Online MHA Programs in Florida: Degree Information
Learn about top-rated MHA programs in Florida, including online learning options, that can help you qualify for in-demand healthcare leadership roles.
Like many other parts of the country, Florida faces a growing demand for healthcare services. This isn’t surprising, given that Florida’s population is expected to rise from about 21.6 million in 2020 to 27.2 million by 2045. Besides hiring more doctors, nurses, therapists, and technicians, the healthcare system in Florida will also need more administrators to efficiently manage limited healthcare resources. While there are many rewarding careers in healthcare management, you need a master’s degree to get to the highest levels, if that is your goal. For many, the most popular graduate degree is in a Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA).
Many accredited universities in Florida offer MHA programs, including one university with an online and accredited program. In this guide, we show you this year’s best MHA programs in Florida, answer commonly asked questions from prospective students just like you, and explore popular careers you may be able to pursue after graduation.
The University of West Florida
Pensacola, Florida
Public
University of North Florida
Jacksonville, Florida
Public
Florida Atlantic University
Boca Raton, Florida
Public
Frequently Asked Questions About MHA Programs in Florida
What knowledge and skills do you learn in MHA programs in Florida?
Many students in Florida MHA programs already have business experience but lack formal instruction. With that in mind, many of the early MHA classes cover foundational business concepts, such as marketing, finance, and accounting. Students also take high-level healthcare courses that focus on strategic thinking. At the University of West Florida, this includes classes such as healthcare law, informatics, healthcare human resources, and healthcare data analysis. Many programs also have a culminating requirement that allows students to demonstrate their understanding and application of the concepts they’ve learned. For example, at the University of North Florida, students complete a capstone course.
Are there CAHME-accredited online MHA programs in Florida?
Eight MHA programs in Florida have been accredited by CAHME. That said, accredited online MHA programs in Florida are limited. The University of Central Florida is the only one of the eight programs that offers its CAHME-accredited curriculum online.
What are the admissions requirements for MHA programs in Florida?
Most traditional MHA programs in Florida have the same basic admissions requirements. These include:
- An application
- A minimum undergraduate GPA for the last 60 credits (usually a 3.0)
- Resume or curriculum vitae
- Several years of work experience, preferably in a healthcare setting
- One or more letters of recommendation
- Copies of official transcripts
One thing that’s not usually required is a GMAT or GRE score. Many MHA programs, like the one at Florida Atlantic University, don’t require any sort of admissions test.
How long do MHA programs in Florida take to complete?
The school and program you choose will impact your time for completion. For example, students taking classes full-time at the University of North Florida can expect to graduate in about two years; students enrolled part-time need about three years. Another factor is if students are taking classes online. For example, at Florida International University, students enrolled in the hybrid program complete 48 credits in about 18 months, while fully online students need 24 months to complete the program. In certain situations, students can graduate in just 15 months, such as with the online MHA program from Florida Atlantic University.
How much do Florida MHA programs cost?
Schools’ tuition rates and fees vary widely. In addition, many other factors affect how much a program costs, such as cost of living for an on-campus program and availability of financial aid. That being said, the following three schools provide a rough idea of what to expect in terms of tuition rates for the typical MHA program in Florida.
How much do Florida MHA programs cost?
Schools’ tuition rates and fees vary widely. In addition, many other factors affect how much a program costs, such as cost of living for an on-campus program and availability of financial aid. That being said, the following three schools provide a rough idea of what to expect in terms of tuition rates for the typical MHA program in Florida.
University of South Florida
Master of Health Administration
Total Credits: 54
$431.31/credit (in-state); $877.17/credit (out-of-state)
Florida Atlantic University
Online Executive Master of Health Administration Program
Total Credits: 30
$900/credit
Can I get financial aid to help pay for my MHA program in Florida?
There are plenty of opportunities for financial aid for students attending an MHA program in Florida. Some of the most common forms are federal student loans, grants, scholarships, fellowships, and private loans. There’s also Florida’s State Tuition Waiver Program, which allows qualified state employees to take up to six credits per semester from a Florida state college or university for free. Each individual school has discretion to decide which classes are open to the program. To learn more about scholarships open to MHA students in Florida, check out our healthcare administration student scholarships guide and financial aid guide.
Inside Look at Online MHA Programs in Florida
Most MHA programs in Florida offer either all or most of their classes on campus. Students may have the option to take a few required classes online, but they should expect the bulk of their learning to occur in person. In addition, many programs include internships, such as the MHA program at the University of South Florida. The only fully online MHA program in Florida that’s also accredited by CAHME is the Executive MHA program from the University of Central Florida. This fully online program is designed for professionals already working in the healthcare industry. There’s also another online MHA program in Florida that’s accredited, this one by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business—the Online Executive Master of Health Administration Program at Florida Atlantic University. Coursework in this program is fully online and asynchronous, meaning students can “attend” class at any time that’s most convenient for them. If students want to take some classes on campus, a hybrid learning model is also possible with this program.
Earnings and Job Outlook for MHA Graduates in Florida
So far, we've concentrated on finding the right Florida MHA program for you. But before you enroll, it’s important to consider what to expect in terms of earnings, job opportunities, and career potential once you've earned your degree. Let’s start with job growth. The first table below lists current job growth figures for medical and healthcare managers, sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Projections Central website. These figures are eye-popping. For example, the projected growth rates of 28.4% and 36.9% for medical and health services managers in the U.S. and Florida, respectively, are an astonishing 10 and 13 times that of the 2.8% growth estimate for all occupations in the U.S. combined for the same period (2022-2032).
As for earnings, the BLS figures in the second table indicate particularly strong average annual salaries of nearly $70,000 to over $200,000 for Florida MHA jobs, with some slight variation among specific metropolitan and non-metropolitan areas within the state. The bottom line? The career outlook for graduates of MHA programs in Florida is as bright as the Florida sun, both now and into the foreseeable future.
| Area | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % | Avg. Ann. Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 509,500 | 654,200 | 144,700 | 28.40% | 54,700 |
| Florida | 34,490 | 47,200 | 12,710 | 36.90% | 4,100 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | $63,980 | $104,310 | $205,670 |
| Cape Coral-Fort Myers, FL | $62,050 | $102,360 | $227,900 |
| Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL | $56,480 | $99,380 | $155,430 |
| Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach, FL | $60,790 | $99,620 | $186,660 |
| Gainesville, FL | $66,380 | $111,610 | $171,080 |
| Homosassa Springs, FL | $63,560 | $97,140 | $152,490 |
| Jacksonville, FL | $63,690 | $104,350 | $218,210 |
| Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL | $60,840 | $101,150 | $239,000+ |
| Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL | $67,340 | $108,380 | $206,800 |
| Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island, FL | $73,840 | $105,940 | $224,910 |
| North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton, FL | $62,400 | $102,200 | $207,040 |
| Ocala, FL | $60,160 | $96,600 | $168,530 |
| Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL | $63,550 | $102,290 | $170,090 |
| Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL | $62,520 | $104,630 | $239,000+ |
| Panama City, FL | $59,300 | $94,740 | $155,530 |
| Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent, FL | $61,810 | $97,300 | $157,790 |
| Port St. Lucie, FL | $61,000 | $94,820 | $153,380 |
| Punta Gorda, FL | $63,920 | $101,400 | $170,670 |
| Sebastian-Vero Beach, FL | $65,090 | $100,760 | $161,730 |
| Sebring, FL | $57,600 | $97,840 | $162,060 |
| Tallahassee, FL | $46,990 | $97,320 | $177,490 |
| Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL | $67,520 | $105,800 | $212,780 |
| The Villages, FL | $58,660 | $102,040 | $190,260 |
Source: Medical and Health Services Managers, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Additional Resources for MHA Students in Florida
Scholarships and Online Resources for Healthcare Administration Students
EduMed’s comprehensive listing of scholarships and online resources specifically for those in healthcare administration.
American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE)—Chapter Directory
ACHE is one of the leading professional organizations for healthcare executives. ACHE has chapters in north Florida, south Florida, and western Florida, plus an American College of Healthcare Executives of Central Florida chapter.
Florida Agency for Health Care Administration
This organization engages in several initiatives, including regulation of medical facilities in Florida, the administration of Florida’s Medicaid program, and informing the public about healthcare quality.
Florida Health Care Association
Their mission is to promote and advocate on behalf of many of Florida’s long-term medical care centers and facilities.
Florida Medical Group Management Association
This is the Florida chapter of the Medical Group Management Association, the primary professional association for healthcare professionals who work in medical practice groups.
Florida Society for Healthcare Risk Management and Patient Safety
Besides ensuring efficient delivery of healthcare services, health service managers also need to make sure medical care is delivered in a safe manner. This organization exists to help medical professionals who have leadership roles in ensuring patient safety.
Healthcare Financial Management Association—Florida Chapter
If a healthcare manager focuses on the financial health and management of a medical facility in Florida, they will be interested in joining this professional organization.
