Health administration programs provide students with a broad understanding of leadership styles and information systems.
An online master’s in health administration prepares students for management positions in health services organizations. Students also learn to solve financial problems and assess strategies for improved patient care.
Professionals who work in health care administration and management oversee day-to-day operations in hospitals, doctor’s offices, and other health care facilities. They may also work in related positions for corporations, nonprofit organizations, or government agencies.
In this article, you will learn about the online master’s in healthcare administration MHA programs, admission requirements, job outlook, and career paths.
So, before we continue, let’s go through the table of contents below to get an overview of what the article entails:
What Is Health Administration?
Health administration also is known as healthcare administration is the field relating to leadership, management, and administration of public health systems, health care systems, hospitals, and hospital networks in all the primary, secondary, and tertiary sectors.
What Is An Online Master’s In Healthcare Administration (MHA) Program?
A large number of colleges and universities now offer a master’s in health administration degree programs online.
An online MHA program is an ideal pathway for students who wish to study from home, particularly those with other responsibilities like full- and part-time jobs or child care obligations.
Online MHA programs typically attract healthcare professionals looking to enhance their management capabilities and pursue career advancement opportunities. Flexible online formats and limited on-site requirements allow for minimal interference with work, family, and other obligations.
Online MHA Course work
The coursework for online MHA programs includes studies in finance, research, marketing, human resources, and management, all delivered with an emphasis on health care services. Other courses may discuss issues specific to the health care industry, such as medical supply chains, health information systems, and global health.
Health administration master’s students also learn about the various laws, regulations, and ethical standards in today’s health care industry.
Online MHA programs often culminate in a capstone course or thesis, allowing students to demonstrate the knowledge and skills they have gained with a comprehensive research project.
Practicum courses may be required as well; these allow students to receive on-site training from experienced professionals at hospitals, clinics, and other health care providers.
Working Conditions
Most health administrators work 40 hours a week, though there may be times that longer hours are necessary. Since the facilities they manage (nursing homes, hospitals, clinics, etc.) operate around the clock, a manager may be called at all hours to deal with issues.
Some travel may also be involved, since managers may need to inspect satellite facilities, attend meetings, etc.
What Are The Admission Requirements For An Online Masters In Health Administration?
Admission requirements for the online MHA programs vary from school to school. Here are the possible requirements that might be needed by schools:
1. Undergraduate GPA
Healthcare administration programs target students with a proven track record of academic success. Many programs use a 2.5-3.0 minimum undergraduate GPA cutoff. In some cases, universities do not consider applicants with a lower GPA. For those that do, the school often requires supplemental materials.
2. Nursing License
Some programs use a unique curriculum that prepares practicing nurses for a management-level career. As a result, these programs require that applicants possess an active nursing license.
3. Standardized Test Scores
Most online master’s in healthcare administration programs that require standardized test scores ask for the GRE or GMAT. However, some universities may also accept the MAT.
4. Professional Experience
Most master’s in healthcare administration programs look for applicants with relevant work experience. Specifics vary by program, but applicants may need 2-5 years of experience working in a healthcare setting, preferably as a manager or other form of a supervisor before applying to graduate school.
5. Recommended Letters
Recommendation letters usually play a vital role in the graduate school admissions process. Online master’s in healthcare administration programs typically require 2-3 letters, and prospective students should consider asking both a former professor and a current work supervisor for a recommendation.
How Long Does It Take To Earn A Master’s in Health Care Administration?
Online MHA degree programs can range from 32 to 60 credits. Students enrolled full time can complete most online master’s in health care administration programs within two academic years.
Alternatively, some joint-degree online MHA programs and certain master’s specializations may take up to three or four years to complete.
What Can I Do With An Online Masters in Health Administration?
Students who earn a master’s in health administration online can pursue careers in health services management, administrative services management, healthcare social work, and health information technology.
What Is The Salary Of An MHA Degree-holder?
The Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BL)S reports that medical and health services managers earn a median annual salary of $99,730. Your salary after earning a master’s may differ due to your prior experience and any licenses or certifications you may possess.
However, this figure does not include the value of benefits, such as health insurance.
What Is The Job Outlook For Health Administrators?
Rapid growth is expected in the health care industry for years to come. The BLS projects the number of occupations in the health care sector will grow by 19 percent between 2014 and 2024, resulting in roughly 2.3 million new jobs.
Additionally, the outlook is strong for health care management professions. Jobs for medical and health services managers, for example, are expected to grow by 17 percent from 2014 to 2024 – an increase of roughly 56,300 positions over the decade.
What Are The Online Masters In Health Administration MHA Program?
There are various schools that offer online MHA programs. Here, we give you 15 online masters in health administration.
They include:
1. University of Southern California
Program: Executive Master of Health Administration
Tuition: $1,928/credit
The online program at USC blends online learning and two on-campus residency experiences. All students complete a set curriculum that features courses in strategic management and quality of care concepts.
Prospective students should possess five years of professional experience and submit three recommendation letters, a statement of purpose, and a resume. All degree-seekers pay the same tuition rate, and USC does not offer a tuition discount to full-time students.
2. Saint Joseph’s University
Program: Online Master’s in Health Administration
Tuition: $887/credit
Saint Joseph’s University’s online program features two concentration options that both require an additional eight credits to the 36-credit general curriculum. All students receive a rigorous education in healthcare law, ethics, and informatics. Additionally, degree-seekers work with an advisor to create a custom-tailored capstone experience.
SJU accepts new students at six dates throughout the year and prefers applicants who possess healthcare experience. This private university charges the same per-credit tuition rate to all learners regardless of residency, and veterans and active duty service members enjoy an automatic tuition discount.
3. George Mason University
Program: Master of Healthcare Administration
Tuition: $11,736 in-state; $27,720 out-of-state
The online master’s in healthcare administration program at Mason features a two-phase curriculum that emphasizes leadership in the healthcare delivery system and problem resolution. Courses prepare students for management-level careers. Additionally, the program’s capstone experience involves a field practicum.
Prospective students submit three recommendation letters, a resume, and a supplemental application. In-state degree-seekers save more than 50% on tuition compared to out-of-state learners.
4. American University
Program: Online Master’s in Healthcare Management
Tuition: $1,345/credit
The online master’s in healthcare administration program at the American University allows students to earn a degree in less than two years. The curriculum features coursework in project cost-benefit analysis and professional ethics. Additionally, students can customize the degree by selecting one elective from nine options.
AU does not require test scores or use a minimum GPA cutoff. Incoming students may transfer up to six credits. Online degree-seekers may qualify for a federal student loan program.
5. Pennsylvania State University – World Campus
Program: Master of Health Administration in Health Policy and Administration
Tuition: $930/credit
Penn State offers an online master of health administration in health policy and administration that emphasizes professional efficiency and accountability. Students learn to apply management skills and technological tools to provide affordable health services.
Totaling 49 credits, the degree plan consists of classes like financing healthcare, change leadership, and population health. The curriculum also includes two face-to-face management intensives on the University Park campus.
Students round out their graduate training with a capstone project. This culminating requirement tasks students with developing a strategic plan for a health services organization. To apply, candidates need a minimum of a 3.0 GPA. They must submit a personal statement and two response essays. Penn State does not require GRE or GMAT scores.
6. Trinity University
Program: Executive Master of Health Administration
Tuition: $1,624/credit
Courses begin each fall, spring and summer semester with three days of intensive on-campus study. Once students leave the Trinity University campus, they are required to take part in regular class teleconferencing sessions every three weeks. The executive MHA program usually takes 23 months to complete, including summer courses, and consists of a total of 42 credit hours.
Because of the compact structure of the program, students are admitted once a year in the fall and, typically advance as a cohort through the program.
7. University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Program: Master of Healthcare Administration
Tuition: $1,632/credit
Prospective students with at least three years of experience as a clinical manager should consider an online master’s program at UMN. The cohort-based curriculum features five on-campus intensives and coursework in legal considerations in health services. Also, students complete a capstone in managing healthcare organizations.
In addition to possessing professional experience, applicants should meet UMN’s undergraduate GPA cutoff. The university may request GRE or GMAT scores from some applicants. Finally, incoming students should contact the SPH to learn more about the latest scholarship opportunities.
8. Appalachian State University
Program: Master of Health Administration
Tuition: $414/credit in-state; $1,072/credit out-of-state
The online master’s in healthcare administration program at Appalachian State features two concentrations and once-per-month, on-campus sessions. Both concentrations feature core courses in healthcare informatics and executive skills development. Also, the program emphasizes improving healthcare outcomes in rural settings.
Application requirements include experience in a healthcare setting and a minimum of 3.0 undergraduate GPA. Prospective students with a lower GPA can still apply if they submit standardized test scores.
9. University of Mary
Program: MSN/MBA Dual Degree in Healthcare Administration
Tuition: $540/credit
The University of Mary’s master’s in healthcare management program is an excellent opportunity for registered nurses who want to increase their career and salary potential. Core coursework includes healthcare across the population and resilient nursing leadership.
Also, the program features a 500-hour practicum experience that students complete at a job site.
Prospective students should possess an active nursing license and a minimum 2.75 undergraduate GPA.
10. University Of Central Florida
Program: Master of Health Administration
Tuition: $1,152/credit
In total, the program consists of 44 credit hours, with each course granting four semester hours of credit. In addition, you’ll complete a four credit hour capstone course in strategic management.
To gain admission to the program, you must have a minimum of three years of documented health care management experience and be recommended by your current employer.
Throughout your studies, you’ll interact with a cohort with a maximum of 30 students. The cohort model gives faculty the opportunity to discuss issues in greater detail, and allows students the ability to network with their peers.
11. University of St Francis
Program: Master of Science in Health Administration
Tuition: $748/credit
USF’s online MHA program boasts five concentration options and a curriculum that most students can complete in just over one year. Core courses include medical sociology, healthcare ethics, and human resource management. Also, all students take a comprehensive exam in the final semester.
Application requirements include two years of experience in the healthcare field and a minimum 2.75 undergraduate GPA. USF does not ask for standardized test scores. The university provides a tuition discount to students who work for a partner organization.
12. Seton Hall University
Program: Master of Healthcare Administration
Tuition: $1,310/creditt
The online master’s in health management program at Seton Hall appeals to both experienced healthcare professionals and recent college graduates. The fully online curriculum features seven-week courses in health finance and healthcare management.
Prospective students can apply for the spring or fall semester. Applicants who do not meet Seton Hall’s GPA cutoff can still receive conditional admission.
13. Clarkson College
Program: Master’s Degree in Health Care Administration
Tuition: $621/credit
Clarkson College’s master’s in healthcare administration program offers a unique curriculum wherein students can take an additional seven credits in optional electives. These electives include an internship opportunity and an independent study course.
The program accepts students in the fall, spring, and summer semesters. Clarkson College does not require standardized test scores or professional experience. Degree-seekers can apply for all institutional grants and scholarships by submitting a single financial aid application.
14. Western Governors University
Program: Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Management
Tuition:$4,180/6-month term
WGU’s online master’s in healthcare administration program combines in-demand business skills and the latest healthcare administration best practices. The curriculum features coursework in accounting for decision-makers and ethical leadership.
Prospective students should possess at least three years of relevant professional experience. WGU charges a flat tuition rate each term; degree-seekers can complete as many courses in one term as they can handle.
15. University of Denver
Program: Master’s in Healthcare Management
Tuition: $34,224/total
DU’s online master’s in healthcare management program boasts eight concentration options, including a combined healthcare-law track. Core coursework common to all concentrations includes healthcare finance, research practices and applications, and a capstone project.
DU accepts new students at four points throughout the year. Application materials include two recommendation letters and a personal statement
Conclusion
An online masters in health administration prepares students for management positions in health services organizations. Students also learn to solve financial problems and assess strategies for improved patient care.
Online Masters in Health Administration FAQs
Health administration also known as healthcare administration is the field relating to leadership, management, and administration of public health systems, health care systems, hospitals, and hospital networks in all the primary, secondary, and tertiary sectors.
An online MHA program is an ideal pathway for students who wish to study from home, particularly those with other responsibilities like full- and part-time jobs or child care obligations
Online MHA degree programs can range from 32 to 60 credits. Students enrolled full time can complete most online master’s in health care administration programs within two academic years.
The Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BL)S reports that medical and health services managers earn a median annual salary of $99,730. Your salary after earning a master’s may differ due to your prior experience and any licenses or certifications you may possess.
Rapid growth is expected in the health care industry for years to come. The BLS projects the number of occupations in the health care sector will grow by 19 percent between 2014 and 2024, resulting in roughly 2.3 million new jobs.
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