Top 5 Online MBA Programs in Healthcare Management
Updated February 3, 2023
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MBA in healthcare management online programs develop foundational business skills for those working in the contemporary healthcare system and market. Students learn about finance, marketing, accounting, and leadership, along with health informatics, healthcare operations, and health law.
Earning an MBA in healthcare management can carve a pathway to improving the U.S. healthcare system.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects faster-than-average growth for healthcare management occupations from 2019-2029, driven by the aging of the baby-boomer population and increased use of electronic health records.
This guide includes a list of online MBA in healthcare management rankings. We also explain what to expect from a typical MBA in healthcare management online program, potential career paths for graduates, and strategies for choosing the right school.
What Is Healthcare Management?
The healthcare management field considers the oversight of healthcare facilities, systems, and networks. Professionals help systems run efficiently to provide high-quality patient care. Typical job duties include creating departmental goals, recruiting and supervising staff members, managing facility finances, and ensuring that facilities comply with regulations and laws. Healthcare management MBA graduates combine general business skills with in-depth knowledge of healthcare system functionality.
Some students specialize in health information management, nursing home administration, or clinical management. Graduates with MBAs in healthcare management find employment as medical and health services managers, administrative services managers, healthcare administrators, and healthcare consultants.
Healthcare management professionals most frequently work in hospitals, physicians' offices, nursing and residential care facilities, and the government. Some individuals with healthcare management MBAs use their business and management skills in administrative positions outside of the field.
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The United States employed 422,300 medical and health services managers as of 2019. The BLS attributes more demand for healthcare management professionals to the growing complexity of medical practices and systems and an increasing dependence on electronic health records.
Why Get a Healthcare Management Online MBA?
A healthcare management MBA requires a significant investment of time, money, and hard work, but it can pay off. Students gain the general business knowledge and practical skills of a typical business administration graduate program while specializing in the in-demand area of healthcare management.
These candidates stand out from those with general MBAs and qualify for specialized positions in healthcare. Some benefits of earning an MBA in healthcare management include:
- New Skills: Healthcare management MBA programs provide a foundation in business while also developing specialized knowledge of the healthcare field. Enrollees develop analytical, communication, leadership, and technical skills.
- Continued Growth: The BLS projects medical and health services management occupations to grow by 32% from 2019-2029, much faster than the national average projected growth of 4% for all occupations. Earning a degree in an in-demand field makes it easier to find open positions and negotiate a competitive salary.
- High Salaries: Graduates with MBAs in healthcare management qualify for high-level administrative and management positions in healthcare that command competitive salaries. For example, medical and health services managers earned a median annual salary of $100,980 as of 2019.
Top Online MBA in Healthcare Management Rankings
What the Best Online Healthcare Management MBAs Have in Common
What to Expect From an Online MBA in Healthcare Management
MBA in healthcare management online programs prepare students for administrative positions in healthcare. Many schools include healthcare management as a concentration within standard MBA programs, while others offer this subject area as a standalone degree.
Colleges provide healthcare management MBAs online, in person, and as hybrid programs. Most learners complete the degree in two years, but some schools offer accelerated pathways with shorter degree timelines. The average credit load for this degree is 30-45 credits. Typical courses include healthcare informatics, health systems marketing, and healthcare operations.
Minimum admission requirements include a bachelor's degree and completion of basic business prerequisites. Below, we explain more about what to expect from your MBA in healthcare management program.
The MBA Admission Process
Admission requirements for MBA in healthcare management programs vary among schools but typically require each candidate to possess a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution. Some colleges stipulate that applicants hold bachelor's degrees in business or related fields, but most accept applicants from diverse undergraduate backgrounds.
Prospective students with non-business bachelor's degrees typically must complete prerequisite undergraduate business courses prior to enrollment. Other common requirements include a minimum 3.0 GPA and satisfactory GMAT/GRE scores. Some MBA programs require or prefer individuals with 3-5 years of relevant professional experience in the business world.
Applicants often must submit letters of recommendation, written essays, a statement of goals, and resumes. Other required materials include college transcripts, test scores, and a completed online application. Although not required, experience in the healthcare industry may increase your chances of acceptance.
Healthcare Management Degree Options
Master's programs in healthcare management programs may offer other types of degrees than MBAs, such as a master of science (MS) or master of legal studies (MLS). These options focus less on developing business skills than an MBA in healthcare management. Similarities and differences among these types of healthcare management degrees include:
MBA in Healthcare Management
An MBA in healthcare management focuses on general business skills with a focus on healthcare management. Students gain leadership, communication, project management, and decision-making skills.
MS in Healthcare Management
An MS in healthcare management provides an in-depth understanding of the issues facing the healthcare industry. Students learn to evaluate healthcare proposals, compare technology solutions, and oversee healthcare settings.
MLS in Healthcare Management
An MLS in healthcare management focuses on legal issues related to the healthcare system. Professionals with MLS degrees ensure that healthcare organizations meet legal obligations and follow regulations.
Students may encounter healthcare MBAs with other names, such as MBA in healthcare administration, MBA in hospital management, or MBA in healthcare. These degrees typically cover the same issues as MBAs in healthcare management but differ in scope.
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Comparing Healthcare Management and General MBAs
General MBAs and healthcare management degrees share similarities and some key differences. Broadly speaking, a healthcare management MBA adds coursework relating to hospital administration and oversight.
If you know that you want to work in the healthcare industry, consider a healthcare management degree. If focusing on business aligns more with your career goals, explore available MBA programs. In the table below, we compare healthcare management and general MBA programs to help you identify your ideal degree.
Comparing Healthcare Management MBAs to General MBA Programs
| MBA in Healthcare Management | General MBA | |
|---|---|---|
| Program Length | Two years | Two years |
| Types of Classes | Health operations, health economics, health informatics | Accounting, finance, marketing, business ethics |
| Focus | General business and healthcare management knowledge and skills and | General business knowledge and skills |
| Available Jobs | Medical and health services manager, healthcare consultant, healthcare administrator, administrative services manager | Administrative services manager, top executive, sales manager, training and development manager |
| Admission Requirements | Bachelor's degree, minimum 3.0 GPA, GMAT/GRE scores, professional experience | Bachelor's degree, minimum 3.0 GPA, GMAT/GRE scores, professional experience |
| Course Load | 30-45 credits | 30-45 credits |
Popular Healthcare Management Courses
MBA in healthcare management curriculum varies among institutions, but most programs focus on healthcare law and regulations, organizational leadership, and financial reporting and analysis.
Most programs require 30-45 credits of core and concentration/elective courses. Healthcare management students commonly complete capstone projects, as well. Some popular healthcare management courses include:
This course considers how technological change, communications, and connectivity affect healthcare service delivery. Students learn to design, evaluate, and explain e-service solutions in healthcare.
Enrollees learn about organizational processes that affect the ability of organizations to manage innovation and change. This core class explores theoretical issues of strategic management, as well as practical frameworks and tools for leading organizations.
This class provides an introduction to population health management and improvement through public health data and healthcare information technology. Degree-seekers apply information technologies to improve patient care while considering social context, legal and ethical concerns, and technology availability.
This course emphasizes the role of leadership in improving healthcare service delivery. Learners explore financing structures and consider programs to improve population health.
This class serves as a culminating experience, synthesizing the knowledge and skills gained throughout the program into one final project. Students put their skills into practice working on real-world problems in the healthcare industry.
How Much Will an MBA in Healthcare Management Cost?
The cost of earning an MBA in healthcare management varies significantly by program and school. The National Center for Education Statistics reports that as of the 2018-2019 academic year, graduate students paid an average of $19,314 per year. However, the cost varies significantly by type of school. Individuals attending public institutions paid an average of just $12,170 annually, while the average private school charged graduate students $25,930 per year.
Other factors affecting tuition include program format (online or in person), school prestige, and residency status (in state or out of state). Prospective students looking to save money can find the best option by comparing public colleges that maintain in-state tuition policies.
Students must consider other costs they may incur while in school, including the price of textbooks, technology upgrades, housing, and transportation. Universities offer several financing options for MBA in healthcare management majors, including scholarships, grants, fellowships, and loans.
Jobs for MBAs in Healthcare Management
BLS projections indicate faster-than-average growth for these positions, along with strong salaries. Some common careers include:
Medical and Health Services Manager
Administrative Services Manager
Human Resources Manager
Healthcare Consultant
- Required Education: Bachelor's degree
- Average Annual Salary: $78,320
Selecting Your Healthcare Management MBA Program
Our online MBA in healthcare management rankings list offers a great starting place, but prospective students should consider many other factors when choosing a program. Elements to consider when comparing MBAs in healthcare management include:
- Cost/Financial Aid
- Compare your budget and the estimated cost of each prospective program. Explore financial aid opportunities like scholarships, grants, graduate assistantships, and loans.
- Accreditation
- Any school that you consider should hold regional accreditation. This process ensures that learners can access financial aid, transfer credits to other universities, and qualify for certification opportunities. Many MBA programs also hold separate programmatic accreditation. Look for accrediting bodies such as the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs, the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, or the International Accreditation Council for Business Education.
- Program Length
- Most MBA in healthcare management programs take two full-time years to complete. Students who want to graduate more quickly can look for accelerated online options that may take as little as one year.
- University Resources
- What types of student resources do your potential healthcare management MBA programs offer? Look for robust career development centers, free tutoring, access to library resources, and help with information technology issues.
Online MBA Programs for You
Grow your career, leadership, and business acumen with an accredited online MBA program.
Why You Should Get Your MBA in Healthcare Management Online
Most distance education programs feature asynchronous instruction, allowing learners to log on and complete coursework at any time. This flexibility allows enrollees to work and take care of other personal commitments while in school.
Online MBA programs commonly offer tuition discounts or in-state rates for out-of-state learners. Students can also potentially save money by graduating more quickly, taking out fewer loans, and avoiding costs related to commuting to or living on campus.
MBA in healthcare management students must weigh the potential benefits and drawbacks of online learning to decide if an online degree suits their personal learning style. Consider the school's delivery methods, student services, and availability of on-campus organizations or events.
Top Online MBA Programs in Healthcare Management
Miami, FL
$9180
Founded in 1969 on an abandoned airfield, FIU now hosts a diverse student body of about 54,000. The school's computer facilities demonstrate FIU's commitment to state-of-the-art research. Enrollees in the MBA in healthcare program at the Alvah H. Chapman Jr. Graduate School of Business can expect to earn their degree in just 18 months. Students in the program earn an average GPA of 3.40 and are employed by prestigious healthcare systems such as Cleveland Clinic, Mount Sinai, and Blue Cross Blue Shield. The AACSB-accredited program includes three residencies totaling 120 hours. The residencies allow students to network, collaborate with classmates, and develop professional skills required for healthcare fields. Other courses in the program include legal environment of business, financial reporting and analysis, and management of healthcare finance and reimbursement. FIU MBA applicants must hold a minimum 3.0 GPA in a four-year bachelor's program from an accredited school. Additional requirements include GMAT or GRE scores for some applicants and two years of professional work experience with a resume. School Type: Public Wilmington, NC
$17771
UNCW enrolls close to 18,000 students annually in its undergraduate and graduate programs. The campus lies along the North Carolina coast and includes multiple colleges and learning centers, such as the Center for Marine Science and the Cameron School of Business. UNCW's online MBA in healthcare management program consists of 36 credit hours and an accelerated curriculum designed for completion within 12 months. The program focuses heavily on data analysis and its applications to healthcare management. Students learn to model, interpret, and analyze healthcare data through core courses and electives. Enrollees study topics such as business law, accounting, business analytics, corporate finance, and marketing. Elective courses include an introduction to healthcare systems and healthcare analytics. Distance learners complete each course in seven weeks with instruction from professors experienced in business and healthcare management. UNCW MBA applicants must hold an undergraduate degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Prospective students should submit a resume with at least two years of professional work experience, a statement of interest, and two letters of recommendation. UNCW waives GRE and GMAT scores for applicants with a minimum 3.2 GPA, a graduate degree with quantitative coursework, and five years of managerial experience. School Type: Public Athens, OH
$22072
OU hosts 30,000 students across its campuses, including its primary campus in Athens, Ohio. With athletics a primary source of pride for the school, OU hosts a student-athlete program to enhance academic and athletic success. The OU MBA with a concentration in healthcare blends leadership development with healthcare finance, ethics, and law. The curriculum features online coursework with one weekend-long, on-campus residency requirement for professional development. The residency includes expert speakers, hands-on workshops, and opportunities to meet with faculty and students to build a professional network. The 35-credit program consists of 26 core MBA credits and nine healthcare-focused credits. Students take courses in managerial finance, accounting for executives, operations management, and descriptive analytics. An applied business experience course offers a computer simulation team project that tests each student's understanding of healthcare industry business concepts. OU MBA applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a minimum 3.0 GPA and have at least two years of professional experience. In addition to an application, prospective students should send transcripts, a personal statement, a resume, and two letters of recommendation. School Type: Public Washington, DC A diverse student body with learners from all 50 states and 130 countries makes GW a distinguished institution. The school's focus on cutting-edge research spans more than 70 campuses, research centers, and institutes. The GW online MBA offers students a flexible schedule within a framework of assigned due dates. Each course includes a weekly one-hour live instruction session with evening or weekend hours to adapt to students' personal and professional responsibilities. Learners benefit from mixed media coursework to enhance the traditional learning experience. The core MBA curriculum includes courses such as business essentials for dynamic markets, competition in the global economy, and business ethics and public policy. The healthcare concentration requires students to choose three additional industry-focused courses. Options include healthcare analytics and applications and technology skills for managers. GW requires MBA applicants to write an essay and attend an interview. GRE or GMAT scores are optional for 2021. Prospective students without the minimum undergraduate coursework or standardized test scores may need to complete a quantitative aptitude test. School Type: Private West Lafayette, IN
$11898
Purdue Global expands Purdue University's mission across the internet with accessible and interactive online programs. The school offers flexibly paced programs with alternative pathways and accelerated options to meet the needs of each learner. Accredited by ACBSP, Purdue Global's MBA with a concentration in healthcare management prepares students for leadership positions in the industry. Learners study pertinent issues in healthcare businesses, including finance and cost control, risk management, and industry marketing. The concentration includes 16 credits spread across four courses. Before completing healthcare management concentration courses, students must finish 60 general MBA credits. Courses include strategic management, marketing management, business analytics, and strategic human resource management. The MBA capstone course consists of group and individual research and projects to design a realistic business plan for an international business venture. MBA admission requirements include completion of a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and submission of official transcripts. Additionally, students must submit a resume with listed professional work history, employment dates, and responsibilities. School Type: Public
58%
Alvah H. Chapman Jr. Graduate School of Business
Applying to FIU
Program at a Glance
Accreditation: SACSCOC, AACSB, CAHME
Tuition: $59,892/program
Required Credits: 42 credits
Program Length: 18 months
Delivery Format: Online with some in-person requirements 73%
Cameron School of Business
Applying to UNCW
Program at a Glance
Accreditation: SACSCOC, AACSB
Tuition: $415/credit (in state); $1,093/credit (out of state)
Required Credits: 36 credits
Program Length: 12 months
Delivery Format: 100% online 64%
College of Business
Applying to OU
Program at a Glance
Accreditation: HLC, AACSB
Tuition: $35,980/program (in state); $36,645/program (out of state)
Required Credits: 35 credits
Program Length: 2 years
Delivery Format: 100% online with some in-person requirements 82%
GW School of Business
Applying to GW
Program at a Glance
Accreditation: MSCHE, AACSB
Tuition: $2,215/credit
Required Credits: 46.5 credits
Delivery Format: 100% online (synchronous and asynchronous)
81%
School of Business and Information Technology
Applying to Purdue Global
Program at a Glance
Accreditation: HLC, ACBSP
Tuition: $485/credit
Required Credits: 76 credits
Program Length: 2 years
Delivery Format: 100% online
Frequently Asked Questions About MBA's in Healthcare Management
Is an MBA in healthcare management good?
Yes. An MBA in healthcare management can open the door to well-paying and high-level careers in healthcare and other fields. Graduates hold expertise in general business and healthcare administration. Depending on your career goals and personal interests, earning this degree can offer a strong professional pathway.
What is the scope of an MBA in healthcare management?
MBA in healthcare management programs differ in scope. Most provide a foundation in general business knowledge and skills with a specialized focus on healthcare management. Most MBA in healthcare management programs offer healthcare management as a concentration while requiring students to complete core business classes.
Which is better: an MBA or MHA?
One type of master's degree in healthcare management is not necessarily better than the other, and in many cases, the curriculums may share many similarities. Decide which type of degree to pursue based on your career goals. Students who know they want to work in healthcare administration may want to choose the master of healthcare administration, while those interested in gaining more broadly relevant business skills may prefer the MBA.
What can you do after an MBA in healthcare management?
Graduates with MBAs in healthcare management qualify for employment as medical and health services managers, administrative services managers, and healthcare consultants. MBA in healthcare management degree-holders can also continue their education and pursue doctoral degrees.
What is the salary of an MBA in hospital management?
MBA in healthcare management degree-holder salaries vary, depending on the type of job, employer, level of experience, and undergraduate background. Medical and health services managers earn a median annual salary of $100,980 as of 2019.
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