Time to Complete
Part-Time Program: 4 to 5 years
Full-Time Program: 3 to 4 years
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
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
Total Credits: 60
Other Common Requirements: Master’s thesis or final research project
Time to Complete
Part-Time Program: 3 to 4 years
Full-Time Program: 2 years
Popular Career Options
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
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
Total Credits: 90-120
Other Common Requirements: Write a doctoral dissertation, pass qualifying exams, pass dissertation defense.
Time to Complete
Part-Time Program: 5 to 7 years
Full-Time Program: 3 to 5 years
Popular Career Options
National Median Salary (2018)
$70,414
National Job Growth (2018 to 2028)
18%
Job Level
Mid-Level / Late Career
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
Total Credits: 60
Other Common Requirements: Write a doctoral dissertation, pass qualifying exams, pass dissertation defense, attend several on-campus residencies.
Time to Complete
Part-Time Program: 5 to 7+ years
Full-Time Program: 4 years
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
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.