TOP 15 ONLINE MBA PROGRAMS IN HEALTHCARE MANAGEMENT 2021
Last Updated: January 22, 2021
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), nearly one-quarter of all 2017-2018 master’s program graduates earned their degrees in business. The MBA remains so popular in part because of its extensive specialization options, including information technology, entrepreneurship, finance, and healthcare management.
An MBA in healthcare management prepares graduates to pursue executive leadership positions in hospitals, insurance companies, biotech companies, and government agencies. For healthcare executives, one of the fastest-growing careers in the nation, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 32% job growth between 2019 and 2029.
Many professionals in this field hold master’s degrees, and prospective graduate students often choose to pursue a flexible online healthcare MBA. We invite you to read through the rest of this guide to explore the benefits of earning your MBA in healthcare management online. Start your program search with our comprehensive ranking of the top 10 degrees in the nation.
2021’S 10 BEST ONLINE HEALTHCARE MBAS
| Rank | School | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Johns Hopkins University | Baltimore, MD |
| 2 | Florida International University | Miami, FL |
| 3 | University of Massachusetts Amherst | Amherst, MA |
| 4 | University of Delaware | Newark, DE |
| 5 | Pennsylvania State University | University Park, PA |
| 6 | Webster University | St. Louis, MO |
| 7 | Purdue University | Indianapolis, IN |
| 8 | University of La Verne | La Verne, CA |
| 9 | University of Mary | Bismarck, ND |
| 10 | University of North Carolina Wilmington | Wilmington, NC |
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WHAT IS HEALTHCARE MANAGEMENT?
Public hospitals first emerged in the U.S. between 1860 and 1930, but it took time for them to grow into the major, multifaceted institutions we know today. The earliest healthcare management professionals were nurses, who took on a variety of administrative duties. Other early hospital superintendents included doctors, laypersons, and clergy.
Many of these superintendents received inadequate training, especially in business concepts like accounting, administrative statistics, and supply management. In response, Michael Davis founded the world’s first graduate program in hospital administration at the University of Chicago in 1934. By 1990, over 50 similar programs had become available throughout the United States.
Today, healthcare management professionals enjoy extensive education options both online and on campus.
Graduates work in hospitals and dozens of other venues, including outpatient and residential care facilities, insurance companies, government agencies, and consulting firms.
Healthcare management professionals play an important behind-the-scenes role in the operation of medical and health services facilities. They plan, direct, and coordinate the services of their organization.
Specific duties vary by employer but often include improving efficiency and quality of care, ensuring facility compliance with laws and regulations, managing facility finances, and supervising staff members. While doctors and nurses work on the front lines, most healthcare executives and administrators work in offices, rarely interacting with patients.
Approximately 420,000 individuals currently work as health and medical services managers in the United States. The BLS projects a staggering 32% growth in employment from 2019-2029, primarily due to increased care demands of the aging baby boom generation.
WHY GET A HEALTHCARE MANAGEMENT MBA?
Some critics contend that earning an MBA might not be worth the time, money, and effort required. Certainly no credential comes with a guarantee of lifelong job security, but for the right candidate, the MBA remains a valuable education option. For healthcare professionals in particular, a specialized MBA in healthcare management can provide the knowledge and skills needed to advance in a high-demand field.
The major benefits of pursuing a healthcare MBA include:
- Expanded Business Skills: An MBA in healthcare management provides experienced health professionals with opportunities to develop and enhance business skills currently in high demand. Graduates possess competency in management, team leadership, budgeting, and workforce efficiency.
- Excellent Job Outlook: Healthcare executives and administrators enjoy one of the fastest-growing careers in the nation, according to BLS data. As the nation’s demand for healthcare increases, the need for strong leadership grows accordingly.
- Income Potential: According to PayScale data, graduates with an MBA in healthcare management earn an average salary of $81,410. The BLS reports that the top 10% of healthcare executives take home more than $189,000 per year.
RANKING THE TOP 15 ONLINE MBAS IN HEALTHCARE MANAGEMENT, 2021
Our 2021 rankings provide current information on the 15 best online healthcare MBAs in the United States. Take a look to find your ideal program.
To learn more about our school ranking methodology, visit the link below.
WHAT THE BEST HEALTHCARE MBAS HAVE IN COMMON
Every online healthcare MBA offers a unique student experience, but many top universities share similar characteristics in academic quality, affordability, and reputation.
- They are accredited. Accreditation ensures that a college or university meets rigorous standards for academics, faculty qualifications, and student services. All schools on our list hold accreditation. Students interested in MBAs in healthcare management should look for the following regional and programmatic accrediting bodies:
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
- Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME)
- International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE)
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
- They are affordable. Beyond just the net price of tuition, school affordability provides a higher and often faster return on investment after graduation. We also measure affordability by considering the number of students receiving scholarships or federal aid, the average amount of aid awarded, and the default loan rate for graduates. Students at private Maryville University, one of our top-ranked MBA institutions, received over $53 million in financial aid last year.
- They are reputable. Choosing a reputable school can give MBA graduates an advantage in the job market. Reputable universities maintain a competitive acceptance rate and a high percentage of students choosing to enroll. Graduates’ mean earnings also play a significant role in considering a school’s reputation. Graduates of the online MBA program at Johns Hopkins University earn an average base salary of $109,020.
- They offer strong academic programs. The best online healthcare MBAs come from schools that emphasize the importance of master’s-level education. Florida Atlantic University has been a leader in online graduate education for more than two decades, boasting a catalog of more than 30 master’s degrees designed for distance learners. Student retention rate, graduation rate, student-to-faculty ratio, and a high number of full-time faculty also demonstrate academic strength.
| 1. JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY |
| Private university in Baltimore, MD, accredited by MSCHE and AACSB |
| Teaching and research go hand in hand at Johns Hopkins. Founded in 1876, America’s first research university enrolls more than 29,000 students across nine academic divisions.CAREY BUSINESS SCHOOLThe Johns Hopkins flexible MBA, designed for individuals with full-time work experience in private, governmental, or public sector organizations, offers exclusive scholarship opportunities for female business leaders, Baltimore-based students, and those of high academic merit.Enrollees can choose from seven concentrations. To earn an MBA in healthcare management, each learner must complete 30 credits of business core, 12 credits of electives, and 12 credits of concentration courses. Options include pharmaceutical strategy, negotiation in healthcare settings, and a two-part consulting practicum.Online enrollees must take three courses with residency requirements. Each residency lasts several days, held at the Carey Business School’s Harbor East campus.APPLYING TO JOHNS HOPKINSEach candidate must submit transcripts, essays, a resume, letter of recommendation, and GMAT or GRE scores, unless eligible for a waiver. A $100 application fee also applies.PROGRAM AT A GLANCETuition: $1,525/creditRequired Credits: 54 creditsProgram Length: 3 years (part time)Delivery Format: Online with some on-campus requirements (synchronous) |
| 2. FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY |
| Public university in Miami, FL, accredited by SACSCOC, AACSB, and CAHME |
| FIU enrolls nearly 54,000 students each year as Miami’s first and only public research university. The university serves the diverse population of South Florida through high-quality teaching and collaborative community engagement.ALVAH H. CHAPMAN JR. GRADUATE SCHOOL OF BUSINESSOnline healthcare MBA students at FIU take two eight-week courses and progress through the program in a cohort model. The 42-credit degree prepares management professionals for work in healthcare settings.Required courses include corporate finance, organization information systems, and healthcare fraud and abuse law and regulation. Three incorporated residencies, totaling 120 hours, provide valuable opportunities for education and networking between classmates, alumni, faculty, and industry professionals.To complete the program, each student conducts a research project on a specific healthcare management program in a community or institutional setting. FIU offers an optional international study program for interested MBA candidates.APPLYING TO FIUProspective MBA students need at least two years of professional experience and a minimum 3.0 GPA in the last 60 credits of upper-division undergraduate coursework. FIU requires a resume, two letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a $30 application fee.PROGRAM AT A GLANCETuition: $1,426/creditRequired Credits: 42 creditsProgram Length: 18 months (full time)Delivery Format: Online with some on-campus requirements (asynchronous) |
| 3. UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS AMHERST |
| Public university in Amherst, MA, accredited by NECHE |
| UMass Amherst enrolls nearly 32,000 students and offers more than 200 academic programs. The state’s flagship campus sits on 1,450 acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley.ISENBERG SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENTStudents completing the UMass Amherst online MBA can study remotely or through a combination of online and in-person classes in Springfield, Shrewsbury, or Boston. An enrollee must complete 45 credits to earn the MBA with a healthcare administration focus.The healthcare administration concentration, developed in partnership with the School of Public Health and Health Sciences, includes course offerings like intro to the U.S. mental health system, health program planning, and public health informatics.Isenberg student organizations like the graduate business association, MBA Women International, and Net Impact provide networking, leadership development, and professional growth opportunities.APPLYING TO UMASS AMHERSTEach prospective student must possess 3-5 years of professional experience and supply a personal statement, resume or CV, two letters of recommendation, and GMAT or GRE scores, unless eligible for a waiver.PROGRAM AT A GLANCETuition: $900/creditRequired Credits: 45 creditsProgram Length: 2.5 years (full time)Delivery Format: 100% online (asynchronous) or hybrid |
| 4. UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE |
| Public university in Newark, DE, accredited by MSCHE and AACSB |
| UD is a state-assisted, privately governed institution with nearly 24,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. The university commits itself to academic freedom, diversity, innovation, community, and service.ALFRED LERNER COLLEGE OF BUSINESS AND ECONOMICSThe MBA healthcare management program at UD starts six times each year. Students can complete the program in just 16 months or at a slower pace, as needed. The 44-credit degree requires no on-site residencies.Core courses cover fundamentals of analytics, managing people and teams, and ethical issues in domestic and global business environments. Within the healthcare management concentration, courses include patient experience and engagement and population health informatics.All students complete a series of professional development seminars designed to build vital leadership competencies: emotional intelligence, critical thinking, communicating, branding, and career networking.APPLYING TO UDUD seeks applicants with at least two years of work experience, a bachelor’s degree in any discipline, and a minimum 2.8 undergraduate GPA. Qualified prospective students can receive a GMAT/GRE exam waiver.PROGRAM AT A GLANCETuition: $950/creditRequired Credits: 44 creditsProgram Length: 16 months (full time)Delivery Format: 100% online (asynchronous) |
| 5. PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY |
| Public university in University Park, PA, accredited by MSCHE and AACSB |
| This top-ranked research institution encompasses 24 campuses and an online campus. Penn State’s 100,000 students engage in interdisciplinary research, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy opportunities.SMEAL COLLEGE OF BUSINESSThe 48-credit Penn State online healthcare MBA prepares graduates to manage teams and solve real-world business challenges. Courses operate in an asynchronous format, with optional synchronous discussion periods for interested students.The healthcare business concentration requires three courses: introduction to health services organizations and delivery, introduction to health economics, and financial management in health institutions.Each enrollee must participate in a five-day residency on the University Park campus at the start of the program. If desired, students can participate in an additional in-person leadership immersion event or a faculty-led global immersion experience.APPLYING TO PENN STATEEach applicant provides two references, a resume, short essay responses, and GRE or GMAT scores, unless eligible for a waiver. Penn State may request online interviews to gather additional information.PROGRAM AT A GLANCETuition: $1,236/creditRequired Credits: 48 creditsProgram Length: 2 years (full time)Delivery Format: Online with some on-campus requirements (asynchronous) |
| 6. WEBSTER UNIVERSITY |
| Private university in St. Louis, MO, accredited by HLC and ACBSP |
| Since its establishment in 1915, Webster University has sought to equalize higher education, building a network of over 50 locations to better serve residential, metro, military, and international communities. More than 12,000 students attend Webster.GEORGE HERBERT WALKER SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AND TECHNOLOGYStudents can customize their Webster MBA experience with 10 areas of emphasis and 12 dual-degree options. The health administration emphasis area requires courses in health administration law, organization, and financial management.The program integrates experiential learning, case studies, and other practical applications. All learners complete a capstone consulting project. In this team-based endeavor, students work directly with organizations to identify consulting opportunities, address challenges, and create solutions.In addition to affordable tuition rates, Webster offers an annual, flat-rate textbook fee for all MBA courses.APPLYING TO WEBSTERWebster requires each applicant to demonstrate a minimum 2.5 undergraduate GPA and provide official transcripts, a resume or essay, and a $50 application fee.PROGRAM AT A GLANCETuition: $780/creditRequired Credits: 39-42 creditsProgram Length: 2 years (full time)Delivery Format: 100% online (synchronous and asynchronous) or hybrid |
| 7. PURDUE UNIVERSITY |
| Public university in Indianapolis, IN, accredited by HLC and ACBSP |
| Purdue Global is an online institution dedicated to meeting the unique needs of professional learners. More than 30,000 students enroll in Purdue Global’s 175 programs.PURDUE UNIVERSITY GLOBALPurdue Global offers a flexible MBA in healthcare management online, with a possible timeline of fewer than two years of full-time study. Students and instructors meet for once-a-week live sessions. Other course materials and assignments are accessible 24/7, at learners’ convenience.Required concentration courses build skills in healthcare marketing, public health leadership, and healthcare quality assessment. A final MBA capstone combines individual research, team assignments, and a business simulation designed to integrate all program competencies.Graduates exit Purdue Global’s online healthcare MBA with a portfolio of practical, resume-building projects. Corporate partners, military students, and veterans can receive tuition discounts.APPLYING TO PURDUEEach Purdue Global MBA applicant must hold a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 2.5 undergraduate GPA. Candidates do not need to submit any documents to complete the application, but transcripts are required for enrollment.PROGRAM AT A GLANCETuition: $485/creditRequired Credits: 76 creditsProgram Length: 2 years or less (full time)Delivery Format: 100% online (synchronous and asynchronous) |
| 8. UNIVERSITY OF LA VERNE |
| Private university in La Verne, CA, accredited by WASC |
| La Verne enrolls more than 7,000 students just 35 miles east of Los Angeles. The private, nonprofit institution offers specialized programs at its La Verne campus, regional locations, and online.COLLEGE OF BUSINESS AND PUBLIC MANAGEMENTHealth services management is one of eight MBA concentrations available at La Verne. Delivered asynchronously, Students can access lectures, coursework, and discussion boards at their convenience.Concentration courses include management of clinical and financial information, marketing and business development, and current trends and issues in health services. Enrollees can also consider an optional internship course.The program culminates with a strategic management activity, integrating knowledge gained throughout the MBA experience. Online students can access campus support services, including financial aid and career counseling through phone and video conferencing.APPLYING TO LA VERNEA prospective student must possess at least three years of professional experience. La Verne prefers a minimum 2.5 undergraduate GPA. Required admission documents include letters of recommendation and a statement of purpose.PROGRAM AT A GLANCETuition: $910/creditRequired Credits: 33 creditsProgram Length: 1-3 years (full time)Delivery Format: 100% online (asynchronous) |
| 9. UNIVERSITY OF MARY |
| Private university in Bismarck, ND, accredited by HLC and IACBE |
| Mary is a private, Benedictine Catholic university with nearly 4,000 students of all faiths and backgrounds. Small class sizes ensure personal attention and support from faculty.GARY THARALDSON SCHOOL OF BUSINESSMary allows learners to study online or in person with convenient evening classes at satellite locations in North Dakota, Montana, and Kansas. The MBA in healthcare management is ideal for hospital administrators, medical insurance professionals, nurses, and physicians.The program builds professionals’ quantitative business skills through leadership, managerial accounting, and business research and writing courses. The healthcare concentration covers contemporary healthcare administration issues, healthcare law and policy, and healthcare finance.A final capstone requires a literature review on a student-selected business topic. Mary online offers rolling admissions, with new MBA start dates occurring every five weeks.APPLYING TO MARYMary offers a simple admissions process for its online programs. Each applicant needs a bachelor’s degree and a minimum 2.75 undergraduate GPA. A $45 application fee applies.PROGRAM AT A GLANCETuition: $550/creditRequired Credits: 36 creditsProgram Length: 16 months (full time)Delivery Format: 100% online (asynchronous) or in-person |
| 10. UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA WILMINGTON |
| Public university in Wilmington, NC, accredited by SACSCOC and AACSB |
| More than 14,500 undergraduate students and nearly 3,300 graduate students attend UNCW. The public research university boasts an 86.2% retention rate and a 79.1% graduation rate.CAMERON SCHOOL OF BUSINESSStudents at UNCW can complete a 36-credit online MBA in healthcare management in just one year. The program helps learners navigate the complex regulatory environment of contemporary healthcare and prepares graduates for career advancement.Required courses include business law, strategic management, and healthcare analytics. Students learn to use analytics tools to interpret, evaluate, and present data to improve healthcare operations and patient care.UNCW delivers its online courses asynchronously, formatted to work with laptops, tablets, and mobile devices. Students can access virtual library and technical support services.APPLYING TO UNCWA prospective student should possess at least two years of professional experience and a cumulative minimum 3.0 GPA in undergraduate studies. UNCW requires a resume, statement of interest, two letters of recommendation, and GMAT or GRE scores, unless waived.PROGRAM AT A GLANCETuition: $415/credit (in state); $1,092/credit (out of state)Required Credits: 36 creditsProgram Length: 1 year (full time)Delivery Format: 100% online (asynchronous) |
| 11. CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY |
| Public university in Mount Pleasant, MI, accredited by HLC and AACSB |
| CMU grew from humble beginnings as a small teachers’ college established in 1892. Today, nearly 20,000 students enroll in person and online to pursue degrees from seven academic colleges.CMU GLOBAL CAMPUSOffered through CMU Global Campus, the 36-credit online MBA in health systems leadership expands student knowledge of current issues, policies, risk management tactics, and healthcare system operations.Learners complete nine core courses, including global business and sustainability, data analysis for managers, and an integrative strategic management experience. Three concentration courses round out the program, including healthcare finance, law, marketing, compliance, and risk management.Newly accepted students can begin in any semester, as space allows. Most courses use asynchronous technology, but instructors may schedule synchronous discussion sessions at their discretion.APPLYING TO CMUEach online MBA applicant needs a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 2.7 GPA. CMU recommends prior courses in economics, statistics, accounting, and finance. A candidate must provide a resume, a personal statement, and a $50 application fee.PROGRAM AT A GLANCETuition: $662/creditRequired Credits: 36 creditsProgram Length: 2 yearsDelivery Format: 100% online (synchronous and asynchronous) |
| 12. BETHEL UNIVERSITY |
| Private university in St. Paul, MN, accredited by HLC and ACBSP |
| Bethel has pioneered Christian higher education since 1871. Nearly 4,500 students enroll at Bethel each year, representing 48 Christian denominations and pursuing more than 100 program options.BETHEL GRADUATE SCHOOLBethel offers an MBA in healthcare management for professionals who aspire to lead and innovate in the healthcare industry. Learners can complete the 42-credit program online, in person, or through a combination of both formats.The program emphasizes leadership and professional development through courses titled engaging your potential, leadership theory and personal agency, and strategic talent management. Learners also study business strategy, healthcare administration finance, and legal aspects of healthcare.Prior to graduation, Bethel requires an MBA portfolio and completion of an integrative team capstone course, which invites students to develop real-world business or leadership projects.APPLYING TO BETHELBethel’s MBA admission requirements include a completed bachelor’s degree, a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA, and at least two years of work experience. Each applicant must provide two professional references, a resume, and a statement of purpose.PROGRAM AT A GLANCETuition: $650/creditRequired Credits: 42 creditsProgram Length: 18-24 months (full time)Delivery Format: 100% online or hybrid |
| 13. FLORIDA ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY |
| Public university in Boca Raton, FL, accredited by SACSCOC and AACSB |
| Spanning 110 miles of Southeast Florida coastline, FAU fosters a diverse community of more than 30,000 students engaging with over 170 degrees.FAU COLLEGE OF BUSINESSFAU’s fully online MBA prepares graduates to assume leadership roles that maximize their organization’s investments. The program’s cohort model allows students to network, share experiences, and progress through coursework as a team.To complete the health administration specialization, each enrollee must satisfy a 12-credit elective requirement. Course options vary by semester but may include organizational behavior in healthcare, research methods for healthcare management, or global issues in healthcare delivery.FAU offers an excellent return on investment. Following graduation, FAU MBA alumni secure one of the nation’s highest average salary-to-debt ratios, according to Bloomberg BusinessWeek.APPLYING TO FAUFAU requires each candidate to have earned a minimum 3.0 GPA in their last 60 credits of undergraduate coursework. An applicant must submit a resume, two letters of recommendation, and GMAT or GRE scores, unless eligible for waiver.PROGRAM AT A GLANCETuition: $800/creditRequired Credits: 40-46 creditsProgram Length: 23 months (full time)Delivery Format: 100% online (asynchronous) |
| 14. OHIO UNIVERSITY |
| Public university in Athens, OH, accredited by HLC and AACSB |
| Located in the small college town of Athens, OU enrolls nearly 40,000 students each year. Since its founding as the state’s first university in 1804, OU remains a leader in public education.OHIO UNIVERSITY’S COLLEGE OF BUSINESSLaunched in fall 2012, OU’s online MBA offers eight concentrations, including healthcare. Students in the healthcare concentration engage with an applied curriculum merging essential business concepts with healthcare ethics, law, and finance.The primarily asynchronous program schedules one course per seven-week term. On the rare occasion where live lectures are required, students select the day and time that work best for their schedules. Synchronous components are also recorded for future viewing.All MBA candidates must attend one weekend-long professional development workshop on campus. Two additional workshops are optional. OU offers automatic $5,000 scholarships to eligible university alumni, student veterans, active military, and corporate partners.APPLYING TO OUEach prospective MBA student should possess at least two years of professional experience and a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA. Required admission materials include a resume, two letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.PROGRAM AT A GLANCETuition: $1,028/credit (in state); $1,047/credit (out of state)Required Credits: 35 creditsProgram Length: 2 years (full time)Delivery Format: Online with some on-campus requirements (asynchronous and synchronous) |
| 15. MARYVILLE UNIVERSITY |
| Private university in St. Louis, MO accredited by HLC |
| Founded as a private academy in 1872, Maryville is one of the oldest private institutions in the region. Today, Maryville enrolls nearly 11,000 learners, 7,000 of whom study online.JOHN E. SIMON SCHOOL OF BUSINESSLearners can choose from six annual start dates to begin their MBAs in healthcare management online at Maryville. The student-centered program offers an accessible curriculum for new and experienced business professionals alike.Concentration courses make up 12 of the degree’s 39 credits. Enrollees explore advanced topics in population health management; healthcare operations; and healthcare law, ethics, and risk management. The concentration also examines how the healthcare industry affects health administration.As a final capstone, all MBA students create a strategic decision-making model that integrates prior coursework in marketing, finance, economics, accounting, and management.APPLYING TO MARYVILLEMaryville requires a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA for MBA admission. Each applicant needs to submit official transcripts and a personal statement. Maryville charges no application fee.PROGRAM AT A GLANCETuition: $714/creditRequired Credits: 39 creditsProgram Length: 1 year (full time)Delivery Format: 100% online (asynchronous) |
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM HEALTHCARE MBA PROGRAMS
Learners pursuing an MBA in healthcare management online can expect to take 30-54 credits. Lower credit requirements commonly apply to students with prior education or employment experience that fulfills certain foundational requirements.
Degree timelines vary depending on program format and student preference. Accelerated options offer completion times as brief as one or two years, while programs with more flexible schedules may take three or more years to complete.
Fortunately for working professionals, even accelerated MBA programs tend to allow part-time enrollment. Many programs use 100% online learning to further meet the needs of employed students.
The healthcare MBA curriculum covers major concepts including managerial decision-making, healthcare policy, and healthcare business practice.
Some students may want to consider similar program options like a master’s in healthcare administration (MHA) or an MS in healthcare management. We discuss these degree options in the next section.
In order to gain entry into a top MBA program, applicants must typically demonstrate a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.5-3.0. Other common requirements include a personal essay, current resume, letters of recommendation, and GMAT scores.
HEALTHCARE MANAGEMENT DEGREE OPTIONS
Three main avenues exist for healthcare leaders seeking graduate education: the MBA in healthcare administration, the MS in healthcare management, and the MHA. Each program offers a different experience and overall focus.
- The MBA in healthcare management is primarily a business degree with an added focus on the healthcare industry. Applicants may hold a bachelor’s in business or another discipline.
- The MS in healthcare management focuses on the study and application of healthcare management while integrating business skills, theories, and strategies. Applicants may hold a bachelor’s in business, healthcare, or another discipline.
- The MHA takes place in a clinical health setting and primarily focuses on applied healthcare, with several business courses also required. Applicants need a relevant bachelor’s and clinical healthcare experience.
The primary benefit of pursuing an MBA in healthcare management over an MHA or MS degree is the flexibility offered by its extensive business curriculum. Graduates with an MBA can pursue executive and administrative opportunities both within and beyond the healthcare industry. The more focused curriculums of the MHA and MS degrees typically limit graduates to leadership careers in healthcare.
POPULAR HEALTHCARE MANAGEMENT COURSES
During the completion of an MBA in healthcare management, students take a combination of business core, concentration, and elective courses. Whereas undergraduate degrees rely heavily on lecture-style courses and weekly homework assignments, graduate programs typically place a greater emphasis on class discussion and long-term projects.
No two MBAs are exactly alike, but you can expect to encounter a similar course plan regardless of the school you attend. Courses commonly required in an online healthcare MBA include:
- Managerial Accounting: This course provides an overview of the language and concepts of managerial accounting. Students learn to use accounting as a tool to support managerial decisions in communication, monitoring, planning, and resource allocation.
- Operations Management: This course teaches healthcare leaders how to build innovative, high-performance organizations. Coursework covers essential concepts, tools, and practices. Topics include capacity management, process mapping, demand planning, and forecasting.
- Healthcare Finance: This course invites students to analyze the U.S. healthcare system through principles of economics and financial management. Coursework emphasizes creative problem-solving as students focus on real-world issues, case studies, and healthcare industry models.
- Business Law: Managers need a basic understanding of business law. This elective course introduces critical fundamentals of contract law, corporate law, employment law, and bankruptcy. Coursework examines and evaluates the ways in which legal issues impact business operations.
- MBA Capstone: Working alone or in small teams, the culminating experience of an MBA requires students to integrate prior learning to address a real-world business problem. Deliverables typically include an extensive project and written report.
FINANCING YOUR HEALTHCARE MANAGEMENT DEGREE
Higher education involves a significant investment in the United States. Before you commit to any degree, make sure you have a plan to pay for it.
Grants, scholarships, and employer assistance programs stand out as the best financial aid options to pursue. They require no repayment and few hoops to jump through. Teaching assistantships and part- or full-time work can also provide some financial cushion, but they also require significant time commitments.
Finally, students can seek out loans to cover the cost of attendance. Healthcare MBA students often find high-salary career opportunities after graduation, which can make it easier to pay down loan amounts in a timely fashion.
WHAT JOBS CAN A HEALTHCARE MANAGEMENT DEGREE GET YOU?
The MBA is one of the nation’s most popular degrees for good reason: it opens doors. An MBA provides an extensive set of highly transferable skills, which means this degree can prepare you to take on leadership positions across virtually every industry and sector.
An MBA in healthcare management offers additional industry-specific knowledge to enhance your broad business skill set. Students learn how to uniquely apply strategic decision-making, accounting, and management concepts to healthcare environments like hospitals, nursing homes, and outpatient facilities. Graduates can also work in adjacent industries and settings, including government, insurance, and public health.
Along with employment flexibility, earning a healthcare MBA can also lead to high income potential. Two popular positions for graduates — medical and health services managers and top executives — come with median six-figure salaries, according to the BLS.
Take a look at just a few career options for MBA graduates below.
Medical and Health Services Manager: Commonly employed by hospitals, nursing facilities, and government agencies, medical and health services managers plan, direct, and coordinate services. These top administrators work to improve efficiency and care quality, ensure legal compliance, manage finances, and maintain vital records.
- Required Education: Employers commonly prefer candidates with master’s degrees, though a bachelor’s can sometimes satisfy minimum requirements.
- Job Outlook: +32%
- Median Annual Salary: $100,980
Top Executive: Top executives develop plans, strategies, and policies to help an organization meet its goals. In the healthcare industry, top executives often work for large hospital systems, insurance companies, and government agencies. Common duties include managing activities, consulting with staff, and identifying ways to cut costs or improve performance.
- Required Education: Many top executives hold a master’s degree. Some employers accept a bachelor’s.
- Job Outlook: +4%
- Median Annual Salary: $104,690
Management Analyst: Management analysts, also known as management consultants, suggest ways for an organization to improve its efficiency. Common tasks include analyzing financial data, interviewing personnel, and helping management initiate changes. Management analysts regularly find opportunities in the healthcare and insurance industries.
- Required Education: This degree requires at least a bachelor’s. Some employers prefer to hire MBA candidates.
- Job Outlook: +11%
- Median Annual Salary: $85,260
SELECTING YOUR HEALTHCARE MANAGEMENT MBA PROGRAM
A ranked list of top degrees offers a great place to start your degree search, but it should not be the only resource a prospective student relies on to select an MBA program. Additional key factors to keep in mind include:
- Location: If you plan to pursue an MBA in healthcare management online, a campus location might not make much of a difference in your decision-making process. However, some degree plans may include optional or required in-person components. Location can also impact tuition costs based on state residency.
- Accreditation: Make sure to attend a school with accreditation from a recognized regional or national accrediting body. To ensure you receive the best education possible, search for MBA programs with accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, the International Accreditation Assembly for Collegiate Business Education, or the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.
- Cost and Financial Aid: On the low end, the total tuition cost for an MBA program falls around $10,000. On the high end, total tuition can cost more than $100,000. Look for a program you can reasonably afford, and explore all of your financial aid options to keep costs down.
WHY SHOULD YOU GET AN ONLINE MBA?
Since their emergence in the ’90s, online college programs have battled their fair share of negative stigma. Critics assume the quality of remote learning simply cannot compare to a traditional classroom experience.
However, a 2018 Learning House study found that 85% of students respondents felt their online courses offered the same or better quality than their in-person courses.
Deciding to pursue your MBA in healthcare management online grants you remarkable flexibility. Online learners taking asynchronous courses study at their convenience — anywhere, any time — and the structure of MBA programs often permits students to maintain their current employment while enrolled.
In fall 2018, approximately 30% of graduate students enrolled exclusively in online courses, according to the NCES. Joining these growing ranks could prove one of the best decisions you ever make, but before you commit to an online education, take time to consider the following questions:
- Does my schedule allow the time required to succeed in an online program?
- Do I have access to an adequate at-home learning environment?
- Can I meet the program’s technology requirements?
- Am I comfortable communicating primarily through digital tools like discussion boards and email?
For the right degree candidate, online learning provides an excellent way to balance obligations, graduate faster, and take ownership of your education.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is an MBA in healthcare management worth it?
Earning an MBA in healthcare management online can be an excellent investment for a motivated healthcare professional. This degree provides transferable business and leadership skills, an excellent job outlook, and high income potential.
What can I do after an MBA in healthcare management?
With an MBA in healthcare management, you can pursue executive leadership opportunities in hospitals, nursing homes, and outpatient facilities. Graduates also find work in consulting, government, and the insurance industry.
What kind of healthcare management degrees are there?
The most popular healthcare management degrees for graduate students include the MBA and the MHA. The MBA focuses more broadly on business and management, while the MHA offers a greater emphasis on the healthcare industry.
What does a healthcare manager do?
A healthcare manager, also known as a healthcare executive or healthcare administrator, helps to plan and direct the services of a healthcare facility. Healthcare managers work on budgeting, recruitment, legal compliance, and business strategy.
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