Healthcare ranks as the fastest-growing field in the U.S., largely due to an aging population that will require more health services in the coming decades. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects healthcare occupations to grow 15% from 2019-2029.
Online healthcare MBA programs prepare students to manage and lead healthcare organizations such as clinics, nursing homes, and hospitals. This healthcare management degree offers excellent career prospects with high salaries and strong growth potential. Medical and health services managers, for example, earn an annual median salary of $104,280, and the BLS projects these careers to grow 32% between 2019-2029.
This guide ranks the best online MBA in healthcare programs. It also introduces common courses, professional certifications, and scholarship opportunities for MBA in healthcare students.
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Why Get a Degree in Healthcare?
An online healthcare MBA builds advanced skills in both business and healthcare administration, preparing graduates for various lucrative, in-demand leadership roles.
Earning a healthcare management degree online often gives students the flexibility to balance their studies with personal and professional obligations. Students who already work in the healthcare field may complete their coursework online and perform practicum requirements at their current place of employment.
How Much Does a Healthcare Degree Cost?
Given the substantial salary gains MBA graduates commonly report (an average of $70,000-$84,000 annually), MBA programs often feature high tuition rates. Top-tier programs, particularly at private schools, can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.
However, students can lower their total tuition expenses by enrolling in more affordable programs. Public schools typically offer lower tuition rates than private schools. Additionally, many schools offer tuition discounts to online students. Some graduate degrees may cost as little as $20,000-$40,000 total.
Healthcare MBA Cost Survey
| Type of MBA |
Number of MBA Students |
Average MBA Cost |
MBA Cost vs Total Average |
| Healthcare |
7 |
$34,857.14 |
+$1,160.35 |
| Fully on-campus |
1 | $5,000.00 |
-$28,696.79 |
| Fully online |
4 |
$51,750.00 |
+$18,053.21 |
| Hybrid |
2 |
$16,000.00 |
-$17,696.79 |
*Average cost of an MBA used from survey: $33,696.79
Break down your current financial situation, and receive a college tuition estimate you can afford to pay.
How Much Do Healthcare Majors Make?
Online healthcare MBA programs prepare graduates for various high-paying jobs in the healthcare industry. Graduates may manage healthcare facilities, such as clinics, nursing homes, hospitals, and group medical practices. MBA graduates may also move into specific sectors of healthcare management, such as finance, human resources, or marketing.
The BLS reports that medical and health services managers earn an annual median salary of $104,280. However, typical salary levels vary widely by work environment. Managers at hospitals earn an annual median salary of $112,870, while those at nursing and residential care facilities earn an annual median salary of $89,880.
Healthcare MBA graduates can also pursue other types of management careers, such as human resources manager or financial manager. Human resources managers earn an annual median salary of $121,220, while financial managers earn an annual median salary of $134,180.
Courses in Healthcare
A graduate healthcare management degree builds high-level skills in business, management, healthcare administration, and leadership. Students often complete business courses on topics such as finance, marketing, economics, and leadership. Healthcare courses cover topics like public policy, laws and regulations, and program development and evaluation.
Healthcare MBA candidates commonly complete a comprehensive culminating project, such as a thesis or capstone. Occurring at the end of the program, these projects require students to synthesize their knowledge and skills to address a contemporary issue in healthcare management.
Courses vary by program, but this list highlights three common healthcare management courses.
Healthcare Policy
Healthcare policy affects the operation and management of all healthcare organizations. The course offers an overview of healthcare policy, emphasizing the intersection of politics, healthcare delivery, public policy, and administration. Students also explore the disciplines that affect healthcare policy, including economics, business, political science, and public health.Healthcare Marketing
Marketing affects a healthcare organization's ability to treat patients successfully and spread public health knowledge. The course highlights the major healthcare marketing components, including planning, management, and evaluation. Students may also examine various direct marketing tools and their impact on healthcare services.Healthcare Leadership
The class focuses on leadership principles within the context of healthcare administration, including the analysis and integration of major leadership theories and approaches. Common course topics include organizational assessment, quality improvement, and financial resource decision-making.
AffordableCollegesOnline.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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Certifications and Licensure for Healthcare
Healthcare professionals can pursue certifications and licenses to demonstrate professional expertise. Obtaining these certifications can help professionals advance to higher-paying positions with more responsibility. This list highlights three popular healthcare management certifications.
The Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA) offers this credential for clinical and nonclinical healthcare leaders who work in healthcare finance. Candidates must complete a two-module online course and pass a comprehensive final exam. They also need HFMA membership.
The American Hospital Association offers this certification for healthcare executives trained in risk management assessment and mitigation strategies. Candidates need a bachelor's degree, at least five years of professional experience, and 3,000 hours of risk management-related experience over the previous three years.
The American Association of Healthcare Administrative Managers offers this certification for senior and executive healthcare leaders. The credential demonstrates mastery of healthcare revenue cycle concepts and strategies. Candidates need at least four years of relevant professional experience.
Scholarships for Healthcare Administration
Offering financial support that does not require repayment, scholarships help students lower the cost of their degree. This list highlights three scholarship opportunities for students in online MBA in healthcare programs.
Scholarships for Healthcare Administration
| Scholarship |
Amount |
Who Can Apply |
Medical Group Management Association Scholarships |
Varies |
MGMA offers several scholarship opportunities for students pursuing programs related to medical practice management. Students need only submit one application to receive consideration for several scholarships. |
Dr. Bomi Joseph Healthcare Scholarship |
$1,500 |
This quarterly scholarship serves first-year students in healthcare programs. Applicants must submit an essay detailing their background and their interest in the medical field. |
Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society Scholarships |
$5,000 |
This scholarship serves undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in programs related to healthcare information and technology. Applicants must submit a resume or CV and two recommendation letters. |
Healthcare MBA Questions
Is an MBA in healthcare worth it?
A healthcare MBA prepares graduates for in-demand, high-paying careers, making it a worthwhile investment for many students.
What can I do with an MBA in healthcare?
Online healthcare MBA programs train students for administrative and managerial roles in the healthcare field, such as financial manager and medical and health services manager.
How long does it take to get an MBA in healthcare?
Full-time MBA programs typically take two years to complete. However, some schools offer accelerated programs that allow students to graduate faster.
Is it better to get an MBA or MHA?
Both MBA and MHA degrees build advanced knowledge and skills in healthcare management and administration. However, MHA programs offer more specialized healthcare courses, while MBA programs offer more business courses.
Online MBA in Healthcare Administration
#1 Online MBA In Healthcare Administration
Ball State University
- Muncie, IN
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Distance learners pursuing Ball State University's affordable graduate programs can complete requirements in a convenient online format. In addition to on-campus options in Muncie, Indiana, students at the public institution can pursue 113 programs in an online format. Degree-seekers can enroll in the school's MBA in healthcare administration program. The online program's flexible scheduling options can make it easier for busy students to complete degree requirements.
The master's program features core and advanced courses. Specialized electives and experiential learning opportunities allow students to customize the program based on their goals and interests. Full-time master's degree-seekers typically require 1-2 years to complete their program. Prospective applicants should reach out to the program to learn more about admission standards and deadlines.
Online learners at the school pay affordable tuition rates. Graduate tuition rates at the institution average $8,850 for in-state students and $21,954 for out-of-state students. According to the school, 91% of the student body receives financial aid to fund their education.
Percent Online Enrollment
44%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#2 Online MBA In Healthcare Administration
Northeastern University
- Boston, MA
- 4 years
- Campus
Northeastern University delivers a respected online master's program in healthcare administration. Of the private institution's students, 2,324 attend classes in an online format, while others attend classes in person at the Boston campus. Online programs' scheduling flexibility is ideal for learners balancing academics with personal and professional obligations.
The online MBA's rigorous curriculum meets high academic standards to prepare degree-seekers for advanced positions. The master's program features electives, allowing students to tailor the curriculum to their professional goals. While pursuing the online master's degree, learners complete a flexible curriculum and develop industry-specific skills. After earning the master's degree in business administration, graduates often qualify for promotions or raises. Master's students can use the institution's career services to plan their professional futures.
Graduate-level learners can access support services including career advising, online tutoring, and financial aid counseling. Online learners at the school pay affordable tuition rates, making graduate studies more accessible. Private scholarships and institutional fellowships can also help learners fund their master's studies. Graduate degree-seekers in the school's online programs pay an average per-credit tuition rate of $1,640.
Percent Online Enrollment
10%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
New England Commission on Higher Education
#3 Online MBA In Healthcare Administration
Marist College
- Poughkeepsie, NY
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Marist College delivers online and in-person graduate programs from its Poughkeepsie campus. The private institution delivers an online master's in healthcare administration. Working professionals often maintain employment while enrolled in the flexible program.
Graduate students work with faculty advisors during the course of their studies. The program's rigorous curriculum provides foundational healthcare administration knowledge through core coursework. Master's students develop leadership skills necessary to oversee teams in healthcare settings.
The school's affordable tuition rates make it easier for learners to pursue graduate degrees. Financial aid counselors help degree-seekers understand funding options, such as scholarships and fellowships. The school charges online learners affordable tuition rates.
Marist College Numbers:
Online Master's Programs: 16
Total Online Programs: 10
Number of Online Students: 1,573
Graduate Tuition In-State: $15,300
Graduate Tuition Out-of-State: $15,300
Transfer Credits Toward Degree: No
Percent Online Enrollment
23%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#4 Online MBA In Healthcare Administration
University of Massachusetts Amherst
- Amherst, MA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of Massachusetts Amherst provides academic programs for online and on-campus degree-seekers. Online learners can earn a graduate degree through the school's distance education programs. Online students can enroll in the MBA in healthcare administration from the institution.
In addition to rigorous coursework, the master's program prepares enrollees for careers through academic and career advising. The online program's flexible scheduling options can make it easier for busy learners to complete degree requirements. While most master's degree-seekers graduate in 1-2 years, part-time enrollment may extend degree completion time.
Students at the accredited institution qualify for federal financial aid programs. The school reports that 54% of enrollees fund their education using student loans. In addition to loans, learners can fund their studies through financial aid, which 90% of the institution's learners receive.
University of Massachusetts Amherst Fast Facts:
Total Programs: 304
Number of Online Programs: 45
Online Master's Programs: 78
Number of Online Students: 4,643
Religious Affiliation: Non-affiliated
Allows Transfer Credits: No
Percent Online Enrollment
15%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
New England Commission on Higher Education
#5 Online MBA In Healthcare Administration
Morehead State University
- Morehead, KY
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Graduate degree-seekers can enroll in online and in-person programs from Morehead State University. Busy learners can enroll in online master's programs from the public institution. The school's graduate-level offerings include a flexible MBA program for students interested in healthcare administration.
Master's students begin the online MBA program by completing core coursework. The program also features advanced courses and electives, which allow degree-seekers to customize their studies. To further prepare for careers in the field, master's students can take advantage of faculty mentorship and experiential learning opportunities.
Graduates with a master's in healthcare administration can pursue leadership roles. Faculty advisors and career counselors help master's students and alumni identify career opportunities.
The institution holds accreditation, which means degree-seekers can qualify for federal financial aid programs. Distance learners pursuing a master's degree can apply for funding options including scholarships and fellowships. Of the school's graduate students, 100% receive financial aid.
Percent Online Enrollment
46%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Learn More About Online MBA Programs
Survey Methodology
All data was collected between 6/14/21 and 7/3/21. Respondents were fielded by Lucid LLC. All 343 respondents in the study were screened by multiple quality checks, including systems like Relevant ID, and responses were manually reviewed to ensure consistency and accuracy. Survey participants include 169 currently enrolled MBA students and 174 graduates from MBA programs within the past 6 years. Respondents are between 21 and 78 years of age and identified as 45% Female, 54% Male, and 1% non-binary.
Student testimonials have generally been obtained with the offer of compensation for completion of a survey (e.g., entrance into a gift card drawing). Such testimonials are the opinions of such students and surveys are designed to avoid influencing such testimonials either positively or negatively. All student respondents were supplied by Lucid LLC.
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