If you desire to make executive decisions that can improve the healthcare system, then you might consider furthering your education with a masters in healthcare leadership.
As today’s healthcare environment becomes more complex, dynamic leaders are needed to drive sustainable, ethical, and quality transformations in the industry. On this degree path, students can develop leadership, strategic, management, and analytical skills to help shape the future of healthcare and improve healthcare settings.
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With a job outlook that is forecasted to remain in high demand, the sector of healthcare leadership may provide a rewarding career path for graduates.
Online Masters in Healthcare Leadership Programs
In a masters in healthcare leadership program, you can develop skills that are essential for effective leaders in the complex and ever-changing healthcare industry.
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You can look forward to gaining an in-depth understanding of strategic organizational leadership techniques and healthcare organization, policy, and delivery in the US. Other core learning outcomes for this program may include:
- Strategic management
- Analyzing, understanding, and utilizing data to improve organizational performance
- Leading innovative change within organizations and at the policy level
- Analyzing the laws and regulations that govern the healthcare industry
- Managing organizational change in healthcare facilities
- Designing and implementing programs
- Responding timely to industry influences, including those from emerging technologies
- Leveraging relating skills to collaborate effectively with networks of peers and faculty
- Analyzing environmental health factors and implementing strategies to improve healthcare systems
- Analyzing emerging technologies and how they may improve existing health systems
You may also be exposed to topics like finance, marketing, information technology, sustainability, ethics, quality assurance, performance management, regulation, and more. Healthcare leadership programs are designed for you to develop a heightened awareness of healthcare systems alongside leadership qualities so you can implement effective, positive change.
This degree program aims to enhance professional and executive insight, along with other qualities that are considered vital for future leaders. This includes the capacity to explore a vision and execute it effectively at a local or global level. In addition to learning how to manage an organization, graduates might also become dynamic, adaptable leaders with a long-term vision.
Healthcare Leadership Careers & Salaries
A masters in healthcare leadership degree program promotes a deep understanding of healthcare markets, policy, project management, operations research, and more.
As a result, graduates may find diverse career opportunities. This can include leadership opportunities in a variety of healthcare industry sectors, including medical centers, hospital systems, insurers, nonprofits, and more. Some professionals may also find opportunities as executive directors of facilities, such as nursing homes and home health services.
Some may also be a fit for leading in quality compliance or even leading in the strategic planning sector. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, here are the median salaries of some potential career paths related to healthcare leadership.
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Chief Executives | $179,520 |
| Human Resources Managers | $126,230 |
| Medical and Health Services Managers —Hospitals | $119,450 |
| Medical and Health Services Managers — Government | $117,000 |
| Medical and Health Services Managers — Outpatient Care Centers | $99,540 |
| Administrative Services and Facilities Managers | $99,290 |
| Medical and Health Services Managers — Offices of Physicians | $98,230 |
| Medical and Health Services Managers — Nursing and Residential Care Facilities | $83,550 |
| Emergency Management Directors | $76,730 |
| Social and Community Service Managers | $74,000 |
These are a broad sample of the career paths that may be available to graduates with a masters in healthcare leadership online. The type of positions and salaries you can qualify for will likely depend on a number of factors, such as your location and prior experience.
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Depending on your professional goals, you may choose to focus on one sector of the healthcare industry, such as insurance, ambulatory, or hospital management. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of health services managers is projected to grow 28% over the next ten years, which is much faster than average.
Master of Healthcare Leadership Curriculum & Courses
A masters in healthcare leadership and management program prioritizes key elements such as strategic leadership, the healthcare landscape, business management, and more. Below are a sampling of courses you may take:
- Health Economics: This course examines how economic functions impact healthcare, including allocation of resources, delivery, and financing.
- Health Policy: This course overviews health policy in the US as well as qualitative and quantitative methods for analyzing health policies.
- Quality Management: This course focuses on analyzing and improving processes across the healthcare industry, such as engineering and manufacturing organizations and health care facilities.
- Healthcare Services in the US: This course overviews the historical context of health policy development in the states and takes an in-depth look into current health delivery systems.
- Seminar in Leadership: This seminar focuses on the core skills required in the development of organizational leadership skills, along with strategic thinking and collaborative systems.
- Management and Organizational Behavior: This course focuses on organizational dynamics and covers topics such as self awareness, managing diversity, problem-solving, supportive communication, teamwork, and more.
- Health Management and Leadership: In this course, you’ll be exposed to factors related to managing and leading programs, and you’ll focus on budgeting, staff development, procedures, and more.
- Global Health Issues: This course focuses on current health issues on a global scale and how current systems affect global outcomes in healthcare.
- Program Planning and Evaluation: This course can help you develop the necessary skills for developing, delivering, and evaluating health programs.
- Principles of Environmental Health: This course introduces you to the link between current health issues and environmental factors.
Your program may also highlight courses focused on analytics, risk management, and data systems.
Admissions Requirements
Admissions requirements for an online masters in healthcare leadership can vary depending on your school. Some common criteria include:
- Minimum GPA of 2.75 to 3.0, depending on the school
- Official undergraduate transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- Statement of intent
- CV or resume
A growing number of schools no longer require GRE or GMAT scores for graduate admissions, but it’s helpful to check with your school before applying. In addition, some schools only consider students currently serving as healthcare professionals.
Accreditation
Before applying, it’s beneficial to verify your school’s accreditation status. Whether your school is accredited can impact not only your employability but also your eligibility to receive financial aid for your graduate studies. Regional accreditation is considered the most widely-recognized accreditation. It ensures a high standard of quality for colleges and universities, regardless of whether your school is online or on campus.
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There are only a handful of regional accrediting organizations, and verifying that your school is listed with one of them is key before applying. You can view a database of accredited schools through the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Most students pursuing a master in healthcare leadership also pursue financial assistance. Luckily, there are several routes you can take to try and secure financial aid. One option is to consider scholarship and grant opportunities.
Both scholarships and grants are available for all types of majors and specific life situations. These may be offered by your school as well as outside organizations. Another option is looking into federal aid and state aid programs. One of the most common forms of government aid is student loans, and your eligibility can vary based on your financial situation and state.
To apply for federal aid and determine if you qualify, you can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). If you’re currently employed, another option may be to check out employer programs. Some employers will provide assistance to employees looking to further their education.
What Is a Healthcare Leadership Masters Degree?
A healthcare leadership masters degree is designed to equip students with leadership, management, innovation, and analytical skills to help shape the future of healthcare and improve healthcare settings. It also helps you develop an in-depth understanding of strategic organizational leadership techniques, healthcare organization, and healthcare policy.
This type of program aims to prepare graduates to enter into leadership roles in healthcare settings. Common healthcare leadership roles include health facility manager, hospital administrator, director of strategic planning, and more.
What Can You Do with a Masters in Health Leadership?
Given the diverse leadership skills that are cultivated in a masters in healthcare leadership program, graduates may be presented with a variety of healthcare leadership career options.
Many graduates pursue careers in directing or managing healthcare facilities, such as hospitals, nursing homes, or assisted living facilities. This degree path may also provide graduates with the opportunity to direct quality management programs, lead strategic planning initiatives, manage operations within a hospital or clinic, and more.
If your goal is to lead innovative change in the healthcare industry, this degree can help you grow your professional qualifications and expertise in the field.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Master of Health Leadership Online?
Many masters in health leadership online programs can be completed in 1 year to 2 years with full-time study. How long it takes you to earn your online healthcare administration degree may depend on the number of credit hours your program requires.
For example, if you aren’t required to complete a thesis and are enrolled full-time, a 36 credit program may be completed in 1 year, including summer term. If you decide to enroll part-time, completing the program will often take longer.
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Some master in health leadership programs do require a thesis, which could also add on several months to a year to complete.
What’s the Difference Between an MHA vs. MHL Degree?
While masters in healthcare administration and a masters in healthcare leadership programs appear similar and teach similar subjects, they do vary in important ways.
- Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA): An MHA focuses on the business management aspect of the healthcare system. The curriculum typically involves business courses.
- Master of Healthcare Leadership (MHL): An MHL focuses on effective leadership, innovation, and advanced technology within the healthcare system.
Considering your career goals may help you choose between an MHA or an MHL degree path.
Is a Masters in Healthcare Leadership Worth It?
Yes, a masters in healthcare leadership is worth it for many students. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of medical and health services managers is projected to grow 28% over the next ten years.
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This is considered well above the average growth for all occupations, which is a positive outlook for graduates considering long-term careers and demand. In a leadership role, graduates may have the opportunity to make a positive impact in the healthcare industry. As such, many healthcare professionals find the possible career paths in the health leadership field to be rewarding.
Universities Offering Online Masters in Healthcare Leadership Degree Programs
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.
The Master of Business Administration program at Antioch University offers a concentration in Healthcare Leadership. The curriculum consists of courses like Healthcare Innovation and Quality, Strategic Management in Healthcare Organizations, and the Healthcare Sector as a Complex System. On average, students can complete this 33 credit program in 22 months. The program utilizes a fully online format.
Antioch University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Boise State University offers a 100% online program for a Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Leadership. It is intended for students who want to pursue administrative and leadership positions in the field of healthcare. The program requires the completion of 49 credits, which can typically be done in about 12 months. Incoming students can select one of 6 yearly start dates.
Boise State University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Brown University offers a Master’s in Healthcare Leadership. The program is designed to equip clinical leaders and healthcare professionals with skills to improve organizational success. The curriculum uses a convenient online learning format that is complemented by periodic on-campus intensives. Most students can complete the program’s requirements in 16 months of full-time study.
Brown University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Capella University offers an online program for a Master of Healthcare Administration. Students can select concentrations in Informatics, Leadership, Operations, or General Healthcare Studies. Students may transfer in up to 12 qualifying credits from outside institutions toward the program’s 48 required credits. Graduates often pursue careers as program directors, clinic managers, business analysts, or administrative directors.
Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Friends University offers a Master of Healthcare Leadership. The curriculum seeks to cover all key phases of care, including acute, long-term, clinic, home health, and hospice settings. The program requires the completion of 33 credit hours. Students can attend classes using in-person, asynchronous online, or synchronous virtual learning formats.
Friends University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Loyola University—Chicago offers a Master of Arts in Healthcare Mission Leadership. This program aims to develop senior leaders who can shepherd the development, implementation, and protection of an organization. The curriculum combines cross-discipline principles from ministry, healthcare, and bioethics. Students can complete their required coursework entirely online.
Loyola University – Chicago is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Messiah University offers a Master of Arts in Healthcare Leadership. This 30 credit curriculum uniquely blends concepts from disciplines like theology, health sciences, and business. Classes can be attended 100% online and start every 8 weeks for incoming students. The curriculum covers topics like organizational effectiveness, health policy, diversity and leadership, and organizational communication.
Messiah University is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, the Commission on Higher Education.
Norwich University offers a Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in Healthcare Systems Leadership. This program may be an excellent next step for nurses interested in pursuing leadership positions within their field. Classes meet online and are typically 11 weeks long. On average, students can complete their studies in 18 months.
Norwich University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
The Master of Business Administration at SUNY Empire State College offers a specialization in Healthcare Leadership. This program may be an ideal fit for healthcare providers or administrators interested in leadership. The curriculum consists of courses such as Healthcare Economics, Financial Management, Market and Policy Analysis in Healthcare, and Health Information Management and Informatics. All classes meet fully online.
SUNY Empire State College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Texas A&M University—Commerce offers a Master’s in Healthcare Leadership. The program seeks to help students develop a comprehensive understanding of policy and market so they can excel in their careers. Many courses are available online or with flexible scheduling designed with working professionals in mind. Typically, students can complete this 30 credit program in 1 year.
Texas A&M University-Commerce is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Union Institute & University offers a Master’s in Healthcare Leadership. Courses cover topics like electronic health records, research design, program evaluation, healthcare ethics, and informatics. Students can potentially complete the program’s 36 required credits in just 12 months of full-time study. Admitted incoming students can select a January, May, or August start date.
Union Institute & University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The University of Rochester offers a Master’s in Leadership in Health Care Systems. This program is intended for nursing professionals desiring skills to lead effectively and ethically in healthcare. In addition to coursework, students must complete a minimum of 224 clinical hours via placement in the field. Most students can complete their coursework in 2 to 3 years.
The University of Rochester is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Wake Forest University offers a Master of Healthcare Leadership. The curriculum emphasizes four key content areas: business management, healthcare landscape, professional responsibility, and strategic leadership. The program can typically be completed in 20 months of full-time attendance. Classes meet primarily online, though students are required to attend two on-campus intensives.
Wake Forest University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Western Governors University offers an online program for a Master of Health Leadership. At the core of the curriculum is graduating healthcare providers and leaders committed to value-based care. Courses cover topics like risk management, community health, and innovative leadership. On average, the program can be completed in 24 months.
Western Governors University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Winona State University offers a Master’s in Healthcare Leadership. Graduates often become clinical managers, senior health administrators, department directors, health information managers, or health sciences professors. The program requires the completion of 35 credit hours, which can typically be done in 6 semesters of full-time attendance. All classes can be completed 100% online.
Winona State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Getting Your Masters in Healthcare Leadership Online
Earning a masters in healthcare leadership online is a convenient way to earn an advanced degree in an exciting and innovative field.
Those seeking to drive transformative change in healthcare facilities or even global healthcare systems may find rewarding opportunities within this program. The field of healthcare is rapidly developing and changing, especially since the introduction of more complex technological and data systems.
Healthcare leadership graduates may have a chance to offer competent executive management and direction to these new technologies and policies, influencing the future of healthcare. If you’re interested in seeing which online masters programs in healthcare leadership are right for you, then why not start exploring accredited schools today?
