Online MHA Programs: Finding the One for You
Ready to advance your career in healthcare administration? An online master’s in healthcare administration (MHA) could be a great next step. Online MHA programs give you the chance to earn an advanced degree in a flexible and affordable setting. Learn how these programs work, see the best schools, compare tuition, and get answers to your key MHA questions.
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NursingHealthcare AdminBefore You Begin…
When pursuing an MHA degree, you need a clear understanding of your professional interests, your finances, and whether you’re ready for academic commitment. To help, we’ve compiled five basic questions to get you started:
- What area of healthcare do you want to work in? Hospital administration? Healthcare policy?
- Do you see yourself in a leadership position as a hospital administrator or healthcare executive?
- Are you comfortable with a fully online course load?
- Do you have access to scholarships and financial aid, or will you have to take on student loans?
- Are you able to commit to a graduate-level course load on top of work and personal obligations?
How They Work: Online MHA Programs
Whether going straight into an MHA program after your bachelor’s, or back to school after years away, it’s important to know what to look for. With hybrid and online MHAs, this includes things like timeline, format, and specialization. Here’s a quick rundown of what these mean and why they’re important.
- Format: More and more of today’s graduate programs have flexible learning options. Some remain campus-only, but many have partial or fully online programs. Make sure you note (and are comfortable with) a program’s format before seeking more info.
- Time to completion: Many MHA programs — no matter the format — have different timelines. While standard programs are two years, accelerated programs can be completed in half the time. When researching, keep a special eye on time to completion.
- Specialization: Some campus and online MHA programs allow you to focus on a particular type of or role in healthcare administration. If you have a specialization in mind, look out for these programs.
With these basics in mind, check out three of the top MHA programs with online learning elements.
Master’s in Healthcare Administration (MHA) – Saint Joseph’s College of Maine
Saint Joseph’s College of Maine offers a Master of Health Administration (MHA) online that allows students to complete their MHA in less than two years while balancing work and family obligations. All programs occur in 10-week terms, with five start times each year: January, March, May, August, and October.
The curriculum focuses on human resources, ethical leadership, and financial management. Accredited by NAB and CAHME, the program emphasizes flexibility, support, and career advancement, preparing students for high-level roles in healthcare administration. Excluding textbooks and other fees, tuition costs $25,578.
Duration: 42 Credits (1 year 9 months)
Mode: Fully Online
Cost: $25,578
Admissions Requirements:
- At least two years of experience working in a healthcare setting
- Letter of Intent
- Professional Resume
- Two letters of reference
- Interview with Program Director
- Undergraduate cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher
- Undergraduate transcripts sent to the admissions office
Curriculum:
Major Requirements: 33 credits
- United States Healthcare Systems
- Leadership in Healthcare Administration
- Quality Management and Performance Improvement
- Health Services Administration
- Healthcare Financial Management
- Research Methods
- Healthcare Informatics
- Ethical and Legal Perspectives
- Strategic Human Resources Management
- Strategic Planning and Management
- Capstone Project
Elective Courses: 9 Credits of courses in long term care operations, healthcare marketing, gerontology, internships, or health policy and politics
Best for: Healthcare professionals who intend on pursuing an administration or management career at an organization within the healthcare field
FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:
Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Healthcare Management – Liberty University
Liberty University offers an online MBA in Healthcare Management, focusing on real-world training in healthcare. The 45-credit program features 8-week courses to allow for the most flexibility as possible. Tuition is $565 per credit hour, with military discounts available.
The curriculum covers healthcare informatics, legal and ethical issues, human resource management, and operations management. Accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), this program prepares you for various professional working environments. Graduates have pursued roles such as clinic directors, healthcare consultants, and quality managers.
Duration: 45 credits
Mode: Fully Online
Cost: $25,425
Admissions Requirements:
- Complete the online application
- Send official undergraduate college transcripts to the admissions office
- Have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited program
- Undergraduate GPA is at least 3.0
- Completed at least 15 hours of upper-level undergraduate business credit
Curriculum:
Core Courses: 33 credits in research methods, legal issues, human resources, and finance
Major Requirements: 12 Credits
- Healthcare Informatics
- Legal and Ethical Issues for Health Professionals
- Healthcare Administration
- Managing Human Capital in Healthcare
Best for: Students who want a career in banking or investment management that deal with organizations in the healthcare industry, or who are interested in leadership, administration, or operations.
Master of Health Administration / Business Administration (MHA/MBA) – Pfeiffer University
Pfeiffer University’s MHA/MBA dual degree program prepares students for leadership roles in healthcare. The program focuses on healthcare quality, cost, and access. It is a fully online program, requiring 60 credit hours to complete.
Students gain expertise in healthcare management, policy, and data analysis, enhancing their ability to address healthcare challenges. The core curriculum focuses on contemporary health administration, leadership, health economics, quantitative analysis, organizational communications and behavior, and managerial accounting and finance.
Duration: 60 credits (3 years)
Mode: Fully Online
Cost: $28,800
Admissions Requirements:
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited university
- A minimum GPA of 2.80
- Send undergraduate transcripts to the admissions office
- Three references
- Personal Statement
- Resume or CV
- Completed Pfeiffer University Application
Curriculum:
MHA Requirements: 36 credits
- Organizational Communication and Behavior in Health Service Organizations
- Contemporary Health Services Organizations and Systems
- Legal and Ethical Perspectives in Healthcare Administration
- Leadership Perspectives in Health Policy
- Health Economics
- Health Services Information Management
- Health Services Financial Management
- Health Administration Research Methods and Analytics
- Comparative International Health
MBA Requirements: 24 Credits
- Organizational Communications
- Organizational Behavior
- Quantitative Behavior
- Quantitative Decision Making
- Managerial Accounting
- Economics for Leadership
- Managerial Finance
- Effective Leadership
Best for: Students who want knowledge of banking and finance, particularly in how they apply to the healthcare business, at an accelerated pace. This program could also serve as a gateway to general leadership, administration, or operations positions.
Find Online MHA Programs by State and Specialty
Answers to Common MHA Student Questions
The options for graduate degrees in healthcare administration are vast. From MHA to MBA to dual programs, it can be overwhelming to decide what is the best route for you to take. However, you aren’t alone. Many students have the same questions you have, and to make your research a little easier we have provided answers to the most searched questions below.
Is it better to get an MBA or MHA?
It depends. If you think of yourself as a “people person” and your main professional focus concerns the management of healthcare services and systems, then an MHA would be a better fit. If you come from a business undergraduate background and your main professional interests are in the business or operational side of healthcare, then you should look into an MBA. In terms of pay, MBAs have a slightly higher average salary of $83,589 whereas the average salary for an MHA is $78,035.
Expert Insight
Both MBAs and MHAs offer a wide range of career options. One reason I pursued my MHA instead of my MBA is that I already have a background in healthcare as a nurse and I expect to remain in the healthcare industry long term. If you want to keep your options open to opportunities outside of healthcare, an MBA might be a better fit.
In what state do healthcare administrators make the most money?
New York. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual median wage of healthcare administrators in New York is $149,820. In comparison, the national median for healthcare administrators is $110,680.
What are the cons of being a healthcare administrator?
One of the cons of being a healthcare administrator is the financial and time investment of education since most employers prefer candidates with a master’s degree. On top of that, once you are hired as a healthcare administrator there can be long hours and you may have to work nights and weekends. Also, healthcare administrators need to stay up to date on the constantly changing healthcare regulations and policies. This can be especially difficult to keep up with on top of your other responsibilities.
Expert Insight
While some healthcare administration jobs do have long hours, there are many opportunities that are not hospital based. When you first enter the workforce, you may need to be more flexible with your hours, but as you gain experience you’ll learn there are so many options available. Within about 4 years working in healthcare administration, I was able to land a job where I work from home and have a regular schedule; no nights, no weekends.
Which bachelor’s degree is best for MHA?
A Bachelor of Science degree in a health-related field such as community health sciences or biology is the best for an MHA. However, if you are going for an MBA in healthcare administration, a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) is best for this route.
Is it worth getting a master’s in health administration?
Yes. An MHA can help you stand out in the job market so you can advance your career and get higher pay. Education is a significant commitment, but the outcome is that you get a competitive edge and more specialized knowledge so that you can make an impact.
MHA Program Cost Comparison: Tuition & Fees
All grad programs come with a cost. There’s tuition, books, lab fees, equipment/software, parking, and more. To give you a better idea of exactly what you be financially responsible for, we have compiled the approximate costs for seven programs below. We even cut out costs for room and board to give you the most direct comparison between schools. See how these programs compare.
| School Name | Program Type | Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Mount Vernon Nazarene University | MBA | $17,928 |
| Purdue University Global | MHA | $25,220 |
| Champlain College | MHA | $17,850 |
| Montana State University Billings | MHA | $30,600 |
| Queens University of Charlotte | MHA | $32,400 |
| Salve Regina University | MHA | $26,280 |
| City University of Seattle | MHA | $29,055 |
Ranking Today’s Best Online MHA Programs
Schools across the U.S. now offer MHA programs online. But which one is the most affordable? The most flexible? How do you know if a program can prepare you for a career after college. Using data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), and from the schools themselves, EduMed has researched and analyzed hundreds of programs. Review the colleges and universities that truly stand out.
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College
Saint Mary of the Woods, INValparaiso University
Valparaiso, INSuffolk University
Boston, MANorfolk State University
Norfolk, VAUniversity of Wyoming
Laramie, WYRussell Sage College
Troy, NYWebster University
Saint Louis, MOCalifornia State University-East Bay
Hayward, CAUniversity of Illinois Chicago
Chicago, ILUniversity of North Texas
Denton, TXMHA Certification Requirements
While certification is not required for an MHA degree, having passed a certification exam can help you stand out in the job market. The following certifications are meant to demonstrate your competency across all areas of healthcare management and signify your commitment to improving the healthcare industry. If you feel that certification would be the right step for you after completing your education, keep reading for more in-depth looks at these credentials.
Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE) – American College of Healthcare Executive (ACHE)
You can earn your Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE) credential from the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) for $250. This credential is designed for professionals who want to become a recognized leader and improve the prestige of the healthcare organization they currently work for. To be considered eligible you will need to be a current ACHE Member, you will need to have a Master’s degree, and a minimum of five years of healthcare management experience. Earning the credential involves providing two references, completing continuing education credits from ACHE, partaking in four volunteer activities, and passing the Board of Governors Exam in Healthcare Management. Although this might seem like quite an ordeal for a certification, ACHE has created multiple exam preparation resources to make the process a little less overwhelming.
Certified Medical Manager (CMM) – Professional Association of Health Care Office Management (PAHCOM)
The Certified Medical Manager (CMM) credential is offered by the Professional Association of Health Care Office Management (PAHCOM). The CMM validates knowledge of revenue management, risk management, human resources, finance, contract management, business management, technology and data management, clinical performance reporting, and patient clinical education and practice marketing. To qualify for the exam, you must have at least two years of experience working within the healthcare industry and 12 post-secondary education credits related to healthcare or management. The exam costs $385 and PAHCOM provides free online sample quizzes to prepare from.
Salary Details for Medical & Health Services Managers
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $69,680 | $117,960 | $219,080 |
| Alabama | $63,010 | $92,950 | $148,770 |
| Alaska | $79,120 | $122,020 | $232,380 |
| Arizona | $68,530 | $122,740 | $237,690 |
| Arkansas | $55,050 | $88,340 | $152,970 |
| California | $63,200 | $136,500 | $239,200+ |
| Connecticut | $80,510 | $125,820 | $213,010 |
| Delaware | $84,160 | $125,150 | $239,200+ |
| District of Columbia | $93,150 | $161,050 | $239,200+ |
| Florida | $62,860 | $106,280 | $205,810 |
| Georgia | $83,200 | $136,030 | $239,200+ |
| Hawaii | $92,910 | $140,750 | $213,720 |
| Idaho | $67,140 | $116,810 | $175,570 |
| Illinois | $75,400 | $113,610 | $220,030 |
| Indiana | $61,530 | $101,030 | $169,510 |
| Iowa | $72,260 | $100,750 | $167,230 |
| Kansas | $67,910 | $104,990 | $175,650 |
| Kentucky | $58,970 | $100,260 | $183,220 |
| Louisiana | $63,500 | $101,080 | $173,930 |
| Maine | $66,370 | $109,280 | $224,710 |
| Maryland | $80,370 | $132,590 | $232,150 |
| Massachusetts | $82,810 | $132,130 | $239,200+ |
| Michigan | $64,450 | $103,860 | $185,470 |
| Minnesota | $78,590 | $114,310 | $193,540 |
| Mississippi | $57,740 | $89,960 | $159,990 |
| Missouri | $61,690 | $102,540 | $179,570 |
| Montana | $73,650 | $104,590 | $171,950 |
| Nebraska | $72,230 | $103,610 | $182,210 |
| Nevada | $63,850 | $106,240 | $196,010 |
| New Hampshire | $81,500 | $126,660 | $239,200+ |
| New Jersey | $89,910 | $132,250 | $239,200+ |
| New Mexico | $77,470 | $121,580 | $209,120 |
| New York | $87,610 | $149,820 | $239,200+ |
| North Carolina | $69,730 | $108,530 | $215,480 |
| North Dakota | $75,750 | $101,120 | $181,380 |
| Ohio | $65,610 | $105,040 | $185,540 |
| Oklahoma | $65,970 | $100,570 | $166,420 |
| Oregon | $88,070 | $135,530 | $239,200+ |
| Pennsylvania | $71,290 | $103,720 | $180,790 |
| Rhode Island | $74,430 | $120,240 | $215,950 |
| South Carolina | $72,340 | $105,220 | $239,200+ |
| South Dakota | $80,870 | $116,210 | $179,830 |
| Tennessee | $68,860 | $104,370 | $201,960 |
| Texas | $62,130 | $106,590 | $197,790 |
| Utah | $64,990 | $107,980 | $216,180 |
| Vermont | $79,990 | $125,170 | $239,200+ |
| Virginia | $76,210 | $124,530 | $214,870 |
| Washington | $95,530 | $143,300 | $239,200+ |
| West Virginia | $73,690 | $110,780 | $201,330 |
| Wisconsin | $91,290 | $126,170 | $216,840 |
| Wyoming | $60,950 | $105,230 | $168,110 |
Source: Medical & Health Services Managers, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2024, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % | Avg. Ann. Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 509,500 | 654,200 | 144,700 | 28.40% | 54,700 |
| Alabama | 9,110 | 11,460 | 2,350 | 25.80% | 950 |
| Alaska | 1,240 | 1,370 | 130 | 10.50% | 100 |
| Arizona | 9,580 | 14,390 | 4,810 | 50.20% | 1,310 |
| Arkansas | 6,680 | 8,760 | 2,080 | 31.10% | 740 |
| California | 58,300 | 81,400 | 23,100 | 39.60% | 7,140 |
| Colorado | 7,310 | 10,220 | 2,910 | 39.80% | 900 |
| Connecticut | 7,370 | 9,600 | 2,230 | 30.30% | 810 |
| Delaware | 1,300 | 1,780 | 480 | 36.90% | 160 |
| District of Columbia | 2,040 | 2,590 | 550 | 27.00% | 220 |
| Florida | 34,490 | 47,200 | 12,710 | 36.90% | 4,100 |
| Georgia | 8,760 | 11,860 | 3,100 | 35.40% | 1,020 |
| Idaho | 2,460 | 3,580 | 1,120 | 45.50% | 320 |
| Illinois | 16,940 | 21,120 | 4,180 | 24.70% | 1,740 |
| Indiana | 10,690 | 13,820 | 3,130 | 29.30% | 1,160 |
| Iowa | 6,200 | 8,350 | 2,150 | 34.70% | 720 |
| Kansas | 5,110 | 6,550 | 1,440 | 28.20% | 550 |
| Kentucky | 9,660 | 12,440 | 2,780 | 28.80% | 1,040 |
| Louisiana | 6,570 | 8,470 | 1,900 | 28.90% | 710 |
| Maine | 2,260 | 2,730 | 470 | 20.80% | 220 |
| Maryland | 15,250 | 19,840 | 4,590 | 30.10% | 1,670 |
| Massachusetts | 6,820 | 8,870 | 2,050 | 30.10% | 750 |
| Michigan | 14,350 | 18,190 | 3,840 | 26.80% | 1,510 |
| Minnesota | 10,910 | 13,760 | 2,850 | 26.10% | 1,140 |
| Mississippi | 4,860 | 6,230 | 1,370 | 28.20% | 520 |
| Missouri | 9,950 | 13,050 | 3,100 | 31.20% | 1,110 |
| Montana | 2,210 | 3,100 | 890 | 40.30% | 270 |
| Nebraska | 4,410 | 5,360 | 950 | 21.50% | 430 |
| Nevada | 4,050 | 5,610 | 1,560 | 38.50% | 490 |
| New Jersey | 17,430 | 22,360 | 4,930 | 28.30% | 1,870 |
| New Mexico | 2,790 | 3,960 | 1,170 | 41.90% | 350 |
| New York | 27,110 | 33,470 | 6,360 | 23.50% | 640 |
| North Carolina | 12,880 | 17,860 | 4,980 | 38.70% | 1,560 |
| North Dakota | 630 | 820 | 190 | 30.20% | 70 |
| Ohio | 18,720 | 23,310 | 4,590 | 24.50% | 1,910 |
| Oklahoma | 7,420 | 9,360 | 1,940 | 26.10% | 780 |
| Oregon | 5,080 | 6,880 | 1,800 | 35.40% | 590 |
| Pennsylvania | 17,770 | 22,610 | 4,840 | 27.20% | 1,880 |
| Rhode Island | 1,670 | 2,120 | 450 | 26.90% | 180 |
| South Carolina | 7,780 | 10,710 | 2,930 | 37.70% | 930 |
| South Dakota | 1,000 | 1,280 | 280 | 28.00% | 110 |
| Tennessee | 12,170 | 17,400 | 5,230 | 43.00% | 1,550 |
| Texas | 49,430 | 69,180 | 19,750 | 40.00% | 6,080 |
| Utah | 4,590 | 7,100 | 2,510 | 54.70% | 660 |
| Vermont | 1,050 | 1,370 | 320 | 30.50% | 120 |
| Virgin Islands | 100 | 100 | – | 0.00% | 10 |
| Virginia | 9,620 | 12,670 | 3,050 | 31.70% | 1,080 |
| Washington | 7,540 | 9,440 | 1,900 | 25.20% | 970 |
| West Virginia | 2,130 | 2,740 | 610 | 28.60% | 230 |
| Wisconsin | 5,190 | 6,520 | 1,330 | 25.60% | 540 |
| Wyoming | 940 | 1,250 | 310 | 33.00% | 110 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
