2023’s Best Online MBAs in Healthcare Management

Find top online healthcare management MBA programs and learn about healthcare management coursework, careers and financial aid.

Enrolling in an online MBA in healthcare management can be a significant step toward career advancement in the healthcare field. These online degree programs are designed to help students gain essential business know-how and apply business practices in healthcare settings. However, the content and quality of online master’s in healthcare management programs can vary, so it’s important to do your research before applying to schools. We’ve compiled essential information on choosing the right program for your career path, what it takes to earn your MBA, and ways to pay for school. We’ve also researched and accounted for factors like affordability and accreditation to help prospective students find top online healthcare management MBA programs throughout the U.S. See which schools have the top programs for 2023.

#	School Name	Type	Cost	Online Programs	School Information	Online Students	Academic Counseling	Career Placement	Students w/Institutional Aid
1	Concordia University-Saint PaulSaint Paul, MN	Private, Not-for-Profit	N/A	1	Completing an online MBA in health care management at Concordia University's St. Paul campus provides the skills and training needed to take on high-powered roles in diverse healthcare settings. This online, asynchronous program supports students from varied professional backgrounds with a focus on harnessing practical industry experience and information systems knowledge. Some of the topics explored in this interactive online MBA include strategic healthcare leadership, applied ethics for health care leaders, tools for managerial decision analysis, and legal environments for managers. This program concludes with a reflection-based capstone. Applicants must possess a bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA and submit a personal statement alongside their completed application. Program Highlights: MBA – Health Care Management Credits: 39 Length: 2 years Cost: $625/credit Mode: Fully Online Accreditation: HLC (school)	Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Students w/ Institutional Aid96%	AccreditationHigher Learning Commission
2	Wilmington UniversityNew Castle, DE	Private, Not-for-Profit	N/A	1	Wilmington University in Delaware offers a fully online MBA with 13 concentrations, including one in health care administration. Through accelerated courses lasting just seven weeks, students can cover a wide range of seminal topics while graduating in 12 months of full-time study. Core classes include managerial decision-making, global marketing management, and organizational behavior and ethical leadership. Within the health care administration pathway, courses include health policy and economics, health insurance and reimbursement, legal aspects in health care, and marketing in the health care sector. Applicants must submit a completed application, a $35 non-refundable fee, and official transcripts. They must also participate in a program planning conference. Program Highlights: MBA – Health Care Administration Credits: 36 Length: 1 year Cost: $1,500/credit Mode: Fully Online Accreditation: MSCHE (school)	Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Students w/ Institutional Aid16%	AccreditationMiddle States Commission on Higher Education
3	Ohio University-Main CampusAthens, OH	Public	N/A	1	Ohio University offers a 35-credit online MBA focused on health care that takes just two years to complete. While all classes can be completed via distance learning, students must participate in a leadership development program offered at the university's Athens, Ohio, campus. In addition to core business administration classes, students following this concentration cover studies in the U.S. health care delivery system, health care finance, and health law. Upon graduating, alumni go on to positions as medical and health services managers, health informatics managers, and corporate social responsibility managers. Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited university, 3.0 or higher GPA, and two or more years of professional experience. They must supply official transcripts, a current resume, two recommendation letters, and a personal statement. Program Highlights: Online MBA – Health Care Concentration Credits: 35 Length: 2 years Cost: $1,028/credit (resident); $1,047/credit (non-resident) Mode: Partially Online Accreditation: AACSB (school)	Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Students w/ Institutional Aid83%	AccreditationHigher Learning Commission
4	Mount Vernon Nazarene UniversityMount Vernon, OH	Private, Not-for-Profit	N/A	1	Located in Ohio, Mount Vernon Nazarene University (MVNU) provides an online MBA in health care administration via the School of Graduate & Professional Studies. Designed to support working professionals, this flexible program takes just 19 months to complete and offers multiple start dates throughout the academic year. Each class lasts six weeks to accommodate learners looking to graduate on an accelerated schedule. Learners who previously completed approved graduate credits can transfer up to six of these into the MVNU program. Some of the required health care administration courses include health care management, legal aspects of health care organizations, leadership in health care organizations, and health services administration. Program Highlights: Online MBA in Health Care Administration Credits: 36 Length: 19 months Cost: $498/credit Mode: Fully Online Accreditation: HLC (school)	Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Students w/ Institutional Aid81%	AccreditationHigher Learning Commission
5	Trevecca Nazarene UniversityNashville, TN	Private, Not-for-Profit	N/A	1	From its home base in Nashville, Tennessee, Trevecca Nazarene University provides a 100% online MBA with several concentrations, including health care administration. Students pursuing the standard program graduate in 22 months of full-time study, while those who opt for the accelerated pathway can finish in just 15 months. Some of the topics covered within the nine-credit concentration include health care strategy, quality health care management, and legal and regulatory issues in health care. Students also benefit from a mentoring program designed to pair business leaders with degree seekers. Applicants should possess a bachelor’s degree from a CHEA-recognized institution and a 2.75 or higher GPA. Program Highlights: Online MBA in Health Care Administration Credits: 36 Length: 15-22 months Cost: $563/credit Mode: Fully Online Accreditation: SACSCOC (school)	Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Students w/ Institutional Aid100%	AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
6	Youngstown State UniversityYoungstown, OH	Public	N/A	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Students w/ Institutional Aid68%	AccreditationHigher Learning Commission
7	Rivier UniversityNashua, NH	Private, Not-for-Profit	N/A	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Students w/ Institutional Aid99%	AccreditationNew England Commission of Higher Education
8	University of Southern IndianaEvansville, IN	Public	N/A	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Students w/ Institutional Aid62%	AccreditationHigher Learning Commission
9	Belhaven UniversityJackson, MS	Private, Not-for-Profit	N/A	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Students w/ Institutional Aid100%	AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
10	University of Louisiana at LafayetteLafayette, LA	Public	N/A	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Students w/ Institutional Aid57%	AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
11	Purdue University-GlobalS Portland, ME	Private, For-Profit	N/A	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Students w/ Institutional Aid0%	AccreditationHigher Learning Commission
12	Minnesota State University MoorheadMoorhead, MN	Public	N/A	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Students w/ Institutional Aid56%	AccreditationHigher Learning Commission
13	University of ScrantonScranton, PA	Private, Not-for-Profit	N/A	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Students w/ Institutional Aid93%	AccreditationMiddle States Commission on Higher Education
14	Queens University of CharlotteCharlotte, NC	Private, Not-for-Profit	N/A	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Students w/ Institutional Aid97%	AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
15	Rosemont CollegeRosemont, PA	Private, Not-for-Profit	N/A	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Students w/ Institutional Aid100%	AccreditationMiddle States Commission on Higher Education
16	University of Saint MaryLeavenworth, KS	Private, Not-for-Profit	N/A	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Students w/ Institutional Aid98%	AccreditationHigher Learning Commission
17	Walsh UniversityNorth Canton, OH	Private, Not-for-Profit	N/A	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Students w/ Institutional Aid100%	AccreditationHigher Learning Commission
18	Tiffin UniversityTiffin, OH	Private, Not-for-Profit	N/A	2		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Students w/ Institutional Aid93%	AccreditationHigher Learning Commission
19	Pfeiffer UniversityMisenheimer, NC	Private, Not-for-Profit	N/A	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Students w/ Institutional Aid89%	AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
20	Anderson UniversityAnderson, IN	Private, Not-for-Profit	N/A	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Students w/ Institutional Aid100%	AccreditationHigher Learning Commission
21	Capella UniversityMinneapolis, MN	Private, For-Profit	N/A	2		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Students w/ Institutional Aid50%	AccreditationHigher Learning Commission
22	Saint Joseph’s UniversityPhiladelphia, PA	Private, Not-for-Profit	N/A	2		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Students w/ Institutional Aid97%	AccreditationMiddle States Commission on Higher Education
23	Brenau UniversityGainesville, GA	Private, Not-for-Profit	N/A	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Students w/ Institutional Aid90%	AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
24	University of St FrancisJoliet, IL	Private, Not-for-Profit	N/A	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Students w/ Institutional Aid98%	AccreditationHigher Learning Commission
25	Baker CollegeFlint, MI	Private, Not-for-Profit	N/A	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Students w/ Institutional Aid88%	AccreditationHigher Learning Commission
26	Colorado Technical University-Colorado SpringsColorado Springs, CO	Private, For-Profit	N/A	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Students w/ Institutional Aid15%	AccreditationHigher Learning Commission
27	University of MaryBismarck, ND	Private, Not-for-Profit	N/A	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Students w/ Institutional Aid99%	AccreditationHigher Learning Commission
28	New England CollegeHenniker, NH	Private, Not-for-Profit	N/A	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Students w/ Institutional Aid83%	AccreditationNew England Commission of Higher Education
29	Davenport UniversityGrand Rapids, MI	Private, Not-for-Profit	N/A	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Students w/ Institutional Aid93%	AccreditationHigher Learning Commission
30	MCPHS UniversityBoston, MA	Private, Not-for-Profit	N/A	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Students w/ Institutional Aid99%	AccreditationNew England Commission of Higher Education
31	Oklahoma Christian UniversityEdmond, OK	Private, Not-for-Profit	N/A	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Students w/ Institutional Aid98%	AccreditationHigher Learning Commission
32	George Washington UniversityWashington, DC	Private, Not-for-Profit	N/A	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Students w/ Institutional Aid75%	AccreditationMiddle States Commission on Higher Education
33	Cleary UniversityHowell, MI	Private, Not-for-Profit	N/A	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Students w/ Institutional Aid94%	AccreditationHigher Learning Commission
34	Southern New Hampshire UniversityManchester, NH	Private, Not-for-Profit	N/A	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Students w/ Institutional Aid39%	AccreditationNew England Commission of Higher Education
35	Our Lady of the Lake UniversitySan Antonio, TX	Private, Not-for-Profit	N/A	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Students w/ Institutional Aid95%	AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
36	Saint Mary’s University of MinnesotaWinona, MN	Private, Not-for-Profit	N/A	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementNo	Students w/ Institutional Aid100%	AccreditationHigher Learning Commission
37	Western Governors UniversitySalt Lake City, UT	Private, Not-for-Profit	N/A	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementNo	Students w/ Institutional Aid0%	AccreditationDistance Education Accrediting Commission
38	Charleston Southern UniversityCharleston, SC	Private, Not-for-Profit	N/A	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementNo	Students w/ Institutional Aid99%	AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
39	American Sentinel UniversityAurora, CO	Private, For-Profit	N/A	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementNo	Students w/ Institutional Aid0%	AccreditationDistance Education Accrediting Commission
40	Walden UniversityMinneapolis, MN	Private, For-Profit	N/A	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementNo	Students w/ Institutional Aid0%	AccreditationHigher Learning Commission

B-School Profiles: Inside Look at 3 Online Healthcare MBA Programs

What’s it really like to earn your healthcare management MBA online, how long will it take to earn your degree, and what types of classes will you take? Take a look at our three B-School spotlights below and get an early preview of what you can expect from these and similar online MBA programs.

University of Texas at Tyler

The University of Texas at Tyler offers an online MBA in healthcare management that aims to help students attain advanced leadership and management roles in the healthcare industry. The AACSB-accredited program can be completed in as few as 12 months and is fully online. The courses are asynchronous, so students can work through materials on their own schedule. The curriculum includes 27 credit hours of core courses plus nine credit hours of concentration courses tailored specifically to issues in healthcare. Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and must meet GMAT score requirements. However, GMAT scores may be waived for students with a 60-hour GPA of 3.25 or higher. UT at Tyler also offers tuition discounts up to $5,000 to those employed by corporate sponsor organizations, making it a great option for qualifying MBA students.

Benedictine University

Benedictine’s online MBA in healthcare management is designed to be completed in 18 months. Students gain a solid foundation in business skills, theory and practice and can tailor their studies through their choice of healthcare-focused elective courses like public health, environmental health and the business of healthcare. Each healthcare course involves a mini capstone, allowing students to apply their new knowledge in a controlled, practical scenario under instructor guidance. Benedictine’s healthcare courses are taught by faculty from their accredited Master of Public Health program, so students can benefit from the expertise of the school’s business and health departments alike. Benedictine’s online MBA in healthcare administration does not require GRE or GMAT scores for admission, and students can choose between a traditional MBA and an accelerated degree. This degree can be completed fully online, but Illinois students can also enroll in a hybrid program if they prefer. Additionally, those with a professional background in business may be able to waive some foundational courses, speeding up their degree and cutting costs at the same time.

Western Governors University

Western Governors University offers a flexible, competency-based online MBA in healthcare management. Rather than working through courses in a traditional sense, students prove their competency in certain skill and knowledge areas through tests, essays and projects. Therefore, students who have relevant work skills can breeze through familiar subject areas and quickly move on to new subject matter. The degree consists of 11 courses, including a capstone. The capstone is a group project, so students may have a little less flexibility in completing that at their own pace. Western Governers is also unique in its tuition structure. Instead of charging per credit, WGU charges a flat rate per six-month term. The faster you finish, the less you pay. Most students finish their MBA in about two years, but those with a robust professional background could complete their degree in less time. WGU provides interactive tools to help MBA students determine their cost of attendance, and they offer a handful of scholarships for those pursuing master’s degrees. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and significant professional experience in business.

Accreditation for Online MBAs in Healthcare Management

Accreditation indicates that an institution or program of study has been evaluated by a board and meets certain quality standards. When looking for an online healthcare management MBA program, students should check for regional and programmatic accreditation. Regional accreditation evaluates an institution as a whole and is the most widely recognized form of accreditation. Programmatic accreditation has a narrower scope and assesses the quality of degree and certificate programs within a specific field of study. Many online healthcare management MBA programs may be accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), which is an international professional organization and accrediting body for business programs. However, prospective students can also look for accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME), which is the only accrediting body that focuses specifically on master’s degrees in healthcare management. Over 100 programs are CAHME accredited. Students may also find healthcare management MBA programs that are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), which evaluates collegiate business programs of all levels.

Earning Your MBA in Healthcare Management Online

Each online healthcare management MBA program is different, so it’s important that prospective students do ample research before jumping into a degree program. Making an informed decision can help students feel prepared and confident that they are making the best move for their career goals and personal circumstances.

What do you learn in an online MBA in healthcare management?

While program specifics can vary, most healthcare management MBA programs will cover a similar set of core subjects essential to the healthcare management field. Since MBA programs in healthcare management are business programs first and healthcare programs second, curricula typically consist of more finance, marketing, management and accounting courses. However, healthcare management MBAs may examine these skills from a healthcare lens or provide students with opportunities to apply traditional business skills in healthcare scenarios. Check out some common courses you may come across in your healthcare management MBA program.

Marketing

Marketing courses may cover principles of marketing, market research, branding, marketing strategies, consumer behavior and implementation of marketing plans. In the healthcare industry, knowing how to appeal to new and existing patients is essential. Many people have multiple options when choosing healthcare providers, so standing out in a positive way is crucial.

Course titles to look for: Marketing Fundamentals; Marketing Strategy; Healthcare Marketing in Contemporary Society

Organizational Issues and Communication

This is a broad subject, so different programs may focus on different aspects of communication and organizational issues as they pertain to healthcare. Students may learn about management, organizational behavior and communication theories; conflict management and resolution; and challenges within the healthcare industry. Classes may provide an overview of the U.S. healthcare system and regulatory policies and challenge students to assess complex healthcare issues and apply business-focused decision-making skills to find resolutions.

Course titles to look for: Organizational Behavior; Organization of Healthcare Systems and Policy; Organizational Behavior and Communication; Social and Organizational Issues in Healthcare

Leadership

Leadership courses may provide students with general leadership theory and skills or be focused specifically on leadership in healthcare. Students can study ethics in management and business and hone their decision-making skills as they pertain to healthcare management. When working in both healthcare and business, graduates may find themselves making difficult decisions that must balance business with care and management of different people within a healthcare system.

Course titles to look for: Ethical Leadership; Leadership and Management; Healthcare Strategic Leadership

Healthcare Information Systems

These courses focus on information systems and technologies used for patient care and administrative management. The goal of information systems and informatics classes is to give students the chance to survey tools and best practices pertaining to efficient data delivery and communication in healthcare. Students may combine health sciences and business decision-making with computer and information sciences to evaluate healthcare information systems and determine the best way to provide support to staff and patients.

Course titles to look for: Healthcare Information Systems; Healthcare Informatics

Capstone or Practicum:

Many programs include a capstone or practicum, where students have the opportunity to explore a particular aspect of healthcare management more thoroughly and gain practical experience in the field. MBA capstones are often projects completed in small groups in order to simulate running a business, so healthcare students may have to collaborate with peers online. Practicums are typically completed in person and allow students to gain guided, hands-on experience in healthcare management. Both give students the chance to apply their new knowledge and skills in real-world scenarios.

Course titles to look for: Capstone Project; Healthcare Management Practicum; Healthcare Administration Practicum; MBA Capstone Course

A combination of general MBA coursework and coursework focused specifically on healthcare management can give students the theoretical knowledge needed to navigate the industry, but MBA students also have the opportunity to gain practical skills that can boost their success. Prospective students can look at course descriptions to see if their program may provide opportunities to gain and hone skills like:

Identifying target audiences for healthcare services and developing effective marketing strategies
Human resources management
Recognizing and addressing healthcare-specific challenges, like the cause and effects of introducing or changing clinical information systems
Financial management for healthcare systems
Using quantitative tools and techniques, like statistics and linear programming, to make decisions

Can you specialize when earning an MBA in healthcare management?

Sometimes students have the option to specialize within their degree program. Degree specializations allow for more focused study in a particular aspect of healthcare management, which can open up different or more advanced career opportunities. Healthcare management is a multifaceted field, and some aspects may be more relevant to some career goals than others, making specialization an appealing option. For many online MBA programs, healthcare management is a specialization in and of itself; however, students can tailor their knowledge by taking elective courses specific to their prospective career path.

Healthcare Operations Management

Studies in healthcare operations management will help students familiarize themselves with and hone their skills in strategic operations management and supply chain management in a healthcare setting. Students looking to pursue careers that focus on the “big picture” operations of a healthcare facility may want to explore courses in this vein.

Insurance and Risk Management

Insurance and risk management delves deeper into proactive and reactive measures healthcare managers may take to prevent or control safety hazards to patients, staff and visitors. This can include incident management, insurance and claims management, clinical research, emergency preparedness and healthcare policy and legislation.

Human Resources Management

Students who focus on human resources management will learn theories and techniques for building and maintaining an effective healthcare workforce. This may include studies in employee relations, impacts of technologies and regulations on employees and effective management of human capital to deliver high quality healthcare services to patients.

How long does it take to earn your MBA in healthcare management online?

One of the benefits of an online MBA program is that students can often log in and work through their classes at their convenience rather than having to push classes off because they don’t align with their work or personal schedules. Most programs can be completed in 18 months of full-time study, but some can be completed in as little as a year. Those taking classes part-time can expect their degree to take two to three years to complete, depending on their course load. Some programs may also require a capstone, practicum or research project, which can lengthen the completion time.

How much does an online healthcare management MBA cost?

The cost of earning your MBA in healthcare management online can vary. Many factors, like the individual school, how long it takes you to complete the program and your financial aid, come into play and should be considered when calculating the cost of your MBA. For instance, the University of Texas at Tyler gives a program estimate of $30,219, given that students take two courses per term, or “session”. However, since students must pay a fee for each session, those who take only one course at a time will pay more overall. Even if the degree program is fully online, tuition may be different for in-state students and out-of-state students, so it’s important that prospective MBA students carefully check program details and speak with an academic advisor for clarification.

Paying for Your Online MBA in Healthcare Management Program

Making sure you are financially prepared to enroll in an online MBA program is vital. Starting your MBA before securing financial aid may put you at risk of not completing your degree, so it’s best to plan early. Factoring tuition and fees into your budget can be daunting, but there are many ways to help offset the cost of earning an MBA.

1

Scholarships

Many schools provide students with a list of institutionally-affiliated scholarships related to their area of study, which can be a great place for healthcare management MBA students to start their search. Students can also look for scholarships provided by business, healthcare and other organizations and professional associations. For instance, CAHME offers multiple scholarships to students enrolled in CAHME-accredited healthcare management degree programs. Application deadlines vary by scholarship, but it’s a good idea to apply as early as possible to ensure the award applies to the correct academic term.

2

Financial aid

Filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) opens students to a variety of federal financial aid opportunities, including grants, work-study and federal loans. Schools may also use the FAFSA to determine your institutional financial aid package. Some aid opportunities are distributed on a first-come-first-served basis, so students should submit their applications early. The FAFSA opens October 1st for the following academic year.

3

Grants

Like scholarships, grants are an excellent form of financial aid that don’t need to be paid back. They may be offered by government organizations, schools or private foundations and can be awarded based on your area of study, financial need or academic merit. Learn more about grants and other financial aid opportunities.

4

Employer sponsorship

Some businesses will help their employees pay for additional training and expertise by providing tuition assistance up to a certain amount. There are usually stipulations, like attending a specific school or agreeing to work for the business for a certain number of years upon program completion, so it’s important that you understand the terms of your employer sponsorship before applying to an online healthcare management MBA program.

5

Private Loans

If scholarships, grants and federal loans don’t cover tuition and fees, you can apply for a private loan. These are not based on financial need, so loan amounts can vary and are often dependent your credit and cosigners. Private loans often have a higher interest rate than federal loans.

6

Retirement savings

Using retirement savings, like an IRA, to pay for school can be tricky, but it can be a good option under the right circumstances. The IRS removes the 10 percent early withdrawal penalty as long as the funds are used toward qualifying education expenses at an eligible institution. Students are responsible for paying income taxes on withdrawn funds, so plan accordingly.

https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/individuals/qualified-ed-expenses

https://www.usnews.com/education/best-graduate-schools/top-business-schools/slideshows/10-ways-to-find-money-to-pay-for-an-mba

Next Step: After the MBA in Healthcare Management Online

Pursuing an online MBA in healthcare management may seem like a surefire way to advance your career, but before enrolling, it’s important to research the industry and the various avenues you can explore. Asking key questions can help prospective students determine whether or not this degree can help them reach their career and income goals.

Do you need a special license or certification to work or advance?

While there aren’t any certifications or credentials required to work in healthcare management, MBAs may opt to pursue a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE) credential. This credential indicates a high level of healthcare management expertise. It can take a while to earn–base qualifications include three years of ACHE membership and five years of executive-level healthcare management experience–so students interested in pursuing this credential should research it early and factor the certification steps into their education plans.

What can you do with an MBA in healthcare management?

An MBA in healthcare management can prepare graduates for a wide variety of advanced positions and leadership roles in the field. Understanding potential career paths before starting their online MBA can help students make the right decisions for their professional goals.

Healthcare Administrators
Healthcare administrators are in charge of the operations of a healthcare facility, medical practice or specific care department. This can include staffing, training, assessing and improving facility efficacy, financial management, communication and goal-setting.

Health Information Managers
These administrators focus specifically on the organization and security of patient records and information. They must stay on top of technological changes, database security and relevant legislation to ensure patient data is safe and organized.

CFOs
CFOs are in charge of the financial operations of their healthcare facility. They assess finances, set goals and oversee the execution of those goals. CFOs may also study market trends to inform their financial decisions and the direction of the healthcare facility.

Healthcare Consultants
Healthcare consultants are a type of management analyst with expertise in the healthcare field. They observe a healthcare facility and offer suggestions to improve its efficacy and profitability. Healthcare consultants gather and analyze data, determine areas for improvement, research solutions and make long-term plans for a facility.

How much can you earn with an MBA in healthcare management?

The healthcare industry is growing rapidly and offers a median annual wage of $66,440, which is significantly higher than the national average for all careers. (BLS, May 2018) For healthcare managers, annual earnings can range from around $40,000 to over $200,000. Education level and experience in the field account for this huge range in salary potential. In general, those with higher degree levels and more relevant work experience see considerably higher earnings. Take a look at the table below to see how education and experience affects salaries for careers relevant to students seeking MBAs in healthcare management.

Area Name	Employment	Entry-Level	Early Career	Mid-Career	Experienced	Late Career
Alabama	3,240	$55,240	$70,500	$90,500	$119,740	$157,040
Alaska	1,100	$64,180	$76,370	$99,040	$130,340	$187,660
Arizona	8,160	$55,720	$73,140	$97,520	$131,090	$201,860
Arkansas	4,900	$49,330	$60,380	$74,920	$96,490	$126,280
California	34,510	$60,240	$82,300	$116,080	$153,740	$200,340
Colorado	5,460	$62,980	$81,650	$108,660	$138,030	$181,790
Connecticut	5,510	$75,350	$90,020	$109,600	$146,560	-
Delaware	1,040	$71,720	$89,800	$114,480	$147,450	-
District of Columbia	1,580	$83,240	$103,360	$127,960	$164,210	-
Florida	-	$54,850	$72,010	$95,740	$126,230	$182,690
Georgia	8,790	$57,620	$74,110	$96,220	$126,510	$184,680
Hawaii	1,640	$65,660	$88,620	$114,490	$146,490	$185,400
Idaho	2,070	$48,380	$63,810	$86,160	$112,730	$141,840
Illinois	14,050	$65,350	$80,870	$103,700	$136,860	$205,890
Indiana	7,350	$54,590	$69,960	$90,410	$117,700	$156,360
Iowa	6,670	$53,270	$63,300	$77,120	$97,590	$126,090
Kansas	3,890	$54,880	$68,680	$85,610	$107,390	$140,990
Kentucky	5,000	$53,360	$66,850	$83,550	$105,400	$135,950
Louisiana	4,540	$59,820	$73,200	$90,840	$111,250	$149,790
Maine	2,000	$60,840	$71,670	$87,010	$104,280	$132,380
Maryland	11,210	$74,210	$91,390	$113,150	$144,880	$198,360
Massachusetts	15,380	$65,590	$84,960	$113,690	$157,710	-
Michigan	11,960	$57,090	$71,980	$94,540	$126,130	$191,890
Minnesota	8,220	$65,870	$78,970	$100,090	$126,460	$163,050
Mississippi	3,010	$47,380	$61,860	$80,950	$106,670	$151,880
Missouri	6,840	$61,160	$77,980	$98,370	$127,540	$177,860
Montana	1,430	$55,950	$69,850	$87,060	$110,040	$141,500
Nebraska	2,790	$59,470	$75,200	$96,490	$122,430	$164,860
Nevada	2,360	$65,040	$88,600	$113,310	$136,120	$179,720
New Hampshire	1,910	$64,140	$77,850	$98,290	$130,210	$174,710
New Jersey	11,260	$82,290	$93,490	$111,260	$129,750	$161,270
New Mexico	1,640	$67,540	$83,090	$102,100	$135,730	-
New York	25,830	$74,030	$94,060	$123,100	$164,210	-
North Carolina	9,230	$70,230	$82,650	$101,020	$129,820	$183,500
North Dakota	920	$63,450	$77,190	$99,770	$126,860	$169,840
Ohio	14,760	$57,270	$71,860	$91,300	$118,700	$154,540
Oklahoma	6,450	$46,750	$59,860	$79,040	$104,050	$139,750
Oregon	4,680	$63,010	$81,870	$105,690	$138,800	$187,220
Pennsylvania	16,410	$53,360	$67,600	$87,790	$114,630	$148,730
Rhode Island	1,660	$71,180	$88,660	$112,490	$147,680	-
South Carolina	5,470	$51,400	$66,960	$86,920	$114,260	$153,900
South Dakota	730	$68,540	$83,720	$101,340	$121,590	$144,740
Tennessee	10,320	$51,960	$67,780	$89,050	$118,140	$161,900
Texas	30,010	$51,430	$71,120	$95,590	$123,070	$163,250
Utah	3,560	$49,620	$67,080	$89,900	$123,090	$167,810
Vermont	1,060	$55,320	$69,120	$86,640	$116,620	$160,760
Virgin Islands	120	$47,860	$60,280	$76,480	$102,220	$177,940
Virginia	7,650	$65,310	$85,180	$104,010	$133,610	$171,800
Washington	6,950	$59,160	$79,600	$107,270	$135,340	$189,310
West Virginia	1,610	$60,070	$76,700	$96,920	$125,010	$169,030
Wisconsin	6,250	$68,270	$82,620	$98,600	$122,790	$154,840
Wyoming	850	$62,210	$73,700	$91,730	$115,470	$144,870
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Related Degrees

If after looking into online MBAs in healthcare management you find that it might not be the route for you, don’t worry; the healthcare industry offers myriad paths for those looking to advance their careers or try something new. Similar degrees in the healthcare management field can be excellent means of pivoting into a new career or gaining more expertise in a familiar area.

Online Master’s in Healthcare Administration

Like an MBA, this degree pairs healthcare studies with business studies. The biggest difference between the two is that an MHA focuses primarily on integrating business practices in a healthcare environment, while an MBA focuses on gaining general business knowledge that can be applied in healthcare. An MHA may be a good option for students who know they want business knowledge specific to the healthcare industry rather than general business knowledge that can be applied in a variety of settings.

Online PhD in Healthcare Administration

Those who want to conduct original research to advance the field of healthcare administration may opt to pursue a PhD in Healthcare Administration. Graduates may take on positions as researchers or educators, or they may work directly in healthcare management.