Top Master’s in Healthcare Administration (MHA) Online Degrees

Est. Time: 7 mins

Ready to take your healthcare leadership career to the next level? Make your move with an online MHA degree. Discover the best schools, compare program options, and get answers to your key questions.

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Five healthcare administration professionals engaged in a discussion around a conference table; one woman with an MHA degree holds a folder, addressing her colleagues, in a bright office setting.

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Liberty University

Lynchburg, Virginia

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Columbia College

Columbia, South Carolina

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Champlain College

Burlington, Vermont

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Salve Regina University

Newport, Rhode Island

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Queens University of Charlotte

Charlotte, North Carolina

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City University of Seattle

Seattle, Washington

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Belmont Abbey College

Belmont, North Carolina

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Wilmington University

New Castle, Delaware

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Clarkson College

Omaha, Nebraska

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Belhaven University

Jackson, Mississippi

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The University of West Florida

Pensacola, Florida

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Pfeiffer University

Misenheimer, North Carolina

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Purdue University Global

West Lafayette, Indiana

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Maryville University of Saint Louis

Saint Louis, Missouri

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University of North Carolina Wilmington

Wilmington, North Carolina

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University of St Francis

Joliet, Illinois

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Franklin Pierce University

Rindge, New Hampshire

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Radford University

Radford, Virginia

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Southeast Missouri State University

Cape Girardeau, Missouri

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Indiana Wesleyan University

Marion, Indiana

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University of Southern California

Los Angeles, California

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Point Park University

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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Auburn University at Montgomery

Montgomery, Alabama

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University of Illinois Chicago

Chicago, Illinois

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Midwestern State University

Wichita Falls, Texas

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Tiffin University

Tiffin, Ohio

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Southern New Hampshire University

Manchester, New Hampshire

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Rivier University

Nashua, New Hampshire

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Appalachian State University

Boone, North Carolina

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Lindenwood University

Saint Charles, Missouri

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Regis University

Denver, Colorado

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Trevecca Nazarene University

Nashville, Tennessee

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National Louis University

Chicago, Illinois

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Western Kentucky University

Bowling Green, Kentucky

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Mary Baldwin University

Staunton, Virginia

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University of Wisconsin-La Crosse

La Crosse, Wisconsin

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University of Memphis

Memphis, Tennessee

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Russell Sage College

Troy, New York

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Utica University

Utica, New York

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Bowling Green State University

Bowling Green, Ohio

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Interviews with Online MHA Leaders

Hearing straight from schools can make all the difference as you try to decide which online MHA program is best for you. We reached out to program directors at several universities to let them share what makes their online master’s degrees in healthcare administration stand apart and how the curriculum prepares students for a successful career after graduation.

University name location School type online programs Get more info Program Description
Northcentral University location: La Jolla, CA School type: Private for-profit online programs: 1 Get more info
Laurus College Logo

Q&A with Dale L. Gooden
DHSc, MBA

Program Director, Master of Health Administration and Assistant Professor, School of Health Sciences
Master of Health Administration

What’s your involvement at Northcentral University with online learning?

In my role I manage the operations of the MHA program using synchronous technology for mentoring and engaging learners in our NCU one-to-one model of student engagement. Additionally, I work closely with the instructional design and curriculum assessment teams to ensure that the program reflects current and contemporary content per our accreditation standards.

What makes your online MHA program stand out from other programs?

The MHA program was developed and designed to mirror both industry and professional competencies. Our program aligns with the high standards for graduate programs per the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME) and we embed Interprofessional Education (IPE) and the National Center for Health Care Leadership competency model (NCHL) into our curriculum. Our program is an associate member of the Association of University Programs in Health Administration (AUPHA) and was named New Program of the Year in 2019. Our assistant dean was recently named Faculty Member of the Year for 2020!

We also participate in the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) Higher Education Network and in 2018 we started a chapter of Upsilon Phi Delta, the national academic honor society for health administration students. Faculty and students in the MHA program have the opportunity to collaborate, present and publish on industry related topics.

How does your online MHA program prepare students for successful careers in the field?

Students are provided with ample opportunities to practice and demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities that employers require of their employees in the healthcare industry. For example, graduates of the MHA program will be qualified for careers in various types of health service organizations, such as hospitals, ambulatory settings, home health agencies, and government agencies.

We have a Program Advisory Council (PAC) which consists of leaders and administrators with a wide variety of healthcare experience. The primary purpose of the PAC is to ensure our program includes the content and exposes students to the information they will need to become leaders in their prospective positions.

What support services do you offer students enrolled in your online MHA program?

NCU offers an array of student support services including but not limited to:
  • Enrollment Services
  • Academic and Finance Advising
  • Disability/ADA Services
  • Center for Teaching and Learning
  • Academic Success Center
  • Educational Materials and Resources
  • NCU Library
  • Alumni Services
  • Office of the Registrar
  • IT Service Desk Team
  • Institutional Review Board
  • Well-Being and Safety

Any other information you’d like prospective students to know about your MHA program?

The SHS has a Student Advisory Council (SAC) that serves as a liaison between students, faculty, and administration in the School of Health Sciences. SAC members work to evaluate and provide feedback/recommendations for the MHA program. The MHA students also participate in an annual Day of Service where they are encouraged to work within their individual communities to make difference.
West Coast University location: Campuses in CA, FL, TX School type: Private for-profit online programs: 1 Get more info
Laurus College Logo

Q&A with Dr. Justin Ako,
DC, BSBA

Dean and Program Director, Health Administration

Master of Health Administration

What’s your involvement at West Coast University with online learning?

I have been involved with online learning since 2011 when the MHA program was in a bookend format through the transition into fully online in 2016 and the introduction of the BSHA program online.

What makes your online MHA program stand out from others?

Our program is 100% online and mobile-friendly which can provide you with the flexibility to learn on your own schedule anywhere at any time. Although our program is online, it’s heavily student-centric where you can receive student support, gain access to the dean, career services, a success advisor and admission reps who are all available to you to help prepare you for success. West Coast University strives to support our students every step of the way. What makes us stand out is our program has accelerated and working professional options available to you. Our time to completion for MHA program is in as little as 12 months. Many of our students have obligations and responsibilities, so we understand how tough it is to balance everything. At West Coast University, there are partner grants available for those who qualify, and we can help find internships in California when it’s time for students to get the hands-on experience they need.

How does your online MHA program prepare students for successful careers in the field?

The mission of the MHA program is to prepares graduates with multidisciplinary skills required for entry-level managerial positions in hospitals, long-term care facilities, medical group practices, and other health care facilities. Our online program is designed to provide the fundamental knowledge required to prepare our students as supervisors or managers in the healthcare industry including planning, directing, coordinating and supervising the delivery of healthcare products and services. Our curriculum is based on the Healthcare Leadership Alliance (HLA) 5 cored competencies to include courses in finance, marketing, informatics, strategic planning, hospital administration, leadership, project management, and entrepreneurship.

What support services do you offer students enrolled in your online MHA program?

Our students not only get access to me, the dean, they also receive continuous support from our career services department, our 24-hour access to library, Blackboard Mobile App and eTextbooks to take wherever you go! At West Coast University, we prepare our students to go to the next level of leadership, and we strive to provide our students the education to take the next step in your career by offering support beyond graduation. We continuously support our students even when they have obtained a career.

Our Career Services Department provides ongoing assistance with professional and career development workshops to guide our students and graduates to help prepare for professional success. We also offer students an immersive Interprofessional Education (IPE) through courses that integrate IPE. We focus on the four core competencies of interprofessional collaborative practice: Values/Ethics for Interprofessional Practice, Roles and Responsibilities, Interprofessional Communication and Teams and Teamwork. Hands-on experience is an important part of building leadership skills. That’s why West Coast University offers MHA students a variety of internship opportunities—leveraging our relationships with the Red Cross, local organizations, and International internship partners to help place you in a rewarding and intellectually challenging environment.

Any other information you’d like students to know about your MHA program?

There are many benefits to earning an advanced degree, which may include job security, flexibility and increased earning potential. Without an advanced degree in this field, it can be very difficult to progress upward. This is a super exciting field where you gain limitless learning possibilities from finance, marketing, HR, quality control, infectious control, risk management, and director roles just to name a few. It’s a rewarding field to be a part of, and this is a great way to dip your toes into different roles in the health care industry.

What Types of Online MHA Programs Are Available?

Not all online MHA programs are created alike, and that’s a good thing because MHA students are not all looking to get the same things out of their degree studies. Finding the right program type can play a big role in a student’s academic success. Here’s a quick look at the various types of online MHA programs available to help you find the one that’s the right fit for you.

Fully-Online MHA

Fully-online MHA programs allow students to complete all degree requirements entirely through distance learning. Be careful, though, as some programs that advertise themselves as 100% online may require one or more brief on-campus residencies, an in-person internship, or other in-person activities. Fully-online programs are particularly good for full-time working professionals who need to fit their studies into already tight work and life schedules. They are, of course, the only option for degree seekers living in locations that make in-person attendance impossible. Course delivery may be asynchronous (meaning students can access and complete coursework at anytime), synchronous (requiring online attendance for classes or other activities at specifically-scheduled times), or a combination of both. Most fully-online MHA curriculums are structured for part-time study and are designed to be completed in two-and-a-half to four years.

Hybrid/Blended MHA

Hybrid (or blended) master’s degree programs in healthcare administration combine online and in-person coursework. In-person classes are typically offered on the school’s main campus, but in some cases may be available on satellite campuses or at other designated locations. As with fully-online programs, course delivery may be asynchronous, synchronous, or a combination of both. Hybrid programs also typically include some on-campus residencies and/or other in-person participation. Some programs may offer a full-time study option that can normally be completed in two years or less. However, most feature part-time curriculums that, like full-time programs, are designed to be completed in two-and-a-half to four years. Hybrid programs are a good choice for students who prefer some face-to-face interaction with instructors and fellow students, but who also require or want to take advantage of the convenience and flexibility afforded by online study.

Executive MHA

Whereas the standard MHA is geared toward students either seeking to enter or who are in the early stages of their careers as healthcare administrators, the EMHA is geared toward mid-career healthcare administrators intent on advancing into top-tier administrative positions. Not surprisingly, therefore, the work experience requirements for admission into EMHA programs are more restrictive than with standard MHA programs. It is not uncommon for EMHA programs to require four, five, or more years of relevant healthcare management experience for program entry. The structures and time requirements of online EMHA programs (delivery formats, on-campus residencies, etc.) are similar to those of standard online MHA programs.

MHA with No GRE

In the past, admission to a master’s in healthcare administration degree program (or any master’s program, for that matter) almost always required submission of an acceptable GRE or GMAT score. Times have changed, though. Many campus and online MHA programs today no longer require taking either the GRE or GMAT, relying instead on an assessment of other application requirements, such as demonstrated work experience, a solid undergraduate GPA, prior academic and/or professional distinction, letters of recommendation, and a persuasive statement of purpose. Below are just a few of the online MHA programs that do not require taking the GRE or GMAT for admission:

Specialization Tracks

Online MHA programs sometimes feature specialization or concentration options that allow students to tailor their studies to include a particular subject of interest and enhance their attractiveness to employers. Here are a few of the most popular specializations currently being offered by master’s in healthcare administration programs.

Which is Better, an MHA or MBA?

Anyone searching for a master’s in healthcare administration or leadership has more than likely run across several MBA degree programs specializing in healthcare management or administration. And finding such programs leads to the inevitable question, “How does an MBA with a Healthcare Administration concentration differ from an MHA degree?” Generally speaking, an MBA with a Healthcare Administration concentration prepares business professionals to apply advanced banking and investment skills to their work with client healthcare organizations. An MHA, on the other hand, provides current healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to carry out the administrative operations of healthcare organizations as a direct employee.

There is, of course, major overlap regarding the topics covered and skills developed in these two degree programs. So, if you are still unsure which one is best for you, consider the following:

Choose the MHA

Choose the MHA if …

  • You intend on pursuing an administration or management career at an organization within the healthcare field.
  • Your main professional focus concerns the management of healthcare services and systems.
  • You think of yourself as a “people person.”
Choose the MBA

Choose the MBA if …

  • You want a career in banking or investment management that deals with organizations in the healthcare industry. You may also work with other non-healthcare industries as well.
  • Your main professional interests are in the areas of banking and finance, particularly in how they apply to the healthcare business.
  • You think of yourself as a “numbers person.”

A Look at MBA/MHA Dual Degree Programs Online

You’ve carefully examined your career goals and interests. You’ve taken a close look at programs for both MHA degrees and MBA degrees with a Healthcare Administration concentration. Still, neither degree seems to be quite the right fit. The right answer may be to earn both. Fortunately, there are a number of excellent schools out there that offer online MBA/MHA dual degree programs. These programs allow students to gain the knowledge and skills provided by both degrees individually, but in much less time.

Below are three examples of MBA/MHA dual degree programs that can be completed either fully or partially online:

How Long Does It Take to Earn an Online MHA?

The program lengths given below are typical of MHA programs online. The most accurate answer to this question, however, is that completion times vary – sometimes substantially – from program to program. So, be sure to carefully review the curriculums and graduation requirements of any and all master’s in healthcare administration programs online you’re considering before you enroll. In addition to the programs below, you can also check out accelerated MHA programs, which often last an estimated 12-15 months.

Program Type Full-Time Study Part-Time Study
Standard MHA 1 ½ – 2 Years 2 ½ – 4 Years
Executive MHA 1 ½ – 2 Years 2 ½ – 4 Years
MHA/MBA Dual Degree 2 ½ – 3 Years 4 – 5 Years

What Do You Learn in an Online MHA Program?

The purpose of online MHA program coursework is to provide students with comprehensive skills and training in a broad range of topics that, taken together, make up the duties of an effective administrator of a large and complex healthcare organization. Those duties include:

Improving the quality and efficiency of the organization’s delivery of healthcare services.

Developing and carrying out organizational policies, goals, and objectives.

Representing the organization to governmental agencies, investors, governing boards, and the local community at large.

Overseeing the recruiting, hiring, training, and supervising of employees.

Ensuring that the organization stays up-to-date regarding healthcare-related technologies and trends, as well as the ever-changing needs of patients.

Managing and ensuring the organization’s compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

5 Popular Courses in Online MHA Programs

What Can You Do with an Online MHA Degree?

MHA graduates can find challenging, in-demand, high-paying leadership and management careers in clinical settings like hospitals, medical clinics, doctors’ offices, and nursing homes. Careers can also be found in a wide range of non-clinical settings with governmental agencies, insurance companies, medical equipment suppliers, professional consulting firms, and more. Below is a small sampling of the job titles MHA graduates have in today’s employment market. All salary and job growth figures are taken from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook.

CareerNational Job Growth (2018-2020)Median National Salary (2018)
Clinical Manager 18% (Much Faster than Average) $99,730
Healthcare Executive 6% (As Fast as Average) $104,980
Healthcare Management Analyst 14% (Much Faster than Average) $83,610
Health Information Manager 18% (Much Faster than Average) $99,730
Public Relations/Fundraising Manager 8% (Faster than Average) $114,800

Are Online MHA Degree Programs Accredited?

MHA Degree Programs

Yes, online MHA degree programs are eligible to receive the same level of accreditation as campus programs. There are two types of accreditation to look for: institutional accreditation and programmatic accreditation. Institutional accreditation (accreditation of the college or university as a whole) for colleges and universities in the U.S. is administered by one or more national or regional accrediting agencies recognized by the Department of Education (DOE). Programmatic accreditation (accreditation of the particular degree program) for MHA programs in the U.S. is administered by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME). Relatively few online MHA programs you’ll currently run into are directly accredited by the CAHME, so make sure schools hold regional or national institutional accreditation at minimum. You can check the CAHME and institutional accreditation status of online MHA programs you’re considering by using this CAHME search feature, searching the DOE’s Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs, and by visiting individual school websites.

How Affordable Are Online Master’s Degrees in Healthcare Administration?

Tuition prices and other costs associated with pursuing a master’s in healthcare administration online vary from program to program. In most cases, for example, students can expect to spend more on a program offered by a private school than one offered by a public school. Online MHA programs at public universities may offer a discounted rate for in-state residents. Below are examples of tuition prices (current as of fall 2019) taken from three online MHA programs:

Clarkson College

Clarkson
College

Master of Health
Administration

$621/credit

Colorado State University

Colorado State
University (GSU Global)

Master of Health
Administration

$500/credit

UCF Online

University of Central
Florida (UCF Online)

Executive Master of
Health Administration

$773/credit

To learn more on how to pay for your online MHA degree program, check out EduMed’s guide to financial aid and browse our list of healthcare leadership and administration scholarships.

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Michael Hoffman, BA, JD AUTHOR

A former practicing attorney, Michael Hoffman has years of experience as a freelance journalist specializing in the research and writing of higher education content – from online learning to financial aid, and everything in between. Michael is a graduate of the University of California, Santa Barbara and the Santa Barbara College of Law. Prior to becoming a professional writer, Michael practiced for several years as a civil litigator in Los Angeles and worked in Santa Monica, California as a development executive for a major film producer.

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