Best Online MBA in Healthcare Management Ranked for Students in 2024

Badge for BEST ONLINE MBA IN HEALTHCARE MANAGEMENT

An online MBA degree in healthcare management is a convenient and flexible option for many students. We rank the best programs here.

Key Takeaways

  • The online MBA in healthcare management degree is excellent for students looking for leadership roles in healthcare organizations.

  • Getting the online MBA in healthcare management degree can lead to careers in healthcare administration, healthcare finance, and even health law.

  • A growing number of online schools offer fully online MBA programs in healthcare management.

See our complete guide to MBAs for more information.

Featured Programs

An MBA in healthcare management online program is an excellent path for students looking to apply their business education to leadership roles in healthcare organizations. There is tremendous demand for qualified professionals in the healthcare industry.

Fortunately, prospective students with an interest in healthcare leadership have many excellent online programs in healthcare administration and healthcare management to choose from.

The master of business administration with a healthcare concentration is ideal for students interested in roles in health systems management, operations management, and healthcare financial management.

Most students who earn an online MBA in healthcare management will work in healthcare facilities. However, there are numerous related career paths that you could take including field work through community health assessment, healthcare marketing for a private entity, or even an array of leadership positions for government funded public health agencies.

See the complete List of Online Programs. Otherwise, read on.

 

About Online MBA in Healthcare Management Degree Programs

Students in the online MBA in healthcare management degree program will study topics such as healthcare informatics, healthcare marketing management, and coordination across interdependent healthcare systems.

These business and management skills can easily be transferred to careers in other business contexts including project management, business analytics, and even consultation on the development of healthcare policy.

In most cases, however, the online MBA in healthcare management is designed to prepare you for a leadership role within a healthcare organization.

This advanced degree can lead to immediate and well-paying opportunities in the field. Graduates with an online MBA in healthcare management are capable of earning a median salary of $101,340 a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Admission Requirements for an Online MBA in Healthcare Management

Schools that offer an online MBA in healthcare management have different admission requirements.

These are the admission requirements common to schools offering the online MBA in healthcare management:

  • A completed online application
  • An accredited bachelor’s degree
  • Official college transcripts
  • A cumulative college GPA of 3.0 - 3.5
  • Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) Score or Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Score
  • Personal statement or essay
  • Reference Letters
  • Professional Resume or CV

Key Point: Some programs might also require an interview process.

Learn more about online MBA admission requirements.

Curriculum and Courses

Business schools offering the online MBA program in healthcare management have different courses, although there are similarities in programs. There are typically core online MBA in healthcare management courses, as well as electives and an individualized healthcare management capstone project.

The typical courses offered in the online MBA in healthcare management specialty include:

  • Healthcare Strategy
  • Global Health Initiatives
  • Health Informatics
  • Health Administration
  • Legal Aspects of Healthcare Administration
  • Health Promotion Programming
  • Financial Management
  • Health Economics
  • Strategic Management
  • Healthcare Leadership

Key Point: MBA programs in healthcare management programs will cover topics such as healthcare administration, strategic management, and healthcare leadership.

Healthcare professional meeting next to a laptop
Back to Top

Careers for Online MBA in Healthcare Management Degree Holders

The online MBA in healthcare management prepares graduates for several careers, including:

  • Healthcare Administrator
  • Health Services Manager
  • Health Information Specialist
  • Global Health Specialist
  • Public Health Expert

Key Points: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job openings for Administrative Services and Facilities Managers are projected to grow by 7% from 2021 to 2031.

The picture is even brighter for those who use their graduate degree to pursue careers as medical and health services managers. Jobs for these positions are expected to grow by 28% from 2021 to 2031.

See what else you can do with an online MBA.

Back to Top

Factors for Choosing Online MBA in Healthcare Management Online Programs

If you aspire to a career in health care administration, you must be sure that you can tackle the challenges of an accredited online MBA in healthcare management program.

Choosing a top-notch online degree program will help to make your professional journey easier by allowing you to balance your pursuit of an advanced degree with any existing professional demands.

Furthermore, an online degree program in a reputable college or university should have the integrity, reputation, and track record to convince employers that their graduates deserve a place in the employer’s organization.

Here are the factors that you need to consider when choosing a school that offers the online MBA in healthcare management degree:

  • Accreditation: Accreditation is vital. It signifies that the school’s education is in compliance with the standards of the Department of Education and the accrediting body. A school must also be accredited in order to offer federal financial aid to its students.
  • In addition to institutional accreditation, be sure your degree in online MBA in healthcare management is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). This national board provides programmatic accreditation, which is an important mark of credibility for the master’s of business administration degree.

  • Cost: Cost is an inherent element of every educational pursuit. But since cost differs from one school to another, you must ensure that the online school you choose is affordable while still providing a quality education.
  • Financing Options: Accredited colleges and universities will offer financial aid options including grants, scholarships, and loans for students who qualify. Some will also offer work-study programs.
  • Course Delivery: Online education courses are delivered in three different ways: synchronous (live online classes), asynchronous (classes that can be attended anytime), and blended or hybrid (a mix of both synchronous and asynchronous). Choose a school that offers the type that suits your schedule.
  • Academic Support: Academic support is a valuable element of distance learning. Give due credit to schools that provide students with online resources such as references and tutorials. You will need these to gain a deeper understanding of your lessons.

Learn how to find accredited online MBA programs.

Back to Top

The 10 Best Online MBA in Healthcare Management Degree Programs

  1. #1

    Lamar University

    Beaumont , TX
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    84%

    Graduation

    38%

    Student body

    22K

    Median SAT/ACT

    930/16

    Career Outlook for Management degree at Lamar University

    Cost of Degree: $8,411
    Expenses: $15,972
    Starting Salary: $68,234
    Salary after 4 years: $84,053
    Cost Recoup Time: 4 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    What do we love about Lamar University?

    Lamar University was formed in 1923 as the South Park Junior College and actually operated out of the third floor of the South Park High School. But the Beaumont, Texas university holds the distinction of being the first college in the state to earn the Texas Department of Education’s approval in its inaugural year.

    In 1995, Lamar University joined the Texas state university system. Today, the public research university serves more than 16,000 students.

    • Lamar University is great for students who:

      Enjoy college athletics. Lamar’s Cardinals are extremely popular throughout the surrounding Southeast Texas region.

    • Lamar University might not be the best fit for students who:

      Don’t prefer an urban college atmosphere. The university’s nearly 300 acres are concentrated in downtown Beaumont.

  2. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    88%

    Graduation

    53%

    Student body

    44K

    Median SAT/ACT

    960/19

    Career Outlook for Management degree at University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

    Cost of Degree: $8,333
    Expenses: $13,704
    Starting Salary: $65,564
    Salary after 4 years: $80,764
    Cost Recoup Time: 4 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Texas Rio Grande Valley known for?

    University of Texas Rio Grande Valley’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    What do we love about University of Texas Rio Grande Valley?

    University of Texas Rio Grande Valley is the southernmost school in the public Texas state university system. Located on several campuses across the Rio Grande Valley, UTRGV was formed in 2013 through a consolidation of three institutions—the University of Texas at Brownsville (formed 1973), Texas Southmost College (formed 1926) and the University of Texas–Pan American (formed 1952).

    Today, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley ranks as the 9th largest school in Texas by student population, with more than 32,000 undergraduates and graduate students enrolled.

    • University of Texas Rio Grande Valley is great for students who:

      Are seeking a campus with a strong Hispanic-American identity. Nearly 90% of students at UTRGV come from Hispanic and Latin American backgrounds.

    • University of Texas Rio Grande Valley might not be the best fit for students who:

      Are looking for a big city experience. Many of UTRGV’s campuses are centered in smaller communities, which students say can limit off-campus recreational options.

  3. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    79%

    Graduation

    48%

    Student body

    12K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1105/22

    Career Outlook for Management degree at Coastal Carolina University

    Cost of Degree: $10,764
    Expenses: $15,786
    Starting Salary: $66,009
    Salary after 4 years: $81,312
    Cost Recoup Time: 4 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Coastal Carolina University known for?

    Coastal Carolina University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    What do we love about Coastal Carolina University?

    Coastal Carolina University was formed in 1954 as Coastal Carolina Junior College. For the first two decades of its existence, Coastal Carolina operated as a community college before adding four-year degrees to its course catalog in 1974. Though it wasn’t until 1993 that Coastal Carolina finally achieved recognition as an independent state university, the school has grown rapidly in the years since.

    In fact, CCU did not establish residence halls until 1987. Today, Coastal Carolina serves more than 10,000 students and is noted for its vibrant campus life.

    • Coastal Carolina University is great for students who:

      Are pursuing careers in areas like business, accounting, education, and marine science. Coastal Carolina is home to noted programs in each of these disciplines.

    • Coastal Carolina University might not be the best fit for students who:

      Plan to commute to campus by car. Students speak positively about the campus but generally indicate that parking is limited and challenging.

  4. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    91%

    Graduation

    50%

    Student body

    12K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1035/22

    Career Outlook for Management degree at University of Central Arkansas

    Cost of Degree: $6,924
    Expenses: $14,870
    Starting Salary: $63,042
    Salary after 4 years: $77,658
    Cost Recoup Time: 4 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    What do we love about University of Central Arkansas?

    University of Central Arkansas is one of the oldest institutions in the state of Arkansas. Formed as the Arkansas State Normal School in 1907, it was in fact the state’s only teaching college for much of its early operation, which made it the primary source for most of the state’s educators.

    Today, the University of Central Arkansas serves more than 11,000 students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.

    • University of Central Arkansas is great for students who:

      Are pursuing careers in nursing, education, and business. University of Central Arkansas has noted programs in each of these popular disciplines.

    • University of Central Arkansas might not be the best fit for students who:

      Don’t prefer a campus with a prominent Greek system. Students indicate that fraternities and sororities play a defining role in the social atmosphere at UCA.

  5. Man writing in a notebook and staring at a laptop

  6. #5

    Wilmington University

    New Castle , DE
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Graduation

    20%

    Student body

    19K

    Career Outlook for Management degree at Wilmington University

    Cost of Degree: $9,276
    Starting Salary: $51,838
    Salary after 4 years: $63,485
    What is Wilmington University known for?

    Wilmington University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    What do we love about Wilmington University?

    Wilmington University was formed in 1968 as Wilmington College. The private university is concentrated in stately and historic New Castle, Delaware. However, Wilmington also lays claim to six additional campuses in the state, as well as partnership campuses in Maryland and New Jersey.

    Wilmington College earned university status in 2007 and has grown rapidly throughout its history. With just 194 students in its inaugural class, today Wilmington serves more than 20,000 students.

    • Wilmington University is great for students who:

      Are still undecided on a major. With more than 100 undergraduate and graduate-level degrees, Wilmington students have plenty of options.

    • Wilmington University might not be the best fit for students who:

      Are seeking a traditional residential campus experience. Some students describe Wilmington’s various satellite campuses as commuter schools.

  7. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    84%

    Graduation

    58%

    Student body

    11K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1077/22

    Career Outlook for Management degree at Murray State University

    Cost of Degree: $10,071
    Expenses: $15,655
    Starting Salary: $62,745
    Salary after 4 years: $77,292
    Cost Recoup Time: 4 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    What do we love about Murray State University?

    Murray State University was formed in 1922 as the Murray State Normal School. Though Murray State’s flagship campus is based in Calloway, Kentucky, the public university operates an additional four campuses throughout the state.

    Murray State gradually evolved throughout its history, from a modest teachers college operating out of a local middle school into a degree-granting institution and, by 1966, a state-recognized university. Today, Murray serves more than 9,000 students at the graduate and undergraduate levels.

    • Murray State University is great for students who:

      Are pursuing careers in teaching, nursing, and business. Murray State is recognized for its excellence in each of these areas.

    • Murray State University might not be the best fit for students who:

      Have financial limitations. Students describe the cost of attendance and the cost of living as comparatively high at Murray State.

  8. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $41K

    Acceptance

    66%

    Graduation

    60%

    Student body

    6K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1175/24

    Career Outlook for Management degree at Abilene Christian University

    Cost of Degree: $24,174
    Expenses: $16,022
    Starting Salary: $54,396
    Salary after 4 years: $66,619
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    What do we love about Abilene Christian University?

    Abilene Christian University was formed in 1906 and was originally known as the Childers Classical Institute. Today, the Christian university is nationally recognized for its top programs in business, service learning, and teaching.

    Abilene’s inaugural class included just 25 students. Today, Abilene serves more than 5,000 students at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

    • Abilene Christian University is great for students who:

      Are seeking a college or graduate education rooted in Christian values. The private university was formed by, and remains closely affiliated with, the Church of Christ.

    • Abilene Christian University might not be the best fit for students who:

      Are seeking a big city campus experience. Some students describe opportunities for off-campus activity as limited in the relatively small town of Abilene.

  9. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Acceptance

    89%

    Graduation

    40%

    Student body

    14K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1040/19

    Career Outlook for Management degree at Valdosta State University

    Cost of Degree: $6,208
    Expenses: $15,824
    Starting Salary: $61,707
    Salary after 4 years: $76,013
    Cost Recoup Time: 4 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Valdosta State University known for?

    Valdosta State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    What do we love about Valdosta State University?

    Valdosta State University was formed in 1913 as the Georgia State Normal College. In its first year of operation, the teaching college included three college level students and 15 prep level students. In the next decade, the institution evolved into the Georgia State Women’s College.

    By 1950, Valdosta State had become a coeducational institution. Today, Valdosta serves more than 12,000 students at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

    • Valdosta State University is great for students who:

      Are pursuing careers in education, business administration, and health sciences. Valdosta offers excellent programs in each of these areas.

    • Valdosta State University might not be the best fit for students who:

      Are seeking a big city campus experience. Some students describe opportunities for off-campus activity as limited in the relatively small town of Valdosta.

  10. #9

    Lake Erie College

    Painesville , OH

    Tuition + fees

    $35K

    Acceptance

    54%

    Graduation

    42%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1085/23

    Career Outlook for Management degree at Lake Erie College

    Cost of Degree: $13,536
    Expenses: $15,022
    Starting Salary: $45,163
    Salary after 4 years: $55,311
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Lake Erie College known for?

    Lake Erie College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    What do we love about Lake Erie College?

    Lake Erie College was formed in 1856 as a female seminary. Based in Painesville, Ohio, the private liberal arts college only became coeducational in 1985, but today offers more than 60 undergraduate programs as well as noteworthy advanced degree programs in the areas of education, healthcare, and business administration.

    In 1954, Lake Erie earned the distinction of becoming the first school in the United States to require its students to spend a semester abroad.Today, Lake Erie College serves roughly 1000 students.

    • Lake Erie College is great for students who:

      Are interested in riding or training horses. Lake Erie is noted for its School of Equine Studies, founded in 1967.

    • Lake Erie College might not be the best fit for students who:

      Are seeking a larger campus experience. Students describe the campus as small, which can limit social opportunities.

  11. #10

    Lindenwood University

    Saint Charles , MO
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $19K

    Acceptance

    74%

    Graduation

    54%

    Student body

    10K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1126/24

    Career Outlook for Management degree at Lindenwood University

    Cost of Degree: $8,580
    Expenses: $14,600
    Starting Salary: $52,283
    Salary after 4 years: $64,030
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Lindenwood University known for?

    Lindenwood University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    What do we love about Lindenwood University?

    Lindenwood University began as The Lindenwood School for Girls in 1827. This makes the St. Charles, Missouri-based school the second oldest higher education institution west of the Mississippi River. Located just a short drive from the major metropolis of St. Louis, Lindenwood’s 500-acre campus is home to 9 academic schools.

    Becoming coeducational in 1969, the private university now serves more than 8000 students at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

    • Lindenwood University is great for students who:

      Prefer small classes. Lindenwood boasts an excellent studio-faculty ratio of 13:1.

    • Lindenwood University might not be the best fit for students who:

      Are seeking a campus with an active nightlife. Students note that many residents travel home for the weekends.

Career Outlook for Students with Management Degree

Go to Degree Finder tool

Operations Management And Supervision

Degree Level: Master's

  • Location: The U.S. (Private Schools)
  • Avg. Cost of Degree*: $11,695
  • Avg. Expenses*: $16,509
  • Avg. Starting Salary*: $77,404
  • Avg. Salary after 4 Years*: $95,349
  • Avg. Cost Recoup Time**: 4 years
  • Job Growth: 6.02%
  • Number of Jobs: 2,978,800
  • * denotes ‘annually’
  • ** denotes ‘at 15% of annual salary’

Career Salaries

CareerJob GrowthAvg. Salary
Chief Executives-8.21%$161,191
Computer and Information Systems Managers15.41%$134,192
Compensation and Benefits Managers1.71%$124,492
Purchasing Managers4.39%$118,521
Sales Managers4.06%$117,002

Average Career Salaries

Bottom 10%MedianTop 10%
$55,563$92,094$148,349

Promising Job Markets

StateCost of LivingAvg. Salary
#2 New York5% higher than average$116,372
#3 Virginia5% higher than average$104,589
#4 Michigan15% higher than average$90,047
#5 Georgia13% higher than average$90,306
#6 Illinois7% higher than average$96,596

Top Industries

IndustryAvg. Salary
Chief Executives$161,191
Computer and Information Systems Managers$134,192
Compensation and Benefits Managers$124,492

Save money on your way to an MBA by checking out some free MBA courses at some of the best business schools in the world.

Or find out what your options are with a look at our full List of College Rankings.

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