Best Online Healthcare Administration Degree Programs for 2020
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 2020.
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
Drexel University
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
How to Choose the Best Online Healthcare Administration Degree Program for You
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.
What It’s Like to Earn 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
Getting Help 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
In the sections that follow, we’ve listed a variety of online resources that are helpful for both new learners to the field and seasoned professionals. Healthcare administration professional organizations provide valuable resources for members, especially those who are students or new graduates. Additionally, students can find information on healthcare the latest topics from trusted new sites and popular publications by following blogs and online video accounts.
Professional Healthcare Administration Organizations
American Association of Healthcare Administrative Management
Established in 1968, AAHAM provides its members with information on advanced certifications, career development opportunities, and exclusive access to networking events. The association specializes in providing professionals with information on insurance and reimbursement, patient admission and registration, medical records-keeping, patient relations, and data management.
Health Care Administrators Association
HCAA prides itself on offering professional networking opportunities, including an annual forum. Young professionals interested in self-funding aspects of the healthcare industry can take advantage of its Emerging Leader Program. HCAA also offers webinars and scholarship opportunities for members.
American College of Healthcare Executives
ACHE boasts more than 48,000 members around the world. Student members gain access to online career resources, including leadership workshops, strategic career planning seminars, resume coaching, and healthcare administration job search assistance.
Association for Healthcare Administrative Professionals
AHAP is a nonprofit organization focused on supporting healthcare administration professionals in all areas. Students pursuing a two- or four-year degree in healthcare administration receive a significant discount on membership fees and services from the association’s educational partners. Members also save on application and testing fees for the certified healthcare administrative professional certification.
Medical Group Management Association
MCMA helps its members advance their personal skill set and reach their professional goals. Both students and professionals benefit from its online resource offerings and in-person networking opportunities. Members enjoy access to an online job board, board certification preparation classes, professional fellowship opportunities, and medical practice consulting services.
Blogs & Articles
The Apothecary: Forbes Healthcare Blog
Along with business-focused articles, Forbes also offers a blog with reliable resources for students and professionals in healthcare administration and management. Users can explore both popular and academic articles that cover topics such as medical research, diseases, healthy lifestyles, popular trends in the field, and more. Subscribers can receive daily updates regarding topics of their choice throughout the healthcare industry.
Healthcare Leadership Council Blog
HLC provides a forum for the nation’s healthcare leaders to collaborate and share information with the goal of improving healthcare in the U.S. The blog features regular articles and news updates that explore a variety of political issues and other challenges that healthcare professionals face today.
American Association of Healthcare Administrative Management Info Hub
AAHAM’s information hub includes three blogs, including entries written by the chair of the board and the executive director. Additionally, users can take advantage of the certification section that offers opinion pieces and the latest news about the certification process.
This site features an interactive blog that covers topics in health technology, health policies, medical practice, and healthcare business. Users can comment on articles, interact with others in the forum, and keep up with some of the latest topics and debates with entries written by active healthcare professionals.
Videos
Career Opportunities in Healthcare Administration
Offered by the Walden Career Service Center, this video provides a webinar-style introduction to career opportunities in the field. Experienced faculty members cover employment trends in the health and medical industry. The video includes tips on resume building, networking, and how to highlight one’s strengths when entering the job market.
Health Administration Introduction
Offered by Rasmussen College, this video features an interview with the director of the school of health sciences to provide a broad overview of what healthcare administrators do on a daily basis. The director addresses challenges faced by healthcare administrators in this ever-changing industry.
Master’s Degrees and Health Administration
This video by Weber State University includes a brief overview to recent changes and challenges for professionals in healthcare administration. Professionals in the field discuss the demand for healthcare leaders today and how a master’s degree can benefit learners interested in pursuing advanced careers in healthcare administration.
U Career Services Healthcare Administration Job Overview
This video from the University of Utah includes personal narratives with experts in the field. Speakers highlight their reasons for pursuing a career in healthcare administration and provide a general overview of their career paths. Students can learn about some traditional and non-traditional career pathways of successful individuals in the field.