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What is Healthcare Administration?

Healthcare administration is the area of study and practice that prepares individuals for the management and operation of health care facilities and professionals, including the development and maintaining of budgets, hiring and firing, scheduling and other administrative tasks in a hospital or clinical setting combined with an understanding of medical procedure, cost and terminology that allows for proper review, oversight and decision making in light how it may affect business overall. Individuals in this field may or may not be medical professionals, though many in charge of specific departments have backgrounds as physicians or long term health care professionals.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$96,540

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

61.60%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

333,000

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Healthcare Administration Degree

With more than 400,000 alumni worldwide, Harvard University is the oldest institution of higher education in the country that was founded in 1636 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Considered among the most prestigious research universities in the world, the university offers world-class education to more than 20,000 undergraduate and graduate students across 12 degree-granting schools.

The Master in Health Care Management at Harvard School of Public Health is a two-year program that provides valuable experience and technical knowledge to students who want to pursue careers involved in managing and leading health care organizations. The program is a unique, part-time program that is ideal for working professionals since it provides a flexible curriculum that promotes continuous learning where students can immediately apply the knowledge in the workplace. The curriculum covers Organizational Behavior, Marketing, Information Systems, Operations Management, Accounting and Control, Financial Management, Corporate Strategy Determination, and Negotiation and Communication. For more details about the program, visit hsph.harvard.edu.

Acceptance Rate

4.64

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

The University of Pennsylvania (Penn) is a private Ivy League institution in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania that was established in 1740 by Benjamin Franklin. With over 25,000 students across 16 undergraduate and graduate schools, the university provides an inclusive learning environment that was built on the concept of innovation, entrepreneurship, and interdisciplinary collaboration to come up with creative solutions to the most pressing issues in society.

Offered by Penn’s Wharton School, specifically the Health Care Management Department, the Health Care Management and Policy concentration is a program for undergraduates who want to learn about health care markets and systems as well as significant factors that influence decision making at the policy and organization level. The program focuses on the management, economics, and financing of the health care sector which are incorporated in four required courses namely Health Care Systems, Economics and Financing of Health Care Delivery, Health Care Management and Strategy, and Health Care Entrepreneurship. Students may also take health care electives as well as MBA-level health care management courses in order to enhance their understanding of health care institutions. The school also offers an MBA program in the same discipline. To know more about the programs, visit hcmg.wharton.upenn.edu.

Acceptance Rate

7.66

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Dartmouth College is a private Ivy League research university situated in Hanover, New Hampshire that has been educating the brightest and most promising minds across the world since 1769. As one of the greatest academic institutions in the world, the university leads more than 50 undergraduate and graduate departments and programs to over 6,000 students to prepare them for a lifetime of learning and responsible leadership.  The 12-month Master of Health Care Delivery Science program at Dartmouth offers working physicians and executive leaders a comprehensive and firm foundation on the advanced skills and knowledge needed to lead and manage crucial aspects within organizations across the healthcare industry. Since the program is highly interdisciplinary, the courses involve areas like operations, finance, strategy, management, economics, health policy, data analytics, and leadership in the context of healthcare delivery through the expertise of faculty from both Tuck School of Business and Geisel School of Medicine. Check the entire scope of the program at mhcds.dartmouth.edu.

Acceptance Rate

7.93

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

With more than 5,000 students, Duke University is a research university in Durham, North Carolina founded by James Buchanan Duke in 1924. Having an affiliation with the Methodist Church, the university aspires to contribute to communities all over the world by providing superior liberal education and fostering a lively relationship between knowledge and faith.

Offered by Duke Family Medicine and Community Health under the School of Medicine, the Master of Health Sciences in Clinical Leadership program is a program perfect for healthcare professionals who want comprehensive instructions and training required to become versatile and outstanding leaders in organizations in the healthcare industry. Students receive hands-on education and real-world experiences through a blend of theoretical courses and direct practice and application of acquired knowledge. These courses include Population Health Management, Quality Measurement and Improvement for Clinical Leaders, Informatics for Health Care Professionals, Fundamentals of Healthcare Finance, and Contemporary Human Capital Management. More information about the program is available at fmch.duke.edu.

Acceptance Rate

7.6

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Headquartered in Evanston, Illinois, Northwestern University is a private, comprehensive research institution of higher learning that was founded way back in 1851. With additional campuses in Chicago, Illinois, and Doha, Qatar, the university offers various programs across multiple schools and units to over 21,000 students with the goal of providing excellent teaching and innovative research as well as stimulating the personal and intellectual growth of its students.

The Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern offers a Master of Business Administration with an emphasis in Healthcare Management which is designed to specialize in courses that intersect business and policy in the healthcare industry. The foundational courses include Healthcare Strategy and Health Economics that integrate the fundamental disciplines and issues organizations in the healthcare industry face. The depth courses, on the other hand, prepare students to strategically manage the challenges unique to life sciences companies as well as address issues in healthcare delivery services. Lastly, students complete a series of courses in the experiential aspect of the program where they can dive deeper into a particular topic of their choice. See more details about the program requirements at kellogg.northwestern.edu.

Acceptance Rate

9.05

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Cornell University, founded in 1865, is a privately endowed Ivy League research university located in Ithaca, New York. With nearly 24,000 students, the university intends to teach its students and make contributions in all fields of knowledge, from the humanities to the sciences. As a research university, Cornell emphasizes free and open inquiry, purposeful discovery, and exploration across boundaries in its academic programs.

Offered by Cornell’s College of Human Ecology, the Sloan degree in Health Administration is one of the first programs in the country to adopt a two-year academic curriculum. There are several degree offerings in the program namely Bachelor of Science (BS), Master of Health Administration (MHA), Master of Business Administration (MBA), and Master of Public Administration (MPA). Students may choose from one of the following programs: a two-year MHA degree, a two-year MHA/MBA degree in partnership with the Johnson Graduate School of Management, a three-year dual degree MHA/MPA in cooperation with the Cornell Institute of Public Affairs, and a combined five-year BS/MHA degree which is specific to undergraduates in the Colleges of Human Ecology and Agriculture and Life Sciences. View the specific program requirements for each at human.cornell.edu.

Acceptance Rate

10.85

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Founded in 1789 as Georgetown College, Georgetown University is the oldest Catholic and Jesuit research university in the country with more than 17,000 students from 135 countries. Located in Washington DC, the university houses a diverse, forward-looking community committed to embracing social justice, restless inquiry, and respect for the individual needs and talents of people.

The School of Nursing & Health Studies at Georgetown offers a four-year Bachelor of Science in Health Care Management & Policy that provides students with a solid foundation of knowledge and skills needed in the field of health services administration. The program focuses on the role of health care systems and policy in the process of improving the health status of individuals and communities in the United States and worldwide. With two tracks namely Health Management and Health Policy Analysis, students may choose the curriculum closest to their personal and professional interests and goals. The Graduate School of Arts and Sciences also offers a two-year, part-time Master of Science in Health Systems Administration for working professionals. Check the entire program overview at nhs.georgetown.edu.

Acceptance Rate

14.36

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

With more than 300 academic programs in various disciplines, Washington University in St. Louis (WUSTL) is a private research university with several campuses around St. Louis, Missouri that was established in 1853. The university is dedicated to providing excellent teaching, extensive research, compassionate patient care, and genuine service to society by preparing more than 14,500 students across 10 schools and colleges for lifelong learning and leadership.

The BS in Healthcare Administration at WUSTL’s University College is a program that provides students with a firm academic foundation in the managerial, clinical, and research aspects of the health care industry. The program includes courses that examine different scientific, social, economic, ethical, political, and organizational challenges in the health care sector. The required core courses are grounded in the most common issues in the industry which can help students pursue more specialized programs of study in either the Health Care Management or Health Sciences concentrations. Access the entire program curriculum at ucollege.wustl.edu.

Acceptance Rate

13.85

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Vanderbilt University is a globally renowned private research university based in Nashville, Tennessee that intends to provide transformative education and research across all sectors since its founding in 1873. With more than 13,500 students across internationally recognized schools, the university provides educational and research opportunities in the fields of arts and sciences, engineering, medicine, law, divinity, management, education, and music.

Offered by Owen Graduate School of Management at Vanderbilt, the Master of Management in Healthcare degree is a unique healthcare management degree ideal for working professionals in the field of healthcare delivery industry. The program offers flexible class schedules through weekend and evening classes and remote learning. The curriculum includes robust healthcare management courses as well as weekend immersions that allow students to apply the knowledge directly into practice. The school also offers a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Healthcare which is a two-year, on-campus program perfect for healthcare professionals who want to enter the healthcare business. Inquire about the program requirements at business.vanderbilt.edu.

Acceptance Rate

9.12

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Officially opened in 1876 as the first private research university in the United States, Johns Hopkins University (JHU) leads multiple world-class academic divisions in the field of applied physics, arts and sciences, business, education, engineering, medicine, nursing, and many more. Headquartered in Baltimore Maryland, the university continues to actively prepare students in bringing knowledge and discoveries to the world.

The Bloomberg School of Public Health at JHU offers a Master degree in Healthcare Administration which is a professional degree that accelerates students for careers in hospitals, healthcare systems, consulting firms, and healthcare businesses. It is one of the best healthcare programs in the country offering a rigorous and comprehensive curriculum and training to prepare future healthcare executives for leadership and management roles in the healthcare sector. Students are required to accomplish a paid, full-time, 11-month administrative residency in an accredited institution where they become essential members of a healthcare organization’s management team who work on important assignments and develop valuable competencies related to health care administration. To learn more about the program curriculum, go to jhsph.edu.

Acceptance Rate

11.17

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Ranked as the fourth-best public university in the United States, the University of Virginia (UVA) is an iconic public institution of higher learning located in Charlottesville, Virginia. Founded in 1819 by Thomas Jefferson, the university aims to enhance human knowledge, educate future leaders, and pursue the greater good through providing top-ranked schools and programs to more than 24,000 students on-campus.

The Bachelor of Professional Studies in Health Sciences Management at UVA School of Continuing and Professional Studies is an online program ideal for working individuals who wish to advance into leadership roles in the healthcare sector. The program is suitable for students with backgrounds in health information management, emergency medical services, medical laboratory technology, radiography, occupational and physical therapy assisting, respiratory therapy, sonography, and many more. Some of the major courses in the program are Health Information Systems & Applications, Management of Health Care Organizations, Service Excellence in Health Care: Quality Improvement & Customer Service, American Health Care: Challenges & Opportunities, and Economics & Finance of Health Care. For additional information about the program overview, go to scps.virginia.edu.

Acceptance Rate

23.94

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Home to more than 46,500 students from all over the world, the University of Southern California (USC) is a private research university situated in Los Angeles, California that is considered among the top-ranked universities in the United States. Started operating with 53 students and 10 teachers in 1880, the university continues to provide extensive academic and research opportunities to its students.

Offered by the Sol Price School of Public Policy at USC, the Master of Healthcare Administration is a program that integrates instruction and training in health information technology, health law, finance and economics, and behavioral science and policy to effectively train the future leaders of organizations in the healthcare sector. The program focuses on the five key areas in health administration namely management operations leadership, quality of care, health policy analysis, health finance, and health information technology. Students may also choose from two additional areas of specialization in the form of certificate programs. These are Certificate in Administration of Long-term Care Programs, and Certificate in Management of Ambulatory Care Systems. More details about the program description can be seen at priceschool.usc.edu.

Acceptance Rate

11.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

The University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley), founded in 1868, is the flagship campus of the University of California system based in Berkeley, California. With nearly 350 academic programs, UC Berkeley is ranked as the top public university worldwide offering interdisciplinary areas of study and research units to address the world’s most pressing issues in the fields of public health, business, sciences, law, engineering, and education.

The Division of Health Policy and Management at UC Berkeley offers multiple graduate programs that focus on policy, finance, economics, management, and law in the healthcare sector. Students may choose to specialize in policy, management, or a combination of both. Students interested to learn about health policy analysis, disease prevention, economics, information technology, strategic management, and law and ethics may take the Master of Public Health (MPH) in Health Policy and Management which has options for a one-year and two-year curriculum. It also has an equivalent program available online. Students may also choose to concurrent degree programs in partnership with other schools and departments within the university. These include the dual degree Master of Business Administration/MPH and dual degree Master of Public Policy/MPH. View the entire list of program options at publichealth.berkeley.edu.

Acceptance Rate

16.25

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

Recognized as the best public research university in the United States, the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor (UM Ann Arbor) offers more than 275 degree programs in the fields of medicine, public health, law, education, social work, engineering, design, and many more. Located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the university was established in 1817 with the mission to create, communicate, and advance the knowledge, skills, and academic values of its students. 

The Master of Health Services Administration degree at UM School of Public Health is a two-year program that puts emphasis on the organization, management, financing, and marketing of health care systems which prepares students interested in pursuing leadership and management roles in the health care sector. The curriculum features comprehensive instruction and competency-based training in the areas of health management and policy. Some of the courses are Principles of Epidemiology for Public Health, Public Health Sciences and the Environment, and Public Health Systems, Policy and Management. Students are also required to finish a 10- to 12-week internship at various healthcare organizations such as hospitals, health departments, health insurance companies, community health centers, foundations, advocacy organizations, global health initiatives, and state/federal government agencies. Learn more about the program at sph.umich.edu.

Acceptance Rate

22.91

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) is a private global research university that was established as the Carnegie Technical Schools in 1900. With more than 14,500 students from a hundred countries, the university offers top-ranked programs in the areas of fine arts, natural sciences, engineering, computer science, social sciences, business, and information systems.

The Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy and Tepper School of Business at CMU jointly offer a dual degree program in Master of Business Administration/Master of Science in Health Care Policy and Management that provides a comprehensive curriculum in the complex economic, political, and financial environment in the healthcare sector as well as an interdisciplinary training in data analytics, management, and technology. The program lasts 2.5 years or five semesters where students finish two semesters in the Tepper School and the remaining semesters in Heinz College. See the entire program overview at cmu.edu.

Acceptance Rate

15.44

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Originally founded in South End, Boston in 1863, Boston College (BC) is the first institution of higher education to operate in Boston through the Society of Jesus. With more than 14,500 students on its campus in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, BC provides high-quality education grounded in the liberal arts and extensive scientific inquiry and research.

Offered by BC Woods College of Advancing Studies, the graduate degree in Healthcare Administration is a part-time or full-time program that provides students with a comprehensive perspective and intensive training within the healthcare sector to prepare future leaders of healthcare systems. The curriculum mainly covers the contemporary challenges and latest trends related to healthcare technology and innovation and the courses include Introduction to Healthcare Systems and Organizations, Health Policy, Healthcare Quality Management, Healthcare Innovation-Based Strategy: Managing Change, Health Analytics, and Healthcare Information Technology. Go to bc.edu to view the complete program description.

Acceptance Rate

27.22

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

As the first public university in the United States serving the community since 1795, the University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill is the flagship institution of the University of North Carolina System based in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. With more than 32,000 students engaged in over 200 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, the university offers an academic experience equivalent to an Ivy League university through accessibility, diversity, research, and innovation.

The Department of Health Policy and Management at UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health offers a top ranked Healthcare Administration degree which is one of the best healthcare management programs in the country offered in both full-time residential and executive basis. The program is designed for working professionals in the healthcare sector who aspire to assume leadership and management positions in their industry. With the aim to improve the decision-making and leadership skills of healthcare professionals, the program focuses on five key domains in the health policy and management realm namely Communication and Relationship Management, Knowledge of the Healthcare Environment, Leadership & Professionalism, Management, and Finance & Analytics. Compare the two program options at sph.unc.edu.

Acceptance Rate

22.63

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Tulane University is among the world-renowned research universities in the United States which was founded in 1834 as Medical College of Louisiana. After more than a decade, the Medical College merges with the University of Louisiana to form the now Tulane University that is located in New Orleans, Louisiana offering more than 70 majors across schools specializing in science and engineering, architecture, business, liberal arts, and public health.  The Master of Health Administration degree at Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine is a 22-month graduate program that prepares professionals in the healthcare sector in pursuing careers in health care leadership and management. The curriculum includes the study of the leadership of health care organizations, financial management, health care economics, information systems and applied analytics, marketing and communications, population health, and strategy. Students are then prepared to finish a residency in accredited health care organizations to apply practical skills, gain real-world experience, and develop professionalism. Explore the program curriculum at sph.tulane.edu.

Acceptance Rate

12.87

Student to Faculty Ratio

8:1

Boston University (BU), a private research university in Boston, Massachusetts, was chartered in 1839 by the United Methodist Church. With two more campuses, the university serves more than 34,000 students from 130 countries across 17 schools and colleges with more than 300 programs of study.

The Master of Public Health at BU School of Public Health is a 48-credit program where students learn the complex influence of different biological, economic, social, political, behavioral, cultural, and environmental factors on the healthcare systems. The program allows students to switch between part-time and full-time formats which lets them graduate in as fast as 16 months. There are also functional certificates under the program which serve as specializations and these include Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Global Health Program Design, Health Communication and Promotion, Health Policy and Law, Healthcare Management, and Program Management, among others. Learn more about each specialization at bu.edu.

Acceptance Rate

18.94

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

With over 222 degree programs for more than 36,000 students, the University of California, Irvine (UCI) is one of the public universities under the University of California System located in Irvine, California. Founded in 1965, the university aims to provide comprehensive academic opportunities and cutting-edge research to its students to spark change and create an impact in communities.

The Center for Health Care Management & Policy at UCI Paul Merage School of Business aims to become a significant source of knowledge for working professionals who want to assume leadership and management roles in the healthcare sector. The MBA for Executives with a Healthcare Leadership Track offers a comprehensive curriculum in general management foundation as well as training and opportunities to help students explore the healthcare industry. The program focuses on getting the maximum return on your investment by providing relevant knowledge and skills and opportunities for connecting with peers within and outside the industry. Some of the courses in the program are Digital Health, Business of Medicine, Operations Analytics for Healthcare Executives, Healthcare Entrepreneurship, and Understanding Managed Care. View the complete list of courses at merage.uci.edu.

Acceptance Rate

26.54

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

As a center for education, research, healthcare, and community engagement, the University of California (UC) San Diego is recognized as one of the top 15 research universities in the world headquartered in La Jolla, California. The university officially opened in 1960 to prepare and develop the leaders of the future through top-ranked programs in the areas of social sciences, business, engineering, and natural sciences.

The Leadership of Health Care Organizations Department at UC San Diego offers a Master of Advanced Studies in Leadership of Health Care Organizations which is a unique graduate degree program designed to satisfy the needs of healthcare professionals in their mid-career, especially those who want to pursue leadership roles. The program strengthens students’ understanding of complex business management as well as policy issues related to leadership and clinical process improvement. The university also offers a one-year Health Administrative Fellowship program that gives students the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills to function as an administrator at a major academic health system. To know more about the programs, visit lhco.ucsd.edu.

Acceptance Rate

31.48

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

Started as the Gainesville Academy in 1858, the University of Florida (UF) is a public land-grant research university located in Gainesville, Florida. It consistently ranks as one of the top research universities in the United States with programs in arts and sciences, life sciences, business, dentistry, education, engineering, medicine, and many more as it aims to strive for a better world through research.

The Master of Healthcare Administration at UF Health Services Research, Management & Policy provides students with an evidence-based curriculum to improve healthcare quality, access, and affordability. Students are equipped with the fundamental knowledge and practical skills using a cohort model in campus-based learning. The program offers two tracks namely full-time which can be completed in 2 years and part-time which is ideal for working professionals. Students are also required to finish a 10- to 12-week full-time internship in an accredited healthcare organization during the summer in order to apply management concepts and gain real-world experience. The courses in the program include Fundamentals of Health Care Finance, Introduction to Management of Health Services Organizations, Overview of U.S. Health Policy, Legal and Ethical Issues in Health Administration, and Health Economics. For further information about the program, visit hsrmp.phhp.ufl.edu.

Acceptance Rate

36.58

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

The University of Miami (UM) is a private research university headquartered in Coral Gables, Florida that aims to serve communities by offering accessible academic programs and engaging in innovative research. With two more campuses namely Miller School Campus and Rosenstiel School Campus, the university has been supporting more than 17,000 students engaged in more than 180 majors and programs since 1925.

The Master of Health Administration in Health Admin program at UM Herbert Business School aims to help students understand the fundamental business principles and their applications to the health care sector which include accounting, finance, human resources, and process improvement. The program covers health care specific areas like the organization, policy, and delivery of health care, economics, and information technology through courses like Essentials of Health Care Administration, Analysis of Health Care Delivery and Policy, and Administrative Systems for Quality Management. The school also offers a Bachelor of Business Administration and Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a major in Health Management and Policy. See the complete list of program options at bus.miami.edu.

Acceptance Rate

27.13

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Providence College (PC) is a private, Catholic, Dominican, liberal arts university located in Providence, Rhode Island. It was formally opened in 1917 by the Dominican Friars to provide a Catholic education grounded in the liberal arts and sciences. Today, the university continues to offer diverse academic programs in the fields of arts and sciences, education, business, engineering, and many more.

The Bachelor of Arts in Healthcare Administration in PC provides students with the latest knowledge and sought-after skills in managing modern healthcare organizations. The program curriculum covers the structure and delivery systems under the U.S. healthcare system, the financial and economic issues that affect healthcare organizations, the ethical, legal, and regulatory considerations in the healthcare management and delivery, the management principles and competencies to lead and interact with a diverse group of staff and clients, and the process of data analysis to provide insights for continuous improvement and strategic planning within the organization. Some of the courses in the program are Introduction to Healthcare in the U.S., Principles of Epidemiology and Public Health, Healthcare Information Systems, Health Law and Policy, Strategic Issues in Healthcare Administration, and Principles of Business Management. More details about the program are available at providence.edu.

Acceptance Rate

47.46

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Serving more than 26,000 students, the George Washington (GW) University is a private research university based in Washington, D.C that was founded in 1821. The university provides high-quality undergraduate education, distinctive graduate education, and thousands of internship opportunities in various organizations such as the White House, Discovery Communications, National Institutes of Health, and World Bank.

The Milken Institute School of Public Health at GW offers a Master of Health Administration that provides a comprehensive education to professionals who want to pursue leadership careers involving the improvement of healthcare and health policy through principles in business and medical informatics, healthcare systems and institutions, management theory, health policy, finance law, and decision making. The courses in the program include Introduction to Health Management, Medical Informatics, Community Health Management & Advocacy, and Human Resources Management & Organizational Behavior. The program is available on-campus and online and it includes internships and placements at selected healthcare facilities. Request more information about the program at publichealth.gwu.edu.

Acceptance Rate

40.84

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

What Will I Learn in Healthcare Administration?

Degree programs in healthcare administration are not clones of one another but similarities exist from program to program. As a result, there are key tenants students will learn when studying as part of a healthcare administration degree. Your degree-level, school pedagogy, electives, and area of concentration may vary but the key learning objectives in healthcare administration should remain constant. The top learning objectives for students enrolled in a healthcare administration degree include:

  1. Analyzing the array of forces impacting healthcare delivery systems and prudently arrive at decisions to positively impact an organization
  2. Understanding healthcare practices & principles specific to administration, law, management, and economics
  3. Adhering to professional, legal, and ethical standards of health care administration
  4. Learning key skills and industry knowledge to grapple with healthcare research, critical thinking, and problem-solving opportunities
  5. Applying key management principles of organizational development, team building, decision making, and collaboration

Top Healthcare Administration Degrees

The number of degree programs in healthcare administration is substantial and with the advent of online degree programs, the choice is even more expansive.  For students considering a future in healthcare administration, please take the time to thoughtfully consider the degree options below.  As programs pique your interest and fit your professional priorities, simply request information from the schools on this resource page to learn more.  The simple act of gathering information will include schools in your decision-making process or eliminate them from consideration based on your objectives versus a media publication pushing a meaningless ranking report to sell magazine subscriptions.

Bachelor’s Degree in Healthcare Administration

The on-site or online bachelor degree program in healthcare administration is a 4-year program for full-time students with degrees conferred as a Bachelor of Science (BS) at most schools.  The bachelor’s degree typically will combine liberal arts coursework such as communications, English composition, psychology, and sociology with core classes to provide students with a well-rounded education.

Examples of core classes in healthcare administration include courses such as: organizational behavior, managerial accounting, financial accounting, ethics in healthcare, financial analysis, human resource management, strategic management, quality improvement management, healthcare economics, biostatistics, principles of microeconomics, healthcare informatics, and information technology for healthcare.

Students graduating with a bachelor’s degree will be equipped to launch a career in healthcare administration with a variety of companies in entry-level supervisory roles.  Career opportunities can include jobs such as patient coordinator, medical office manager, payroll coordinator, assistant office manager, contract manager, or practice manager.

Master’s Degree in Healthcare Administration

The online master degree track in healthcare administration can be conferred as a Master of Science (MS), Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA), or Master of Business Administration (MBA) when coupled with a business school degree.  The master’s degree is a 2-3 year program for most students but will depend on course load, pace, and amount of time taken on the thesis.

Core curriculum generally will include upper-level classes such as: leadership, health law, organizational development, healthcare statistics, health policy, healthcare operations, health information management, and healthcare marketing.  Graduates from the master’s degree program can find themselves prepared to tackle a number of challenges within healthcare as a health services manager, managed-care facility director, health services program administrator, or site director.

Doctorate in Healthcare Administration

The classroom-based or online doctorate degree in healthcare administration can be conferred as a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or Doctor of Healthcare Administration (DHA) dependent upon the course load and curricular design of the school’s program.  The doctorate program will take 4-6 years of full-time matriculation and longer for part-time students as a function of the number of credits taken at a given time and time spent to complete the dissertation project.

Advanced coursework in the doctoral degree track will typically include: communications for healthcare administrators, research methods, quantitative reasoning, global health, project management, multidisciplinary approach to healthcare, practice-based research, quality management, healthcare governance, and executive management trends in healthcare.

Objectives of a DHA or PhD program in healthcare administration will include: the ability to think critically about business objectives, effectively manage public relations issues, adopt integrative thinking to effectively communicate with stakeholders, execute practice-based research, and adhere to data-driven management decision making.

Education Requirements for Healthcare Administrators

Obtaining a degree in health care administration prepares individuals to work in the health care industry as managers. Health care administration is the process by which the health care is planned out, coordinated, supervised and implemented. Degrees in health care administration are available from the bachelor's level on, though most individuals will seek at least a master's degree.

It is important to note that similar degrees can also be obtained to work as a health care administrator, such as a business administration degree or public health. A master's program can take between 2-3 years to complete and will often include a year of supervised administrative work.

Health care administration programs emphasize the development of certain skills deemed important for a working professional in such an environment. Such skills provide individuals with the ability to manage groups and operate the business.  Some of these skills include problem solving, communication, analytical ability, technical skill, and an attention to detail. Additionally an emphasis on medical terminology and an understanding of medical procedures is also developed in order to ensure that the administrator is able to function in a health care environment.

Courses offered in a health care administration program may include:

Online Schools Other Students Requested Information From:

Employment Opportunities & Healthcare Specializations

Though a bachelor's degree may be sufficient for some entry level positions, a master's degree is typically required for advancement. A health care manager will have varying responsibilities based on where he or she will work. In a smaller setting a health care manager may be responsible for policy, financing and hiring, whereas in a larger setting such a hospital he or she may only be responsible for a specific department and physicians will outline policy.

Health care administration is expected to grow faster than average in the coming years as the need for effective healthcare management increases. This is a competitive field, beginning at the post-secondary level where space is limited.

Healthcare administrators work in a variety of medical facilities with varying levels of responsibility. Larger locations will have more administrators with specializations and a hierarchy. Some will oversee departments, setting schedules and running day to day tasks. Smaller locations will have fewer administrators with a larger set of responsibilities. Locations for employment include hospitals, physician's offices, nursing homes, clinics, outpatient care centers and other.

Individuals may seek to specialize in healthcare administration. This is accomplished by focusing on a particular form of administration, and the type of healthcare provided. Specialization is normally obtained through work experience, though additional classes may be taken to augment one's education in regards to their desired field. Often individuals may become specialized through availability of positions and longevity, though no specialization should preclude an individual from lateral movement or promotion.

Healthcare Administrators Salary & Career Outlook

The average salary of a healthcare administrator is $96,540 with the top 10% earning $172,240 a year and the bottom ten percent earning $56,970 a year on average. The average wage increases in settings that serve more physicians, usually in large hospitals located in populated urban centers. Experience and education also play a factor in increasing one's wages, with individuals holding degrees and having a work history in administration earning more than individuals who have entered the field through alternative means. Employment is expected to grow at a rapid 17% pace or nearly three times the national average adding some 56,300 jobs in healthcare administration during the coming decade.

Top Employers of Healthcare Administrators

  1. Medical and Surgical Hospitals 114,300
  2. Physicians Offices 36,930
  3. Outpatient Care Centers 23,640
  4. Nursing Care Facilities 21,620
  5. Home Healthcare Organizations 20,020

States with the Highest Employment of Healthcare Administrators

  • California 33,160
  • New York 26,010
  • Texas 21,840
  • Ohio 15,540
  • Pennsylvania 13,640

Top Paying States of Healthcare Administrators

  1. District of Columbia $142,380
  2. New York $135,640
  3. Connecticut $129,710
  4. California $122,800
  5. Alaska $121,530

Those interested in health care administration may also be interested in medical administration, business administration, medical insurance manager, operations manager, or medical facility manager.

Healthcare Administration Colleges Near Me

To quickly access a list of online healthcare administration degrees, you can simply input your specific criteria in our search tools or search by location.  A summary of the states that offer healthcare administration programs can be found via the state links below to help you find healthcare administration degrees near you.

Alabama Maryland Ohio
Arizona Massachusetts Oklahoma
Arkansas Michigan Oregon
California Minnesota Pennsylvania
Colorado Mississippi South Carolina
Connecticut Missouri South Dakota
Florida Montana Tennessee
Georgia Nebraska Texas
Idaho Nevada Utah
Illinois New Hampshire Vermont
Indiana New Jersey Virginia
Iowa New Mexico Washington
Kansas New York West Virginia
Kentucky North Carolina Wisconsin
Louisiana North Dakota

 

 

Additional Resources for Healthcare Administration Majors

National and regional associations can prove to be helpful for students and working professionals alike.  Associations help provide access to relevant research publications, conferences, events, webinars, certification, continuing education, and legislative changes.  A list of the top five healthcare administration associations include:

  • American Association of Healthcare Administrative Management (AAHAM)
  • American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
  • Health Care Administrators Association (HCAA)
  • The Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA)
  • National Association of Healthcare Access Management (NAHAM)

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