Fastest Accelerated Online Healthcare Administration Masters 2025

Badge for FASTEST ONLINE MASTER'S IN HEALTHCARE ADMINISTRATION

By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Chloe Dembski

Updated: Oct 10, 2024

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.

Table of Contents

Fastest Online Master's in Healthcare Administration Degree Programs in 2025

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Ohio University
Liberty University
East Tennessee State University
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
+1
Minnesota State University Moorhead
+3
Saint Leo University
Park University
–3
Grand Canyon University
–1
City University of Seattle

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.

hospital administration discusses hospital financials with a group of doctors

Fastest Accelerated Online Master of Healthcare Administration Programs

Career Outlook for Students with Healthcare Administration Degree

Go to Degree Finder tool

Health/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
Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars	16.37%	$62,990
Computer User Support Specialists	5.13%	$59,240
Medical Records Specialists	8.72%	$48,780
Healthcare Support Workers, All Other	5.62%	$44,490
Medical Transcriptionists	-4.77%	$37,060

Top Industries

Industry	Avg. Salary
Medical and Health Services Managers	$110,680
Facilities Managers	$102,340
Computer Programmers	$99,700
Business Teachers, Postsecondary	$97,130
First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers	$63,450
Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars	$62,990
Computer User Support Specialists	$59,240
Medical Records Specialists	$48,780
Healthcare Support Workers, All Other	$44,490
Medical Transcriptionists	$37,060

Data from The Bureau of Labor Statistics, The Department of Education College Scorecard, The Department of Education NCES, and The Council for Community and Economic Research.

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.

healthcare administrator speaks to hospital staff

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.

healthcare administrator addressing hospital staff in a meeting

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.

hospital administration sits in on a round table with hospital personnel

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.

healthcare administrator speaks with a doctor

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.

hospital administrator speaks with a nurse practitioner

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.

healthcare administrator speaks to a group of healthcare professionals

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.

healthcare administrator speaks to a group of healthcare professionals in a meeting

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

healthcare administrator walks and talks with a doctor

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.

Do you have a question about this topic? Ask it here

Fastest Accelerated Online Healthcare Administration Masters 2025

Key Takeaways

Fastest Online Master's in Healthcare Administration Degree Programs in 2025

2025 Ranking Update

Fastest Accelerated Online Master of Healthcare Administration Programs

Last Year’s Ranking:

Career Outlook for Healthcare Administration degree at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Most Influential Alumni

Career Outlook for Healthcare Administration degree at Ohio University

Most Influential Alumni

Career Outlook for Healthcare Administration degree at Liberty University

Most Influential Alumni

Career Outlook for Healthcare Administration degree at East Tennessee State University

Most Influential Alumni

Career Outlook for Healthcare Administration degree at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

Career Outlook for Healthcare Administration degree at Minnesota State University Moorhead

Most Influential Alumni

Career Outlook for Healthcare Administration degree at Saint Leo University

Most Influential Alumni

Career Outlook for Healthcare Administration degree at Park University

Most Influential Alumni

Career Outlook for Healthcare Administration degree at Grand Canyon University

Most Influential Alumni

Career Outlook for Healthcare Administration degree at City University of Seattle

Career Outlook for Students with Healthcare Administration Degree

Health/Health Care Administration/Management

Degree Level: Master's

Career Salaries

Top Industries

Degrees Essential for Successful Careers in Healthcare Administration

Overview of Accelerated Online Master in Healthcare Administration Programs

Courses and Curriculum

Learning Format

Admission Requirements

Popular Career Paths for Professionals with Master in Healthcare Administration Degrees

Healthcare Administrators and Managers ($77,147)

Health Services Managers ($72,702)

Hospital Chief Executive Officers, Chief Operating Officers ($146,955)

Healthcare Policy Analysts ($66,494)

Healthcare Policy Advocates and Coordinators ($45,505)

Merits of Earning an Online Master in Healthcare Administration Via Accelerated Programs

Effective Means of Further Fast-tracking a Master in Healthcare Administration Degree

Efficient Tuition Reduction Methods in the Pursuit of a Master in Healthcare Administration Degree

Accreditation for Master in Healthcare Administration Degree Programs

Typical Time-to-completion of Master in Healthcare Administration Programs

Choosing the Best Online Accelerated Master’s in Healthcare Administration Program for You

What’s next?