Demand for talented healthcare administrators has rarely been higher. Now is the best time to advance your career down the path of success. According to Glassdoor.com, the average salary for healthcare admins is $64,493; a number that is always increasing as more organizations seek strong management. An MBA in Healthcare Management or Administration shows future employers you have the knowledge and skills to efficiently manage healthcare organizations.
Table of contents
- What Is The Difference Between a MBA (Master of Business Administration) in Healthcare Administration and an MHA (Master of Health Administration)?
- What Do Healthcare Administrators And Healthcare Managers Do?
- How Long Does It Take To Earn A Healthcare MBA?
- Which School Has the Most Affordable MBA in Healthcare Administration?
- Best 25 MBA in Healthcare Administration
What Is The Difference Between a MBA (Master of Business Administration) in Healthcare Administration and an MHA (Master of Health Administration)?
While searching for an MBA in healthcare administration, you may find business schools offer MHA degrees instead. Indeed, many colleges use these terms interchangeably. Coursework for either usually covers business management and healthcare systems, and most employers will accept either healthcare management degrees when hiring candidates for administrative or managerial positions.
What Do Healthcare Administrators And Healthcare Managers Do?
Administrators generally oversee the staff at a medical facility. Their responsibilities include hiring qualified staff and managing facility finances within a complex ethical and legal environment. Health care managers oversee broader day-to-day operations involving patient care, organization, and general business.
How Long Does It Take To Earn A Healthcare MBA?
An MBA takes an average of 2 years to complete. Most MBA programs require at least a bachelor’s degree as a prerequisite. A bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as finance or medicine, is ideal. Some business schools prefer work experience, though this is not always necessary. Applicants will usually be expected to pass the GMAT with a certain minimum score. In all, expect at least 6 years of education total.
Which School Has the Most Affordable MBA in Healthcare Administration?
The following list is our assessment of 25 schools that offer MBA programs or equivalent degrees with a focus on healthcare administration programs. We ranked these business schools based on graduate-level tuition cost and overall graduation rate in order to rank them on a competitive scale. Take a look at our picks for affordable Healthcare Administration/Healthcare Management programs below.
If you’re struggling to find the right MBA in healthcare management programs, use our degree selector tool to tailor your results.
Rank | School | Location |
---|---|---|
1 | California State University Los Angeles – (MBA) Healthcare Management – 93 Points | Los Angeles, California |
2 | University of North Florida – (MHA) Master of Health Administration – 78 Points | Jacksonville, Florida |
3 | University of South Florida – (MHA) Master of Health Administration – 77 Points | Tampa, Florida |
4 | University of Kansas – (MHSA) Master of Health Services Administration – 70 Points | Lawrence, Kansas |
5 | Arkansas State University – (MBA) Health Care Management Concentration – 66 Points | Jonesboro, Arkansas |
Best 25 MBA in Healthcare Administration
California State University Los Angeles – (MBA) Healthcare Management – 93 Points
CalState Los Angeles offers a healthcare leadership-focused MBA. Interested students are asked to have a minimum of 2 years work experience, two letters of recommendation, and a professional resume. The program offers flexible scheduling and healthcare industry events with employer partnerships all under one of the most affordable yearly tuition structures in the country.
School Overview
University of North Florida – (MHA) Master of Health Administration – 78 Points
The MHA program at the University of North Florida includes hands-on experiential learning working with domestic and international healthcare organizations such as the Mayo Clinic. Those without an undergrad degree in business administration or healthcare administration will be required to take prerequisite courses. This is a good budget choice for students seeking entry-level administrative positions as well as those with existing employment experience.
School Overview
University of South Florida – (MHA) Master of Health Administration – 77 Points
A public health minded program, the University of South Florida offers interdisciplinary collaboration across school departments and internships within the community. Work experience is preferred but not required, and the program accepts recent undergrad graduates as well as those seeking professional development. Prerequisite undergrad coursework may be required for those who have not completed microeconomics or accounting classes.
School Overview
University of Kansas – (MHSA) Master of Health Services Administration – 70 Points
The University of Kansas Medical Center’s MHSA program is offered for both full and part-time students. Full-time students can expect to complete their health care management degree in approximately 2 years while part-time students can reach completion in 3-4 years. They also offer dual degree healthcare management programs that pair the MHSA with an MD, MS-Nursing, and other healthcare field(s).
School Overview
Arkansas State University – (MBA) Health Care Management Concentration – 66 Points
The MBA in health care management program at Arkansas State University allows students to tailor their learning experience by offering on-campus and completely online options as well as late-afternoon to evening classes. Students are required to complete Business Foundation prerequisite courses, which may be taken at either the undergrad or graduate level. Furthermore, admissions into graduate school require a baccalaureate degree with a minimum undergrad GPA of 2.75.
School Overview
Wichita State University – (MBA) Health Care Administration Concentration – 63 Points
Offering a traditional MBA in health care management with modern schedule sensibilities, Wichita State University appeals to professionals looking for a fast track to their master’s degree. Classes are offered full and part-time in an 8-week hybrid structure that is part on-campus part online, or a fully online 8-week structure. Students are not required to complete a thesis.
School Overview
Plymouth State University – (MBA) Healthcare Administration Certification – 58 Points
Plymouth State University allows students to pursue an MBA with an added graduate certificate in Healthcare Administration or take the graduate-level certificate as a stand-alone program for professional development purposes. The degree can be completed either fully online, or in-person as a member of a 1-year cohort. To pursue the MBA in health care management program, students are required to have a cumulative undergrad GPA of 3.0 or above, three professional recommendations, a statement of interest, and a current resume. For the certificate program alone, students must have a bachelor’s degree and maintain a 3.0 GPA.
School Overview
Eastern Washington University – (MBA) Health Services Administration – 56 Points
In addition to a robust on-campus undergrad and graduate Health Services Administration program, Eastern Washington University also offers fully online MBA programs and professional certification options. Full-time students can complete the program in a year depending on relevant experience, which may affect the total expected tuition. Students are expected to have a bachelor’s degree, a resume, and a cumulative GPA of 2.5.
School Overview
University of Pittsburgh – (Dual MBA/MHA) Health Policy & Management – 55 Points
The University of Pittsburgh’s joint MBA/MHA combines financial and management training with health policy analytics and quality improvement skills. While more expensive than most in terms of tuition, this school scored the highest overall in our graduation rate assessment. Students must be accepted into both the graduate programs for the School of Public Health and the School of Business. A management residency and master’s essay will also be mandatory.
School Overview
Virginia Commonwealth University – (MBA) Health Care Management – 54 Points
Focusing on furthering education for busy adults, Virginia Commonwealth University lets students choose between full or part-time evening classes, Executive weekend classes, or fully online classes in pursuit of an MBA in Health care Management. Evening program students require a bachelor’s degree. Online students are preferred to have 18+ months of professional experience while Executive weekend students require 5+ years of work experience.
School Overview
University of Arizona – (MBA) Healthcare Management Concentration – 53 Points
The University of Arizona’s full-time MBA in healthcare management program boasts a 21-month completion rate and offers dual degree options at no additional time cost. Interested students are required to have official undergraduate transcripts, a professional resume, and one letter of recommendation. Additionally, students will have to complete two comprehensive essays, with a third required for scholarship consideration.
School Overview
Texas Tech University – (MBA) Health Organization Management – 52 Points
The MBA program at Texas Tech University is designed for full-time professionals with 2 years of healthcare industry experience and a bachelor’s degree. Classes are divided into Fall and Spring Blocks at 4 days a week for one month, with weekend classes in the summer once a month. The school offers hybrid learning opportunities to work on courses online between in-person classes.
School Overview
Stony Brook University – (MBA) Health Care Management – 51 Points
Stony Brook University offers their MBA in healthcare management degree in two separate tracks depending on undergrad degree concentration; meaning those with a bachelor’s degree in business will not have to take as many classes in order to receive a degree. Students do not need prior work experience but will need to achieve a GPA of at least 3.0 by the end of the program. Part of the program may be taken online.
School Overview
University of Nebraska at Omaha – (MBA) Health Care Management – 50 Points
The MBA in healthcare management program at the University of Nebraska at Omaha offers flexible evening and online class options as well as traditional graduate school classes. In addition to a 2.8 GPA and up-to-date resume, students will be required to take foundational courses in accounting, economics, statistics, and algebra. Foundational courses must be passed with a 3.0 grade or above.
School Overview
University of Central Arkansas – (MBA) Health Care Administration – 49 Points
The University of Alabama provides two formats for graduate students to achieve their Master of Science in Health Administration degree. In the Executive format, professionals with 5+ years experience attend on-campus classes for one week three times a year while continuing classes online in between. The Residential format is a full-time on-campus experience with 9-12 months in administrative residency.
School Overview
University of Alabama – (MSHA) Executive OR Residential Format – 48 Points
The University of Alabama provides two formats for graduate students to achieve their Master of Science in Health Administration degree. In the Executive format, professionals with 5+ years experience attend on-campus classes for one week three times a year while continuing classes online in between. The Residential format is a full-time on-campus experience with 9-12 months in administrative residency.
School Overview
Morehead State University – (MBA) Health Systems Management – 44 Points
In addition to traditional full-time on-campus courses, Morehead State University makes its MBA program available online to serve working professionals. Admission for graduate study includes a baccalaureate degree with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5. Some foundational courses may be required depending on previous undergraduate credits.
School Overview
Arizona State University – (MBA) Health Care Management Specialization – 43 Points
Arizona State University’s full-time STEM-eligible MBA in healthcare management program features cross-discipline learning labs and connections with executive mentors to help build leadership skills and career preparation while in school. Students can join specialized academic clubs – including Healthcare Club – for further immersion in the healthcare field. Applicants are expected to have at least a bachelor’s degree, resume with 3-5 years work experience, and answer short essay questions.
School Overview
Fayetteville State University – (MBA) Healthcare Management – 41 Points
The program at Fayetteville State University offers an MBA in healthcare management degree as well as graduate-level certification in the healthcare management field. Students seeking an MBA are expected to have a bachelor’s degree and a minimum undergrad GPA of 2.75. Those seeking only the graduate certificate must have a bachelor’s degree and a minimum undergrad GPA of 2.50.
School Overview
Georgia State University – MBA/MHA Dual Degree – 40 Points
Georgia State University offers a joint Master of Business and Master of Health Administration degree including a course of the administrative residency. This program focuses on helping graduates find rapid placement within the healthcare industry. Students are required to submit at least one essay as part of the application process.
School Overview
University of Louisiana at Lafayette – (MBA) Health Care Administration – 39 Points
The MBA program at the University of Louisiana is accessible on campus or online. The online course is accelerated over the course of 8 weeks. Students will participate in an internship program as part of their studies. In addition to the school’s admission requirements, students may be expected to take foundational courses depending on previous undergrad studies.
School Overview
Framingham State University – (MHA) Health Administration – 38 Points
Framingham State University’s MHA degree aims to develop the skills needed for a mid-level career in healthcare administration. Evaluation of a student’s entry into the program is based on previous work experience and undergrad degree grades. An essay and two letters of recommendation are also mandatory. This program is only open to professionals with experience in the healthcare industry.
School Overview
Middle Tennessee State University – (MBA) Healthcare Management – 34 Points
The Healthcare Management MBA at Middle Tennessee State University covers comprehensive courses in accounting, economics, finance, information systems, management, and marketing. Incoming graduate students must have a bachelor’s degree with at least a 2.75 GPA. Foundational courses are required but may be completed after admission into the program.
School Overview
University of Colorado at Denver – (MBA) Health Administration – 33 Points
Offering full-time, part-time, and online options for evening classes, the University of Colorado at Denver’s MBA program is aimed at students who desire flexibility in their graduate education. While an undergrad degree is required, work history is not mandatory. Students without industry experience can apply for an administrative residency or fellowship.
School Overview
Indiana University/Purdue University – (MBA) Physician-Only – 18 Points
This selective MBA program from Indiana University-Purdue University is targeted at practicing physicians focused on career advancement into positions such as CMO. As such, prospective students must have an MD or DO degree eligible to practice in the United States. At least three years of post-residency experience is mandatory. Taking the GMAT is not required.
School Overview
If you’re still unsure which program fits your budget, use our degree finder tool to search for an MBA in Healthcare Administration tailored to your exact needs.
Our Ranking Methodology
Graduate tuition rates were gathered from each school’s website by in-state and out-of-state rates on a per-year basis. If tuition was listed by credit hour we multiplied by 24 to achieve an estimated yearly (two semester) cost. Tuition values can vary depending on the year, how the school factors its rates, and how long a student takes to complete a program. For graduation rates we factored in the school-wide average over six years as reported by the school.
We sorted schools by lowest tuition and highest graduation rate, assigning points to each on a 100 point scale. 50% of the scale consisted of tuition (25% in-state, 25% out-of-state) and 50% consisted of graduation rate. Adding these scores gave us our final total for ranking.
Benefits of Online MBA Programs in Healthcare Administration
Here are the most prominent benefits of an online MBA in healthcare administration/healthcare management.
Advancement in your career with a Full-time job
A full-time MBA takes up most of your time, and pursuing a full-time program is not a piece of cake. It means sacrificing two years of job experience and revenue when investing heavily in your studies. A part-time online program allows you to keep working, earning money, and progressing in your profession. It also spreads out the expense of your studies over a long period, decreasing financial stress.
Applicable in Real-world
You will have a quick opportunity to apply what you are learning in the classroom. You won’t simply study market dynamics, market segmentation, and balance sheets. You’ll use them in your regular work with a higher level of comprehension and understanding. Active learning is highly efficient at increasing knowledge and retention.
Improved time management abilities
As a committed professional, you’ve undoubtedly mastered the art of time management. Introducing a part-time MBA degree program to your schedule can help you improve those talents. Completing online MBA programs is not impossible—thousands of professionals obtain part-time MBAs each year—but it does need some extra planning to ensure that you satisfy all of your graduate school commitments. You’ll learn which tasks may be multitasked and which need your complete focus. You’ll learn to squeeze in an extra half hour of study time when you’d rather watch TV, play with the kids, or sleep. When you’re completed, you’ll have new and upgraded time-management abilities to complement your graduate degree.
What courses will I study as part of my online MBA in Healthcare Administration program?
College students may face five significant subjects in healthcare management degree programs shared by numerous universities around the country. Public health planning, health challenges, and organizational behavior are common topics. Class names may differ from school to school, but the primary course source material will provide identical objectives in knowledge and concept and accumulated experience.
Terminology in Medicine
Medical terminology programs are essential because they teach students how to utilize common healthcare language and comprehend what others have written in healthcare environments.
Human Resource Administration
You will study HR administration along with your MBA degree. You can collaborate with healthcare leadership, human resources in hiring new staff, career development of recruits, and labor relations inside the business is an essential duty of the healthcare manager.
Accounting and Finance in Healthcare
This course helps professionals in helping patients receive appropriate healthcare in a financially responsible setting. Finance, budgeting, statistics, and accounting are key healthcare managers’ focus areas.
Epidemiology
Most healthcare administration or healthcare management degree programs require students to take a scientific course in epidemiology in addition to understanding the main vocabulary used in healthcare contexts. This discipline of medicine is concerned with disease control and illness transmission in diverse environments or populations.
Healthcare Administration
Students pursuing MBA in healthcare management will often take an introductory course that will investigate the prevalent concepts, philosophies, and practices that affect modern healthcare organizations.
What Could I Do After Receiving a Healthcare Administration MBA?
The healthcare business is increasing rapidly that it is breaking records, and there are numerous signals that it will continue to grow. With that advancement, the health sector needs competent executives who can blend business experience with healthcare industry knowledge. Many healthcare firms seek candidates with an MBA in healthcare administration.
Manager of Medical Health Services
Medical health services administrators boost a healthcare agency’s day-to-day operations. They collaborate with department heads to ensure that staff stays on target and has the materials required to do their jobs.
The administrator of a Nursing Home
Administrators also guarantee that the facility’s medical supplies inventory levels are maintained and set timetables for all staff members, such as physiotherapists and front door attendants. These experts undertake critical job duties that guarantee that older adults may live out their golden years in dignity.
Healthcare Consultant
Healthcare consultants must also be well-organized, strategic thinkers and active listeners. Professionals in this capacity may own their consulting firm or work for a private care consulting firm. According to the BLS, management analyst occupations, including consultants, are expected to expand by 14% between 2020 and 2030.
Manager of Administrative Services
Administrative service managers help ensure that hospitals, nursing homes, and physicians’ offices are clean and safe environments to work and visit. In some situations, administrative services managers may link employees with training programs and other advantages like health insurance. They are also in charge of record keeping.
Administrator of Healthcare
Healthcare administrators ensure that a healthcare center runs efficiently and that patients receive the best possible treatment. They contribute to hospitals being safe, clean, and orderly. In several states, healthcare admins must be registered nurses.
How much does an online MBA in healthcare management earn on average?
Healthcare professionals in administration and healthcare leadership jobs usually make approximately $104,000, with senior-level posts earning more than $200,000. While some aggregators claim that the typical MBA in healthcare management income is around $82,000 per year, that calculation is based on self-reported data supplied by initial managers, high-paid executives, and experts in every imaginable healthcare management function in between.
What Does a Degree in Healthcare Cost?
MBA in healthcare administration or healthcare management costs an average of $70,000-$84,000. These programs usually have high tuition prices. Top-tier programs can cost thousands of dollars, especially at private schools. Students might, however, reduce their total tuition costs by registering in more inexpensive programs. Tuition charges at public schools are often cheaper than those at private institutions.