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Inside Top Online A.S. Programs in Health Administration

What does it mean to earn an associate degree in health administration online? See 2024’s top programs, look inside the curriculum, compare costs, and discover your options for after graduation.

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Best Online Healthcare Administration Associate Degrees for 2024

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 analyzed some of the most affordable and fully-accredited online healthcare administration associate degree programs available for 2024.

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About the ranking

X

Base Methodology for EduMed’s Best Online College Rankings for the ’23-’24 school year.

One: Create list of Eligible Schools and Programs

To be eligible, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on data pulled from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), which was self-reported by the schools themselves.

  • Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
  • At least 1 online component in a program within the ranking-subject area.

Two: Assign Weighting

After creating the list of eligible schools, EduMed data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of metrics, which were all self-reported by the schools themselves to the U.S. Department of Education and IPEDS. 

The metrics are listed below in order of most- to least-heavily weighted. 

Online Programs – Number of online programs in the relevant subject area.

Online Student % – Number of total students who are enrolled in at least 1 distance-learning course in the relevant subject area.

Tuition – The average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full-time, as self-reported by the school.

Institutional Aid – Percent of full-time undergraduate students who are awarded institutional grant aid, as self-reported by the school.

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

Career Placement Services – Existence of this service on campus or online.

Student/Faculty Ratio

About Our DataEduMed’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2023

# School Name Type Tuition Online Programs More Details School Information Online Students Academic Counseling Career Placement Students w/Institutional Aid Median Earnings 10yrs After Entry Accreditation
1 New England CollegeHenniker, NH Private not-for-profit $$$$ 1

The New England College's Associate Degree in Healthcare Administration provides busy students and working professionals with the opportunity to earn their degrees entirely online. Classes are available in an accelerated, four-week format. These four-credit courses and online format allow the students can earn their degree more quickly than in a traditional, in-person program with three-credit courses. Additionally, this degree is perfect for people who want to enter the field or earn their associate degree before advancing to bachelor-level studies.

Program Highlights:

Associate Degree in Healthcare Administration

  • Credits: 60
  • Length: 2 years
  • Cost: $375/credit
  • Mode: Fully Online
  • Accreditation: NECHE
Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
9/1
Online
Student %
56%
2 Colorado Christian UniversityLakewood, CO Private not-for-profit $$$$ 1

Consider the Associate Degree in Healthcare Administration at Colorado Christian University if you want to enroll in a healthcare program that is informed by a Christian worldview. This 100%-online program is tailored to fit the needs of adult learners who are already working full- or part-time and balancing school with their busy schedules. Courses are taken one at a time and completed during a five-week period, allowing students to stay focused and consistent with their studies.

Program Highlights:

Associate Degree in Healthcare Administration

  • Credits: 60
  • Length: 2 years
  • Cost: $494/credit
  • Mode: Fully Online
  • Accreditation: HLC
Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
15/1
Online
Student %
48%
3 Keiser University-Ft LauderdaleFort Lauderdale, FL Private not-for-profit $$$$ 1

The Associate of Arts in Health Services Administration at Keiser University provides students with the foundational skills necessary to begin a successful health administration career. In addition to fulfilling general education requirements, students take courses relevant to both the business and medical fields, including medical anatomy and terminology, healthcare computer applications, office management, and business law. Classes are available entirely online, providing learners with the flexibility to learn on their own schedules.

Program Highlights:

Associate of Arts degree in Health Services Administration

  • Credits: 60
  • Length: about 2 years
  • Cost: $440/credit
  • Mode: Fully Online
  • Accreditation: ACBSP
Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
16/1
Online
Student %
48%
4 Lakewood UniversityCleveland Heights, OH Private not-for-profit $$ 1 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
7/1
Online
Student %
100%
5 Herzing University-TampaTampa, FL Private not-for-profit $$ 1 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
12/1
Online
Student %
43%
6 Herzing University-MadisonMadison, WI Private not-for-profit $$ 1 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
17/1
Online
Student %
99%
7 Herzing University-AtlantaAtlanta, GA Private not-for-profit $$ 1 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
14/1
Online
Student %
90%
8 Berkeley College-New YorkNew York, NY Private for-profit $$$$ 1 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
20/1
Online
Student %
83%
9 Bryan UniversitySpringfield, MO Private for-profit $$ 1 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
11/1
Online
Student %
100%
10 Berkeley College-Woodland ParkWoodland Park, NJ Private for-profit $$$$ 1 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
15/1
Online
Student %
80%
11 Bryant & Stratton College-OnlineOrchard Park, NY Private for-profit $$$ 1 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
41/1
Online
Student %
100%
12 Herzing University-KenoshaKenosha, WI Private not-for-profit $$ 1 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
15/1
Online
Student %
79%
13 Herzing University-BrookfieldBrookfield, WI Private not-for-profit $$ 1 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
13/1
Online
Student %
77%
14 Herzing University-New OrleansMetairie, LA Private not-for-profit $$ 1 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
13/1
Online
Student %
80%
15 Herzing University-MinneapolisSt. Louis Park, MN Private not-for-profit $$ 1 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
13/1
Online
Student %
70%
16 Herzing University-AkronAkron, OH Private not-for-profit $$ 1 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
12/1
Online
Student %
77%
17 Florida National University-Main CampusHialeah, FL Private for-profit $$ 1 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
19/1
Online
Student %
63%
18 Cambridge CollegeBoston, MA Private not-for-profit $$$ 1 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
10/1
Online
Student %
67%
19 Herzing University-BirminghamBirmingham, AL Private not-for-profit $$ 1 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
14/1
Online
Student %
48%
20 Herzing University-OrlandoWinter Park, FL Private not-for-profit $$ 1 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
15/1
Online
Student %
43%
or
About the ranking

X

Base Methodology for EduMed’s Best Online College Rankings for the ’23-’24 school year.

One: Create list of Eligible Schools and Programs

To be eligible, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on data pulled from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), which was self-reported by the schools themselves.

  • Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
  • At least 1 online component in a program within the ranking-subject area.

Two: Assign Weighting

After creating the list of eligible schools, EduMed data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of metrics, which were all self-reported by the schools themselves to the U.S. Department of Education and IPEDS. 

The metrics are listed below in order of most- to least-heavily weighted. 

Online Programs – Number of online programs in the relevant subject area.

Online Student % – Number of total students who are enrolled in at least 1 distance-learning course in the relevant subject area.

Tuition – The average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full-time, as self-reported by the school.

Institutional Aid – Percent of full-time undergraduate students who are awarded institutional grant aid, as self-reported by the school.

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

Career Placement Services – Existence of this service on campus or online.

Student/Faculty Ratio

About Our DataEduMed’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2023

# School Name Type Tuition Online Programs More Details School Information Online Students Academic Counseling Career Placement Students w/Institutional Aid Median Earnings 10yrs After Entry Accreditation
1 West Virginia Junior College-MorgantownMorgantown, WV Private for-profit $$ 1

West Virginia Junior College in Morgantown offers an associate degree in Healthcare Administration is the ideal option for those who desire a career in healthcare without delving into direct patient care. This online program can be completed in just 18 months, providing students with practical skills in medical office management, overseeing billing systems, and navigating HIPAA regulations. Though most of the coursework in this program can be completed online, students will be required to participate in in-person job training through externships.

Program Highlights:

Associate's Degree in Healthcare Administration

  • Credits: 60
  • Length: 18 months
  • Cost: $11,985
  • Mode: Fully Online
  • Accreditation: ABHES
Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
14/1
Online
Student %
81%
2 Terra State Community CollegeFremont, OH Public $ 1

People interested in pursuing the path to management in the healthcare industry should consider Terra State Community College's Health Care Administration associate degree program. This fully online program makes it a flexible and convenient option for working individuals. After completing their degrees, students are prepared to continue to a bachelor's degree program or take on leadership roles in healthcare settings, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, and physician offices.

Program Highlights:

Health Care Administration Associate Degree Program

  • Credits: 62
  • Length: 2 years
  • Cost: $221-410/credit
  • Mode: Fully Online
  • Accreditation: CAAHEP
Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
12/1
Online
Student %
54%
3 Iowa Central Community CollegeFort Dodge, IA Public $ 1

Whether a student is entirely new to the field of healthcare or looking to advance in their existing career, the Associate in Professional Studies degree in Health Care Administration at Iowa Central Community College provides the education and training to achieve their goal. This 100%-online program can be completed in as little as two years, preparing students to fulfill entry-level roles in the medical field, including healthcare administration, medical coding, or community health work.

Program Highlights:

Associate in Professional Studies in Health Care Administration

  • Credits: 60
  • Length: 2 years
  • Cost: $224-319/credit
  • Mode: Fully Online
  • Accreditation: HLC
Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
17/1
Online
Student %
26%

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

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

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:

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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.

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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.

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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 Tech

Florida Institute of Technology (Florida Tech)

Associate of Arts in Healthcare Management

Total Credits: 64

$510/credit

Iowa Central Community College

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)

New England College

New England College

Associate of Science in Healthcare Administration

Total Credits: 60

$415/credit

For comprehensive information on funding your degree program, check out EduMed’s comprehensive guide to financial aid and find scholarship opportunities.

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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.

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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.

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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:

CareerNational 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:

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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.