Inside Online Accelerated Healthcare Management Programs
Do you want to earn a degree in healthcare management as quickly and conveniently as possible? Accelerated healthcare management programs with online components help to maximize flexibility while minimizing cost. Let EduMed show you the top programs available today and provide key information and advice to find one that fits your academic needs and career goals.
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How Accelerated Programs Work
Online healthcare management degree programs offer students tremendous convenience and flexibility. Many of these programs, like bachelor’s degrees in other majors, require around four years of full-time study. However, some online programs offer an accelerated curriculum that can be completed in:
- As little as two to three years if starting from scratch.
- As few as 12 to 18 months with substantial previously-earned college credits, like those obtained in an associate or non-healthcare management bachelor’s degree program.
Completion times are not the only thing to look for when choosing your online program. Also consider:
- Curriculum content
- Fully-online vs. hybrid: Programs may be offered 100% online with no in-person components or partially-online (including some campus-attended sessions and/or clinically-based internship experiences)
- Program costs and available financial aid to help pay those costs
- Proper accreditation
- Synchronous vs. asynchronous: Online content may be delivered synchronously (requiring logging on and participating in live-streamed classes) or asynchronously (allowing students to log on and complete coursework at any time)
We’ve profiled below three online accelerated healthcare management programs currently available. These profiles show what you can expect from the programs you encounter during your search.
Lewis University
Lewis University’s Accelerated B.S. in Healthcare Management program offers an excellent example of how students can gain the knowledge and skills needed to become healthcare leaders through the convenience of a 100% online format. Coursework is delivered through a mix of asynchronous and synchronous methods.
Topics covered include:
- Global healthcare systems and healthcare reform
- Adaptive communication styles across audience types and organizational lines
- Healthcare business and financial methodologies
- Ethical decision-making
Admission requirements include:
- Minimum of 30 semester hours of transferable college credit from a regionally-accredited institution
- Minimum 2.0 GPA based on all transferable courses
- Demonstrated significant work experience or relevant military or life experience
Applicants not fully meeting these admissions requirements may be accepted into the program on a provisional basis. Contact the program for details.
Duration: Varies by number of credits transferred in. Around two years is common.
Mode: Fully online
Cost: $600/credit (tuition online, not including fees)
Rasmussen University
Rasmussen University’s online Healthcare Management Online Bachelor’s Degree program also features 100% online content delivery. The program employs an “empowered learning” approach that includes:
- Competency-based education that allows students to move more quickly through their studies through the use of self-directed assessments.
- Real-world projects that simulate actual healthcare management scenarios.
- Student support via online mentoring sessions and virtual office hours with instructors.
The majority of course content is delivered asynchronously, but some courses include optional live synchronous interactive sessions with faculty and peers.
Students choose one of two concentrations:
- Healthcare Management (no specialization)
- Public Health
Admission requires either an associate’s degree from a Department of Education recognized accredited school OR 60 quarter credits or 40 semester credits earned with a grade of C or higher. Speak with a program representative on transfer eligibility for previously-earned credits.
Duration: As few as 18 Months
Mode: Online
Cost: $322/credit (tuition only, not including fees)
Walden University
The Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management program at Walden University offers a less traditional approach to accelerated study.
Through its Tempo Learning format, students move through their course requirements at their own pace, allowing motivated students to complete their programs more quickly.
In addition, students can demonstrate competency in a given topic resulting in the awarding of credits without having to complete coursework in that topic.
Another key feature of Walden’s B.S. in Healthcare Management program is specialization. Students can choose to complete up to three concentrations (through elective course choices) in the following subjects:
- Business and Management
- Communication
- Criminal Justice
- Health and Health Sciences
- Health Communication
- Health Informatics
- Health Promotion and Wellness
- Healthcare Management
- Psychology
- Social Work and Human Services
Admission into the program requires:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Minimum 21 years of age OR under 21 years old with at least 12 completed college course credits OR active or veteran military membership
No application fees, SAT/ACT scores, or personal essays are required.
Duration: As few as 21 months
Mode: Fully online
Cost: $3,085/three-month subscription (tuition and fees)
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Student FAQs on Accelerated HCM Programs
Are online accelerated healthcare management degrees as valid as traditional degrees to employers?
Yes. In fact, there is no real difference between standard and accelerated online healthcare management degree programs except for the accelerated study pace and resulting faster completion times.
In specific terms, accelerated programs cover the same full range of healthcare management topics as their standard-formatted counterparts. Academic quality is the same as well.
Further, employers today understand that graduates of properly-accredited accelerated healthcare management programs have received the same high level of professional preparation for competent practice as those of standard length programs.
Are financial aid options available for online healthcare management students?
Absolutely. The most important factor regarding financial aid availability is proper accreditation, not if a program’s content is delivered online or in a traditional campus-based format.
So, as long as the program you’re interested in is properly accredited, you will likely find the same variety of financial aid types available to you as to campus-based healthcare management students. These types often include:
- Scholarships and grants
- Student loans and loan reimbursement programs
- Employer tuition reimbursement
- Work-study
- VA benefits
It’s to your benefit to start your search for funding help as soon as possible. And the best way to do that is to contact the financial aid offices at each of the schools you’re considering.
Do online programs offer opportunities for internships, practicums, and/or real-world experiences?
That will depend on the specific program.
Some online healthcare management degree programs include in-person experiences as part of their curriculums. Many others offer such experiences as an option.
Hands-on internships, practicums, and similar in-person experiences can be extremely beneficial, providing practical skills development, networking opportunities, and resume enhancement. So, if you have the chance to participate in one, seriously consider doing so.
How do I know if an online accelerated healthcare management program is right for me?
That depends on you — your unique academic needs, study preferences, career goals, and timeline for starting you career. It’s critical that you take a good, hard look at each of these elements before you opt for online accelerated study.
To get you started on that, we’ve included below a detailed look at some important challenges that students in online accelerated healthcare management programs face, along with suggested solutions to each.
If you feel that you’re not up to one or more of these challenges, then you likely should consider a more traditional route to earning your degree.
Is it possible to work while earning a healthcare management degree online?
The answer is yes, but you’ll want to consider doing so carefully, especially when it comes to an accelerated program.
Online degree programs are generally advantageous to working students due to their high level of study convenience and flexibility. However, the condensed nature of an accelerated format leaves much less time for study in the busy lives of employed students.
Again, if you’re intent on pursuing an accelerated online healthcare management program, seriously consider taking a job hiatus while you do so, or at least think about cutting back to part-time employment. Otherwise, you may want to rethink your choice of accelerated study.
Challenges and Solutions: How to Succeed in a Program
Accelerated formats offer the major benefit of quicker completion times to earning your degree and, in turn, faster entry into your new career in healthcare management. However, accelerated study is not for everyone.
There are several unique challenges students in accelerated programs face that need to be carefully considered before opting for an accelerated format. Below are descriptions of four of the biggest:
Challenge: Fewer Natural Networking Opportunities
Networking can play a major role in your career advancement through the development of professional connections that lead to more and better job opportunities. Developing your networking skills takes practice, too.
Online accelerated programs typically offer fewer networking opportunities than their campus-based counterparts.
Solution: You can make up for the fewer networking opportunities by being proactive and seeking out other ways to network, such as:
- Joining professional associations (like the American College of Healthcare Executives, the Medical Group Management Association, and the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society)
- Attending industry conferences and webinars
- Utilizing LinkedIn and other social media platforms
Online students should also take advantage of online discussion and study groups, and other virtual interactive events and activities. Additionally, consider visiting your campus for any in-person events offered.
Challenge: Intensive Workload
Online accelerated healthcare management programs are designed to pack more coursework into less time. That can be a real challenge, especially for working students.
Solution: Self-discipline is a major requirement here. Follow these tips:
- Get and stay organized: Master time management and goal-setting.
- Stick to a rigid study schedule: Treat online classes like in-person ones.
- Create a dedicated study space.
Finally, as discussed earlier, consider cutting back on your employment hours or taking a break from work entirely until you graduate.
Challenge: Less Time for Reflection and Application
Classes in your online healthcare management program move so quickly that you may feel like you don’t have time to think. And that can lead to bad decision-making, not to mention stress.
Solution: Time for reflection may be harder to come by, so focus on making the most of the time you have. Consider:
- Keeping a journal: Spend just a couple of minutes a day jotting down random thoughts, making a list of things to be thankful for, or something similar.
- Practicing grounding techniques: Like doing some deep breathing exercises or focusing on bringing yourself into the present moment.
- Taking a mindful walking break: Even just a short, brisk walk around the block can do great things for clearing your mind and refreshing mental your and emotional health.
Challenge: Technical Drawbacks
Technical issues are all too common and never fun. They can directly interfere with your study routine and slow your academic progress.
Solution: Have a contingency plan. Suggested components of that plan include:
- Keep a back-up computer handy in case your regular one goes down.
- Consider visiting your nearest library to tap into their internet service or use one of their public-accessible computers.
Best Online Accelerated Healthcare Management Programs
Each student’s definition of the best online accelerated healthcare management program will differ. But, you should consider a number of specific elements during your program search, including:
- Accreditation
- Available online program options
- Access to quality student support services
- Graduation rates
- Tuition rates and financial aid availability
We surveyed hundreds of online accelerated healthcare management programs in the U.S. and ranked what we believe to be the best. To learn more about our selection process, click the “About the Ranking” button.
Purdue University Global
West Lafayette, Indiana
Why We Selected Purdue University Global:
- The ExcelTrack program allows students to earn their degree faster and more affordably.
- Purdue Global offers optional internships for real-world experience and skill acquisition.
- Students can transfer up to 75% of their degree requirements, saving time and tuition.
Program Details
- AccreditationHLC
- Average In-State Tuition$10,080
- Average Institutional Aid$15,195
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course100%
- % of Students Receiving an Award27%
- Student/Faculty Ratio27/1
Immaculata University
Immaculata, Pennsylvania
Why We Selected Immaculata University:
- The program offers flexible online learning, allowing students to balance work and family life.
- It provides opportunities to transfer up to 72 credits and earn credit for prior work experience.
- The program prepares students for high-demand roles with median salaries over $100,000.
Program Details
- AccreditationMSCHE
- Average In-State Tuition$26,900
- Average Institutional Aid$13,131
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course49%
- % of Students Receiving an Award67%
- Student/Faculty Ratio9/1
Base Methodology for EduMed’s “Best Online College Rankings” for the ‘24-’25 school year.
One: Create a list of eligible schools & programs
To be eligible for ranking, 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 one online component in a program within the ranking-subject area.
- The existence of academic counseling on campus and/or online.
- The existence of career placement services on campus and/or online.
Two: Assign weightings to eligible schools & programs
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 school 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, either partially- or fully-online, in the relevant subject area. Because exact numbers change often and can be difficult to verify, we use a range-based scoring system to represent this category with laptop icons.
- % in Online Ed. – Percent of total students taking at least one distance education class.
- Tuition – Average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full-time, as self-reported by the school.
- % Receiving Award – Percent of full-time, first-time students receiving an award in 6 years.
- Avg. Inst. Aid – Average amount of institutional grant aid awarded to full-time, first-time undergraduates.
- Student/Faculty Ratio – The number of students per faculty member.
About Our Data
EduMed’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2024
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