Those who get a healthcare administration degree online can help set themselves up for a whole world of opportunities and new possibilities working in facilities all across the country. Many of these careers are often lucrative and personally rewarding.
Although what constitutes the best healthcare administration online degree is mostly a personal choice, there are two disciplines that most people find themselves operating within: healthcare administration and healthcare management.
Editorial Listing ShortCode:
When you get your health administration degree online, you may be one step closer to a long-term and rewarding career.
Online Healthcare Administration Degrees
Select the field which most interests you to jump to that section of the guide:
Both of these fields typically offer plenty of opportunity for growth, a lot of different job prospects, and plenty of job security.
Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration
Healthcare administration deals with the day-to-day operations in a particular facility. Many people who work in this field find themselves rising through the ranks to become office managers or oversee a lot of other administrative professionals.
Editorial Listing ShortCode:
Excellent candidates also tend to have the ability to think on their feet and excellent organizational skills that can allow them to multi-task and effortless pivot from job to job. Being able work well with people in all levels of an organization is beneficial as well.
Bachelor’s in Healthcare Management
Healthcare management deals with overseeing large departments or groups of people. Great interpersonal skills and a lot of diplomacies can help you excel in this field.
Editorial Listing ShortCode:
Those that truly care about people tend to do well in this field. They want to help others and will do everything in their power to make sure that people are feeling secure and comfortable.
Healthcare Administration Careers & Salaries
Having your online bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration can certainly help open up doors for you. There are plenty of avenues that you can pursue after graduation, but we have outlined some of the more popular career paths below.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, these are the standard average salaries for jobs you can get with your online healthcare administration degree.
Careers | Annual Median Salary |
Hospital Administrator | $128,750 |
Laboratory/Testing Facility Manager | $105,840 |
Medical and Health Services Manager | $104,280 |
HR Manager in Hospitals | $101,990 |
Clinical Manager | $100,860 |
Nursing Home Manager | $89,880 |
Medical Services Administrator | $87,920 |
Medical Records Administrator | $82,640 |
Healthcare Consultant | $73,230 |
Healthcare Operations Specialist | $62,330 |
Your salary will differ depending on what part of the country you are in and what the job market looks like, but you can expect to find jobs in roughly the salary range indicated here.
Choosing a Healthcare Administration Online Degree
Picking the perfect place to get your health care administration bachelor’s degree may seem a little bit overwhelming, but it really comes down to what you want in a school.
There are certain things that are typically always looked for, like accreditation, but others are really up to your own personal preference and style. Many people prefer schools that offer a lot of flexibility. This is especially true if you have other commitments that you need to take care of, like a job or a family.
Online students prefer flexibility because it allows them to do their work on their own schedule. Many of the best schools have their curriculum materials online, so you can access them whenever you need to.
Editorial Listing ShortCode:
Additionally, you will probably want to find a school that has excellent technology. You don’t want the server to crash just as you are trying to put in an important paper. Many people also want to work with technology that they are familiar with. If you can’t understand how to use it, you may only be frustrated in the long run.
Schools that offer internship programs or job placement opportunities are often good picks as well. Internships can be very helpful for networking and finding your niche in the job market. A great way to choose your school is to explore all of your options and take your time simply.
Healthcare Administration Curriculum & Courses
All schools are different, but if you are getting your bachelor’s in healthcare administration online, you will most likely take some of the classes listed below.
- Economics in Healthcare – This class can help you understand how the healthcare profession works through a financial and economical lens.
- The U.S. Healthcare System 101 – Anyone working within the framework of the current healthcare system needs to understand how it operates. This course can give an overview.
- Research Methodology – When it comes to healthcare, certain research practices are used for data collection. This course can help you learn the proper practices.
- Office Administration – This course can help you learn the basics of administration.
- Basics of Epidemiology – Epidemiology deals with disease control, identification, and containment. This is an important topic for those working in healthcare.
- Medical Finance – This course can help you learn basic finance and accounting from a medical perspective.
- Ethics in Healthcare – This class discusses ethical dilemmas in healthcare, as well as how to operate within accepted ethical conduct and codes.
- Marketing – Healthcare has its own fair share of marketing initiatives. This basic course teaches how they operate.
- Leadership Dynamics – If you want to manage a department, this course can help you learn how to effectively lead.
- Quality Management – This course covers healthcare processes and standard accepted procedures.
As you get more into your schooling, you will likely start to specialize more, but these are the core classes that you may take for any specialization.
Admissions Requirements
Every school is different, but generally, there are some admissions requirements that you can expect to run into when applying to the school of your choice. Always check the school’s website to make sure that you are providing admissions with everything that they need to process your application.
Editorial Listing ShortCode:
Make sure that you have at least the following items when you are applying to colleges.
- You will need your high school diploma or GED for associate’s or bachelor’s programs.
- A relevant bachelor’s degree is needed for most master’s and doctoral programs.
- Be prepared to produce a copy of your transcripts.
- Letters of recommendation are not always required, but they could help you stand out from the crowd.
- Some schools require an essay or a personal statement with their application.
- You may need to show your SAT scores, although a growing number of schools do not require them.
If you have everything that you need going into admissions, the application process should be smooth sailing.
Accreditation
Regional accreditation is a stamp of approval for your school that tells potential employers that you took relevant and important coursework related to the field and that you should know what you are doing when you graduate.
Accreditation is given by unbiased parties outside of the school. They essentially do quality checks to make sure that the curriculum and teaching staff is up to snuff. Many employers take accreditation seriously, which means that it can be important for getting a job after you graduate.
You can check for accreditation by going online. Many schools have it listed right on their website. If you have trouble finding information on whether or not a school is accredited, don’t’ be afraid to ask. If the school of your choice is evasive about their accreditation status, that could be a serious red flag.
Healthcare Administration Professional Organizations
If you want to work in healthcare, you may want to join a professional organization to hone your skills, work on your networking, and keep you relevant over the course of your career.
- American Association of Healthcare Administrative Management – This organization is one of the most reputable in all of healthcare, and works with several different aspects of the field, certifications, and departments.
- Medical Group Management Association – This group helps many build networks and brush up on their skill sets.
- Professional Association of Health Care Office Management – This collective has a lot of administrative and management professionals in it and offers different certifications to help you get ahead in your field.
These are a sampling of what many consider to be some of the best organizations that you can join.
Financial Aid
If you want to attend the school of your dreams, but don’t have the financial resources to do it, you are not alone. Plenty of students rely on local, regional, state, and federal aid to help them pay for college.
Fortunately, there are often a lot of options available to students who are willing to look for them. Grants and scholarships can be found at virtually every level. These are merit or income-based, and you do not have to repay them. Apply for any grant or scholarship that you think you might qualify for.
Editorial Listing ShortCode:
Loans are another form of financial aid, and unlike scholarships or grants, you do need to pay these back. You can take out loans for your classes, books, or even living expenses during school. Be careful only to take out what you can reasonably pay back, as you will be expected to do so after a small grace period.
Healthcare Administration Scholarships
There are healthcare specific scholarships available to those who qualify for them.
- Harry J. Harwick Scholarship – This scholarship is a merit-based opportunity that awards only the most skilled applicants who can furnish specific career objectives, letters of recommendation, and a reason why they deserve a scholarship.
- Linda Kloss Endowed Scholarship – This scholarship is funded by the AHIMA and is one of the most prestigious scholarships in the field.
- Tylenol Future Care Scholarship – Tylenol’s annual scholarship goes out to exemplary candidates who show great aptitude and compassion for their fellow people.
These scholarships can be highly competitive, so make sure that you make your application as compelling as possible to be considered.
What Is the Best Online School for Healthcare Administration?
What constitutes the best online school varies depending on what you are looking for. Accredited schools are the best, and it is important to check to make sure that your choice has this stamp of approval.
Beyond accreditation, the rest is really up to you. Many students like flexibility, good technology, and engaging classes.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Healthcare Administration Degree Online?
Most people can complete their bachelor’s degree in four years, although it could take more or less time depending on your schedule and how quickly you can complete your classes.
Editorial Listing ShortCode:
One perk of online schooling is the potential to set your own hours.
What Can You Do With a Healthcare Administration Degree?
There are plenty of things that you can do with your degree in healthcare administration. You may work at a hospital, facility, or governmental institution.
However, the degree level that you obtain may influence your potential opportunities in the field. If you want to start with an entry-level position, an online associates degree in healthcare administration may be the best choice. Subsequently, a bachelor’s degree can help open up doors for more rewarding careers, and an online masters in healthcare administration may help you obtain one of the most lucrative jobs in the field.
How Do I Get a Degree in Healthcare Administration?
You can get your degree in the traditional way, in the classroom, or online. Either option is great, and both are equally credible.
When you get your degree online, you have the flexibility of determining how many classes you wish to take and how long you need to complete your degree.
Is an Online Healthcare Administration Degree worth it?
Yes, an online healthcare administration degree is worth it for many professionals. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, healthcare jobs are set to grow at 15% over the next 10 years, much faster than the average for all occupations.
The healthcare field is often exceptionally lucrative, and there are plenty of jobs available, so an online healthcare administration degree can be very useful. Common careers in this field include healthcare operations specialist, medical services administrator, clinical manager, and medical and health services manager.
Many students think that the degree is absolutely worth getting.
How Much Can I Expect to Make After Graduating With a Health Care Administration Bachelors Degree?
The National Association of Colleges and Employers reports $47,608 as the starting salary for people with a bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration.
Editorial Listing ShortCode:
There are some who make slightly under that, and a few who make more, but $47,608 seems to be the average.
Are there any affordable Healthcare Administration Online Degree programs?
There are plenty of affordable healthcare administration online degree programs. Simply go online to find one that suits your schedule, needs, and gives you the education that you want to have.
You may also offset the cost of your degree with scholarships, grants, and loans.
Universities Offering Bachelors in Healthcare Administration Online
Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.
Providing private education to online students since 1993, Capella University allows a flexible option for working adults to fulfill their educational goals. Students attending Capella University have the opportunity to take part in its self-paced degree program or work in a more traditional capacity.
With over fifty academic areas that lead to undergrad, grad, or doctoral degrees, CU had it all.
- BS in Health Care Administration – Health Care Administration Leadership
Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Ranking as one of the top innovative schools in the country (U.S. News & World Report), Champlain College has been providing private educational services since 1878. Champlain U awards all levels of degrees, ranging from two-year to doctoral programs with online and face-to-face formats.
Using distance learning techniques, Champlain University works with students across the globe.
- Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration
Champlain College is regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
The City University of Seattle began in 1973. It has expanded its programs into a dynamic option for busy adults to achieve a graduate or undergraduate level of education from a private school. Using on-camps or distance learning, City University of Seattle offers over sixty areas of study.
Popular companies from all over the world work closely with CUS students.
- BS in Healthcare Administration
CityU is officially accredited and/or recognized by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Established in 1914, Colorado Christian University is one of the nation’s top private schools (U.S. News & World Report). With degree programs that go from associate to doctoral, CCU works with students from all backgrounds to find the best academic path for them. Many students choose to participate in online classes due to their busy lifestyles.
- BS in Healthcare Administration
Colorado Christian University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
As an esteemed public college that began in 1870, Colorado State University has made its mark on education, research, and discovery. Each bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree awarded by CSU is expected to leave the student with a rich knowledge of their field and critical thinking skills.
Virtual classrooms are available for students who need a more flexible option.
- Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration and Management
Colorado State is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
Concordia University-St. Paul was created in 1893 as a college for students who need a combination of spirituality and academic studies. This private school advocates for social justice, kindness, and community service to make a difference in the world. CU-St. Paul has degree programs extending from associates to doctoral programs.
- BA in Health Care Administration
Concordia University – Saint Paul is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
Beginning in 1866 as a private secondary school for the adult population, Davenport University is dedicated to providing higher education to those seeking undergrad, graduate, or higher degrees.
Allowing students the option of accelerated class options, virtual learning, or traditional on-campus courses, Davenport seeks to make knowledge accessible to all.
- BS in Health Services Administration
Davenport University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Drexel University started in 1891 and now provides students with private, quality education experience. All of Drexel’s doctoral, graduate, and undergrad programs promote hands-on experiences and intense content studies.
DU connects with industry leaders all over the world to connect its students with corporate relationships. Internships are an essential aspect of the Drexel adventure.
- BS in Health Services Administration
Drexel University is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Florida International University is a public educational facility that was created in 1965 to assist students with learning more about space explorations, science, and engineering. Today FIT is one of the world’s most respected institutions for higher learning.
Offering bachelor’s degrees and beyond, Florida International University extends to several countries globally.
- Bachelor of Health Services Administration
Florida International University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Fresno Pacific University began in 1944 and is a Christian university that gives students a well-rounded liberal arts education and extensive content knowledge in their study area. Fresno Pacific has over one-hundred study areas over five schools. Bachelor’s and master’s degree options are offered at FPU ad online courses are available.
- BA in Health Care Administration
Fresno Pacific University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.
Indiana Wesleyan University is a faith-based, private school that started in 1920. With a dedication to its students and spreading educational opportunities globally, Indiana Wesleyan University has over a hundred academic fields that allow students to obtain undergraduate and graduate degrees.
Those ready to further their journey can get a doctoral degree at IWU.
- BS in Healthcare Administration
Indiana Wesleyan University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Keiser University was created in 1977 and has made substantial progress int eh world of education since then. Keiser University now expands past the boundaries of FL and into other parts of the US and several other countries.
This private educational institution provides a way for students to gain an associate through doctoral degrees in a variety of study areas.
- BA in Health Services Administration
Keiser University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
King University began in 1867 and is now an affordable way to obtain a post-secondary education in an engaging online format. This private university, located in Bristol, TN, has over eighty program options for students to acquire an undergraduate or graduate degree. King also has several doctorate degrees to choose from.
- BS in Healthcare Administration
King University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Established in 1847, Midway University is founded in liberal arts education for students trying to obtain an undergraduate or master’s degree. As a private school, Midway University is competitive in its tuition rates and academic support. Midway’s online classes give students access to accelerated, eight-week courses in their program.
- Bachelor’s in Health Care Administration
Midway University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
With ties to the Catholic Church, Mount Mercy University, opened in 1928 as a private school, aims to give each student a solid liberal arts base in all online and on-campus programs. Located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Mount Mercy University has forty-five undergraduate courses to choose from, and six masters and doctoral programs.
- BS in Health Care Administration
Mount Mercy University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Beginning in 1930 as a public college in Norfolk, VA, Old Dominion University is known as a school that offers a high-quality education at an affordable rate. With more than a hundred areas of study, Old Dominion University provides an extensive lineup of doctoral, master’s, ad bachelor’s degree programs.
- BS in Health Sciences – Health Services Administration
Old Dominion University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Roberts Wesleyan College is a private college that has been in existence since 1866. It was the first of its kind and has been providing a private Christian-based education since the beginning. Roberts Wesleyan College has more than forty undergrad degrees and over ten graduate degrees in a variety of academic fields.
- BS in Health Administration
Roberts Wesleyan College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
As a liberal arts college that started in 1912, Saint Joseph’s College was created on the bases of providing a spiritual place of study. With a plethora of program options that lead to undergraduate and graduate degrees, Saint Joseph’s College of Maine has online ad campus-based options. There are also career development courses offered at SJCM.
- BS in Health Administration
Saint Joseph’s College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Created in 1932, Southern New Hampshire University has provided public education for students seeking an associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degree in more thank one-hundred study areas. Those that are prepared to dedicate their career to a specific path may be interested in one of SNHU’s doctoral programs.
Most programs are offered online and in-person.
- BS in Healthcare Administration
Southern New Hampshire University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Touro University was founded in 1790 and was inspired by George Washington himself. Bringing private education to the forefront of the educational world, Touro University has a spiritual-based feel that includes all faiths. It’s many doctoral, master’s, and bachelor’s degree programs establish leaders in their community and the world.
- BS in Health Sciences – Health Care Administration
Touro University Worldwide is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.
1901 marks the beginning of an era of education with the start of Trevecca Nazarene University. Its holistic approach to education, putting TNU as a frontrunner in private education.
Teaching all students the value of intelligence, social presence, emotional health, TNU has a pathway to a range of programs that allow students to earn an associate through a doctoral degree.
- BS in Health Care Administration
Trevecca Nazarene University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Since 1884, Trine University has been allowing students to achieve personal and educational growth by offering an assortment of degree programs. Located in Angola, Indiana, Trine University sits on a beautiful campus while also providing distance learning avenues to students looking for flexibility.
With graduate, bachelor’s, and associate degrees, TU has a path of all.
- BS in Healthcare Administration
Trine University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
1963 was a period of exploration and excitement with the opening of the University of Central Florida. With it came a new way to access public education that is rich with research and discovery. UCF provided a way for students to obtain undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees in an array of academic fields.
- BS in Health Services Administration
The University of Central Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
As a public school with a commitment to the betterment of humankind and world change, the University of West Florida opened in 1963. Today, it has close to one-hundred doctoral undergrad and graduate degrees. UWF reaches into several countries around the world with its distance learning programs, co-ops, and study abroad programs.
- BS in Health Sciences – Healthcare Administration
The University of West Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Established in 1906, Western Kentucky University has an abundant amount of programs that help students to achieve an undergrad or graduate degree in an assortment of academic areas. As a public school, the tuition at WKU is competitive, giving students more opportunities to take advantage of the many opportunities WKU has to offer.
- BS in Health Care Administration
Western Kentucky University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Getting Your Healthcare Administration Degree Online
Getting your degree in healthcare administration online may be a real game-changer. Many people who have these types of degrees make a very good living and are able to advance in their fields rapidly over the course of just a few years. If you have been waiting to jump-start your career, this may be your chance.
These days, you don’t even need to attend a traditional school to get your degree. You may go online and get a great degree in your own time. Isn’t it time that you took charge of your life? Apply today and start working toward a brighter future.