MBA in healthcare management online programs develop foundational business skills for 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 outlook for the profession appears bright. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment for medical and health services managers to grow by 28% from 2021-2031 — over five times the projected growth rate across all occupations.
This guide includes a ranked list of online MBAs in healthcare management. Explore what to expect from a typical MBA in healthcare management online program, potential career paths for graduates, and strategies for choosing the right school.
Online MBA Programs for You
Grow your career, leadership, and business acumen with an accredited online MBA program.
What Is Healthcare Management?
The healthcare management field relates to 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 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 can pursue employment as medical and health services managers, administrative services managers, healthcare administrators, and healthcare consultants.
Healthcare management professionals most frequently work in hospitals, physician's 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 the field.
The United States employed 480,700 medical and health services managers as of 2021. The BLS attributes increased demand for healthcare management professionals to the growing complexity of medical practices and systems, in addition to increasing dependence on electronic health records.
The Top Online Healthcare Management MBAs of 2023
The following ranking features 2023's top five MBA in healthcare online programs. Explore our methodology guide to learn how we researched and ranked these MBA programs.
#1 Top 5 Online MBA Programs in Healthcare Management
University of North Carolina Wilmington
- Wilmington, NC
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Founded in 1947 with about 250 students, UNCW has grown to host a student body of over 17,000. The university works with local military stations to create flexible programs for military personnel and their families.
Master of Business Administration with a Specialization in Healthcare Management Online
The Cameron School of Business at UNCW offers several MBA concentrations, including a specialization in healthcare management. This 36-credit program includes 30 core credits in economics, management, accounting, analytics, and marketing. Students complete the degree with healthcare-focused analytics, systems, and finance electives.
UNCW's healthcare management MBA features six start dates a year, including two summer options. Students can finish in as little as 12 months with accelerated seven-week classes.
The fully online program gives learners access to the university's digital library, support resources, and extensive networking community.
UNCW's Affordability
UNCW's online students can pay by the course rather than financing a full semester at one time. North Carolina residents attending part-time pay $1,509 per course in tuition and fees. Full-time students may receive lower rates.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Public
- Accreditation: SACSCOC, AACSB
- Tuition: $470/credit (part time, in state); $1,269/credit (part time, out of state)
- Required Credits: 36 credits
- Program Length: 12 months
- Delivery Format: 100% online (synchronous and asynchronous)
- Admissions
- Process: Admission requires official transcripts from an accredited bachelor's degree program, at least two years of professional work experience, a resume and cover letter, and two letters of recommendation.
- GPA: 3.0
- Standardized Tests: GMAT
- Cost: $80
Percent Online Enrollment
95%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 Top 5 Online MBA Programs in Healthcare Management
Parker University
- Dallas, TX
- 4 years
- Online
Located in Dallas, Texas, this healthcare-focused university is known for its chiropractic doctoral program. Parker partners with 35 private practices to give students hands-on experience and research opportunities.
Master of Business Administration Healthcare Management Concentration
The MBA healthcare management concentration from Parker weaves management, research, and analysis into a flexible program for working professionals. The core MBA curriculum includes courses in accounting, ethical leadership, and business research. Three healthcare-focused courses complete the concentration, exploring analysis, policy, and legal issues.
Students pursuing Parker's MBA in healthcare management complete a capstone in business strategy. The course requires learners to think critically about healthcare operations and management, conduct case studies, and complete a practicum project.
Some applicants must complete six credits of prerequisite coursework before entering the 36-credit program.
Parker's Affordability
Students with the required undergraduate coursework can bypass prerequisites to save money on tuition. Parker also offers merit-based and need-based scholarships and grants.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Private
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
- Tuition: $775/credit
- Required Credits: 36-42 credits
- Program Length: 6-7 terms
- Delivery Format: 100% online, on campus, or hybrid
- Admissions
- Process: Applicants need a bachelor's degree from an accredited school. Students with a GPA of at least 3.0 or those with a GPA of 2.7 plus two or more years of relevant work experience may waive GMAT or GRE requirements.
- Standardized Tests: GMAT or GRE
- Cost: $50
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
#3 Top 5 Online MBA Programs in Healthcare Management
West Texas A & M University
- Canyon, TX
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
WTAMU's 342-acre campus is located in Canyon, Texas. Since its founding in 1910, the university has grown to include several online and hybrid programs. Online students at WTAMU enjoy multiple resources for distance learners, like a virtual math lab and writing center.
Master of Business Administration — Healthcare Management Specialization
The healthcare management MBA specialization from WTAMU is housed in the school's Paul and Virginia Engler College of Business. Students may take up to six years to finish the program. The MBA is available online or in a hybrid format to allow scheduling flexibility.
Before starting the program, learners need experience in accounting, finance, and statistics. Students without prior coursework in these areas may take placement tests to determine if they can skip prerequisite courses.
The program's core areas of study include economic theory, international business, and computer technology. The healthcare specialization adds the learner's choice of healthcare-focused courses totaling nine credits. Options include healthcare marketing, legal aspects of healthcare, and information technology planning.
WTAMU's Affordability
WTAMU students from several Texas-bordering counties in New Mexico and Oklahoma receive residential tuition rates. MBA learners can also apply for scholarships from WTAMU and the Paul and Virginia Engler College of Business.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Public
- Accreditation: SACSCOC, AACSB
- Tuition: $321/credit (in state); $747/credit (out of state)
- Required Credits: 37-48 credits
- Program Length: 2 years
- Delivery Format: 100% online (asynchronous) or hybrid
- Admissions
- Process: WTAMU's applicants submit a resume and undergraduate transcripts to receive a personalized study plan. Next, students complete an application and submit official transcripts, a statement of goals, and three letters of recommendation.
- Standardized Tests: GMAT
- Cost: $40
Percent Online Enrollment
78%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#4 Top 5 Online MBA Programs in Healthcare Management
Regent University
- Virginia Beach, VA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Regent's Virginia Beach, Virginia, campus sits near the shoreline and the city's popular attractions. The Christian school holds eight accreditations and operates a Center for Student Happiness to encourage academic, professional, and personal excellence.
MBA – Healthcare Management
The healthcare management MBA from Regent blends Christian education with entrepreneurial skill-building and healthcare-related technologies and practices. Students complete hands-on projects throughout the curriculum to build a solid portfolio by graduation.
Each course takes eight weeks, with full-time students typically completing two courses at a time. Learners develop a business plan throughout their program, culminating in a business planning and launching course that can help put their vision into action.
Online Regent students can access digital library resources, an academic support center, success coaching, and educational webinars.
Regent's Affordability
Regent offers several student scholarships, including aid from the School of Business and Leadership. Regent also matches donations from a student's church, up to $750 per semester, as a grant toward tuition.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Private
- Accreditation: SACSCOC, ACBSP
- Tuition: $695/credit
- Required Credits: 42 credits
- Program Length: 16 months
- Delivery Format: 100% online (synchronous and asynchronous), hybrid, or on campus
- Admissions
- Process: After completing an online application, applicants must submit unofficial transcripts, an admissions questionnaire, and a copy of their government-issued ID.
Percent Online Enrollment
93%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#5 Top 5 Online MBA Programs in Healthcare Management
Hofstra University
- Hempstead, NY
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Situated on Long Island near New York City, Hofstra provides opportunities for students to grow their networks, find career opportunities, and explore nearby attractions. Graduate students can choose from 190 programs emphasizing cross-cultural learning.
MBA in Strategic Healthcare Management
Offered through the Frank G. Zarb School of Business, Hofstra University's strategic healthcare management MBA allows students up to five years to complete the program. The curriculum includes 24 core business credits, nine healthcare management-focused credits, and a three-credit capstone course. Students must attend orientation and capstone residencies.
For the capstone, enrollees choose between a report-based strategic decision-making course and an experiential learning co-op. Students can also add an optional global practicum to their program. During the weeklong practicum, MBA candidates travel to other countries and learn about international business practices.
Applicants with a minimum 3.2 undergraduate GPA can waive GMAT and GRE requirements.
Hofstra University's Affordability
Hofstra's four-year locked tuition rate program allows students to budget for their MBA without worrying about rising tuition costs. Learners can also make monthly payments each semester to help them manage their finances.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Private
- Accreditation: MSCHE
- Tuition: $1,605/credit
- Required Credits: 36 credits
- Program Length: 16 months
- Delivery Format: 100% online (asynchronous and synchronous)
- Admissions
- Process: Hofstra applicants must submit official transcripts from all prior colleges or universities, a resume, GMAT or GRE scores, and contact information for three recommendations.
- Standardized Tests: GMAT or GRE
- Cost: $75
Percent Online Enrollment
14%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
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 programs covering management. Similarities and differences among these types of healthcare management degrees include:
MBA in Healthcare Management
An MBA in healthcare management covers 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 modern 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 in the healthcare system. Professionals with MLS degrees ensure that healthcare organizations meet legal and regulatory obligations.
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.
Comparing Healthcare Management and General MBAs
General MBAs and healthcare management degrees share similarities and some key differences. Healthcare management MBAs typically add coursework covering 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 |
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 MBA Courses
MBA in healthcare management coursework 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:
- E-Service Management In Healthcare: 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.
- Strategic Management: Enrollees learn about organizational processes that affect organizations' ability to manage innovation and change. This core class explores theoretical issues of strategic management and practical frameworks for leading organizations.
- Population Health Informatics: This class provides an introduction to population health management and improvement through public health data and healthcare information technology (IT). Degree-seekers apply IT strategies to improve patient care while considering social context, legal and ethical concerns, and technology availability.
- Policy and Finance for Healthcare Delivery: This course emphasizes the role of leadership in improving healthcare service delivery. Learners explore financing structures and consider programs to improve population health.
- Healthcare Management Capstone: This culminating experience combines the knowledge and skills gained throughout the program into one final project. Students put their skills into practice by working on real-world problems in the healthcare industry.
How Much Will an Online Healthcare MBA 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 2020-2021 academic year, graduate students paid an average of $19,749 per year. However, costs vary significantly by type of school. Individuals attending public institutions paid an average of just $12,394 annually, while the average private school charged graduate students $26,621 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.
Online MBA Programs for You
Grow your career, leadership, and business acumen with an accredited online MBA program.
Is an MBA in Healthcare Management Worth It?
Individuals with a passion for healthcare may find an MBA in healthcare management worth the time and price commitment. When you pursue an MBA in healthcare management online, you can learn standard MBA skills in accounting and finance from a distance, along with ways to apply these abilities in a healthcare environment.
Depending on the program, enrollees may develop specialized skills in health economics, decision analysis, and service line development. Students can also develop hands-on experience through internships, projects, and mentorships. While experts instruct most MBA programs, a healthcare management MBA can provide access to specialized faculty with unique knowledge.
Calculate your possible return on investment from a healthcare management MBA by comparing tuition and fees to potential future earnings. Students may pay up to $40,000 or more for MBA degrees. Fortunately, salaries for professionals with MBAs in healthcare can reach over $100,000 per year in roles such as management expert.
Jobs for MBAs in Healthcare Management
Earning an MBA in healthcare management prepares graduates to pursue careers in the health industry and beyond. BLS projections indicate faster-than-average growth for these positions, along with strong salaries. Some common careers include:
Medical and Health Services Manager
Medical and health services managers, also known as healthcare administrators or healthcare executives, coordinate health and medical services. They manage facilities, departments, practices, and systems. Typical job duties include setting departmental objectives, recruiting and training staff members, maintaining facility service records, and preparing budgets. This occupation typically requires a bachelor's degree at minimum, but many employers require or prefer candidates with master's degrees.
- Required Education: Bachelor's degree
- Job Outlook (2021-31): +28%
- Median Annual Salary: $101,340
Administrative Services Manager
Administrative services managers coordinate the actions that help organizations function efficiently. Specific duties vary depending on organization size but may include supervising administrative staff, managing records, setting departmental goals, and overseeing equipment repairs. Earning professional certification from the Institute of Certified Records Managers or the International Facility Management Association can improve job competitiveness.
- Required Education: Bachelor's degree
- Job Outlook (2021-31): +7%
- Median Annual Salary: $99,290
Human Resources Manager
Human resources managers coordinate, plan, and oversee companies' administrative tasks. They plan employee benefits programs, advise other managers on human resources issues, mediate disputes, and oversee recruitment efforts. Many employers prefer managers who have an MBA in human resources.
- Required Education: Bachelor's degree
- Job Outlook (2021-31): +7%
- Median Annual Salary: $126,230
Healthcare Consultant
Healthcare consultants conduct research, devise solutions to problems, talk to and observe employees, and write reports. Healthcare organizations hire healthcare consultants to improve service delivery. Many healthcare consultants are self-employed, but some maintain full-time employment within large healthcare organizations. Clients often prefer or require healthcare consultants with master's degrees and extensive relevant experience.
- Required Education: Bachelor's degree
- Average Annual Salary: $82,470
Common Questions About Online MBA Programs in Healthcare Management
Is healthcare management difficult?
Assuming an individual has previous education or training, healthcare management is generally not considered more difficult than other management positions. Employees in these roles learn on the job, from classes, or a combination of the two sources.
What does management do in healthcare?
Management in healthcare conducts similar tasks to management in other industries. These individuals often train staff, manage the budget, and oversee daily operations.
What is the key issue currently facing healthcare managers?
Healthcare managers work within the complex U.S. healthcare and insurance industries. Managers must control costs, work with insurance providers, and comply with safety standards.
Why do people choose healthcare management?
Individuals can choose healthcare management to pursue high-paying, fulfilling careers. Hospitals and patients rely on management to keep employees satisfied and operations running smoothly.
