Fastest Accelerated Online Healthcare Administration Masters 2025
Key Takeaways
- Accelerated healthcare administration degrees online allow students to finish an online master’s degree much more quickly than a traditional accounting program.
- The medical and healthcare management field is projected to grow by 28% over the next decade, which is great news for students seeking an online master’s in healthcare administration.
- Graduates of accelerated online healthcare administration master’s programs may be qualified for numerous job opportunities that boast a higher than average median salary.
Fastest Online Master's in Healthcare Administration Degree Programs in 2025
2025 Ranking Update
Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or lost ground for the 2025 school year.
In 2025, the top ten schools in our ranking of the fastest accelerated online healthcare administration master’s remained fairly stable. Minnesota State University Moorhead gained the most ranking positions as the university expanded its virtual simulation labs, providing students with real-world healthcare management scenarios that allow them to apply leadership and decision-making skills in a digital environment. Additionally, MSU Moorhead has updated its healthcare policy and innovation courses, focusing on the latest trends in telemedicine, healthcare technology, and regulatory challenges.
The program has also strengthened its partnerships with healthcare organizations, offering more opportunities for online students to engage in virtual internships and practical fieldwork, enhancing their career readiness upon graduation.
Fastest Accelerated Online Master of Healthcare Administration Programs
- #9 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online #9 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #12 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #13 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
17%
Graduation
91%
Student body
34K
Median SAT/ACT
1440/32
Career Outlook for Healthcare Administration degree at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Cost of Degree: $12,527Expenses: $17,120Starting Salary: $86,183Salary after 4 years: $105,594Cost Recoup Time: 4 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill known for?
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
University of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Tuition + fees: $8,998
Master of Healthcare Administration
At the core of UNC’s Master of Healthcare Administration program is the outstanding training of the next generation of healthcare leaders! Students develop their healthcare administration knowledge and skills, which are vital in addressing the multifaceted challenges of the healthcare industry through cutting-edge research.
Indeed, the research topics in health care administration that students have addressed are as diverse as their backgrounds. Previous research projects that have been covered include health disparities, access to healthcare services, quality and costs, global health, public health, and leadership. The program welcomes diversity among its students, contributing to enhanced learning experiences.
While the courses are delivered online, students must attend on-campus residencies in the CAHME-accredited program. These include a six-day residency in the fall term, a four-day residency in the spring, and four days in the summer. These on-campus residencies will strengthen students’ understanding of health services management and related topics.
Students in the online MHA program must also complete a capstone course.
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree with a 3.3 mean undergraduate GPA
- Three letters of recommendation
Required Credit Hours: 49 credits
Average Time-to-Degree: 2 years
Per Credit Tuition: $1,023.23 (Resident); $1,997.40 (Non-resident)
Featured Courses:
- Introduction to Strategic Planning and Marketing in Healthcare
- Foundations of Healthcare Financial Management
- Information Systems, Technology, and Tools in Healthcare
- Readings in Health Policy and Management
- Politics, Public Health, and Health Policy
- #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Ohio 2025 #4 Best Public Colleges in Ohio 2025 #5 Best Grad Schools in Ohio 2025 #5 Best Research Universities in Ohio 2024
Tuition + fees
$13K
Acceptance
87%
Graduation
65%
Student body
28K
Median SAT/ACT
1175/24
Career Outlook for Healthcare Administration degree at Ohio University
Cost of Degree: $9,720Expenses: $17,350Starting Salary: $57,372Salary after 4 years: $70,294Cost Recoup Time: 5 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Ohio University known for?
Ohio University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Communications
- Education
- Earth Sciences
- History
- Medical
- Physics
- Political Science
- Criminal Justice
- Business
- Literature
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees: $13,352
Master of Health Administration
Students in Ohio University’s Master of Health Administration program build their knowledge and skills in the leadership of healthcare organizations with a diverse perspective. Business acumen combines with an altruistic philosophy that enables students to implement human-centric approaches in delivering healthcare services.
Four concentrations in the healthcare administration online program allow students to broaden their knowledge and acquire specialist skills in healthcare management. These concentrations are in Business Analytics, Leadership, Project Management, and Quality Improvement—and each specialization also comes with a graduate certificate that will boost career advancement prospects.
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree (with a 3.0 GPA minimum) in any field from a regionally accredited institution
- Official transcripts
- Letter of recommendation
- Personal statement
- Professional resume
- $50 application fee
Required Credit Hours: 36 credits
Average Time-to-Degree: As few as 12 months
Per Credit Tuition: $658 (Resident); $677 (Non-resident)
Featured Courses:
- Introduction to US Health Care Delivery System
- Leadership of Health Organizations
- Health Policy
- #6 15 Best Self-paced Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #9 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #10 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees 2025 #11 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2025
Tuition + fees
$23K
Acceptance
99%
Graduation
66%
Student body
131K
Career Outlook for Healthcare Administration degree at Liberty University
Cost of Degree: $8,340Expenses: $21,458Starting Salary: $57,689Salary after 4 years: $64,464Cost Recoup Time: 6 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Liberty University known for?
Liberty University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Religious Studies
- Education
- Criminal Justice
- Philosophy
- Political Science
- Law
- Social Work
- History
- Business
- Communications
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees: $24,870
Master of Science in Healthcare Administration
Students can look forward to a multitude of career prospects because of the comprehensive quality of the MS in Healthcare Administration program’s curriculum. Students learn business skills that enable them to lead for-profit and nonprofit organizations in the healthcare industry, including leadership positions in human resources, public health, and health informatics. The online MHA program also strongly emphasizes the professional ability to make data-driven strategic decisions.
This is a unique online MHA program because of the number of concentrations available in addition to the General Track. Note that choosing a concentration will result in more credit hours required for completion. The available concentrations are in:
- Accounting
- Finance
- Human Resources
- Leadership
- Marketing
- Nonprofit Management
- Project Management
- Public Administration
- Public Relations
- Strategic Management
- Supply Chain Management and Logistics
All students learn contemporary principles and practices in health care administration, including crisis management, leadership skills, and organizational behavior.
Admission Requirements:
- Admission application
- Bachelor’s degree
- Official college transcripts
- Application fee
Required Credit Hours: 42-48 credits
Average Time-to-Degree: As few as 12 months with transfer credits
Per Credit Tuition: $565
Featured Courses:
- Strategic Management and Marketing for Health Professionals
- Healthcare Informatics
- Advanced Financial Statement Analysis
- #5 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #6 Best Public Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #7 Best Grad Schools in Tennessee 2025
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
85%
Graduation
55%
Student body
15K
Median SAT/ACT
1085/22
Career Outlook for Healthcare Administration degree at East Tennessee State University
Cost of Degree: $10,784Expenses: $18,550Starting Salary: $50,858Salary after 4 years: $62,313Cost Recoup Time: 6 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is East Tennessee State University known for?
East Tennessee State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Mathematics
- Medical
- Nursing
- Biology
- Philosophy
- Political Science
- Earth Sciences
- Education
- History
- Communications
Most Influential Alumni
East Tennessee State University
Tuition + fees: $9,438
Master of Health Administration
The CEPH-accredited Master of Health Administration program is among the most successful in terms of job placement, with 100% of its graduates gainfully employed. Graduates also report being in management positions in the healthcare industry, including hospitals, clinics, and nursing facilities where their professional expertise is used.
Students in the online MHA program choose from two tracks:
- The Executive Track, where students possess at least three years of progressive work experience in supervisory or managerial positions in healthcare organizations. Students can accelerate their coursework and complete the required number of credits faster.
- The Standard Track is open for students who don’t meet the professional work experience requirement and possess an undergraduate degree in a non-healthcare administration field.
Both tracks, however, require the completion of a capstone course where students demonstrate their health administration skills in solving real-world issues. Students in the health administration degree program must also demonstrate competency in finance, people and partnerships, policy and regulation, and quality.
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s with at least a 2.75 GPA
- Official transcripts
- Resume or curriculum vitae
- Letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose
- GRE scores are recommended for applicants with a 3.20 or less GPA
Required Credit Hours: 51-54 credits for Standard Track; 45-48 credits for Executive Track
Average Time-to-Degree: About 16 months (4 semesters)
Per Credit Tuition: $663
Featured Courses:
- Foundations of Public Health
- Health Systems, Regulations, and Policies
- Health Leadership and Management
Tuition + fees
$11K
Student body
8K
Career Outlook for Healthcare Administration degree at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
Cost of Degree: $9,316Starting Salary: $126,018Salary after 4 years: $154,400What is Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center known for?
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
Tuition + fees: $11,852
Master of Science in Healthcare Administration
Healthcare professionals concerned about maintaining a good work-life balance while pursuing a graduate degree will find the MS in Healthcare Administration program an excellent choice! The coursework is completely online, and there are no in-person residency requirements, although online students are encouraged to use on-campus resources.
The MHA program emphasizes a management-based approach that allows students to apply their knowledge into the workplace immediately. In doing so, they enrich their learning experiences and bring back useful insights to share with their peers and professors.
The faculty members also emphasize an interdisciplinary philosophy where students bring their diverse perspectives into discussions. Many professors are healthcare executives ready to share their experiences with their students.
Admission Requirements:
- Online application plus application fee
- Bachelor’s degree with 2.7 GPA, minimum
- Official transcripts
- Resume
Required Credit Hours: 36 credit hours
Average Time-to-Degree: Less than two years
Per Credit Tuition: $1,020 (Resident); $1,440 (Non-resident)
Featured Courses:
- Principles of Management and Leadership in Healthcare
- Strategic Planning and Marketing in Healthcare
- Health Informatics and Data Analytics
- Healthcare Operations and Supply Chain Management
- #4 Best Public Colleges in Minnesota 2024 #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Minnesota 2024 #6 Best Grad Schools in Minnesota 2025 #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Minnesota 2025
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
57%
Graduation
55%
Student body
6K
Median SAT/ACT
1185/21
Career Outlook for Healthcare Administration degree at Minnesota State University Moorhead
Cost of Degree: $11,537Expenses: $15,364Starting Salary: $56,245Salary after 4 years: $68,912Cost Recoup Time: 5 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Minnesota State University Moorhead known for?
Minnesota State University Moorhead’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Sociology
- Communications
- Nursing
- Computer Science
- Philosophy
- Anthropology
- Psychology
- Political Science
- Education
- Literature
Most Influential Alumni
Minnesota State University Moorhead
Tuition + fees: $9,468
Master of Healthcare Administration
The CAHME-accredited Master of Healthcare Administration program welcomes professionals in the healthcare field looking for career advancement opportunities. The program of study borrows from several disciplines, including business administration and health informatics, that enable students to see healthcare administration in a new light. Students learn the best practices for improving the quality and delivery of healthcare services in diverse settings, from hospitals to public health outreach programs.
The MHA program features synchronous virtual meetings, but most coursework is completed asynchronously. There are no internship requirements, but students must complete culminating capstone courses.
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s with at least a 3.0 GPA
- Essay
- Cover letter
- Professional resume
- Two letters of recommendation
Required Credit Hours: 43 credits
Average Time-to-Degree: 12-18 months
Per Credit Tuition: $650
Featured Courses:
- Healthcare Quality and Regulatory Management
- Applied Healthcare Financial Management
- Healthcare Delivery Systems, Policy and Reimbursement
- #18 The Best Catholic Colleges and Universities Ranked for 2024 #5 Best Christian Colleges in Florida 2024 #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Florida 2025 #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Florida 2025
Tuition + fees
$27K
Acceptance
80%
Graduation
49%
Student body
15K
Median SAT/ACT
1085/23
Career Outlook for Healthcare Administration degree at Saint Leo University
Cost of Degree: $15,840Expenses: $21,388Starting Salary: $70,369Salary after 4 years: $78,634Cost Recoup Time: 6 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Saint Leo University known for?
Saint Leo University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Social Work
- Criminal Justice
- Sociology
- Engineering
- Literature
- Political Science
- Education
- Psychology
- Computer Science
- Business
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees: $27,050
Master of Business Administration - Healthcare Management Concentration
Saint Leo’s MBA in Healthcare Management program is considered one of the best because of the transformative learning experiences that students take from it. Students benefit from the robust liberal arts-centric education emphasizing business acumen that can be applied to healthcare settings.
The ACBSP-accredited program enables students to develop skills in problem-solving and decision-making using modern tools and technologies. Students also gain extensive knowledge of core functions in business administration, develop their business communication skills, and appreciate the legal and ethical issues in healthcare management. The MBA program also emphasizes public health and, thus, empowers students to make positive differences in population health in their communities and beyond.
Admission Requirements:
- Completed online application
- Bachelor’s with at least a 3.0 GPA on the last 60 credits
- Official transcripts
- Two letters of professional recommendations
- Resume; at least two years of progressively responsible professional work experience required
- Statement of professional goals
- GMAT scores for applicants with a GPA of less than 3.0
Required Credit Hours: 36 credits
Average Time-to-Degree: 2 years
Per Credit Tuition: $820
Featured Courses:
- Healthcare Law
- Public Health
- Community Assessments
- Business and Finance
- #20 Most Affordable Online Colleges Ranked for Students 2024 #7 Best Private Colleges in Missouri 2025 #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Missouri 2025 #1 Best Online Associate in Building and Construction Degree Programs
Tuition + fees
$13K
Graduation
23%
Student body
12K
Career Outlook for Healthcare Administration degree at Park University
Cost of Degree: $7,942Expenses: $14,178Starting Salary: $70,787Salary after 4 years: $79,101Cost Recoup Time: 4 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Park University known for?
Park University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Medical
- Nursing
- Psychology
- Education
- Literature
- Engineering
- Political Science
- Social Work
- Business
- Communications
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees: $13,500
Master of Healthcare Administration
The ACBSP-accredited Robert W. Plaster School of Business offers an outstanding Master of Healthcare Administration program for current and aspiring healthcare administration professionals. This program is perfect for students who already have relevant work experience but want to gain advanced knowledge and skills for leadership positions.
Students in the MHA program choose from 11 concentrations aside from the General Track, including:
- Business Analytics
- Finance
- Project Management
- Quality and Innovation Management
- Disaster and Emergency Management
Graduates with the health care administration graduate degree possess technical and transferable skills that make them effective leaders.
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s with at least a 2.75 GPA
- Official transcripts
Required Credit Hours: at least 36 semester hours
Average Time-to-Degree: Less than two years
Per Credit Tuition: $695
Featured Courses:
- Organization of Healthcare Delivery Systems
- Management of Health Information Systems
- Healthcare Finance
- #5 Online Colleges with the Most Generous Financial Aid in 2025 #1 Best Christian Colleges in Arizona 2024 #2 Best Private Colleges in Arizona 2025 #4 Best Research Universities in Arizona 2025
Tuition + fees
$18K
Acceptance
78%
Graduation
45%
Student body
155K
Career Outlook for Healthcare Administration degree at Grand Canyon University
Cost of Degree: $11,124Expenses: $16,212Starting Salary: $81,517Salary after 4 years: $91,091Cost Recoup Time: 4 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Grand Canyon University known for?
Grand Canyon University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Nursing
- Religious Studies
- Education
- Political Science
- Engineering
- Mathematics
- Business
- History
- Communications
- Medical
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees: $17,800
Master of Science in Health Administration
The credentials and skills to become effective middle- and upper-level managers and healthcare administration professionals are what students in the MS in Health Administration program take from it. There is also a strong emphasis on innovation, where students are encouraged to promote organizational development in many areas, such as employee productivity and profitability.
Professionals with a health administration degree are also adept at using information in problem-solving and decision-making processes. Students gain the knowledge and skills through didactic courses and a 16-week practicum where hands-on learning experiences strengthen their competence and confidence as leaders.
The school allows up to 12 transfer credits.
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree with at least 2.8 GPA; acceptable GMAT or GRE scores in case GPA requirement isn’t met
- Official transcripts
Required Credit Hours: 48 credits
Average Time-to-Degree: 2 years
Per Credit Tuition: $575
Featured Courses:
- Analysis of Contemporary Healthcare Delivery Models
- Healthcare Research Methods, Analysis and Utilization
- Healthcare Policies and Economics
- #6 Best Grad Schools in Washington 2025 #7 Most Affordable Colleges in Washington 2024 #8 Best Small Colleges in Washington 2025 #8 Best Private Colleges in Washington 2024
Tuition + fees
$14K
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for Healthcare Administration degree at City University of Seattle
Cost of Degree: $12,167Expenses: $14,325Starting Salary: $74,410Salary after 4 years: $83,150Cost Recoup Time: 4 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is City University of Seattle known for?
City University of Seattle’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees: $7,506
Master of Science in Healthcare Administration
CityU’s MS in Healthcare Administration program empowers students to take their careers to managerial levels—and with extensive work experience, an excellent shot at C-suite positions. Graduates with online master’s degrees attest that their education and training were just as rigorous as their on-campus counterparts.
Students in the MHA program are adept at analyzing healthcare-relevant information and its applications in decision-making processes. While business acumen is at the heart of healthcare administration, students are also encouraged to look at the ethical impact of their decisions on their organizations, service beneficiaries, and stakeholders.
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
Required Credit Hours: 39 credits
Average Time-to-Degree: Less than two years
Per Credit Tuition: $735
Featured Courses:
- Foundations of Healthcare Administration
- Healthcare Informatics and Technology
- Healthcare Strategic Planning and Implementation
- Healthcare Policy and Economics
- Healthcare Law and Ethics
Career Outlook for Students with Healthcare Administration Degree
Go to Degree Finder toolHealth/Health Care Administration/Management
Degree Level: Master's
- Location: The U.S. (Private Schools)
- Avg. Cost of Degree*: $11,455
- Avg. Expenses*: $17,820
- Avg. Starting Salary*: $71,651
- Avg. Salary after 4 Years*: $87,788
- Avg. Cost Recoup Time**: 5 years
- Job Growth: 28.54%
- Number of Jobs: 562,700
- * denotes ‘annually’
- ** denotes ‘at 15% of annual salary’
Career Salaries
Career | Job Growth | Avg. Salary |
---|---|---|
Medical and Health Services Managers | 28.54% | $110,680 |
Facilities Managers | 5.27% | $102,340 |
Computer Programmers | -9.61% | $99,700 |
Business Teachers, Postsecondary | 6.67% | $97,130 |
First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers | -4.40% | $63,450 |
Top Industries
Industry | Avg. Salary |
---|---|
Medical and Health Services Managers | $110,680 |
Facilities Managers | $102,340 |
Computer Programmers | $99,700 |
The best accelerated online healthcare administration masters degree programs prepare current and aspiring healthcare professionals for challenging yet rewarding leadership roles in healthcare organizations in less than 24 months! Many graduate healthcare administration programs also allow students to transfer credits and take on more courses to earn the degree in 12 months.
Students in accelerated online MHA programs develop the ability to design, develop, implement, evaluate, and manage healthcare systems across diverse organizations. Academic rigor combined with effective real-world applications is emphasized in these programs because of the challenges that come with healthcare services management.
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Degrees Essential for Successful Careers in Healthcare Administration
What’s the best healthcare administration degree? There’s no right or wrong answer, as it will depend on your unique life circumstances. Your current work, personal, and professional goals, and finances are among the crucial considerations.
To jumpstart your career advancement, you should consider earning a master’s degree in healthcare administration!
There are four levels of healthcare administration degrees in academia, each with pros and cons.
- The two-year associate degree in healthcare administration is entry-level for aspiring healthcare professionals and can lead to entry-level employment.
- The four-year bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration enables students to build a solid foundation in the profession’s theories, principles and practices. Holders are usually qualified for entry-level administrative and supervisory roles that, with extensive work experience, can progress to managerial positions.
- The master’s degree in healthcare administration is the best academic credential for ambitious individuals seeking career advancement opportunities, usually in executive positions.
- The doctorate in healthcare administration is a terminal degree that can result in C-suite positions, tenured academic positions, and top-level research opportunities.
Also offered are master of business administration (MBA) programs with a healthcare administration or healthcare management program. These degree programs emphasize business-relevant competency that can be applied in the medical industry, such as hospitals, clinics and nursing facilities.
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Overview of Accelerated Online Master in Healthcare Administration Programs
The beauty of accelerated graduate-level healthcare administration degree programs lies in their diversity. No two online programs are alike! You must do your research and compare these master’s degree programs to determine their suitability in your case—and it starts by getting a general idea of their basic features.
Courses and Curriculum
Every online accelerated healthcare administration program has its own specific curriculum and courses, including prerequisites, course sequence and learning outcomes.
Here are the common courses in master in healthcare administration degree programs.
- Healthcare Policy and Management: This course is an extensive survey of contemporary policies, principles, and practices, including the rules and regulations that govern healthcare industries and their impact on healthcare organizations.
- Healthcare Leadership and Organizational Behavior: This course helps students to identify the best leadership style and strategies for their workplace and career trajectory, as well as grounding students in the theories, principles, and practices behind organizational behavior and management.
- Healthcare Quality and Performance Improvement: This course is an in-depth exploration of the effective, efficient, and responsive methods that improve the quality and delivery of healthcare services, such as performance metrics and patient safety.
- Healthcare Financial Management: This course explores the financial principles and practices that contribute to the financial health of healthcare organizations. Topics covered include budgeting, financial and managerial accounting, revenue generation, and cost analysis.
- Healthcare Information Systems and Technology: This course is a comprehensive survey of the healthcare information systems and technology used in the industry, focusing on data analytics and electronic health records.
- Legal and Ethical Issues in Healthcare: This course tackles the wide range of legal issues and ethical concerns that healthcare administration professionals must know and seek resolution for.
Credit Hours
The number of credit hours required differs by online MHA programs, too, and can depend on the program of study and your academic background. Foundational courses can increase the required credits, as is the case of choosing a concentration.
In addition to the online courses, which include required, core, and elective courses, other degree requirements are also possible. Things like a capstone project, an internship, or practicum demonstrates a student’s knowledge and understanding of health administration concepts. These are usually conducted in a healthcare setting or through an on-campus residency.
Learning Format
Online master’s in healthcare administration programs use learning management systems (LMS) to deliver the course materials, conduct live online classes, and allow students and professors to interact, among other online learning activities. The common LMS used are Moodle, Canvas and Blackboard, although many schools also have their in-house LMS.
Most online programs use a combination of synchronous sessions, asynchronous learning, and online collaborations that maximize the students’ learning opportunities.
Admission Requirements
Every healthcare administration program has its admission criteria, too, but interested individuals are well-advised to comply with the following:
- Bachelor’s degree in healthcare management, healthcare administration, or related field
- Minimum GPA requirement
- Minimum number of years of relevant work experience, usually in a healthcare field
- Letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose or personal statement
- Professional resume
- GMAT/GRE scores (Waivers may be available)
Key Point: As long as the program is accredited, online MHA programs have the same quality as their on-campus master of healthcare administration counterparts, and are equally respected by employers.
However, an accelerated healthcare management program has an increased level of academic rigor because of the shortened time to graduation. This is a very important factor that potential students should consider.
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Popular Career Paths for Professionals with Master in Healthcare Administration Degrees
The demand for competent healthcare administrators with excellent leadership skills is among the reasons for their continued popularity. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 28% employment growth in medical and health services manager jobs from 2021 to 2031.
Professionals with master’s in healthcare administration degrees are sought-after in leadership positions. These are a few examples of positions that graduates of online MHA programs may be qualified for (Amounts are average annual salaries):
Healthcare Administrators and Managers ($77,147)
These healthcare professionals oversee the day-to-day operations of healthcare organizations and facilities, including coordination of medical and health services, human resources management, and compliance with laws.
Health Services Managers ($72,702)
Their main duties include planning, coordinating, and managing the quality healthcare services being carried out, and implementing improvements.
Hospital Chief Executive Officers, Chief Operating Officers ($146,955)
These are the highest C-suite positions in healthcare organizations and facilities and, thus, are responsible for their overall strategic direction and management.
Healthcare Policy Analysts ($66,494)
These healthcare professionals are adept at analyzing healthcare policies, practices, and legislation that impact the organizations they are connected with. Among their workplaces are government agencies, think tanks, and private corporations.
Healthcare Policy Advocates and Coordinators ($45,505)
With their extensive knowledge of health services administration principles and practices, these professionals work with individuals and groups in advocating for reforms and initiatives in healthcare.
Key Point: These are just a few of the possible career paths that graduates of the fastest healthcare management programs may be qualified for. There are numerous other job opportunities.
With the high projected employment growth and higher than average salary, the health administration field is a solid choice.
Merits of Earning an Online Master in Healthcare Administration Via Accelerated Programs
There are many reasons for popularity of online accelerated master’s in healthcare administration degree programs, including:
- Time efficiency: Students can earn your master’s degree in a shorter period to transition into leadership positions quickly.
- Flexibility and convenience: Thanks to the learn-anytime-anywhere nature of online classes, accelerated master’s programs contribute to a better work-life balance.
- Career advancement opportunities: Higher paying positions with more responsibility are in reach because of the advanced knowledge and skills that come with graduate education.
- Concentration options: Allow students to gain specialized skills in diverse areas of healthcare administration, such as quality improvement or healthcare informatics.
- Real-world applications: Provide students enrolled in online healthcare administration programs with the benefits that come with classroom-to-workplace learning.
- Networking opportunities: The diversity of the student body, extensive network of professors and alumni, and in-person and virtual networking events will all help to expand your reach.
- Access to credentialed faculty members: The working experiences and academic guidance strengthen students’ learning outcomes.
- Student support services: Services such as access to digital and on-campus libraries, tech support, and other admission-to-graduation services, contribute to positive learning experiences.
- More affordable costs: Partly due to the reduced traveling and on-campus expenses.
- Adaptable degree program: Online master’s in healthcare administration programs accommodate both current healthcare professionals and career changers.
Effective Means of Further Fast-tracking a Master in Healthcare Administration Degree
While accelerated master’s in healthcare administration programs allow students to earn the graduate degree in less than 24 months, there are even more ways of shortening your time-to-degree, including:
- Prioritize your full-time studies (e.g., take more courses per term so that you can earn the degree at a faster rate)
- Enroll in accelerated courses and take advantage of intensive sessions if these are offered.
- Transfer credits from graduate-level courses, applicable work experience, and military training and education (i.e., prior learning assessment)
Of course, being a full-time student while maintaining part-time or full-time work is challenging, but the rewards are great!
In order to do so, you must stay focused and organized, adopt effective time management habits, and communicate your plans with your professors and academic advisors. You should also plan for the capstone project or master’s thesis requirement that your chosen healthcare administration degree program requires for graduation.
Efficient Tuition Reduction Methods in the Pursuit of a Master in Healthcare Administration Degree
While an online master’s in healthcare administration degree can be more affordable, as stated above, it still requires money! The average cost of earning a master’s degree is $62,300, but it can range from $15,000 in public universities to $80,000+ in private institutions.
Graduate students are interested in reducing their tuition, because student debt is a huge concern today. Fortunately, there are many ways to find significant savings on tuition, including:
- Financial aid offered by colleges and universities, usually in the form of scholarships and grants, as well as federal and state financial assistance
- Work-study arrangements
- Employer tuition assistance and reimbursement
- Alumni scholarships and external grants
- Military discounts
Be sure to work with admissions counselors and financial aid counselors in identifying your best financial aid options as early as your first day of admission.
Accreditation for Master in Healthcare Administration Degree Programs
In addition to regional accreditation, accelerated master’s in healthcare administration programs should also have programmatic accreditation from one of the following organizations:
- CAHME-Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education
- ACHCA-American College of Health Care Administrators
- AUPHA-Association of University Programs in Health Administration or AUPHA
- ACHE-American College of Health Care Executives
- National Association of Long-Term Care Administrator Boards and Catholic Health Association
- AHIMA-American Health Information Management Association
Typical Time-to-completion of Master in Healthcare Administration Programs
In the case of accelerated master’s in healthcare administration programs, the time-to-degree ranges between 12 and 18 months. Note that the average time-to-completion for master’s degree programs is 2-3 years, depending on whether the student is enrolled full-time or part-time.
Choosing the Best Online Accelerated Master’s in Healthcare Administration Program for You
Keep these general guidelines in mind when making your choice from the ten featured online programs here.
- Check the accreditation status and the overall reputation of these programs.
- Consider the tuition and other aspects of the cost of attendance and financial aid options.
- Read the degree requirements, including the number of credits, courses and their learning outcomes, and culminating capstone project or master’s thesis, among others, to determine their alignment with your goals.
- Decide whether the in-person requirements will work to your advantage
- Consider the format and schedule, as well as the required pace and course load
- Look at the faculty members’ credentials
- Check out the student support services, networking opportunities, and graduate outcomes.
What’s next?
With your master’s degree in healthcare management, career advances are possible! During an online accelerated master’s in healthcare administration program, you will practice your leadership skills, gain more work experience, and perhaps ultimately pursue a doctorate and professional credentials.