25 Best MBA in Healthcare Management Online Programs [2024 Guide]

Looking for an MBA in Healthcare Management Online Program for 2024? Compare healthcare management programs, career paths, and salaries.

If you’re seeking an advanced degree for high-paying careers in the healthcare industry, consider an MBA in healthcare management online.

Not only can it prepare you for a variety of leadership roles in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, outpatient centers and other organizations, but since it’s delivered digitally, you can earn your degree from the comfort of your own home.

Online MBA in Healthcare Management Degrees

A Master of Business Administration (MBA) is one of the most popular degrees for business students.

There are two options for a healthcare MBA online.

• Healthcare Management
• Healthcare Administration

Although there may be some crossover between healthcare management and healthcare administration services careers, there are some important distinctions to consider.

You can also choose to concentrate your MBA on something specific if you already have defined career goals for the future. In addition to the basics of business, you can learn industry-related subjects and skills, and you might just give your resume a boost with a specialized degree.

MBA in Healthcare Management

Healthcare management is devoted to the behind-the-scenes work of hospitals and other medical settings. It could involve everything from paying the bills to managing the paperwork of patients and staff, so it’s a very flexible field, and there are many different job opportunities within it.

Are you good with numbers? You could become a financial director or revenue analyst. Do you have a knack for computers? You could specialize in digital information systems and become an IT professional or medical records manager.

There are even careers for creative types. You could specialize in marketing, for example, and dream up cool new ideas for a clinic’s promotional campaigns, or you could study public health education and become a program director for kids and schools.

Regardless of their specialty, healthcare management students should be very detail-oriented. They should be able to work efficiently and independently, especially if they’re aiming for leadership roles, and they should be smart, organized, pragmatic, and able to keep things running smoothly for their workplace.

MBA in Healthcare Administration

Healthcare administration is very similar to healthcare management, and some schools use the terms interchangeably. Employers don’t usually distinguish between them, so in terms of finding a job, you shouldn’t be disadvantaged by going for one title over the other. So why are they separate disciplines at all?

Healthcare administration tends to be more focused on the day-to-day operations of a facility whereas healthcare management is devoted to big-picture plans and ideas.

Additionally, healthcare administration might be put in charge of specific tasks like budgeting, staffing, or policy making while healthcare management might oversee their efforts for the good of the entire organization.

As you might imagine, there’s a lot of overlap between these fields, so don’t worry if your school only offers one or the other. You can learn the same skills in both programs, and your degree will help you qualify for the same jobs after graduation.

MBA in Healthcare Management Curriculum & Courses

Every MBA program is unique, so there’s no “standard” list of subjects and classes. Depending on your college, you might be required to take different combinations of credits in business, finance, policy, technology and more.

Here are just a few of the courses that you might see in a healthcare management catalogue:

• Healthcare structure and operations – These classes go by many names, but their overall purpose is the same. They teach about the infrastructure of the healthcare system and how doctors, patients, administrators, insurers and pharmaceutical companies fit within it.
• Human resources – From staff recruitment to compensation benefits, healthcare management can involve many aspects of human resources.
• Legislation and policy – A healthcare management degree should put you on the cutting edge of policies, procedures, trends, and statistics within the industry.
• Healthcare information technology – The world of healthcare is increasingly digital, and these classes are designed to familiarize you with the systems and software programs that are used by modern hospitals.
• Project management – Project management classes cover the fundamentals of budgeting, scheduling, marketing, delegating, and other necessary tasks and actions associated with running a project from start to finish.
• Organizational behavior – Often a requirement for leadership-focused degree programs, organizational behavior is the study of how people behave in groups, and it can be a great source of knowledge for future managers and administrators.
• Research methods – Research methodology is helpful to both students and working professionals. These courses can teach you how to gather, analyze, organize, track and present information in a cohesive way.
• Finance – Even if you aren’t planning on a finance-based career, many healthcare management programs will want you to take basic classes in things like accounting and billing. There might also be a math or economics requirement.
• Data analytics – Data analytics is both a tool and a resource in healthcare management, and these tech-centered classes can show you how it’s done.
• Capstone – Many master’s programs have a capstone requirement. It could be a project or research paper; it could be a semester spent in the field.

For your capstone, make sure that you talk to your university about any face-to-face requirements that it might have. While some online programs are 100 percent online, such as an online MBA in marketing, for example, others are hybrid programs that will ask for an internship or residency in your final year.

Healthcare Management Careers & Salaries

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for a master’s degree holder in the medical and health services management field is about $104,280. This number can and will change depending on things like age, title, experience, location and industry demand.

Many careers in healthcare management have a leadership component, so when looking at jobs, you’ll see a lot of titles like director and supervisor.

This is one of the reasons it can be worth the effort to obtain your master’s degree. It can qualify you for these high-level positions, and you can enjoy the salaries that come with them.

Some careers in the healthcare management field include:

Remember that these numbers are just averages. Your healthcare MBA salary will depend on many different factors, so if you want a more accurate picture of what you might be paid in your chosen occupation, look up specifics for your job title and location.

Choosing an MBA in Healthcare Management Degree

What are the best colleges for a healthcare management degree? To narrow down your options, you might want to make a checklist of your most important values and priorities. Here are a few examples of what you might include –

• Accreditation – Is it regionally, nationally or programmatically accredited?
• Online delivery method – Are the classes synchronous or asynchronous? Are they self-paced? Do you have any flexibility with things like deadlines, assignments and textbooks?
• Credits – How many credits will you need for the MBA program? What are your enrollment options as a full- or part-time student? Do they offer an executive program for working professionals?
• Price – How much is tuition? How much financial aid can the school offer?

Another thing to consider is admission. Between application deadlines and acceptance rates, you’ll want to make sure that you have a realistic chance of getting into your chosen school before you worry about other things.

Admissions Requirements

Admission requirements for a graduate program are stricter than the ones that you might have faced as an undergrad. This is also the case whether it’s an MBA in Finance online or an MA in Marketing in the classroom. The classes are smaller, and there’s more competition for things like financial aid.

You’ll want to do your research on the graduate application process to improve your odds of success. Here are just a few considerations to get you started –

• Transcripts and test scores – Many grad schools expect a 3.0 GPA or higher. They might also ask for Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) or Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) test scores.
• Letters of recommendation – You’ll want 2 – 3 letters of recommendation for a well-rounded application, so get started early. If possible, get alumni of that particular MBA program to vouch for you.
• Resume or CV – Professional work experience is best, but if you have any clubs, internships, fellowships, research assistantships or volunteer work that would strengthen your application, add those as well.
• Letter of intent – A letter of intent is your chance to impress the university. You can write about everything from your career goals to your passion for healthcare management, so make your words count.

There could be additional requirements depending on your school, so make sure to check with an academic advisor before you apply.

Accreditation

As a prospective master’s student, you probably already know about college accreditation and why it matters. It’s just as important in choosing a grad school.

If you attend an unaccredited university, you risk the possibility of colleges, companies, and professional organizations not recognizing your degree. Employers might not accept your resume; schools might not accept your credits if you ever need to transfer.

Financial aid can be more difficult, too. Federal programs like FAFSA only recognize accredited schools. Many scholarships will require enrollment at an accredited school.

All things considered, it’s worth the effort of finding an accredited school. You don’t even have to struggle with the task. Just plug your chosen university into the Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs, and the search engine will pull up any relevant information about its accreditation.

Healthcare Management Professional Organizations

It isn’t a requirement to join a professional organization for your industry. However, they can offer a lot of resources for both students and workforce employees, and certain certification programs might ask you to be a member before you can sit for their exams.

Here are a few groups that might interest you as a healthcare management student –

• American Association of Healthcare Administrative Management – As one of the most recognized names in healthcare associations, the AAHAM offers conferences, certifications, webinars, local chapter events and more.
• American College of Healthcare Executives – With almost 50,000 members, the ACHE is a supportive and wide-ranging network for anyone who is passionate about healthcare, including healthcare management students.
• Association for Healthcare Administrative Professionals – The AHCAP offers many membership benefits for students, professionals, vendors and even retirees. Perks include sponsorship programs and educational events.
• Association of University Programs in Health Administration – Like its name suggests, the AUPHA is focused on university students and affiliates, and there are different membership programs depending on your level of study.
• Business Professionals of America – Open to business students of any discipline, the BPA is a technical- and career-orientated organization that offers everything from scholarships to annual events.
• Health Care Administrators Association – The HCAA advocates for healthcare professionals of all types, and they offer a variety of educational and professional resources for those in the industry.
• National Association of Health Service Executives – Open to healthcare executives of all types, the NAHSE has conferences, committees, competitions, student chapters and more.

There are many other organizations that will accept MBA students as well. You don’t have to limit yourself to ones that are focused on healthcare and healthcare management.

Healthcare Management Licensing and Certification

If you want to bolster your resume, a professional certification can add more skills and titles to your name. It can also help you stand out from other job applicants if you’re entering a highly competitive market.

There are many certifications for healthcare management professionals. Their focus areas are just as diverse and wide-ranging as their field, so no matter what you’re interested in, you can probably find a certification program for it.

Here are just a couple of options if you’re looking for something that pairs well with MBA healthcare management jobs –

• Certified Healthcare Administrative Professional – Open to any career professional in the field of healthcare administration, the cHAP assigns points based on education, experience and elective activities. You can get certified through any combination of points as long as you meet all of their criteria.
• Certified Revenue Cycle Professional – Offered by the American Association of Healthcare Administration Management, the CRCP is for revenue cycle specialists who meet certain career requirements and pass an exam. You must be a member of the organization to apply.

Again, there are dozens and dozens of certification programs for healthcare management executives. You’ll have plenty of choices outside of this list.

Financial Aid

Financial aid for graduate students is quite similar to the kind for undergrads. There are just a few differences.

For starters, when you fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), you’ll do it as an independent student without an expected family contribution. You might find that you aren’t eligible for certain grants anymore, including the Pell Grant, but there are always exceptions.

Some master’s students are still able to get the Pell Grant when they meet special criteria. Another possibility is loans. You won’t qualify for subsidized loans anymore, but you can take out an unsubsidized loan. These are officially called Direct PLUS Loans.

Finally, you might consider a work-study program. They’re open to students at every educational level, and even though you’re getting your healthcare management degree online, you might be able to snag a campus-based job if you live close to your university.

Healthcare Management Scholarships

If financial aid isn’t enough to cover all of your costs, a scholarship can help. Many of them are open to both undergraduates and graduates, and as an MBA student, you might qualify for everything from business scholarships to healthcare management scholarships.

Here are a few possibilities to consider.

• Albert W. Dent Graduate Student Scholarship – Funded by the American College of Healthcare Executives, this scholarship is for students of color who are enrolled in their last year of a healthcare management grad school program. It’s worth $5,000.
• Ellis Bonner Award – Worth a total of $5,000, the Ellis Bonner Award is for “non-traditional” graduate students who are majoring in healthcare management or a related field.
• Florence Gaynor Award – For women only, this scholarship offers $5,000 to high-achieving female graduate students who are pursuing degrees in healthcare.
• NAHSE Scholarship Program – The NAHSE Scholarship Program is for members of the National Association of Health Service Executives. It’s worth varying amounts for underrepresented students in healthcare management programs.

For more scholarships, contact the advisors at the business department of your college. They should be familiar with all kinds of opportunities for MBA students-.

What Can I Do With an MBA in Healthcare Management?

A business degree can take you in any number of directions, especially when your studies are concentrated in something as flexible as healthcare management.

You can find jobs in numerous settings, including hospitals, clinics, rehabs, schools, and nursing homes. You can work for the government or for a private company or nonprofit. Depending on your interests, you can work behind a desk or with hands-on engagements with others.

You can even take your MBA and apply it to a field outside of healthcare. Since an MBA is a business degree, it can be enough to meet prerequisite requirements for other careers in other industries.

How Much Can You Make With an MBA in Healthcare Management?

The average master’s in healthcare management salary is about $80,000 per year (Center on Education and the Workforce). This number can reach more than $100,000 per year for certain occupations.

Generally speaking, the higher on the corporate ladder that you climb, the more that you can expect to make. A senior healthcare administrator earns more than a junior or entry-level one.

Should I Get an MBA in Healthcare Management?

Before you commit yourself to an MBA in healthcare management, you should think carefully about the challenges involved.

Can you afford it? Do you have time for it? Are you prepared for the difficulties of juggling work and school at the same time, especially with the rigorous demands of an MBA program?

Have you ever taken online classes before, and if so, were you comfortable with that kind of learning?

Which Is Better MBA or MHA?

A Master of Health Administration (MHA) and a Master of Health Management (MHM) are very solid degree choices. So is a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a specialization in healthcare management.

To figure out which degree track is right for you, ask yourself the following questions –

• Do I want a flexible degree that can be applied to many different industries?
• Do I need something with more concentrated studies to be eligible for specific jobs?
• Which degrees does my chosen school offer?

The last question is especially important since schools define their programs differently. For example, some might offer master’s online degree healthcare administration programs while others offer healthcare management programs.

In addition, you may even want to compare which pays more between healthcare management or healthcare administration.

Some might not have a healthcare concentration for their MBA. Always look at their brochures before you make any decisions.

What’s the Difference Between an MS in Healthcare Management vs. MBA in Healthcare Management?

Both degree programs will cover the same subjects. In many cases, you’ll qualify for the same jobs after graduation as well. The difference lies in the scope of their studies.

A master’s degree in healthcare management is focused very specifically on the healthcare industry, but a master’s degree in business administration is broader. It will cover a diverse range of subjects that can help prepare you for work both inside and outside of healthcare.

Is an MBA in Healthcare Management Worth It?

Yes, an MBA in Healthcare Management is worth it for many students. Employment in the healthcare sector are projected to grow 15% over the next decade, much faster than the average for all occupations according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Common careers in this field include financial analyst, clinical manager, health information manager in hospitals, marketing managers, and CFO in healthcare.

Healthcare management is a thriving industry, so if you’re looking for high-value degrees in fast-growing fields, an MBA is definitely one to consider.

More than two million jobs are expected to be added to the healthcare industry, so it’s a good time to get your degree.

What is an MBA in Healthcare Management?

A Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a graduate degree for business students. Healthcare management is one of the specializations that you can choose for it, and some schools even offer sub-specializations for healthcare management subjects.

For example, you can study informatics in healthcare systems or financial management for healthcare organizations.

How Long Does it Take To get an MBA in Healthcare Management?

It can take anywhere from one to three years to earn a master’s degree in healthcare management. It requires between 30 to 60 credits in total, so a lot depends on how many credits that you sign up for each semester.

Generally speaking, there are four degree tracks for MBA students:

• Full-time
• Part-time
• Executive
• Online

Full-time students take heavy credit loads that can include both day and night classes. If they’re part of an accelerated program, they can finish their MBA degree program online or on campus in a year at some universities. Online MBA students who take a full-time course load in a 36 credit program can finish in about one year.

Part-time students have more relaxed schedules that allow them to juggle other responsibilities outside of school. They might take up to five years to complete their degree, but they don’t have to stop working while they study.

Executive students are enrolled in special Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) programs. They’re full-time business professionals who are earning their MBA on the side, so they usually take online, evening, hybrid or self-paced classes with a lot of flexibility.

What Jobs Can I Get with My Healthcare Management Degree?

A master’s education in healthcare management can help prepare you for many jobs, including:

• Hospital administrator
• Public health director
• Medical records manager
• Financial officer
• Medical and health services manager
• Data analyst

It’s just a matter of figuring out where your interests lie.

Universities offering MBA in Healthcare Management Online Degree Programs

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.