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2023’s Best Online Healthcare Administration Associate Degrees
Earning a healthcare administration associates degree online is a great way to jumpstart a career in the rapidly growing healthcare field. But how can you be sure that the online program you’re considering is a quality one? Using data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and from the colleges themselves, we’ve researched and analyze some of the most affordable and fully-accredited online healthcare administration associate degree programs available in 2023.
| # | 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 | Herzing University-MinneapolisSt. Louis Park, MN | Private not-for-profit | $$$ | 1 | Herzing University-Minneapolis, which is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, offers an associate degree in healthcare administration that is designed to prepare students to either enter an entry-level position or go on to earn a bachelor's degree. The program has a curriculum that covers topics like health policy, patient privacy, medical terminology, public and private healthcare, and conflict resolution. The program is conducted entirely online through Herzing Univerity’s Everywhere Classroom, which allows students to log into their classes during the times that are most convenient for them. Students are able to finish this 60-credit degree in a little over one year. Program Highlights: Associate in Healthcare Administration
|
Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio12/1 |
AccreditationHLC | |||
| 2 | Herzing University-BrookfieldBrookfield, WI | Private not-for-profit | $$$ | 2 | Herzing University-Brookfield has a healthcare administration associate degree program that gives students a well-rounded experience by including coursework that covers introductory healthcare administration theories, as well as professional development concepts that prepare students for success in the workplace by teaching time management, resume writing, goal setting, and anxiety-reduction skills. Students are required to take elective classes related to healthcare, which can be chosen outside of the department with the approval of their academic advisor. Since the program is asynchronous, meaning it doesn’t require that students take classes on particular days and times, they are able to log into the online system when it's most convenient for them. Program Highlights: Associate of Applied Science in Healthcare Administration
|
Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio12/1 |
AccreditationHLC | |||
| 3 | Herzing University-New OrleansMetairie, LA | Private not-for-profit | $$$ | 1 | Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, the associate degree program in healthcare administration at Herzing University-New Orleans prepares students for several types of jobs, such as operations assistant, administrative support specialist, patient service representative, and administrative coordinator positions. In order to be admitted into this program, which is conducted entirely online, applicants must have at least a high school diploma or its equivalent and participate in an interview with an admissions advisor after submitting their application. Once admitted, students take coursework designed to familiarize them with managerial roles in the healthcare field, as well as the policies and standards that guide the way healthcare professionals work every day. Program Highlights: Associate of Applied Science in Healthcare Administration
|
Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio14/1 |
AccreditationHLC | |||
| 4 | Herzing University-KenoshaKenosha, WI | Private not-for-profit | $$$ | 1 | Herzing University-Kenosha’s Associate of Applied Science in healthcare administration degree, which takes about a year and a half to complete, has a curriculum that includes healthcare management classes, as well as general education coursework so students receive a balanced education. This means when they're not learning about topics like medical terminology, health policy, healthcare delivery systems, and the healthcare provided in public and private settings, students are taking classes in mathematics, social sciences, humanities, and communication. The program is a good choice for people who need to balance their education with their busy lifestyles because they can conveniently complete all of their coursework online. Program Highlights: Associate of Applied Science in Healthcare Administration
|
Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio15/1 |
AccreditationHLC | |||
| 5 | Herzing University-MadisonMadison, WI | Private not-for-profit | $$$ | 1 | Herzing University-Madison offers an entirely online associate degree in healthcare administration program. Students who need help paying for their education are able to take advantage of the school’s scholarships, grants, and loans, and those who are active servicemembers or veterans can use their military benefits for their tuition. Once admitted, students are set up for success through a rigorous curriculum, as well as personalized attention that can help them navigate their online studies—the same level of support they would receive if they enrolled in a traditional campus-based program. After completing this degree, graduates are positioned to enter the workforce or continue their education if they're interested in a bachelor's degree in healthcare administration. Program Highlights: Associate of Applied Science in Healthcare Administration
|
Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio17/1 |
AccreditationHLC | |||
| 6 | Florida National University-Main CampusHialeah, FL | Private for-profit | $$$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio22/1 |
AccreditationSACSCOC | ||||
| 7 | Herzing University-AtlantaAtlanta, GA | Private not-for-profit | $$$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio14/1 |
AccreditationHLC | ||||
| 8 | Herzing University-AkronAkron, OH | Private not-for-profit | $$$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio13/1 |
AccreditationHLC | ||||
| 9 | Herzing University-OrlandoWinter Park, FL | Private not-for-profit | $$$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio15/1 |
AccreditationHLC | ||||
| 10 | Keiser University-Ft LauderdaleFort Lauderdale, FL | Private not-for-profit | $$$$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio15/1 |
AccreditationSACSCOC | ||||
| 11 | Herzing University-BirminghamBirmingham, AL | Private not-for-profit | $$$ | 2 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio14/1 |
AccreditationHLC | ||||
| 12 | Cambridge CollegeBoston, MA | Private not-for-profit | $$$$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio10/1 |
AccreditationNECHE |
| # | School Name | Type | Cost | Online Programs | More Details | School Information | Online Students | Academic Counseling | Career Placement | Students w/Institutional Aid | Median Earnings 10yrs After Entry | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Harrisburg Area Community CollegeHarrisburg, PA | Public | $$ | 2 | Harrisburg Area Community College’s healthcare management associate degree program, which takes two years to complete, prepares students to work in a variety of professional settings, such as long-term care facilities, wellness centers, doctors’ offices, and holistic health practices. By the time students finish their degree, they have the skills they need to communicate clearly in business management settings, use critical thinking skills to resolve common healthcare management challenges, and work effectively with team members, including those from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds. This entirely online program also provides students with an understanding of the political, ethical, legal, and economic factors that influence the healthcare management profession. Program Highlights: Associate in Applied Science in Healthcare Management
Associate in Applied Science in Health Science
|
Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio15/1 |
AccreditationMSCHE | |||
| 2 | Milwaukee Area Technical CollegeMilwaukee, WI | Public | $ | 1 | In order to be admitted into Milwaukee Area Technical College’s healthcare services management associate degree program, which is available entirely online, people must have at least a C+ average or higher in healthcare and English coursework. Once admitted, students get the training they need to work in settings like physician's offices, healthcare clinics, assisted living facilities, long-term care facilities, and laboratories. To provide this preparation, the school offers a curriculum that focuses on teaching how to use healthcare management techniques effectively; professionally communicate verbally, nonverbally, and in writing; and apply the tenets of healthcare law and ethics to their daily work. Program Highlights: Associate in Applied Science in Healthcare Services Management
|
Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio11/1 |
AccreditationHLC | |||
| 3 | Terra State Community CollegeFremont, OH | Public | $ | 1 | Terra State Community College has a two-year online healthcare administration associate degree for those who want to work in hospitals, physician group practices, nonprofit organizations, and long-term care facilities. Armed with a combination of healthcare administration knowledge, communication skills, and an understanding of how medical professionals make legal and ethical decisions, students are able to land jobs as health information managers, nursing home administrators, or clinical managers. Specific coursework covers managerial accounting, human resource management, leadership development, and health data management. Students take general education classes in mathematics, English composition, and psychology so when they leave the program, they have numerous marketable skills that employers are looking for today. Program Highlights: Associate of Applied Science in Health Care Administration
|
Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio14/1 |
AccreditationHLC | |||
| 4 | Iowa Central Community CollegeFort Dodge, IA | Public | $ | 1 | Iowa Central Community College, which is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, has an associate’s degree in healthcare administration designed for those interested in entry-level positions, such as medical coder, health administrator, community health worker, and health information manager jobs. The school is committed to providing opportunities for all students who want to further their education, so not only does it have an open door admission policy and no application fees, it also helps students pay for their education through scholarships. Once admitted into the program, students take coursework about medical terminology, gerontology, management, and health care economics. Program Highlights: Associate in Professional Studies in Health Care Administration
|
Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio17/1 |
AccreditationHLC | |||
| 5 | Bossier Parish Community CollegeBossier City, LA | Public | $ | 1 | Bossier Parish Community College offers a healthcare management associate degree that allows students to choose a concentration based on their goals and interests. For those who wish to enter the workforce right after graduation, the professional practice concentration teaches them the managerial skills they need to land a job. For people who would like to use their associate degree as a foundation for advancing their education, the health studies concentration prepares them to be admitted into a bachelor’s degree program. The program, which takes two years to complete, is delivered entirely online and students take a combination of healthcare-related classes with general education coursework, such as mathematics, public speaking, composition, and computer classes. Program Highlights: Associate of Science in Health Care Management
|
Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio24/1 |
AccreditationSACSCOC | |||
| 6 | Pennsylvania Institute of TechnologyMedia, PA | Private not-for-profit | $$$ | 1 | Whether students want to work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, doctors’ offices, or assisted living facilities, the associate degree in healthcare management from Pennsylvania Institute of Technology is designed to give them the knowledge and skills they need to pursue their goals. The curriculum covers health insurance claims, healthcare in a multicultural environment, anatomy and physiology, and current issues in the medical field. To provide the best preparation for their careers, the program includes training in medical billing and coding, so graduates will have a leg up on the competition when they compete for jobs. Program Highlights: Associate of Science inHealth Care Management
|
Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio11/1 |
AccreditationMSCHE |
Profiling Online Associate Degrees in Healthcare Administration
Want to learn what goes into an associate degree in healthcare administration online? The profiles below give you some of the key details you need to know before applying to a program. Discover the extent of online learning available (partial or fully), the credit load, the cost, career prospects, and more.
Point University
Point University, a private, Christian institution, offers a fully-online, 60-credit hour Associate of Arts in Healthcare Administration degree to students interested in seeking entry-level positions in healthcare management and leadership, as well as those intending to continue on to complete their bachelor’s degree at Point or another four-year college or university. The degree curriculum consists of a combination of liberal arts-based general education classes and foundational coursework in healthcare administration and leadership. The program is presented 100% online in an asynchronous format, meaning that students can access classes and complete their coursework at anytime. The asynchronous format additionally offers students flexibility in total program length, although most students complete all degree requirements with two years of full-time study. Students enrolled in PU’s online AA in Healthcare Administration program enjoy tuition costs nearly 40% less than students in the school’s regular on-campus program. Out-of-state online students pay the same tuition rates as Georgia residents.
Oklahoma State University
OSU’s online Associate of Science in Health Care Administration degree, offered through its Oklahoma City campus, prepares graduates for entry-level support positions in a range of healthcare settings, including administration and management, billing and coding, marketing and sales, and customer care. All classes in the 63-credit hour curriculum are offered online. However, online classes are not self-paced, meaning that students are required to meet instructor-determined deadlines for assignments and tests. Some classes are also available on the Oklahoma City campus, and online students have the option of attending these classes in-person. Students complete a combination of general education coursework in subjects such as English composition, American government, psychology, sociology, and communications. Major-specific coursework subjects include healthcare management, health care provider relations, biological and medical terminology, and healthcare coding and billing. The program features a generous credit transfer policy that allows for the transfer in of a substantial number of previously-earned college credits. However, students must complete, at minimum, their final 15 credit hours through OSU-OKC.
Inside Look at Earning Your Healthcare Administration Associate Degree Online
Flexibility and convenience are the hallmarks of any good distance learning program, and online healthcare administration associate degree programs are no exception. Program curriculums and formats vary somewhat from school to school, but the academic study of healthcare administration lends itself particularly well to online study. Most programs feature asynchronous coursework that can be completed entirely online at anytime and from any location with high-speed internet access. Flexibility extends to degree completion times as well, with both full-time and part-time study options common.
Here are the answers to a few of the most frequently asked questions prospective students have about pursuing an online associate degree in healthcare administration:
What Do You Learn in an Online Healthcare Administration Associate Degree Program?
The curriculum of your online associate degree in healthcare administration program will focus on the development of practical knowledge and skills in management and leadership as they apply to specific healthcare administrative roles and responsibilities. Core concepts and specific topics you’ll cover include:
- Supervision, management, and leadership theories and practices.
- Organizational structures of managed healthcare systems and facilities.
- Critical thinking and decision-making skills.
- Interpersonal and organizational communications skills.
- Human resource management and practices.
- Analysis and application of healthcare information, statistics, and data.
- Medical records management and coding, including electronic records systems.
- Accounting principles and their practical applications.
- Medical terminology.
- Applicable medical laws, regulations, and ethics.
- Overview and analysis of current practices and trends in healthcare management and the broader healthcare industry.
Core Class Examples
Accounting Principles
Healthcare administration practice intimately involves budget management. Accounting principles courses provide students with foundational knowledge in the use of accounting information systems, analysis of transactions, the journalizing and posting of transactions, the creation and reading of financial statements, performance evaluation, and more. Students are also introduced to the use of accounting software programs.
Human Resource Management
Effective administration of any healthcare organization or facility requires a comprehensive understanding of human resource management. Subjects covered in this course include job analysis and planning, employee recruiting, employee training and skills development, employee performance review and management, compensation and benefits, labor relations, and staff diversity and equal employment opportunity. Issues surrounding the emergence of global human resource management in healthcare are also covered.
Medical Law and Ethics
Integrity in the administration and management of any healthcare organization is crucial and, in many cases, a matter of law. This course provides a foundational overview of both the underlying theories and concepts of ethical practices in healthcare administration, and the state and federal laws applicable to criminal acts, fraud, information security and management, patient privacy rights, and more.
Medical Terminology
A strong vocabulary of basic medical terms and phrases is essential to any job in a healthcare-related environment, including healthcare administration. Students in this course learn common terms used in connection with anatomical structures, physiological functions, therapeutic and diagnostic procedures, pharmacology, and imaging systems. Special focus is given to the structure (prefixes, suffixes, etc.) of terms.
Principles of Healthcare Management
Healthcare administration is about leadership, even for entry-level employees. In this class, students are taught to be effective and efficient leaders through an examination of leadership issues and behaviors. Specific topics covered include the scope of management, organization, decision-making, direction of staff and employee motivation, strategic planning, styles and processes of leadership, and more.
How Long Does It Take to Earn a Healthcare Administration Associates Degree Online?
Most healthcare administration associate degree programs consist of approximately 60-66 credit hours of coursework which normally requires one-and-a-half to two years of full-time study to complete. Online programs, however – particularly those whose coursework is presented asynchronously – typically offer both full-time and part-time options that allow students to tailor their studies to fit their busy lives. This means students may be able to take up to three or four years, sometimes longer, to finish all degree requirements. Flexibility in class choices, degree completion times, and other study options depends on the particular program you choose, though. Be sure to carefully review the specific curriculum requirements for all programs under consideration before enrolling.
How Much Do Online Healthcare Admin Programs Cost?
Costs of online healthcare administration associate degree programs vary, often substantially, from program to program. Common factors impacting costs include type of school (two-year community vs. four-year, public vs. private) and student’s place of residency (within or outside the program’s home state). Below are the current tuition rates for three online programs to give you an idea of how much you may be paying for yours. Keep in mind, however, that total program costs will likely also include application and other fees, as well as the cost of books and supplies.
Florida Institute of Technology (Florida Tech)
Associate of Arts in Healthcare Management
Total Credits: 64
$510/credit
Iowa Central Community College
Associate in Professional Studies in Health Care Administration
Total Credits: 66
$240/credit (in-state residents);
$322.50/credit (out-of state residents)
For comprehensive information on funding your degree program, check out EduMed’s comprehensive guide to financial aid and find scholarship opportunities.
Will My Online Healthcare Associate Degree Credits Transfer to a Bachelor’s Program?
In most cases, yes. The majority of healthcare administration associate degree programs feature curriculums and individual courses that meet specific requirements for healthcare administration or management bachelor’s degree programs at their schools and other four-year colleges and universities. Not all programs do this, however, so prospective students are advised to confirm credit transferability prior to choosing their associate degree program – whether they intend to eventually earn a bachelor’s degree or not.
What Can You Do with an Online Associate Degree in Healthcare Administration?
There are two primary career paths one can take after earning a healthcare administration associate degree. The first is to continue on to a four-year college or university bachelor’s degree program in healthcare administration, management, or closely-related major. The second is to head directly for the job market. For those intending to immediately start their careers upon graduation, there’s good news. Many entry-level positions in the field offer solid wages and enjoy robust job growth expectations over the next decade. Below is a small sampling of popular positions available to healthcare administration associate degree holders. Job growth and growth rate figures are taken from the Department of Labor’s BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook and O*NET OnLine websites.
Administrative Medical Assistant
Projected Job Openings (2018-2028):
154,900
Project Job Growth Rate (2018-2028):
23%
Healthcare administration is about leadership, even for entry-level employees. In this class, students are taught to be effective and efficient leaders through an examination of leadership issues and behaviors. Specific topics covered include the scope of management, organization, decision-making, direction of staff and employee motivation, strategic planning, styles and processes of leadership, and more.
Medical Records/Health Information Technician
Projected Job Openings (2018-2028):
23,100
Project Job Growth Rate (2018-2028):
11%
Medical records and health information technicians organize and maintain patient health information and data (in both paper and electronic systems) making sure that these records are accurate and accessible while also ensuring security and privacy standards are met. They meet with doctors, nurses, and other healthcare team members to gather information and clarify patient diagnoses to ensure records are complete and accurate.
Medical Secretary
Projected Job Openings (2018-2028):
96,400
Project Job Growth Rate (2018-2028):
16%
Medical secretaries perform common administrative and clerical tasks, such as creating and maintaining filing systems and files, scheduling appointments, preparing correspondence, medical charts, and other documents, and working closely with doctors, nurses, and support staff to keep their organizations running smoothly. Medical secretaries must possess a solid working knowledge of medical terms as well as a clear understanding of their organization’s rules and procedures.
Patient Representative
Projected Job Openings (2018-2028):
-51,600*
Project Job Growth Rate (2018-2028):
-2%*
The role of the patient representative is to assist patients in obtaining proper medical services and navigating through the treatment process. Patient representatives; ensure that patients understand recommended procedures and treatment options; address patient concerns and problems, and then direct those concerns to the appropriate staff members to reach proper resolutions; and coordinate communications between medical staff, patients and their family members.
*Figures for Customer Service Representatives generally.
How Much Can I Make with a Healthcare Administration Associate Degree?
Lots of elements factor into the salary you can expect to earn in an entry-level healthcare management job, including the specific job duties and responsibilities, type and size of the employer (hospital, clinic, doctor’s office, etc.), and geographic location (region of the country, urban vs. rural setting, etc.). Below is a look at national median salary figures from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook and O*NET OnLine for the above-described jobs:
| Career | National Median Salary (2018) |
|---|---|
| Administrative Medical Assistant | $33,610 |
| Medical Records/Health Information Technician | $40,350 |
| Medical Secretary | $37,760 |
| Patient Representative | $33,750 |
Education and Career Advancement Options After Earning Your Associate Degree in Healthcare Administration
Earning an associate degree in healthcare administration is an excellent way to get your foot in the door of a career in the healthcare management field. An entry-level administrative position at a hospital, outpatient clinic, doctor’s office, long-term care facility, or similar setting a will provide you with the work experience necessary to move up the career ladder. But experience is not all you’ll need. Real career advancement will require continuing on with your formal education to earn a bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration, healthcare management, or closely-related major. And obtaining a top-tier supervisory position will likely mean completing a master’s degree program as well.
This chart will give you an idea of some of the career and education advancement paths you can follow once you’ve obtained your healthcare administration associate degree:
Understanding Accreditation for Online Healthcare Administration Associate Degree Programs
Proper accreditation of any degree program you choose is of primary importance, including online programs. There are two forms of accreditation of college degree programs in the U.S. — institutional and programmatic. Currently, there are no agencies that specifically accredit healthcare administration associate degree programs, whether they’re offered online or on-campus. The colleges and universities that offer these programs, however, are accredited by a national or regional agency recognized by the Department of Education (DOE). Accreditation information can almost always be found on college or university websites or by searching the DOE’s Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs. If you’re having trouble locating accreditation status information online, however, be sure to contact the school directly.
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