If you’re ready to expand your opportunities as a business professional, you might consider getting an MBA in Healthcare Management.
This degree program can help you develop in-demand business skills and as well as specialized knowledge about healthcare leadership. Online MBA programs in healthcare management are a strategic way to earn this advanced degree and bolster your resume.
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Through accredited online masters in healthcare management programs, you could gain specialized knowledge and experience that’s applicable for top roles in a healthcare organization.
Online MBA in Healthcare Management Programs
An MBA is a Master of Business Administration. Business is a broad field of study. Since there are so many different business roles and work settings, MBA students usually select degree concentrations.
You can think of concentrations as specialty tracks. Each concentration includes a few courses focused on a particular aspect of the business world. One strategic choice for today’s business landscape is an MBA in Healthcare Management.
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Choosing a healthcare-focused concentration means that you’ll have opportunities to learn about health informatics, quality management, and health policy. You may also study how business concepts like marketing, finance, and sales relate to the healthcare field.
In an MBA in Healthcare program, you might have the opportunity to:
- Collaborate on group assignments
- Complete a capstone project
- Develop your network through mentoring opportunities
- Enhance your leadership capacity
- Explore career opportunities for after graduation
- Learn from experienced business leaders
- Practice your skills in an internship setting
- Study what’s involved in making data-driven decisions
The curriculum and teaching methods vary greatly from school to school, so not every program will offer all of the above opportunities.
Some colleges group students into cohorts so that you’ll be with the same classmates throughout your program. Others mix the students more. Often, healthcare management MBA programs take only about 1 year to complete with full-time study. That’s a fast-paced program, and you may be able to complete it entirely from home.
Some schools do offer in-person weekend intensives or field practicums, but others have fully remote degree programs. Graduates of healthcare MBA programs can work in organizations that serve patients, such as hospitals and nursing homes. They might also find positions with health insurers, medical manufacturers, or pharmaceutical companies.
Potential job titles in this field include health services manager, information systems manager, project manager, and healthcare financial manager.
Healthcare Management Careers and Salaries
An MBA is a business degree, so most graduates plan to work in the business of healthcare delivery after graduation.
Hospitals are some of the primary places where healthcare management graduates work. Jobs may also be available in residential facilities, outpatient clinics, physician practices, and other healthcare facilities. Some graduates are even be able to work for a pharmaceutical or medical technology company.
Experienced professionals can pursue a variety of management roles as well. Working as a medical or health services manager is a top option. Some graduates eventually move into chief executive roles, such as being the chief operating officer or chief financial officer of a healthcare organization.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for management jobs is $102,450.
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Chief Executives | $179,520 |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | $159,010 |
| Marketing Managers | $135,030 |
| Financial Managers | $131,710 |
| Medical and Health Services Managers | $101,340 |
| Administrative Services and Facilities Managers | $99,290 |
| General and Operations Managers | $97,970 |
| Project Management Specialists | $94,500 |
| Management Analysts | $93,000 |
| Medical Records Specialists | $46,660 |
Many other business roles could be available to people with this MBA as well. For instance, many department-specific positions might be available. For example, your skills might be useful in operations, administrative services, project management, marketing, finance, or information technology for an organization.
While your training would be particularly applicable to health organizations, you’d have business know-how that could readily transfer to other workplaces as well. For those who want to stay in the healthcare sector, medical records and health data could be departments to consider.
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While medical records specialists, on average, don’t make as much as many managers do, an MBA may help qualify you for some of the higher-paying roles in this job category. Another career path to consider would be working as a healthcare consultant. Management analysts evaluate an organization’s practices and find areas for improvement.
As a consultant with an MBA in Healthcare Management, you could potentially specialize in providing this feedback for health and medical organizations.
Online Healthcare MBA Curriculum & Courses
In health care MBA programs, there are general business courses as well as ones that focus specifically on healthcare. You might take courses like:
- Brand Management: You’ll learn how to market a healthcare organization well as you study the principles of developing a strong brand.
- Business Innovation: You can learn to think creatively and develop new strategies that will move an organization forward.
- Change Management in Healthcare: This course will address leading health organizations through transitions, including the introduction of new systems for data management.
- Ethics in Business Leadership: You’ll discuss how to operate with integrity, make decisions you can feel good about, and be a force for good in your community.
- Global Business: You may have a class that prepares you for business success in a global, interconnected world.
- Informatics: Health information systems are a key component of today’s healthcare landscape, so a class on data management and technology will be an important piece of your curriculum.
- Leadership Development: Through the exercises in this class, you’ll work on developing your own ability to lead in business settings.
- Organizational Leadership: This class will focus on strategies for building teams, motivating people, and communicating with others.
- Quality Management in Healthcare: You can study how to ensure that your organization is delivering quality care and meeting patients’ needs.
- Statistics for Business: Not only will this class teach you to work with statistical data, but it will also train you to base business decisions on your analyses.
The curriculum typically varies among different schools, so some of your courses may be quite different from the ones listed here.
Admissions Requirements
Some MBA programs are quite selective about their admissions process, while others are able to admit larger groups of students. Either way, it’s strategic to present the best possible application. The materials you send to a prospective school might include:
- GRE or GMAT scores (not required by all schools)
- Recommendation letters from professors or work supervisors
- Resume or curriculum vitae
- Transcripts from all the colleges you’ve attended
- Writing sample
Some colleges require applicants to have worked in a related position for several years before applying.
MBA in Healthcare Programs Accreditation
When earning your MBA, it’s vital to enroll in a school that holds regional accreditation. That’s an essential mark of quality. Without it, your degree may not be respected, no matter how much work you’ve put into it. Fortunately, there are many regionally accredited schools, and the US Department of Education has a full list of them.
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Federal financial aid can be used only at accredited schools. Also, regionally accredited credits may be the only ones that transfer from school to school. After graduation, an accredited degree might also help you get into a doctoral program or qualify for a desirable job.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
It’s possible that you’ll qualify for government or private help with paying for your schooling. Many grad students are able to take out state or federal loans.
The process for qualifying begins with filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Most students at this level don’t receive grants, but every situation is different. Some graduate programs offer scholarship money directly to students. That often reduces their overall tuition burden for one or more years of the program.
There are additional scholarships available for graduate students as well. You could apply for awards from professional associations, national organizations, membership clubs, or community groups. Also, you can look into whether your employer offers tuition help. Some workplaces pay at least part of the cost for employees to earn degrees that are relevant to their role at work.
What Is an MBA in Healthcare Management Degree?
An MBA in Healthcare Management degree is a graduate business degree with an emphasis on healthcare. It’s designed for people who want to be leaders and managers on the business side of health services.
The core classes for this program focus on business principles. They’re relevant to all Master of Business Administration (MBA) students, whether they’re in the healthcare management track or another one. In addition, this degree program includes a few classes that are specific to the healthcare management specialty. Those courses help students prepare for assuming leadership roles in health and medical settings.
Is Healthcare Management a Good Career?
Yes, healthcare management is a good career for many professionals. Working in this field gives many people the satisfaction of helping others with their health needs. It can also pay particularly well.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical and health services managers typically earn between $60,780 and $205,620 annually. Jobs are available in doctor’s offices, hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities.
Demand for these professionals is also growing. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects a 28% jump in the number of positions over the next decade. Healthcare management professionals may also have opportunities to work in the areas of medical records or health information systems.
What Can You Do with an MBA in Healthcare Management?
Many people who get an MBA in Healthcare Management pursue jobs as medical or health services managers. That job category includes roles like clinical director and health information manager.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics says that nursing home administrators are another type of health services manager. This degree program can also lead to a variety of business roles, whether in health organizations or elsewhere. Potential career paths include administrative services manager, project manager, and financial manager.
Some graduates even become chief officers of health or medical organizations. It might also be possible to work as a healthcare consultant.
How Long Is a Healthcare MBA Program Online?
Many on-campus MBA programs take 2 years to complete with full-time study. MBA in Healthcare Management degree online programs, though, are often quicker. Students may reach graduation in just 1 year.
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A few characteristics contribute to making such programs quicker than normal. Year-round classes are one factor. Accelerated course terms are another. It may take only 8 weeks to complete each class. To get done in 1 year, it’s generally necessary to enroll full-time, as part-time studies typically take longer.
What Are Some Jobs for MBA in Healthcare Management Graduates?
After graduating from health care MBA programs, people often apply for jobs with hospitals and physician’s practices. Others may look for work with residential facilities, outpatient clinics, or government agencies.
Some are hired as health services managers. Others work as financial managers or project management specialists for healthcare organizations. With enough experience, there may even be opportunities to work as a chief executive. Consulting is another job to consider. Healthcare consultants help organizations improve their management structure, budgeting choices, and operational practices.
What’s the Difference Between an MHA vs. MBA in Healthcare Management?
For your degree, you could choose to pursue a Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) or a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Healthcare Management. Let’s take a look at the differences.
| Master of Healthcare Administration | MBA in Healthcare Management |
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An MBA may be more versatile, but an MHA provides a stronger emphasis on the healthcare aspects of your studies.
What’s the Difference Between an MBA vs. Masters in Healthcare Management?
You could study healthcare management as an MBA concentration or get a degree that focuses on healthcare leadership from beginning to end. Here’s how an MBA differs from a masters degree in healthcare management.
| MBA in Healthcare Management | Masters in Healthcare Management |
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You may see the master’s degree option offered as a Master of Science in Healthcare Management (MSHCM).
Is an Online MBA in Health Care Management Worth It?
Yes, an online MBA in Health Care Management is worth it for many professionals. Healthcare managers are greatly in demand.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for health and medical services managers will increase at a 28% rate over the next ten years. Plus, this degree isn’t only useful for positions in healthcare organizations. Since the degree includes many general business courses, you may also qualify for management positions in non-healthcare organizations.
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Whether your interest is finance, information technology, or project management, you may have a variety of opportunities both in and out of healthcare.
Universities Offering Online MBA in 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.
Campbellsville University offers a Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Management. Classes cover topics like human resources, business ethics, organizational theory, marketing, finance, and health policy. Each course is 8 weeks long and meets fully online. On average, students can complete the program’s 36 required credit hours in 2 years.
Campbellsville University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The Master of Business Administration program at Case Western Reserve University offers a Healthcare Management concentration. Graduates often become clinical managers, healthcare consultants, hospital administrators, or health information coordinators. The program utilizes a convenient online learning format. Students must complete a minimum of 30 credit hours to graduate.
Case Western Reserve University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Davenport University offers a Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Management. This program may be an excellent fit for students interested in pursuing leadership roles within a variety of healthcare settings. Courses cover topics like financial management, information technology, ethics, healthcare law, and team building. Students can attend classes 100% online.
Davenport University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Fitchburg State University offers a fully online program for a Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Management. Many graduates pursue leadership roles in settings like hospitals, clinics, private practices, insurance companies, and biotech firms. Most students can complete this 30 credit program in 12 months of full-time study. The program admits new students several times each year.
Fitchburg State University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Herzing University offers a Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Management. The program provides students with the flexibility to attend online or in-person using full-time or part-time attendance models. Students can potentially transfer in up to 12 of their 36 required credits from outside institutions. Most students can complete the program’s requirements in 14 months.
Herzing University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Liberty University offers a Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Management. The curriculum covers subjects like operations management, healthcare administration, legal and ethical issues, and healthcare informatics. Classes meet entirely online, and each one is 8 weeks long. On average, students can complete this 45 credit program in 2 years of full-time attendance.
Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Lynn University offers a Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Management. The program is designed for professionals with at least 3 years of experience in healthcare. The curriculum is designed to help students hone their management styles, maintain regulatory compliance, and promote operational excellence and efficiency. Students can attend their classes fully online.
Lynn University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The Master of Business Administration program at Messiah University offers a Healthcare Management concentration. Graduates of the program often become healthcare administrators, program directors, healthcare consultants, chief compliance officers, or development directors. Courses begin for incoming students every 8 weeks. Most students can complete the program’s 36 required credit hours in 1 year.
Messiah University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
New England College’s Master of Business Administration program offers a Healthcare Management concentration.
The curriculum is designed to help students develop the skills required to be successful leaders in the field of healthcare. The program requires the completion of 28 credit hours. Classes cover core concepts, like organizational change, strategic planning, policy, health informatics, and comparative healthcare systems.
NEC is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
The Master of Business Administration program at Purdue University offers a concentration in Healthcare Management. This program may be an ideal next step for healthcare professionals pursuing career advancement. Each class is 6 weeks long and meets entirely online. On average, students can complete the program’s 60 required credit hours in 2.5 years of full-time study.
Purdue University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Regent University offers a Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Management. Graduates often pursue roles in healthcare administration, medical services sales, healthcare policy analysis, and corporate compliance. Students can attend classes online or on campus. The curriculum consists of 42 credits and covers concepts like change management, finance, healthcare policy, ethics, and healthcare compliance.
Regent University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Rockhurst University offers a fully online program for a Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Management. Students must complete a minimum of 30 credit hours to graduate. Classes are taken one at a time, and each one is 8 weeks long. The curriculum covers topics such as healthcare systems, information technology, quality improvement, and policy.
Rockhurst University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The Master of Business Administration program at the University of North Carolina—Wilmington offers a concentration in Healthcare Management. The program seeks to help students develop the skills needed to manage complex healthcare systems and serve as effective leaders. The curriculum consists of 36 credits of core and elective coursework. Classes utilize a flexible online learning model.
The University of North Carolina Wilmington is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Texas—Tyler offers a Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Management. Graduates often become nursing home administrators, health services managers, care facility directors, or pharmaceutical product managers. The program is housed entirely online. Students can potentially complete the program’s requirements in 12 months of full-time attendance.
The University of Texas at Tyler is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Walden University offers a Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Management. The program’s convenient online format is designed with working professionals in mind. The curriculum consists of 30 total credit hours of MBA core, capstone, and healthcare specialization coursework. Students can potentially transfer in up to half of their required credits from outside institutions.
Walden is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Walsh University offers an online program for a Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Management. It seeks to graduate students with the passion and skills required to affect positive change in the field of healthcare. Incoming students can select one of six start dates each year. The program can potentially be completed in just 12 months.
Walsh is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The Master of Business Administration program at West Liberty University offers a Healthcare Management concentration. This interdisciplinary program combines core competencies from business administration, finance, and health sciences. Potential courses include Healthcare Law and Ethics, Strategic Human Resources Management, and Healthcare Finance and Revenue Cycles. Classes meet fully online.
West Liberty University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The Master of Business Administration program at West Texas A&M University offers a specialization in Healthcare Management. Its online format and variable course-load is designed for busy working professionals. Students can personalize their coursework by selecting from several core and elective class options. Most students can complete the program’s required hours in 2 years.
West Texas A&M University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Western Governors University offers a Master of Business Management in Healthcare Management. This program may be an ideal fit for healthcare professionals preparing to pursue advanced leadership roles within their field. On average, students can finish in 2 years of full-time attendance. All classes can be attended entirely online.
Western Governors University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Youngstown State University’s Master of Business Administration program offers a specialization in Healthcare Management.
The curriculum aims to help students develop a holistic understanding of healthcare systems and how to successfully manage within them. The program uses an online format and requires the completion of 30 credits. Potential classes include Healthcare Reform, Managing Organizational Talent, and Business Policy and Strategy.
Youngstown State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Getting Your MBA in Healthcare Management Online
A master’s degree in business could help you advance your professional qualifications as a business leader. With an emphasis in healthcare management, you can learn advanced skills for success in the healthcare field.
Your training may also set you apart as a top candidate for leadership roles. Online MBA programs offer quality classes in a format that works for many busy professionals. You can complete courses as they fit into your schedule and make your way toward an advanced business degree.
To find a reputable online program that works for your schedule and needs, you can start exploring online Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Management programs from accredited schools.
