Healthcare professionals seeking to advance into leadership careers, such as hospital administrators, should consider earning a top Healthcare Online MBA. With jobs within the healthcare sector on the rise, now is a great time to pursue this in-demand graduate degree. This ranking includes 25 of the top Most Affordable Online Healthcare MBA Programs in the Nation. These dynamic healthcare management programs require courses in accounting, business ethics, economics, finance, and marketing. This helps students develop a solid business foundation. The Healthcare specialization incorporates healthcare administration courses. These courses include topics in financial operations of healthcare facilities, healthcare laws and policies, and quality management in healthcare. This combination of healthcare and business courses is key. It helps healthcare professionals grow into the leaders they always wanted to be.
Where Are the Top Online Healthcare MBA Programs at the Lowest Price?
Students need to decide which Online Healthcare MBA program to pursue. The good news is that professionals do not have to choose between their current careers and future dreams. Healthcare professionals are able to access their courses from anywhere in the world. This is because the healthcare management programs on this list are all offered in an online or hybrid format. The majority of these Healthcare Management Online MBA programs allow candidates to study part-time or full-time. The degree completion time for many of these online programs is as few as one year. All of these affordable Healthcare Online MBA programs are fully accredited by either the AACSB or the ACBSP. So students can rest assured they receive the same high-quality, academically rigorous instruction as their on-campus peers.
Methodology
To find the top Online Healthcare MBA programs at the lowest price, we started with a list of the top online MBA programs. This list came from combining Online MBA, MBA, and university rankings systems. This list of top programs was then ranked based upon each Online MBA’s base tuition rate. Tuition was collected from each program’s website. The final benchmark was to identify which affordable Online MBA programs specifically focused on the healthcare industry. Each healthcare management program in this list is coupled with an Online MBA Coach Score. This score is based upon tuition rates. It shows each program’s affordability in relation to the other healthcare management degrees in this list.
1 | Fayetteville State University
Broadwell College of Business and Economics
Fayetteville State University’s Broadwell College of Business and Economics offers a top-ranked affordable Online MBA in Healthcare Management. This degree is one of the most economical on the market and can be earned for less than $9,000. Additionally, a limited number of paid internships and graduate assistantships are available. The Healthcare Management specialization is popular due to the university’s close proximity to state-of-the-art medical facilities, such as Duke and UNC Health.
The curriculum for this AACSB-accredited, dynamic 39-credit hour program consists of 27-credit hours of core courses and 12-credit hours of electives. Innovative elective options include Ethical and Legal Issues in Healthcare, Health Services Marketing, and Managing and Measuring Quality Outcomes. Students are immersed in real-world experiences through the exciting healthcare management Capstone Project. In this culminating course, students will be paired with leading healthcare systems through the Small Business and Technology Development Center to solve business problems related to healthcare operations.
OMBA Coach Score: 100.00
2 | University of North Carolina at Pembroke
School of Business
The University of North Carolina at Pembroke offers a highly-acclaimed online Master’s of Business Administration with a Concentration in Healthcare Management. The low-cost graduate tuition for this program, at just under $10,000, makes pursuing a top healthcare management degree financially feasible for students at various stages of their careers. The premier AACSB accreditation ensures the rigor of the curriculum exceeds the employer’s expectations. In as few as 12 months, MBA students can graduate as highly qualified healthcare managers.
The 36-credit hour program seamlessly blends traditional business courses in accounting, economics, finance, marketing, and international business with industry-specific concentration courses. Students can select elective courses to expand their knowledge about the government’s role in healthcare or the economics of health insurance. In this accelerated program, students can immediately apply the theories they learn in courses to improve their workplaces. Graduates of this program assume leadership roles, such as hospital administrators, medical directors, and pharmaceutical brand managers.
OMBA Coach Score: 99.00
3 | University of Central Arkansas
College of Business
The prestigious College of Business at the University of Central Arkansas features one of the top online healthcare MBA programs at an affordable price point. Students can accomplish this 30-credit hour program for less than $10,000. This MBA in healthcare management is fully accredited through the AACSB and thus provides a competitive edge for graduates with today’s most desirable healthcare corporations. Students may choose to enroll in courses part-time or full-time to create a balance between work, school, and other commitments.
Upon completing the 24-credit hour core courses, students will select two concentration courses to dive deeper into their personal interests. A few of the healthcare administration MBA concentration course options include Environmental Health Problems, Health Strategies for Multicultural Populations, Nutritional Services Administration. Students can pursue additional topics they’re passionate about through Directed Independent Study or Research in Health Sciences. An optional professional certificate in Data Analytics can also enhance students’ resumes and prepare them to analyze and protect confidential medical data.
OMBA Coach Score: 98.89
4 | Angelo State University
Norris-Vincent College of Business
The Norris-Vincent College of Business at Angelo State University provides a flexible Master’s of Business Administration with a specialization in Healthcare Management. This degree is offered at a great value, at slightly over $10,000. Classes are offered entirely online, and students can complete this MBA in healthcare management at an accelerated pace in as few as 14 months.
Business and management principles have been fine-tuned to meet the demands of healthcare settings. The faculty within this program bring decades of industry experience to the engaging lectures and facilitate a phenomenal learning experience. Students are invited to work side-by-side with their professors on scholarly research projects. Optional study abroad programs to Europe are offered in the summer and allow students to gain a global business perspective. Students also have a wide variety of networking and professional growth opportunities. This Online Healthcare Management MBA assesses students’ knowledge throughout the program with a Strategic Management in a Global Environment capstone course.
OMBA Coach Score: 98.43
5 | West Texas A&M University
Paul and Virginia Engler College of Business
Healthcare professionals can advance their career with an online MBA in Healthcare Management through West Texas A&M’s elite Paul and Virginia Engler College of Business. This degree is currently ranked amongst the Top 50 Online MBA Programs by The Princeton Review. Additionally, U.S. News and World Report ranks this stellar program amongst the Best Online MBA Programs for 2022. An AACSB accreditation further distinguishes the MBA in healthcare management program.
Classes are offered asynchronously so that students can study and complete assignments at a time convenient for their schedule. The average online MBA degree completion time is two years, but students can work with an advisor on a timeline that suits their career goals. This degree can be personalized with electives in Business Communication for Health Care Managers, Financial Management of Health Care, and Planning for IT in Health Care. Earning this degree is a wise investment, with graduate tuition priced slightly over $10,000.
OMBA Coach Score: 98.11
6 | Texas A&M International University
A. R. Sanchez, Jr. School of Business
Students can pursue an online Masters of Business Administration in Healthcare Administration from Texas A&M International University’s A.R. Sanchez, Jr. School of Business at a budget-friendly price. Tuition is just shy of $11,000, and classes can be paid by the course. This 30-credit hour program can fast-track students to success in as few as 15 months. This AACSB-accredited program has been meticulously designed to prepare students for management roles within the healthcare sector.
Classes are delivered in brief seven-week sessions, and the curriculum encompasses a business core with economics, finance, management, and marketing, as well as career-specific courses. The Healthcare Administration electives consist of Health Care Informatics, Organizational Behavior, and Transformational Leadership. Additional healthcare courses offered include Management and Leadership in Healthcare, Developing a Business Plan for Healthcare, and Foundations of Healthcare Reimbursement and Billing. This program is flexible, with six start dates per year. Students from a non-business background can easily learn the necessary foundational skills with prep modules.
OMBA Coach Score: 97.53
7 | Western Illinois University
College of Business and Technology
Western Illinois University’s College of Business is home to a flexible, online Master’s of Business Administration featuring a concentration in Health Services Administration. This in-demand degree has an excellent ROI potential, with graduate tuition at just over $11,000. Students are able to choose the three health courses they feel are most pertinent to their future career goals. Some popular options include Ethical Conduct and Conflict in Health Sciences, Legal Aspects of Health Services Management, and Health Services Organizational Behavior and Leadership.
Internship opportunities are also available for these master’s students seeking additional professional experience. Study abroad opportunities can also enhance the MBA experience. Students entering this program with an undergraduate degree can anticipate completing 33-credit hours, but students new to business may need to complete as many as 54-credit hours. All classes are offered in a 100% online format, allowing students to access them at any time. Livestream courses are also offered for students with busy schedules, but who still desire interaction with their peers and professors.
OMBA Coach Score: 97.28
8 | Southeastern Oklahoma State University
John Massey School of Business
The highly-reputable John Massey School of Business at Southeastern Oklahoma State University can help students reach their higher education goals with the Master’s of Business Administration in Healthcare Information Systems. This specialized distance learning degree can be completed in as few as 12 months for roughly $12,000. This is amongst the lowest graduate tuition rates for an AACSB-accredited program.
The curriculum consists of 24-credit hours of core business management courses and 12-credit hours of specialty courses. Specialty courses include Contemporary Issues in Management, Electronic Health Records, Health Information Systems, and Principle Centered Leadership and Ethics. Faculty have terminal degrees and significant industry experience and are ready to mentor students to become the best leaders they can be. Intimate classes with about 20 students ensure real connections are formed. With the fast application process and nine start dates throughout the year, students are able to begin their MBA journey shortly after applying.
OMBA Coach Score: 96.28
9 | Delta State University
College of Business and Aviation
Delta State University’s College of Business and Aviation features a competitively priced Integrated MBA with a concentration in Health Care Administration. For under $13,000, students can earn this iMBA from their home office. Students can complete the flexible 30-credit hour curriculum in as short as one calendar year. The program comprises three modules: Financial Strategy, Operational Strategy, and the Health Care Administration emphasis. Each semester focuses on a new module. Students will complete a project at the end of each semester to tie together everything they learned.
Students specializing in Health Care Administration will learn to manage healthcare organizations through Strategic Project Management, Health Care Risk Management, Health Care Law and Ethics, and Health Care Management and Policy. These Online Healthcare Management MBA classes emphasize experiential learning through case studies and real-world projects to address problems in the healthcare industry. Students may launch their degrees during the fall, spring, or summer semesters.
OMBA Coach Score: 95.84
10 | Lamar University
College of Business
Lamar University’s College of Business offers an Online MBA in Healthcare Administration that is significantly lower priced than most comparable healthcare management programs. This customizable 30-credit hour MBA program costs less than $13,000. Many graduate scholarships are also available, including an automatic $1,000 for all hybrid students who enter the program with a 3.0 or higher undergraduate GPA. Graduate assistantships are also awarded each fall and include a tuition waiver and a nine-month stipend.
This fast-paced MBA in healthcare management program is designed to be completed in 12 months. Students will complete a combination of core courses, concentration courses, and electives. Some of the options available for Healthcare Administration courses include Healthcare Entrepreneurship, Information Systems, and Policy. Electives include Planning and Organizing Healthcare Delivery, Personal Leadership, and Team Leadership. Workshops and networking opportunities are also available through the CoB’s partnership with Leadership Beaumont and the Beaumont Chamber of Commerce to connect students with prominent business leaders.
OMBA Coach Score: 95.74
11 | Southeast Missouri State University
Harrison College of Business & Computing
The Harrison College of Business and Computing at Southeast Missouri State University is well-known for its affordable and accessible Master’s of Business Administration in Healthcare Administration. Students can complete this high-quality MBA for under $13,000. The university also partners with multiple regional companies to offer discounted tuition. Teaching and administrative graduate assistantships are also offered. This convenient, online MBA in healthcare management offers the same level of academic rigor as on-campus classes.
The 33-credit hour curriculum equips students with the business acumen they need to succeed in the global marketplace and allows them to choose 12-credit hours unique to their personal goals. A few options available include Health Administration Policy, Healthcare Budgeting and Reimbursement, and Marketing for Health Services Organizations. Students also have the opportunity to complete an Applied Research Project in a health-related area. Career Services is dedicated to helping students secure full-time employment. Alumni have reported excellent placement rates, with 98% employed within six months of graduation. It is widely regarded as one of the top Online Healthcare MBA programs.
OMBA Coach Score: 95.59
12 | Texas Woman’s University
College of Business
The College of Business at Texas Woman’s University offers a Master’s of Business Administration in Healthcare Administration through distance education. Tuition for this 15-month program is competitively priced at just below $13,000. Classes are offered fully online in mini seven-week sessions. Hone in on your leadership skills through this 36-credit hour program with core classes such as Decision Analysis for Managers and Marketing Management. Students new to business may be required to take an additional nine credit hours of proficiency courses.
Beyond the business core, students will explore their interest in healthcare through four emphasis classes: Advanced Financial Management for Health Care Administration, Foundations of Health Services, Health Policy Analysis, and Population Health Management. Students will work with classmates on group projects to solve ethical dilemmas healthcare practitioners face and analyze job applicants to create diverse work pools through case studies and simulations. These marketable skills are taught by professionals who know what qualities healthcare systems are searching for in job applicants.
OMBA Coach Score: 95.52
13 | University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Lee Business School
The University of Nevada, Las Vegas offers an economical choice for students seeking a hybrid Master’s of Business Administration in Health Care Management. This AACSB-accredited program can be earned for a little less than $13,000 through the Lee Business School. U.S. News and World Report ranks this student-centric MBA amongst the Top 100 Part-time MBA Programs in the Nation.
The extraordinary experiential learning components set it apart from other online programs. Students gain insight into the business world and healthcare industry through the MBA Speaker Series, company tours offered twice per semester, and optional international trips. Previously, students have had the opportunity to tour Dignity Health and to broaden their horizons through immersions in Argentina, China, and the Czech Republic. The Healthcare Management Track prepares students for this fast-changing industry through electives such as Health Care Law and Ethics for Managers, Operations and Quality Management of Health Services, and Strategic Management of Health Services.
OMBA Coach Score: 95.51
14 | University of Southern Indiana
Romain College of Business
The University of Southern Indiana’s Romain College of Business features a challenging, convenient, and cost-efficient Master’s of Business Administration in Healthcare Administration. This 30-credit hour MBA program can be completed in as few as 11 months for less than $13,000. The curriculum for this AACSB-accredited program has been designed to be highly interactive with a focus on leadership and critical decision-making skills. All business concepts can be applied to a healthcare setting. The lessons and assignments can be utilized by students in their daily professional lives.
The Healthcare Administration track includes the following courses: Data Driven Decision Making, Lean Six Sigma, and Risk Management. The streamlined admissions process and seven start dates throughout the year make it easy for students to take the next step in their careers. Graduates of this program have assumed leadership roles within the healthcare industry, such as health care executives, hospital administrators, pharmaceutical product managers, and policy analysts.
OMBA Coach Score: 95.44
15 | University of Nebraska Omaha
College of Business Administration
The University of Nebraska Omaha welcomes students to pursue their online MBA in Health Care Administration through the College of Business. This award-winning business school holds prestigious AACSB accreditation and is also ranked amongst the Best Business Programs in 2022 by U.S. News and World Report. This top-ranked program is an excellent investment, just shy of $13,000.
The Online Healthcare Management MBA program is offered in a part-time and full-time format to accommodate busy professionals. Students form strong bonds with their classmates through small classes and team-based, interactive projects. The 33-credit hour curriculum consists of 24-credit hours of business courses and nine credit hours of Health Care Management courses. Health Care Management courses, such as Health Behavior, Long-Term Care Administration, and Public Health Leadership and Advocacy, let students delve into topics they feel passionate about. Students graduate as polished, competent leaders ready to embark upon or advance their careers in the healthcare industry.
OMBA Coach Score: 95.36
16 | Ball State University
Miller College of Business
Ball State University’s Miller’s College of Business has developed a reputation in the business community for their high-caliber Master’s of Business Administration in Healthcare Administration offered at one of the lowest graduate tuition rates. The $13,000 tuition can be offset with graduate student funding. Full-time graduate assistants will receive 30-credit hours waived, and part-time graduate assistants receive 15-credit hours waived. The MBA program is consistently ranked by U.S. News and World Report amongst the top 20 Online MBA Program and also holds premier AACSB accreditation.
The curriculum for the Healthcare Administration concentration was designed in collaboration with IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital and meets the standards set by the American College of Healthcare Executives. Healthcare Administration courses include Introduction to Healthcare Administration, Financial Management and Performance Evaluation in Healthcare Organizations, and Strategic Management in Health Administration. The courses in the curriculum lead to stackable certificates such as Healthcare Administration and Health Economics that students can add to their resumes immediately.
OMBA Coach Score: 95.17
17 | Youngstown State University
Williamson College of Business Administration
The Williamson College of Business Administration at Youngstown State University provides students with a valuable online Master’s of Business Administration with a Healthcare Management specialization. This specialized degree has a professional focus and saves students time and money. This 30-credit hour program is approximately $13,500 and can be completed in as little as 12 months. The AACSB accreditation ensures students are receiving the highest quality MBA on the market.
Courses are offered in a concentrated seven-week format. Students in this dynamic program will earn a dual concentration in Leadership and Healthcare Management. The Online MBA in Healthcare Management courses include Health Care Reform and Planning and Fiscal Management in Health and Human Services. Six start dates are offered throughout the year, so professionals can jump right in as soon as they’re ready. Potential career options for graduates of this academically rigorous program include leadership positions as hospital administrators, medical and health services managers, and quality assurance managers.
OMBA Coach Score: 94.78
18 | East Carolina University
College of Business
East Carolina University’s College of Business students can enhance their career by earning a Master’s of Business Administration with a graduate certificate in Health Care Management. This degree is offered at an attainable price of under $14,000 from start to finish. Graduate assistantships are available for students who choose to enroll in at least one on-campus course per semester.
Students with a business background will only need to complete 33-credit hours, but other professionals may need to take up to 54-credit hours. To earn the Health Care Management certificate, students must successfully complete Financial Management of Health Care Organizations, Health Care Strategic Planning and Management, Health Care Systems and Problems, and Management of Health Care Operations. Many of these courses are offered in an accelerated eight-week format to help students earn their credentials in less time. Paid internships are also available for students seeking to gain professional experience prior to graduation.
OMBA Coach Score: 94.60
19 | Idaho State University
College of Business
Idaho State University’s College of Business offers an online MBA in Healthcare Administration that can be completed with less out-of-pocket expenses than most healthcare management programs. Students with an undergraduate business degree can complete this 30-credit hour program for less than $14,000 within two years. Non-business degree holders will follow a degree plan consisting of 48-credit hours, which can be completed within three years. Classes are offered in an asynchronous format and a synchronous format on weekday evenings, and students can choose the mode that works best for them.
A wide array of Health Administration courses are offered, including The Business of Healthcare, Healthcare Leadership and Governance, Physician Practice Management, and Rural Healthcare Management. There are also extensive opportunities for students to tailor their degree to their needs by taking an experimental course, completing a master’s project, or fulfilling a healthcare residency. Students can also compete in national business competitions and interface with real clients in healthcare organizations.
OMBA Coach Score: 94.52
20 | Valdosta State University
Harley Langdale, Jr. College of Business Administration
The Harley Langdale, Jr. College of Business Administration at Valdosta State University offers a highly recognizable Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Administration through distance learning. This Web-based MBA program attracts first-rate students with its low-priced graduate tuition, which falls just shy of $14,000. Financial aid is also available through assistantships and the work-study program.
This 36-credit hour program is fully accredited by the AACSB and emphasizes business and leadership skills applicable in a healthcare organization. Even the core courses for this program are healthcare-driven and include classes such as Financial Management in Healthcare, Healthcare Strategic Leadership, and Introduction to Healthcare Systems and Policies. Students are able to dive deeper into healthcare topics with electives in Healthcare Information Systems, Healthcare Operations Management, and Legal Aspects of Healthcare. All students with also gain hands-on experience with a healthcare administration practicum. Applicants are accepted into the program for fall, spring, and summer start dates.
OMBA Coach Score: 94.38
21 | Marshall University
Lewis College of Business
Marshall University offers an award-winning virtual Master’s of Business Administration in Health Care Administration through the Lewis College of Business. This prestigious business school made The Princeton Review’s Best Business Schools ranking in 2019 and is also fully accredited by the AACSB. The graduate tuition for this top-ranked school is considerably lower than other comparable healthcare management programs, at under $14,000. Graduate assistants will receive tuition reductions.
The 36-credit hour curriculum prepares students with a strong business foundation and allows students to choose three electives to satisfy their concentration requirements. There are no face-to-face meetings, so students are able to study at their own pace and maintain full-time employment while propelling their careers forward. This program requires a thorough knowledge of business principles, so students may be required to take additional business courses prior to starting the degree to ensure they are ready for the rigor of this degree. With the support of professors and online services, students can become successful Marshall MBA alumni.
OMBA Coach Score: 94.34
22 | William Paterson University
Christos M. Cotsakos College of Business
The Christos M. Cotsakos College of Business at William Patterson University features an in-demand online Master’s of Business Administration in Healthcare Economics and Management. Professionals seeking to level up their career will be surprised that this program can be earned for slightly over $14,000, and students are able to pay by the course as they go. The 30-credit hour curriculum can be completed in as few as 12 months. This first-class MBA in healthcare management has received AACSB accreditation, the highest accreditation for business schools, awarded to less than 5% of business programs worldwide.
Though classes can be completed fully remote, students never feel alone due to the nurturing guidance from supportive, experienced faculty. Students will complete an in-depth capstone project on a healthcare management topic related to their future career goals. Students who earn this degree tend to pursue careers as hospital administrators, medical entrepreneurs, and pharmaceutical project managers. Multiple start dates are offered each year, allowing students to jumpstart their degree on a timeline that matches their schedule.
OMBA Coach Score: 93.96
23 | University of Louisiana at Lafayette
B. I. Moody, III School of Business Administration
The University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s B.I. Moody, III School of Business Administration is an excellent option for students seeking an online Master’s of Business Administration in Health Care Administration. This degree stands out for its affordable Online MBA tuition rates, which are slightly over $15,000, and its distinguished AACSB accreditation.
The well-rounded 39-credit hour curriculum comprises 15-credit hours of business core courses, 18-credit hours of Healthcare Administration courses, and a six-credit hour internship. A sample of Healthcare Administration courses students will take include Health Care Delivery Systems, Legal and Ethical Issues in Health Care, and Strategic Management in Health Care. Students will gain substantial hands-on experience by completing two internships in healthcare administration. These internships can be with different healthcare corporations to expand students’ connections to the professional healthcare industry. Classes are offered in eight-week sessions, which is beneficial because students can focus on one or two courses at a time.
OMBA Coach Score: 92.99
24 | Eastern Washington University
College of Business
Eastern Washington University’s College of Business prepares students to make an impact on the healthcare industry through their convenient Online MBA in Health Services Administration. EWU was ranked amongst the top 100 “Regional Universities West” for 2021, and the CoB is accredited by the AACSB.
This degree can be completed at an accelerated pace in as few as 10 months for slightly more than $15,000. The 44-credit hour curriculum consists of 11 courses valued at four-credit hours each. Students will complete seven core courses, including a capstone, as well as four concentration courses. The Health Service Administration courses consist of Business Intelligence in Health Systems, Health Law and Human Resources, Health Systems Finance and Governance, and U.S. Health Systems. Classes are offered in concentrated six-week sessions, allowing students to progress through the program rapidly. With seven start dates spanning the year, students have their choice of when to embark upon this career-changing MBA in healthcare management.
OMBA Coach Score: 92.70
25 | Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
College of Business
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi’s College of Business empowers students to achieve their goals through the online Master’s of Business Administration in Healthcare Administration. This degree offers an affordable pathway to your MBA for under $16,000. In as few as 12 months, full-time students can graduate from this 36-credit hour program. Part-time students generally complete the program in approximately 24 months. The AACSB-accredited curriculum gives students a competitive edge with 24-credit hours of introductory business courses and 12-credit hours of concentration courses.
Healthcare Administration courses include Health Care Financial Management, Health Economics and Policy, The Health Care System, and Health Law and Ethics. Upon completing this specialized Master of Business Administration, students will be prepared for a variety of leadership positions within the healthcare sector, such as healthcare administrators, medical entrepreneurs, and medical facility managers. The seven-week course format offers the flexibility for students to choose from nine start dates throughout the year.
OMBA Coach Score: 92.39
Ultimate Guide to the Most Affordable Healthcare Online MBA Programs
Healthcare professionals seeking to elevate their careers to managerial roles can gain a competitive edge by pursuing one of the top Online Healthcare MBA programs. This credential is often required for mid-management and upper-management roles within medical facilities. Many degree seekers already have experience within business. Some would like to transfer those skills to the healthcare sector. An Online MBA in healthcare management is ideal. The curriculum will prepare students to lead hospitals and healthcare organizations confidently. Healthcare Online MBA programs combine business courses with health management courses. This allows for graduates to be prepared for a wide array of career choices. Graduates are in-demand because they are excellent communicators, decision-makers, and influential leaders.
Earning an Online MBA in healthcare management is an investment that will expand your career options and earning potential. There are many affordable options available for online Master of business administration programs with a concentration in Healthcare Administration.
What is an Online Healthcare MBA?
This dynamic degree sets students up to succeed in healthcare institutions and business settings. The core curriculum consists of courses in functional business areas, such as
- accounting,
- economics,
- ethics,
- finance,
- business analytics,
- marketing, and
- leadership.
Students will also develop interpersonal skills, including
- conflict resolution,
- negotiation, and
- teamwork through business challenges, consulting projects, and group assignments.
Concentration courses will focus on specific knowledge essential within the field of healthcare. Hospitals and other medical facilities have their own unique daily operations. Students will learn best practices for managing a multi-million-dollar budget, how to utilize the latest healthcare technology, and navigate future changes in the healthcare industry. Specialization courses and electives can include the following topics:
- strategic healthcare management,
- healthcare finance,
- health economics policy,
- healthcare law,
- health systems management,
- healthcare informatics,
- healthcare quality control,
- global healthcare administration, and
- health services resources.
What should I look for in a Healthcare Online MBA program?
Accreditation and Awards
Nationally ranked hospitals narrow their candidate pool to those bearing degrees from accredited business programs. The prestigious AACSB accreditation is only bestowed upon less than 5% of business schools worldwide. Job seekers who graduated from a program accredited by the AACSB are more likely to have their resumes moved to the top of the stack. ACBSP and IACBE accredited online programs also demonstrate to employers that candidates have completed a high-quality program. U.S. News and World Report also offers a reputable ranking of Best Online MBA Programs Offering Healthcare Administration.
Cost
The healthcare management degrees on this list are affordable. While the average Online MBA program can run students $20,000 to $30,000, each of these programs offers graduate tuition below $16,000. Additionally, students may qualify for financial aid in the form of scholarships and grants. Many business schools also offer graduate assistantships on a competitive basis. These assistantships offer reduced or even full tuition waivers. Most graduate assistantship programs also offer a small living stipend. Many companies also offer tuition reimbursement benefits. So it’s definitely worth checking with HR to see if you are eligible.
Program Length
The length of the program will vary depending upon if you enroll full-time or part-time. Accelerated healthcare management degrees can be completed in as few as 10 months. These programs are intense, and students should be prepared to dedicate significant time to their studies. It is crucial for students to carefully reflect on their other obligations prior to choosing a format. Full-time students generally graduate in approximately two years. Professionals who have very limited schedules can still pursue their degree in a part-time program and take one class at a time. Most online MBA in healthcare management courses are offered in condensed sessions of eight weeks or less. This allows students to lighten up their school schedule during their busiest work seasons.
Asynchronous v. Synchronous
If your schedule is predictably unpredictable, do yourself a favor, and choose asynchronous courses. This format offers the ultimate flexibility by allowing you to log in to complete classwork around the clock. If you thrive off of interactions with others and can commit to a set schedule, you can opt for synchronous courses. In this format, professors conduct live instruction via the internet.
Experiential Learning Opportunities
Experience is the best learning tool. Programs that have internship opportunities are a great way to build your professional network and gain tangible work experience. Some programs also offer excellent networking events. These allow students to connect with prominent business, current students, and alum. These connections can lead to your next job or promotion.
What jobs can I get with an Online Healthcare MBA?
Healthcare is a rapidly growing field. Managers are needed to oversee every administrative aspect from HR to IT. Careers are available in private and public health institutions. Leadership positions abound in small medical practices and large hospitals with hundreds of employees.
Medical and Health Services Managers
Medical and health services managers work in a myriad of healthcare facilities. They plan, direct, and coordinate the business activities of healthcare providers. The median pay for these managers was $104,280 per year as of 2020. According to the BLS, jobs for medical and health service managers are projected to grow 32% by 2030, which is much faster than average.
Administrative Services and Facilities Manager
These managers ensure an entire department or medical facility operates smoothly. They oversee everything, from scheduling to supply orders. They also maintain hospital records and billing. Administrative Services and facilities managers earned a median salary of $98,890 per year in 2020.
Next Steps
Online Healthcare Management MBA programs typically offer several start dates per year. This allows students to begin the application process right away. Program requirements vary from school to school, but at a minimum, they require students to have a bachelor’s degree. Some admissions departments require your undergraduate degree to be in business. But several programs allow students from non-business majors to enroll in leveling courses once accepted into the program.
Admissions officers also evaluate your work history. GMAT scores are typically waived, especially for those with substantial work experience. But be aware that some schools may require them. Taking the GMAT can be helpful for students with low GPAs and minimal work experience.
Your completed application packet may include the following:
- an application,
- application fee,
- official transcript,
- resume,
- letters of recommendation,
- and standardized test scores.
When applying for these top Online Healthcare MBA programs, don’t forget to apply for financial aid. Many MBA programs also offer online webinars, so you can learn more about the different programs and find the best fit for you.
Related Resources:
Guide to an Economics Online MBA
Top Soft Skills for Managers
Top Online MBA Programs
What are Accelerated MBA Online Programs?
Best Marketing MBA Jobs
