As the world of healthcare becomes increasingly valuable to our aging population, more students are earning their masters in healthcare management.
The field of healthcare management includes professionals who help develop the systems, policies, procedures, and infrastructure for patient care. This includes hospital organizations, healthcare systems, health insurance companies, program administration, and more.
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Let’s take a look at how earning an MS in Healthcare Management online can help you combine your knowledge of medicine and healthcare with leadership and business skills.
Online Masters in Healthcare Management Programs
Many who pursue online masters in healthcare management programs have an interest in healthcare and health practices but aren’t driven to practice medicine or work directly with patients. This degree path can also be beneficial, though, for current health professionals who want to advance their knowledge and skill sets in management.
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The field of healthcare management has a wide scope, and students in a master’s program can refine their knowledge on topics such as:
- Healthcare regulatory practices
- Global healthcare procedures
- Healthcare law and ethical policies
- Strategic growth and innovation
- Organizational operations
- Finance and systemic organizational change
- Human resources and talent development
- Information technology and information systems
- Supply chain management
Some graduates rarely interact with patients. Rather, they are responsible for creating the infrastructure that provides care and treatment.
Often, as with certificate in healthcare management online or on-campus programs, professionals who have earned their masters degree in healthcare management work for insurance companies or hospital and community health systems. They work behind the scenes to keep the business of healthcare working for the patients who need it most.
Others choose to work in educational program development, while some develop technological programming to help collect and analyze patient records. Many careers have been created from the rise of healthcare usage, and these roles are filled by those who have strong knowledge in both healthcare and best business practices.
Common Online Masters in Healthcare Management Concentrations
Depending on which of the many master degree in healthcare management online programs you select, you may have the opportunity to focus on a particular concentration in the healthcare management field.
Some common concentrations offered in master’s degree in healthcare management programs online include:
- Leadership in Healthcare Management. This concentration prepares students for leadership roles, with courses that focus on managerial skills and theories.
- Compliance. This concentration helps you explore topics such as risk management, ethical concerns, and legal concerns in the healthcare field.
- Healthcare Cost Management. The focus of the cost management concentration is on the challenges that come with balancing care costs, expenses, and profits.
- Innovation and Development. In this concentration, you’ll explore tools that help drive the business side of healthcare management, including marketing and entrepreneurship.
- Healthcare Informatics. The emerging field of informatics and data mining allows you to exercise talents in data analytics while supporting the healthcare field.
Choosing a concentration for your MS in Health Care Management can help you focus on a particular career path within the field, whether you’re building on current skills or making a career adjustment.
Healthcare Management Careers and Salaries
Professionals who have completed MS in Health Care Management programs online are often eligible for leadership roles within a healthcare setting. These settings can include hospitals, health centers, insurance companies, or other patient care and health services settings.
Many graduates hold familiar roles within corporate business structure, such as human resources managers, quality assurance analysts, and facilities managers. With a masters in healthcare management, professionals may pursue these roles within the healthcare industry in order to bring greater structure and value to the systems that promote patient care.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, here are some of the potential career paths related to the field of healthcare management.
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Chief Executives | $179,520 |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | $159,010 |
| Financial Managers | $131,710 |
| Human Resources Managers | $126,230 |
| Medical and Health Services Managers | $101,340 |
| Administrative Services Managers | $100,170 |
| General and Operations Managers | $97,970 |
| Facilities Managers | $97,930 |
| Purchasing Managers, Buyers, and Purchasing Agents | $75,410 |
| Social and Community Service Managers | $74,000 |
The job outlook for medical and health services managers is bright, with an anticipated 28% job growth over the next ten years (Bureau of Labor Statistics).
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The professional paths offered to those who have earned their masters degree in healthcare management program online may also include community outreach or even technological development. The type of jobs you may qualify for can depend on a number of factors, such as your educational concentration, prior experience, and areas of interest.
MS in Healthcare Management Curriculum & Courses
Each online masters in health care management program will offer its own unique curriculum, designed to provide a comprehensive look at healthcare management.
Some common courses in healthcare management masters programs include:
- Applied Healthcare Economics: In this course, you’ll learn the ins and outs of cash flow and financial considerations in various healthcare industries.
- Introduction to Healthcare Information Systems: This course will introduce you to applications of data mining and analytics in various healthcare settings.
- Healthcare Organizations and Management Principles: This course prepares you for the expectations of various roles and responsibilities of professionals in a healthcare organization.
- Critical Thinking and Healthcare: In this course, you’ll apply critical thinking tenets and philosophies to real-life situations you may encounter in your career.
- Law and Ethics in Healthcare: Understanding proper procedures and legal issues in the field of healthcare can be important for professionals in a variety of related fields.
- Quality Management in Healthcare: The unique measurements and analysis of quality assurance in various aspects of healthcare management will be explored in this course.
- Human Resource Management in Healthcare: Team structure, asset management theories, and philosophies to engage team members are very important for building a proficient professional workplace.
- Supply Chain Management: This course helps prepare you for the specific supply chain demands and criteria when working in a healthcare setting.
- Organizational Behavior in Healthcare Settings: Understanding the behavior of individuals and teams in the workplace can be important to overall productivity.
- Managing Projects for Healthcare: This course prepares you for project management, productivity, and prioritization challenges you may encounter in your profession.
You may also be asked to take courses in finance, management theory, market analytics, and more, depending on the program and possible concentration you select.
Admissions Requirements
Each school will likely have its own unique admissions requirements, so it’s beneficial to review the application process carefully before you get started.
Much like with an online masters in health information management, some of the common admissions requirements for online masters in healthcare management programs include:
- GRE or GMAT scores (only some schools require them)
- Transcripts for all postsecondary education
- Letter of recommendation
- Statement of intention
- Resume
You’ll likely be asked to complete an application as well, which, depending on the school, might include short essay questions.
Healthcare Management Graduate Programs Accreditation
When considering which of the online masters in health care management programs best fits your goals, it’s strategic to select one that’s offered by a regionally accredited school. A school that has earned regional accreditation has been thoroughly examined for academic excellence.
In most cases, federal financial assistance is only offered to students who attend an accredited institution. Additionally, some employers put special consideration on candidates who have graduated from an accredited grad school. There may be other future benefits, too, such as eligibility for membership in professional organizations.
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You can visit the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) online to verify the accreditation status of prospective schools.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
If you are interested in pursuing need-based financial assistance for graduate school, you may want to start by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
This is the first step in applying for federal and state funds. Common forms of government aid include student loans and work-study programs. You may also wish to explore scholarship or grant opportunities offered by the program you choose. Many schools offer academic awards for students in a particular program or field.
If you are currently employed, you can see if your employer offers tuition assistance or a reimbursement program for continuing education. Other options for financial assistance include community scholarships or ones offered by organizations related to your chosen field.
What Can You Do with a Masters in Healthcare Management Degree?
Those who have earned an online masters in healthcare management often pursue a career path in the corporate sector of health and health care industries. This may include working in finance, human resources, information systems, and other roles.
Many graduates pursue leadership roles, working in management and even executive roles within health-related organizations. Some professionals work within healthcare facilities as purchasing managers, facilities managers, or medical or health services managers. Others pursue work within an educational or community setting, designing and implementing programs for outreach.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Master’s in Healthcare Management Online?
Most masters programs take between 1 year and 2 years to complete. The length of time it takes to complete your master’s degree in healthcare management depends on the number of credit hours required for graduation as well as your enrollment status.
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For instance, you can potentially complete a 36 credit hour program in 1 year if you remain enrolled full-time, year-round and do not have to complete a thesis. Programs that do require a thesis component will generally take longer to complete. In addition, part-time enrollment can also extend the time it takes to complete your degree.
What’s the Difference Between a Healthcare Administration vs. Healthcare Management Master’s Degree?
There can be some overlap between a master’s degree in healthcare administration and healthcare management, especially for professionals who focus on talent and human resource development. In general, here are some of the differences between the two.
| Masters in Healthcare Administration | Masters in Healthcare Management |
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Some master’s degrees in healthcare management programs online may allow students to focus on the administrative aspects of healthcare management as well.
What’s the Difference Between MBA vs. Masters in Healthcare Management Online Programs?
A Master of Business Administration (MBA) may offer a concentration in healthcare management, so what’s the difference between it and a masters in healthcare management?
| MBA in Healthcare Management | Masters in Healthcare Management |
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An on-campus or online MBA in Healthcare Management program provides students with educational opportunities that would be helpful in many business settings. In comparison, a masters in healthcare management provides background specific to the healthcare field.
Is an Online Master in Healthcare Management Worth It?
Yes, an online master in healthcare management is worth it for many professionals. For those who wish to help in the organization and delivery of healthcare systems and services, earning this degree can be very beneficial. MS in Healthcare Management programs help you combine business skills and healthcare knowledge that’s vital for this growing field.
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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical and health services managers are expected to see 28% job growth over the next ten years. Plus, many healthcare management programs offer concentration tracks that allow you to choose a path of study that reflects your professional goals.
Universities Offering Online Master of Healthcare Management 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.
American University offers an online program for a Master of Science in Health Promotion Management. It aims to graduate professionals who can help coordinate and promote the care needed within their organizations and communities. The program requires the completion of 30 credit hours. Courses cover topics like communication, behavioral change, data analysis, and strategic planning.
American University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Bay Path University offers a Master of Science in Healthcare Management. This program is designed to prepare students for a wide variety of administrative and leadership roles within the healthcare industry. The program utilizes a 100% online learning model. Students can select concentrations in Organizational Excellence, Health Informatics, Public Health, or Business.
Bay Path University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Cambridge College offers a fully online program for a Master of Science in Healthcare Management. It emphasizes business management skills and the implementation of policy. On average, students can complete the degree requirements in 14 months. Core courses cover topics like strategic leadership, healthcare law and policy, and financial and operations management.
Cambridge College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Dominican University offers a Master of Science in Healthcare Management. Potential courses include Healthcare Communications, Financial Planning and Budgeting, and Human Resources and Change Management in Healthcare. Students attending full-time can potentially complete their coursework in just 12 months. This program is housed entirely online.
Dominican University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Fairmont State University offers a Master of Science in Healthcare Management. Students interested in pursuing leadership roles across a wide range of healthcare settings may find an excellent next step in this program. This accelerated program is designed to be completed in 5 semesters of full-time attendance. Classes meet conveniently online.
Fairmont State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Granite State College offers a Master’s in Healthcare Management. The curriculum is designed to equip students for upper-level positions in both private and public healthcare sectors. Courses cover topics like ethical decision-making, organizational behavior, health policy, healthcare informatics, and financial management. Students can complete the program’s 30 required credit hours 100% online.
Granite State College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Immaculata University offers a Master of Science in Healthcare Management. This program seeks to graduate students prepared to serve as empathetic leaders in the dynamic healthcare industry. The accelerated course of study and online learning format is designed with working professionals in mind. Students can typically complete their coursework in less than 2 years.
Immaculata University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Loyola University—New Orleans offers an online program for a Master of Science in Healthcare Management. This interdisciplinary curriculum blends concepts from business, law, and health sciences. Students can choose from concentrations in Marketing and Communications, Financial Management and Data Analysis, or Project Management and Operations. On average, students can complete the program’s requirements in 1 year.
Loyola University New Orleans is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Michigan—Flint offers a Master of Science in Healthcare Management. Healthcare professionals interested in pursuing executive leadership roles in their field may find an ideal fit in this program. The curriculum combines fundamental concepts from public health, health sciences, and management. Students can attend fully online with either part-time or full-time schedules.
The University of Michigan – Flint is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The University of Rhode Island offers a Master of Science in Healthcare Management. The curriculum covers core concepts like data analytics, process improvement, financial management, healthcare policy, and ethical leadership. Classes meet online, and each one is 7 weeks long. The program requires the completion of 30 credit hours, which can typically be done in less than 2 years.
The University of Rhode Island is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Getting Your Master of Healthcare Management Online
If you’re interested in the world of health and healthcare, a masters in healthcare management can help you grow your business, administrative, and leadership skills in this field. You may be able to select from a variety of concentrations to help you stay focused on your desired career path.
Whether you’re interested in informatics, clinical management, or another specialty, earning your master of healthcare management degree online can help you develop versatile skill sets in this growing field. If you’re ready to combine your interests in business and the health industry, you can start researching healthcare management masters degree programs from accredited schools today.
You can explore your options to determine which online masters program is right for you.
