A master of business administration (MBA) in healthcare administration is a graduate-level business degree with a concentration in healthcare management. MBA healthcare programs teach foundational skills in management and leadership, covering specialized knowledge in healthcare finance and biostatistics.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 28% growth in employment for medical and health service managers from 2021-2031, much faster than the average projected 5% growth rate for all occupations. With the demand for healthcare managers quickly rising, graduates with online healthcare administration MBAs can pursue in-demand positions.
Our rankings highlight the best online MBAs in healthcare administration. This page also covers degree options, benefits, and job prospects for graduates in the field. We also cover the costs of pursuing an online healthcare administration MBA.
2023's Best Online MBA Programs in Healthcare Administration
Students can earn an online MBA in healthcare administration without sacrificing careers or their financial stability. This 2023 ranking lists five of the nation's best programs. The link below outlines our methodology for devising this ranking.
#1 The Best Online MBA Programs in Healthcare Administration of 2023
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
- Edinburg, TX
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, a public university in Edinburg, Texas, formed in 2013 from the merger of the University of Texas at Brownsville and the University of Texas-Pan American. It aims to provide accessible higher education and promote research in South Texas. The university's mascot is the vaquero.
Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Healthcare Administration
The Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Healthcare Administration at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) prepares students for management roles in the healthcare industry. The program is offered by the Robert C. Vackar College of Business and Entrepreneurship and is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International.
The program focuses on healthcare management, policy, and finance and prepares students to take leadership positions in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare organizations. The program requires 36 credits.
Students complete a capstone project, allowing them to apply their skills and knowledge to real-world healthcare challenges. The program also offers networking opportunities and career support for graduates.
UTRGV's Affordability
UTRGV offers a competitive tuition rate for online students. The cost per credit for the MBA in Healthcare Administration program is $400. Financial aid is available, including scholarships, grants, and loans.
Students may also be eligible for the Texas Tuition Promise program, which guarantees free tuition and mandatory fees for eligible students with family incomes at or below $65,000.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Public
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), AACSB International
- Tuition: $472/credit
- Required Credits: 36
- Program Length: 12-24 months
- Delivery Format: 100% online
- Admissions
- Process: Submit online application, official transcripts, GMAT or GRE scores (waived for qualified applicants), and a resume
- GPA: Minimum 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- Standardized Tests: GMAT or GRE (waived for qualified applicants)
- Cost: $17,000 total tuition
Percent Online Enrollment
97%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 The Best Online MBA Programs in Healthcare Administration of 2023
Western Governors University
- Salt Lake City, UT
- 4 years
- Online
WGU is a private, nonprofit, competency-based online university founded in 1997 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Its mission is to provide accessible, affordable, and flexible higher education to working students with a wide variety of degree programs. The night owl is the school's mascot.
MBA in Healthcare Management
The MBA in Healthcare Management program from Western Governors University (WGU) aims to provide students with the skills and knowledge to manage and lead in the healthcare industry.
The program is offered entirely online and is self-paced. It holds accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) and National Association of Healthcare Quality (NAHQ) recognition. The curriculum covers topics such as healthcare operations, finance, strategy, and leadership.
Students are required to complete a capstone project demonstrating their ability to apply their learning to real-world situations. Graduates of the program can pursue careers in healthcare management, administration, and leadership.
WGU's Affordability
WGU offers a flat-rate tuition of $4,530 per term for the MBA in healthcare management. Students can take as many courses as they can complete within each six-month term, allowing them to potentially accelerate their time to graduation and save money on tuition. Financial aid is available to eligible students, including federal and state grants and loans, as well as scholarships.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Private, nonprofit
- Accreditation: NWCCU, ACBSP
- Tuition: $4,530/ term
- Required Credits: not listed
- Program Length: 6-24 months
- Delivery Format: 100% online (asynchronous)
- Admissions
- Process: Submit online application, official transcripts, and a resume
- GPA: Minimum 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- Standardized Tests: None
- Cost: $18,900 total tuition
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
147,866
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
#3 The Best Online MBA Programs in Healthcare Administration of 2023
Parker University
- Dallas, TX
- 4 years
- Online
Parker University, a private nonprofit university in Dallas, TX, offers health science degree programs in chiropractic, massage therapy, and nursing. Its mission is to provide a comprehensive education based on integrative medicine principles. Enrollment sits around 1,000 students.
Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a Concentration in Healthcare Management
The Master of Business Administration with a Concentration in Healthcare Management program is offered by the College of Business at Parker University. This program is designed for professionals seeking to advance their career in healthcare management. It emphasizes leadership, ethical decision-making, and practical skills for managing healthcare organizations.
The program includes capstone projects and experiential learning opportunities. There are no on-campus requirements for the online program, which allows flexibility for working professionals.
Parker's Affordability
The total cost of the program is around $28,000, and students can complete it in 12 months. Financial aid is available to eligible students, and the university also offers payment plans.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Private
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
- Tuition: $775/credit
- Required Credits: 36 credits
- Program Length: 12 months
- Delivery Format: 100% online
- Admissions
- Process: Submit an online application and official transcripts. No GRE or GMAT required.
- GPA: Minimum 2.5 GPA
- Standardized Tests: Not required
- Cost: $28,000
Admission Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
72%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#4 The Best Online MBA Programs in Healthcare Administration of 2023
Florida Atlantic University
- Boca Raton, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Florida Atlantic University is a public research institution located in Boca Raton, Florida. Founded in 1961, it now has nearly 30,000 students across six campuses.
Notable features include a strong focus on research and innovation, and a wide slate of degree programs. The university's mascot is the owl, and its mission is to foster intellectual inquiry, cultural understanding, and contribute to society through knowledge creation.
Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a Concentration in Health Administration
The College of Business at Florida Atlantic University offers the MBA with a concentration in health administration program. Designed to prepare students for leadership roles in healthcare organizations, its curriculum combines business and healthcare administration concepts.
Students take courses such as healthcare financial management, health policy, and organizational behavior in healthcare, and have opportunities for experiential learning through internships and case studies.
Graduates of the program have gone on to successful careers in healthcare administration and management.
FAU’s Affordability
The total cost of the program is between $32,000 - $36,800. Students can complete the program in 23 months. Financial aid is available, and the university also offers tuition waivers for Florida residents.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Public
- Accreditation: AACSB, SACSCOC
- Tuition: $800/credit
- Required Credits: 40 credits
- Program Length: 23 months
- Delivery Format: 100% online
- Admissions
- Process: Submit an online application, official transcripts, GMAT or GRE scores, and a personal statement.
- GPA: Minimum 3.0 GPA
- Standardized Tests: GMAT or GRE required
- Cost: $32,000
Percent Online Enrollment
97%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#5 The Best Online MBA Programs in Healthcare Administration of 2023
University of the Cumberlands
- Williamsburg, KY
- 4 years
- Online
The University of the Cumberlands is a private Christian liberal arts university in Williamsburg, Kentucky. Founded in 1888, its mission is to provide quality education in a Christian environment. The university has an undergraduate enrollment of 4,600.
Online Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Administration
The University of the Cumberlands (UC) offers a Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Administration from its business school. This program emphasizes leadership skills and the expertise to effectively manage healthcare organizations.
Students can take courses in areas such as healthcare law, financial management, and healthcare delivery systems.
The program also includes a capstone project that allows students to apply their knowledge to a real-world healthcare issue. Graduates of the program have the potential to advance their careers in healthcare management and administration.
UC Affordability
The tuition for the online MBA in Healthcare Administration program at the University of the Cumberlands is $315 per credit. The program requires 36 credits for completion, plus a capstone, bringing the total program cost to around $13,100
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Private
- Accreditation: ACBSP, SACSCOC
- Tuition: $355/credit
- Required Credits: 37
- Program Length: 12 months - 36 months
- Delivery Format: 100% Online
- Admissions
- Process: Submit an online application, official transcripts, a current resume, a personal statement, and two letters of recommendation.
- GPA: Minimum GPA of 2.5
- Standardized Tests: GMAT or GRE scores are not required
- Cost: $13,100 total program cost
Percent Online Enrollment
99%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Online MBA Programs for You
Grow your career, leadership, and business acumen with an accredited online MBA program.
Healthcare management came about in the early 20th century in the United States. Rapid growth in hospitals created a need for workers with expertise in patient record-keeping, hospital accreditation, and hospital finances. Initially, experienced business professionals filled these roles. The University of Chicago opened the nation's first healthcare management program in 1934, introducing healthcare administration as an academic discipline.
Hospital administrators of the early 20th century oversaw hospitals'' compliance with accreditation standards. Initially a single page of requirements, these standards have since developed into the Joint Commission's rigorous performance policies.
Today, graduates from MBA programs in health service management often work in managerial and leadership positions for hospitals, long-term care facilities, insurance companies, and pharmaceutical companies.
Today, graduates from MBA programs in health service management often work in managerial and leadership positions for hospitals, long-term care facilities, insurance companies, and pharmaceutical companies.
MBA in healthcare administration graduates can pursue careers as medical and health service managers, health information directors, medical insurance underwriters, and healthcare compliance officers.
MBA programs in healthcare administration attract experienced healthcare specialists looking to advance professionally, along with budding business managers interested in the ethics of care, biotechnology, and healthcare innovation.
Why Get a Healthcare Administration MBA?
Earning an online MBA with a concentration in healthcare administration can give graduates an edge over job candidates with general MBAs. Other advantages of earning an online healthcare administration MBA include:
-
Strong Job Prospects
The BLS projects much faster than average growth for medical and health services managers from 2021-31. With an online MBA in healthcare administration, graduates can anticipate strong job prospects.
-
High-Paying Salaries
An online healthcare administration MBA can pave the way for a highly profitable business career. For example, the BLS reported a median annual salary of over $100,000 for health services managers as of 2021.
-
Opportunities to Influence the Standards of Healthcare
Healthcare managers oversee healthcare organizations' compliance with accreditation and licensure standards and implement improvements. These professionals can become agents of positive change in the industry.
What to Expect From an Online MBA in Healthcare Administration
Earning an online MBA in healthcare administration usually requires 60 credits, which takes around two years of full-time study. However, some schools offer accelerated programs that take one year to complete. Part-time programs allow students to spread out the course load over 3-4 years.
A typical online healthcare administration MBA program requires core courses in business management, electives in healthcare administration, and a thesis or capstone seminar.
Common core business classes include biostatistics, operations management, microeconomics, and macroeconomics. Popular healthcare administration electives include healthcare reform, U.S. medical insurance, and healthcare innovation and entrepreneurship.
The MBA Admission Process
While most online MBAs in healthcare administration admit applicants with bachelor's degrees from accredited institutions, some MBA programs require professional experience in business administration.
Applicants typically submit materials such as a CV or resume, personal essays, letters of recommendation, transcripts, and GMAT or GRE scores.
Some programs require a minimum 3.0 GPA, but most do not set specific minimum GMAT or GRE scores. Schools may waive standardized test scores for distance learners. Entrance exam scores in the 90th percentile, a GPA of at least 3.5, and prior work experience in healthcare can increase admission chances.
Healthcare Administration Degree Options
Common alternatives to an MBA in healthcare management include a master of health administration (MHA), master of public administration (MPA), and master of science (MS) in health administration. These degrees overlap in course content but differ in program length, credit load, career goals, and course requirements.
MHA
An MHA takes around one year to complete for full-time learners and requires 30-36 credits. MHA programs require fewer business courses than an MBA. This degree qualifies graduates for entry-level managerial positions in healthcare, insurance, or pharmaceuticals.
MPA
Students usually complete this 30-36 credits professional degree in one year of full-time study. A standard MPA curriculum encompasses more courses in public healthcare administration than typical MHA, MBA, and MS programs. Graduates with MPAs pursue careers as government, community, and nonprofit healthcare managers.
MS in Healthcare Administration
Full-time students can complete this 24-48 credit degree in 1-2 years. A typical MS curriculum includes more STEM courses than most MHA, MPA, and MBA programs. Graduates with MS in healthcare administration degrees qualify for many of the same positions as MBAs with this focus.
Comparing Healthcare Administration and General MBAs
You may wonder whether to pursue a general MBA or an MBA with a concentration in healthcare administration. The two degrees share similarities in length and credit requirements, preparing students to pursue managerial and leadership positions.
MBA programs in healthcare management deliver a more in-depth knowledge of leadership in healthcare, medical insurance, and pharmaceutical industries. A specialized healthcare MBA suits learners who aspire to managerial positions in these industries.
Healthcare Administration MBAs vs. General MBA Programs
| |
MBA in Healthcare Administration |
General MBA |
| Length |
Two years, full time |
Two years, full time |
| Credit Loads |
60 credits |
60 credits |
| Typical Courses |
Healthcare law and ethics, healthcare leadership, biostatistics and epidemiology, healthcare finance |
Business administration, innovation and entrepreneurship, business analytics, business law and ethics |
| Student Demographics |
College graduates and seasoned healthcare employees seeking to advance in the industry |
College graduates and business professionals aspiring to positions in business administration |
| Common Careers |
Healthcare manager, nursing home director, hospital facilities manager, social and community service manager, medical insurance underwriter, medical record manager |
Research and development director, financial manager, administrative services manager, marketing director, human resources manager, computer and information systems manager, sales director |
| Degree Goal |
Prepare learners for managerial and leadership positions in healthcare, medical insurance, and pharmaceutical industries |
Prepare students for general positions as business administrators and executives |
Popular Healthcare Administration Courses
An online MBA in healthcare administration usually requires coursework in biostatistics, financial reporting, and healthcare management. Popular concentration courses include healthcare strategy, global health, and healthcare innovation and entrepreneurship.
Most online healthcare administration MBA programs culminate in a capstone or thesis seminar. Students apply their business knowledge to real-world scenarios.
Common courses include:
- Biostatistics and Epidemiology: Students develop an advanced understanding of the statistical concepts and methods in healthcare administration. Topics include data collection, analysis, reporting, and presentation; descriptive and inferential statistics; and epidemiological theory.
- Healthcare Management: Coursework explores strategic planning, managerial problem-solving, and organizational change. Enrollees learn to apply theory and best practices to the demanding environments of healthcare facilities.
- Healthcare Policy and Reform: This course provides an overview of the national health crisis and leading proposals for healthcare reform. Through simulations, learners gain practical knowledge of how to identify and fulfill healthcare needs, cut patient costs, and increase the quality of care.
- Healthcare Finance: Through an analysis of case studies, enrollees learn how healthcare managers have used financial data to make difficult decisions.
- Capstone Seminar: Students research suitable topics within healthcare administration under the supervision of faculty members. The seminar culminates in a research project.
How Much Will an MBA in Healthcare Administration Cost?
Tuition for online MBAs in healthcare administration varies, ranging from $12,000-$35,000 for the total program. Private schools tend to be more expensive than public institutions.
Some public schools charge in-state tuition for their remote learning programs, regardless of student residency. Private schools also tend to offer their online degrees at a flat, discounted rate.
Students should factor in the costs of required technology and course materials, travel expenses associated with potential campus visits, and the loss of work income. Scholarships, loans, grants, and fellowships can help finance your MBA degree. The links below provide more information about these financial options.
Jobs for MBAs in Healthcare Administration
An online healthcare administration MBA offers a stepping stone to lucrative managerial or executive leadership roles in the healthcare, insurance, or pharmaceutical industries. According to the BLS, the median pay for medical and health service managers exceeded 100,000 as of 2021.
Common careers include:
Healthcare Manager
Healthcare managers direct the business activities of healthcare providers. Typical responsibilities include overseeing healthcare provider records and finances, improving the quality and efficiency of healthcare services, and developing goals and objectives in collaboration with medical staff and top executives.
- Required Education: Bachelor's degree
- Job Outlook (2021-31): +28%
- Median Annual Salary: $101,340
Hospital Facilities Manager
Hospital facilities managers oversee hospital buildings, equipment, and supplies. Typical job duties include overseeing the maintenance and replacement of equipment, representing the facilities at stakeholder and board meetings, and ensuring compliance with healthcare, environmental, and security regulations.
- Required Education: Bachelor's degree
- Job Outlook (2021-31): +7%
- Median Annual Salary: $99,290
Medical Insurance Underwriter
These professionals make decisions about medical insurance applications. Underwriters screen applicants for eligibility, calculate the risk of insuring potential clients, and determine reasonable premiums.
- Required Education: Bachelor's degree
- Job Outlook (2021-31): -4%
- Median Annual Salary: $76,390
Nursing Home Administrator
Nursing home administrators manage the staff, admissions, and finances of nursing homes. Typical responsibilities include evaluating and improving the quality of eldercare, researching and implementing new approaches to care, and overseeing the recruitment and training of staff members.
- Required Education: Bachelor's degree
- Average Annual Salary: $94,560 (as of March 2023)
Selecting Your Healthcare Administration MBA Program
Our rankings can help students choose the right MBA program for their needs. Consider researching available programs that align with your goals, such as affordable online MBA programs.
An MBA can be a valuable credential, but only if it's from an accredited university, ideally from a business school accredited by the AACSB. These designations convey to future employers that a degree meets educational and industry-specific standards.
Prospective MBA students should also consider the program's faculty, alumni, and
networking opportunities for distance learners. Networking events offer crucial connections to gaining references, internships, and job offers.
Why You Should Get Your MBA in Healthcare Administration Online
With distance learning on the rise, employers increasingly regard online and on-campus MBAs from accredited business schools as equally valuable.
Transcripts do not reveal whether the student obtained their MBA online or on campus. So unless the subject comes up at an interview, employers cannot discern the specific degree format.
When searching for online programs, prospective students should prioritize online MBA formats that match their learning style. Individuals who learn best in a classroom setting with peer discussions should prioritize synchronous online programs.
Aspiring MBA enrollees with work or other obligations may consider asynchronous online programs. Degree-seekers can access course materials and complete assignments and discussion boards at their convenience. Asynchronous formats require significant discipline to keep pace with course requirements.
Common Questions About Online MBAs in Healthcare Administration
Is it worth it to get an MBA in healthcare administration?
An MBA in healthcare administration is often worth it if you want to pursue advanced positions in healthcare leadership. It's also a valuable option for professionals who want to gain more knowledge in the field and pursue high-paying career opportunities. According to the BLS, medical and health services managers earned a median annual salary of $101,340.
What is the highest salary for an MBA in healthcare?
People with an MBA in healthcare earned an average salary of $85,000, according to Payscale. Healthcare directors earn one of the highest salaries in the industry, with an average salary of $95,990, Payscale reports.
Why do people choose healthcare administration?
Healthcare administrators can make a positive impact on the lives of patients and their families. These professionals are in high demand and can often pursue leadership opportunities in various healthcare facilities.
Which MBA is best for healthcare professionals?
An MBA in healthcare administration from an accredited school is an excellent option for professionals wanting to advance their careers in healthcare leadership. The graduate degree combines business fundamentals and healthcare management.
