Healthcare is one of the world’s fastest and largest growing industries. Leaders with strong business acumen are in high demand in the healthcare industry. They lead health institutions nationally and globally. Earning an online Healthcare MBA program will perfectly position candidates seeking lucrative managerial roles in many healthcare settings. Healthcare managers find roles in hospitals, clinics, and nursing home facilities. The pandemic, an aging population, and constantly changing medical laws have exacerbated the need for senior-level healthcare executives. New leadership roles are being constantly created with increasing responsibilities. These online Healthcare MBA programs are perfect for full-time professionals seeking rapid advancement in the healthcare field, as well as career changers looking to embark upon a rewarding career path. Healthcare MBA graduates often receive job promotions and salary increases.
Where are the best online healthcare MBA programs?
Say goodbye to rush-hour traffic and commute times because every program on this ranking is offered online! These online Healthcare MBA programs can be completed from any location convenient for you. Students attend class at home, a local coffee shop, or a distraction-free office. Virtual learning platforms and state-of-the-art technology have made it easy for students to collaborate with their peers on group projects, chat with professors during office hours, and access digital resources. Some of these programs do require in-person orientation sessions or other brief residency components. But these residency experiences are designed in a format to minimize disruptions to your work schedule. You will still earn the same highly prestigious degree as on-campus students but have the flexibility to complete assignments around your lifestyle.
Methodology
To sift out the best Online Healthcare MBA Programs, we started with information from three leading Online MBA, MBA, and university ranking systems. Averaging these ranking scores give students a comprehensive view of each Online MBA’s prestige. We narrowed down this list further by researching which degrees focused on the healthcare industry. Each MBA’s averaged score was placed on a 100-point scale to reveal their Online MBA Coach Score.
1 | University of Arizona
Eller College of Management
The University of Arizona’s Eller College of Management combines business and healthcare into a dynamic online Healthcare Master of Business Administration. This top-ranked, flexible degree consists of 45 credit hours, and assignments can be completed any time, 24/7. U.S. News and World Report ranks this online MBA 7th in the nation for 2022.
Healthcare is a rapidly changing career field, and the MBA curriculum educates students on the latest industry trends. Concentration courses include Financial and Managerial Accounting in Healthcare, Healthcare Quality and Reliability, and Innovative Strategies in Healthcare Marketing. Students also have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience through the Healthcare Consulting Skills elective. Experience business first-hand in Brazil, Chile, or Singapore through optional global immersions. The online Healthcare MBA can be completed in as few as 14 months or up to 48 months. Six start dates per year are offered, so students can apply when the timing suits their schedule.
OMBA Coach Score: 80.55
2 | George Washington University
School of Business
Elevate your career with an online Healthcare Master of Business Administration through George Washington University’s School of Business. The SoB holds prestigious AACSB accreditation. Healthcare experts instruct this highly-respected degree. Students learn alongside peers with diverse backgrounds in business and healthcare. MBA Students can increase their marketability by earning one of seven professional certificates, including Healthcare Quality.
The well-rounded 46.5 credit hour curriculum features 34.5 credit hours of business courses and 12 credit hours of healthcare concentration courses. Healthcare courses include Community Health Management and Advocacy, Health Services Management and Leadership, and Supply Chain Management in Health Services. Weekly live sessions are held for one hour on weekday evenings or weekends to facilitate discussions and group activities. These sessions are recorded, which means that students who are unable to attend can view them at their convenience. Students also enjoy networking with their classmates in an informal setting through virtual MBA happy hours.
OMBA Coach Score: 79.06
3 | University of Massachusetts Amherst
Isenberg School of Management
Students can prepare for a revolutionary leadership career in healthcare by earning an online MBA with an emphasis in Healthcare Administration from the Isenberg School of Management at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Leading publications consistently back this highly reputable program. In 2022, the online MBA was ranked 12th by U.S. News and World Report and 28th nationally by The Princeton Review.
Acquire the skills and knowledge to advance into a managerial role through courses such as Financial Management of Health Institutions, Healthcare Organization and Administration, and Public Health Leadership. Healthcare courses are offered in collaboration with the UMass School of Public Health and Health Science. The online MBA doesn’t require any on-campus visits. But students who wish to complement their studies with in-person classes can attend the satellite campuses in Boston or Shrewsbury. Students can grow their network by joining the Graduate Business Association, Graduate Consulting Club, or Graduate Women in Business.
OMBA Coach Score: 78.29
4 | University of Texas at Dallas
Naveen Jindal School of Management
The Naveen Jindal School of Management at the University of Texas at Dallas offers a rigorous yet flexible online Professional Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Healthcare Leadership and Management. In the 2023 U.S. and News World Report’s ranking, the PMBA ranked 19th in the nation and 10th amongst Best Graduate Business Schools.
This 53-credit-hour program can be completed in as few as 21 months. Medical Cost and Performance Management, Principles of Hospital Administration, and Strategic Leadership of Healthcare Organizations are just a few healthcare courses offered. Healthcare internships and self-directed field studies allow students to tailor their education to their specific interests and goals. The Center for Healthcare Leadership and Management also equips students to enter healthcare leadership careers. CHLM hosts professional speaker lecture series, networking events, and provides students with opportunities to participate in scholarly research. Students and alums also receive customized career support, including 1-on-1 career coaching, employer visits, and professional development workshops.
OMBA Coach Score: 73.72
5 | Duke University
Fuqua School of Business
Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business prepares rising healthcare leaders through the Weekend Executive Master of Business Administration program. Professionals in this MBA program can earn a Health Sector Management certificate. Required courses for this certificate include Fundamentals of Health Sector Management: A Global Perspective, Healthcare Markets, and Health Institutions, Systems, and Policy. Students will also complete an HSM project course, industry context elective, and breadth elective. A week-long HSM Bootcamp allows students to connect with their healthcare peers and experience guest speakers such as the President and Chief Medical Officer of LabCorp and the Chief Policy Officer for COVID-19 at the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.
Throughout the program’s 22-month duration, students meet for monthly weekend residencies from Friday to Sunday. Students will spend the weekend at the luxurious JB Duke Hotel. Distance Saturdays are also offered, which can be attended in-person or remotely via online classes. The HSM Speaker Series also gives students the opportunity to hear from leading experts such as the CEO of Aledade Care Solutions and the founder of Vertex Pharmaceuticals.
OMBA Coach Score: 66.95
6 | University of Denver
Daniels College of Business
Aspiring healthcare leaders can pursue an Online MBA with an Executive Healthcare Administration concentration from the Daniels College of Business at the University of Denver. Daniels CoB is the 8th oldest business school in the nation and has been accredited by the AACSB since 1923.
The curriculum is delivered via an innovative digital platform and features online classes in real-time. Students are required to attend a three-day in-person domestic and global residency. These immersions include networking events, company visits, case studies, interactive workshops, and industry-specific breakout sessions. Healthcare courses consist of Global Health, Healthcare in the U.S.: Systems and Populations, and Health Innovation and Technology. The MBA@Denver Capstone requires students to work in small groups to create a project to support a nonprofit organization. These projects will be presented via Zoom. Students receive executive career coaching and LinkedIn Premium memberships to assist in their career search.
OMBA Coach Score: 66.43
7 | Carnegie Mellon University
Tepper School of Business
Carnegie Mellon University’s Tepper School of Business delivers a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Healthcare Analytics. U.S. News and World Report currently ranks Tepper 16th amongst Graduate Business Schools for 2023. Additionally, in 2022, U.S. News and World Report ranked the online MBA 4th nationally, and The Princeton Review ranked it 5th nationally. This online program takes an average of three years to complete. It is offered in a part-time online hybrid format to help busy professionals balance work and school.
Some of the exciting courses within this degree include Automation of Biological Research: Robotics and Machine Learning, Health Economics, and Health Policy and Management Systems. This MBA is STEM-designated and integrates analysis and technology tools into coursework. The Accelerate Leadership Center offers outstanding co-curricular programs and a leadership development certification for MBA students. The leadership development certification components include individual coaching sessions, skills workshops, and giving a leadership presentation. Graduates assume successful leadership careers in various healthcare institutions, pharmacies, and biomedical tech labs. The median salary for 2020 MBA graduates who entered the healthcare industry was $120,000.
OMBA Coach Score: 63.39
8 | Rice University
Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Business
Rice University offers an unrivaled online Master of Business Administration with a career focus area in Healthcare through the Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Business. Jones was ranked amongst the Top 30 Best Business Schools, and the online MBA was ranked 20th by U.S. News and World Report in 2022. The Princeton Review also ranked the online MBA 4th in its 2022 ranking.
The 54-credit hour curriculum consists of 36 credits of core courses, 13.5 credits towards the focus area, and 4.5 credits of field experiences. This degree can be completed in two years. Some suggested courses for healthcare students include Business of Healthcare, Process Management and Quality Improvement, and Strategic Innovation and Competitive Advantage. Class sizes are kept small, and students interact with their peers and professors through weekly live classes. Engaging coursework can be accessed from any mobile device. Students will work on case studies, collaborative projects, and view video simulations.
OMBA Coach Score: 61.05
9 | University of South Florida
Muma College of Business
The University of South Florida’s Muma College of Business readies students for competitive careers through the online Master of Business Administration with a customization in Healthcare Analytics. The online MBA was ranked amongst the top 30 by U.S. News and World Report and The Princeton Review in 2021.
The flexible, asynchronous format makes it easy for students to complete their assignments anywhere. Full-time students can graduate in one year, and part-time students take an average of two to three years. Students can choose to complete an optional practicum or internship to gain practical work experience. The Center for Analytics and Creativity also offers experiential learning opportunities, networking, mentoring, and annual events like the Florida Business Analytics Forum. Students must complete a thesis or comprehensive exam/capstone course before graduation. A variety of online services are offered to support online students. Services include virtual peer tutoring and customized career coaching.
OMBA Coach Score: 60.31
10 | Lehigh University
College of Business
Lehigh University’s College of Business offers a Flex Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Public Health. This part-time degree features convenient class formats. Students can attend class by ClassroomLive, in which students interact with peers in real-time, or Classroom Online, which consists of streaming lectures. The average completion time is 3.5 years, but students can take as few as two years or up to six years.
Public Health courses include Health Data and Computational Science, Data-Informed Policy Making, and Leadership and Health Practice. The curriculum emphasizes decision-making, leadership, ethical and social responsibility, inclusive thinking, and communication in both domestic and global contexts. Students can attend virtual professional development sessions on personal branding, networking events, and receive individual coaching sessions. Program applicants are accepted in the fall, spring, and summer semesters. Prospective students are invited to attend a live or virtual class. The entering salary for FLEX MBA students in the 2021 graduating class was $88,000 and upon graduation was $120,000.
OMBA Coach Score: 59.89
11 | Texas Tech University
Rawls College of Business
Texas Tech University’s Rawls College of Business offers a respected online Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Healthcare Organization Management. Technology is heavily embedded into the curriculum. Students even have the option of earning a Microsoft Office Excel Specialist certification. Full-time students can earn this 42-credit hour MBA in as few as 12 months, and part-time students can take up to six years, with no campus visits required. Online MBA students will definitely want to take the GMAT because automatic scholarships are awarded for $500-$2,000 each semester based on qualifying scores..
The Rawls Career Management Center helps students prepare for their future careers. They offer coaching, connecting them with potential employers through virtual career fairs, and access to the online job portal. Students can also learn about creating an inclusive work environment by attending the annual diversity symposium. Many health-focused study abroad programs are also offered, including Child Health and Social Determinants in Ghana.
OMBA Coach Score: 51.59
12 | Penn State
Smeal College of Business
Smeal College of Business at Penn State offers students a highly customizable Online MBA degree with a concentration in Healthcare Business. This specialized concentration requires students to either hold an undergraduate degree in a health-related field or have three years of professional experience in a healthcare setting. The Healthcare Business concentration consists of three courses: Introduction to Health Services Organizations and Delivery, Introduction to Health Economics, and Financial Management in Health Institutions.
All MBA courses are asynchronous but feature optional synchronous discussions. The program starts with a residency, which can be completed virtually during the fall and spring semesters or in person in the summer. The virtual residency also has optional opportunities for students to participate in activities on-campus. Additional options for students to grow their network include a leadership immersion at Vertical Adventures Challenge Course and global immersions to destinations such as Chile, China, the Czech Republic, and South Africa. Alums and current students are also invited to executive update workshops.
OMBA Coach Score: 51.27
13 | Louisiana State University
E. J. Ourso College of Business
Earning an online Master of Business Administration with a Healthcare Management specialization from Louisiana State University’s E.J. Ourso College of Business can help students land their dream job. Ourso CoB is accredited through the AACSB, and the online MBA is also ranked highly by U.S. News and World Report.
This 36-credit-hour degree features electives such as Healthcare Leadership and Governance, Healthcare Policy and Analysis, and Healthcare Quality Management. The industry-relevant course material can be immediately applied to solving challenges at work. Classes are taught by the same highly credentialed professors who instruct brick-and-mortar classes. The online MBA can be completed in as few as 18 months, or students can stretch their studies over a longer time span. Students are partnered with a success coach and have access to academic coaching, online tutoring, and the career center. The LSU alumni is over 250,000, making it easier to get your foot in the door through solid connections.
OMBA Coach Score: 50.67
14 | Hofstra University
Frank G. Zarb School of Business
Health professionals can boost their credentials by earning a top-ranked online Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Strategic Healthcare Management from Hofstra University’s Zarb School of Business. This MBA program is consistently ranked among the nation’s best by U.S. News and World Report, The Princeton Review, and CEO Magazine.
The robust 36-credit hour curriculum consists of core competencies, major concentration courses, and a capstone integrative course. Strategic Healthcare Management students will select nine hours within their concentration. Concentration courses include Healthcare Finance, Health Services Human Resources, and Marketing of Healthcare Services. Students will elect to enroll in the full-time cohort, which is 16 months, or the part-time cohort, which is 30 months. Two mandatory residencies add to the MBA experience; an orientation and a capstone. An optional global practicum allows students to travel to at least two countries during a 10-12 day excursion. Previous destinations have included China, Japan, and South Africa.
OMBA Coach Score: 47.79
15 | SUNY Polytechnic Institute
College of Business
SUNY Polytechnic Institute’s College of Business offers a distinguished Online MBA in Technology Management with a concentration in Health Informatics. The AACSB accredits the CoB. This data-driven concentration includes Health Care Informatics, Legal Issues in Health Informatics, and Quality Improvement in Health Informatics.
Graduate assistantships are available for students who live within commuting distance from the university. Research and teaching assistants are required to work approximately 15 hours per week for $2,700 per semester. A one-year fast-track option is available for students who earned an undergraduate degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, Health Information Management, or Health Informatics. This option allows students to waive up to four classes, reducing the total number of credit hours from 48 to 33.
OMBA Coach Score: 45.61
16 | University of Massachusetts Lowell
Robert J. Manning School of Business
Robert J. Manning School of Business at the University of Massachusetts Lowell prepares future healthcare leaders through the online Masters of Business Administration with a healthcare specialization. Healthcare courses will be taken through Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences, and students can earn a professional certificate in Health Services Management. This certificate requires Healthcare Finance, Healthcare Management, and two additional electives. A few elective options include Organizational Behavior in Healthcare, Planning and Marketing in Healthcare, and Strategic Planning in Healthcare.
Students attending full-time can complete this degree in two years, and part-time students may take up to five years. Accelerated classes are offered in eight-week sessions for this 42-credit hour program, with students being allowed to enroll in a max of two classes per session. Business courses are fully accredited through the AACSB. Health courses are accredited by the Association of University Programs in Health Administration. This double accreditation ensures students will be highly sought after for leadership roles in business and healthcare.
OMBA Coach Score: 45.00
17 | University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Haslam College of Business
The University of Tennessee Knoxville offers a unique Physicians Master of Business Administration through Haslam College of Business. The PMBA can be earned in just 11 months. Students will complete four one-week residencies, and distance learning sessions are held on Saturdays from 9 AM-12 PM. All business courses are taught in a healthcare context focusing on healthcare organizations and patient care. Immediately upon entering the program, students will begin working on an Organizational Action Project to present prior to graduation.
Leading publications nationally recognize this PMBA program. In 2018, The Economist ranked it #1 Most Relevant Executive MBA Worldwide. Additionally, it was named 1st in Alumni Satisfaction Among U.S. Public Institutions by Financial Times in 2020 and #1 for Largest Among U.S. Public Institutions by Modern Healthcare in 2021. Only 40 students are accepted into the prestigious program per cohort. The average applicant has 7-20 years of clinical experience. Upon graduation, more than 70% of physicians advance into leadership roles.
OMBA Coach Score: 43.98
18 | West Virginia University
College of Business and Economics
John Chambers College of Business and Economics at West Virginia University features an online Healthcare MBA. In less than two years, students can complete this 39-credit-hour program. Every course within this degree keeps healthcare as the primary focus, not just electives like many other MBA programs. Core courses include Healthcare Leadership and Cultural Competency, Optimization of Healthcare Systems Management, and Practices of Healthcare Financial Management.
Two virtual experiential learning options are available: the Executive Project for Healthcare Administration or the Innovation and Commercialization in Healthcare course. The executive project option allows students to design and implement a project within their current healthcare setting, such as an employee retention program. Students who opt for the innovation course will create a new technology or product that can be utilized in a healthcare setting. The state-of-the-art Hospitality Innovation and Technology Lab, featuring Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality, is available for use by students who live near the campus.
OMBA Coach Score: 42.80
19 | Florida Atlantic University
College of Business
Students can obtain an online Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Health Administration from Florida Atlantic University’s College of Business. Fortune, The Princeton Review, and U.S. News and World Report ranked this program among the Best Online MBA Programs in 2022. This 40-46 credit hour MBA can be earned in as few as 16-23 months.
Many healthcare courses are offered, including Global Issues in Healthcare Delivery, Human Resources in Healthcare Organizations, and Medical Practice Management. Classes are offered in fast-track eight-week terms. Students can study with their peers through access to a 24/7 study room or get additional academic support via online tutorials. Students have once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to travel to Singapore and Thailand with their cohorts. Program entry is in the fall, spring, or summer. Students are encouraged to have four years of professional industry experience so they add valuable insights to their cohorts. Online MBA tuition is the same for all students, whether local or international.
OMBA Coach Score: 42.06
20 | Ohio University
College of Business
Ohio University’s College of Business delivers an online Master of Business Administration with a Healthcare concentration. This 35-credit-hour degree is designed to fit the lifestyle of busy professionals. Students will dive in with the Introduction to the U.S. Healthcare Delivery System course, followed by Healthcare Finance and Health Law. Graduates are prepared to assume careers as health informatics managers, health services managers, and top executives in health institutions.
Online students must attend the weekend-long Leadership Development Conference offered in either April or August. This networking residency may be attended multiple times. An optional international immersion experience and global consulting programs are also offered for students to broaden their business perspectives. The 2021 MBA class fared well, with 43% receiving a pay raise and 36% receiving a promotion by graduation. Students receive career coaching, individualized mentorship, personal branding sessions from an industry expert, and life-long career support to help them achieve their goals.
OMBA Coach Score: 40.75
21 | University of Arkansas
Sam M. Walton College of Business
The University of Arkansas’ Sam M. Walton College of Business makes it feasible for busy professionals to continue their education with an Executive Master of Business Administration. EMBA students who select the 44-credit hour Healthcare career track will complete Advanced Health Systems Financial Management, Healthcare Quality Management, Health Law, and The Healthcare System.
Face-to-face classes only meet one Saturday per month, so students can continue their full-time careers. Professors also understand outside commitments and may provide virtual options for students who occasionally must miss a Saturday. Following a part-time schedule, students are able to complete this degree in just two years. Current students in this program are employed with organizations such as the Arkansas Department of Health, Baxter Regional Hometown Clinics, and Blue Cross and Blue Shield, so cohorts provide a built-in network. Additional networking opportunities include career fairs, the Walton MBA Mentorship Program, professional development workshops, and training from corporate partners during orientation. The Wall Street Journal currently ranks this MBA program 11th for Best Return on Investment.
OMBA Coach Score: 38.47
22 | Northeastern University
D’Amore-McKim School of Business
The D’Amore McKim School of Business at Northeastern University offers an online Master of Business Administration with a Healthcare Management specialization. Northeastern has consistently been ranked amongst the Top 50 National Universities for eight consecutive years. Additionally, the MBA program is ranked 61st by Bloomberg Businessweek for 2022.
Students can graduate in as short as 18 months. The 50-credit hour curriculum consists of 21-credit hours of core courses and 29-credit hours of electives. All classes are asynchronous, but students may participate in optional live sessions. Students who live in the Boston area also have the option to gain hands-on work experience at a local health facility. Two group projects are embedded into the curriculum focusing on strategy and social responsibility. These projects will be presented to senior executives who will give their insights. Optional virtual and in-person networking sessions and faculty-connect meetups make this program highly interactive and help students expand their professional contacts.
OMBA Coach Score: 37.89
23 | Marist College
School of Management
The online Healthcare MBA at Marist College’s School of Management is offered in a part-time format. Student proceed through the coursework at an accelerated pace, which allow for graduation in as few as 14 months. The Healthcare Administration concentration is ideal for students already employed in healthcare or for career changers eager to enter a rapidly growing industry. The four concentration courses include Critical Issues in Healthcare, Ethical/Legal Issues in Healthcare, Managing Organizational Change, and U.S. Healthcare Policies and Systems. Classes are offered in eight-week sessions, which allows students five start dates throughout the year.
The School of Management is recognized by The Princeton Review among the “Best 300 Business Schools”, and the online MBA was ranked amongst the “Best Regional Online MBA Programs in the Northeast” in 2021. MBA graduates are highly recruited, and Healthcare Administration alums are employed with prestigious health organizations such as Aetna, Garnet Health, Nuvance Health, and Pfizer.
OMBA Coach Score: 37.82
24 | East Carolina University
College of Business
East Carolina University’s College of Business offers students pursuing an online Master of Business Administration to gain a competitive edge with a Healthcare Management certificate. ECU was the first to offer an online MBA in North Carolina, making it well-trusted by employers. Students will broaden their scope on healthcare practices by taking Financial Management of Healthcare Organizations, Healthcare Strategic Planning and Management, Healthcare Systems and Problems, and Management of Healthcare Operations. A special topics one-credit hour Pharmaceutical Industry Lecture is also available for students interested in learning more about this growing industry.
Graduate students are invited to learn from other business and health industry leaders at the annual Business Leadership Conference. The Cunan Center for Professional Success is committed to helping students reach their career goals through hosting weekly Employer in the Foyer sessions, the Leadership Speaker Series, access to an online job board, and internship assistance. Graduate-level management courses are offered via study abroad to destinations such as Australia, Italy, or Thailand during spring break or summer.
OMBA Coach Score: 37.10
25 | Case Western Reserve University
Weatherhead School of Management
Students in the online Master of Business Administration program at Case Western Reserve University’s Weatherhead School of Management can pursue the Healthcare Management track. Approximately 40% of the curriculum is specifically healthcare-focused. But all of the broad-based business principles apply to any setting. The Healthcare core consists of classes such as Healthcare Decision Making, AI in Healthcare, Lean Operations in Healthcare Systems, and Regulatory Issues in Healthcare Management.
The Experiential Learning in Healthcare course is available for students in the Cleveland area and includes site visits to various local healthcare institutions. The Culture in Healthcare Organization’s residency allows students to shadow employees at four different hospitals. Classes are a blend of asynchronous and live virtual lectures. Students have access to a success coach and career counseling. Eligible students who apply by the early application deadline receive a $4,500 scholarship. Interested applicants are invited to participate in a webinar covering application requirements, careers in healthcare, a student panel, or a faculty spotlight.
OMBA Coach Score: 36.58
Ultimate Guide to the Best Online Healthcare MBA Programs
The halls of hospitals and patient rooms in clinics are bustling with doctors and nurses. But behind the scenes, healthcare administrators are ensuring these healthcare institutions are operating under optimal conditions. In recent years, healthcare careers have been on the rise. Earning an online Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Healthcare will prepare students to assume leadership careers in many healthcare settings.
What is an online Healthcare MBA?
An online Healthcare MBA features business fundamentals within a healthcare context. Specializations may include Healthcare Management or Healthcare Administration. In these programs, students will complete a business core. These classes include accounting, finance, human resources, management, and marketing. Concentration classes will allow students to dive deeper into pressing issues faced by healthcare practitioners today.
Healthcare Administration courses may include
- Healthcare Delivery Systems,
- Health Information Governance, and
- Law and Regulation in Healthcare.
Students will also learn about social responsibility, ethical decision-making, and communication skills. Capstone courses may also be a required program component. These culminating classes challenge students to use innovation and emerging technologies or business theories to improve an aspect of the medical field.
MHA v. Healthcare MBA
You may wonder which is the best fit for you or what the difference between these two degrees is. A Master in Health Administration is a specialty degree that specifically targets the healthcare industry. A Healthcare MBA is a broader degree that prepares students for a more comprehensive range of career options within the healthcare industry and other sectors.
What should I look for in an online Healthcare MBA?
Accreditation/Rankings
An online Healthcare MBA will be housed within the business school, so it’s essential the business school is accredited. The AACSB offers the most prestigious accreditation a business school can achieve. This accrediting body continually reviews and updates its standards to ensure business schools provide the highest quality of education in faculty, curriculum, and societal impact.
U.S. News and World Report publishes a ranking of the Best Online MBA Programs Offering Healthcare Administration. The Princeton Review is another highly credible source that ranks online MBA programs.
Experiential Learning Opportunities
Determine how important experiential learning is to you. If you live near the campus, some innovative healthcare programs allow students to conduct research at health centers on campus or participate in site visits to local clinics and hospitals. These opportunities are especially valuable to students with limited healthcare experience. But they may be challenging for students who live further away or have demanding schedules. Luckily, these experiences are usually optional. Virtual experiential learning opportunities for group projects and simulations may also be available.
Residencies may be optional or required for some programs. These generally take place on weekends to minimize time away from work. They provide students with excellent networking opportunities and professional development sessions. Optional global immersions may also be available.
Flexibility
A major perk of online programs is flexibility. Flexibility means different things to different students, so consider what is most important to you. Some programs offer an accelerated pace that can be completed in approximately one year. Others allow students to enroll in one class at a time over several years if needed. Full-time schedules will require a significant time commitment to complete assignments. Whereas part-time programs may benefit students juggling family and work. Classes can also be offered in real-time, requiring you to sign in at a specific time each week or asynchronously, allowing you to complete online modules 24/7.
What jobs can I get with an online Healthcare MBA?
Medical and Health Services Manager
U.S. News and World Report listed medical and health services managers as one of the 7 Hot Jobs for MBA Graduates. These managers comply with government regulations and are responsible for record-keeping. The outlook for this career choice is promising, with an anticipated 32% increase in positions by 2030, which is much faster than other careers. The median salary is $131,340 per year. These health executives work in various settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and group medical facilities.
Administrative Services and Facilities Managers
Acute care facilities and nursing homes hire managers to supervise staff and handle daily operations to help these health organizations run efficiently. These managers must possess strong leadership skills as they oversee the job performance of clerical and nursing staff. This role offers an attractive annual median salary of $99,290.
Healthcare Employers
Hospitals are a significant employer of Healthcare MBA graduates. The top 10 most prominent healthcare systems in the U.S. all have more than 50 hospitals. The largest hospital network is HCA Healthcare, with 175 hospitals spanning 20 states. HCA also operates over 2,300 specialty clinic sites. Insurance companies also employ healthcare MBA graduates as underwriters, and pharmaceutical companies are interested in hiring these graduates as sales representatives. Additional employment opportunities are available through government health agencies and nonprofit health organizations.
Next Steps
Many online Healthcare MBA programs offer multiple entry points per year or rolling admission, so it’s best to gather all application materials now. Prospective students must submit an application, application fee, official transcripts, and other required supplemental documents. Supplemental materials may include letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and a resume. Online programs generally waive the GMAT, but some may require students to submit scores.
Additional Requirements
Some programs are tailored towards professionals who already have healthcare experience, while others are open to applicants from business backgrounds or inclusive of career changers. It is essential to apply to a program that fits your professional experience and goals. Update your resume to highlight relevant experience clearly.
Info Sessions
If an online Healthcare MBA piques your interest but you still have questions, business schools offer in-person information sessions and webinars. These provide valuable insight into what to expect in terms of tuition, time commitment, and potential return on investment. Academic advisors are also happy to assist students with every step of the application process, and financial aid advisors can help students see if they qualify for financial support.
Related Resources
Best Online MBA Programs
Guide to a Healthcare Management Online MBA
Top Reasons to get an Online MBA
Does my online MBA specialization matter?
Most Affordable Healthcare Online MBA
