Best Online Doctorate in Healthcare Administration (DHA) Programs
Healthcare administrators are responsible for ensuring hospitals, clinics, and doctors’ offices run smoothly. As the healthcare sector expands, there will likely be a growing need for experienced leaders.
Doctorate in healthcare administration (DHA) programs can prepare you for in-demand, high-paying roles in the field of healthcare. This ranking will guide you in finding a program that aligns with your career goals.
Best Online DHA Programs
College of Saint Mary
Omaha, NE- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Programmatic Accreditation: N/A
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $760
Out-of-State | $760
Credits to Graduate: 51-87
The College of Saint Mary's online Ed.D. in educational leadership focuses on developing future leaders in the healthcare industry. The program features small cohorts and synchronous sessions. The curriculum includes three doctoral seminars, a leadership practicum, a comprehensive exam, and a dissertation and oral defense.
The admission requirements include a minimum 3.0 GPA. Though not required for admission, a master's degree could lead to up to 36 transfer credits.
- In-State$21,800
- Out-of-state$21,800
- In-State$17,638
- Out-of-state$21,103
- Retention Rate71%
- Acceptance Rate50%
- Students Enrolled857
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment46%
- AccreditationYes
Franklin University
- Columbus, OH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Programmatic Accreditation: N/A
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $748
Out-of-State | $748
Credits to Graduate: 60
Franklin University's online doctor of healthcare administration (DHA) prepares you to pursue policy development and leadership positions in a healthcare setting. Within the three-year DHA program, you complete asynchronous online classes, a comprehensive exam, and a highly supported dissertation. You can also choose one of 11 optional focus areas, such as finance, accounting, and human resource management.
Franklin offers rolling admission with no test requirements and multiple starts throughout the year. The school does require a master's degree with at least 30 healthcare credits and a minimum 3.0 GPA for admission.
- In-State$9,552
- Out-of-state$9,552
- In-State$16,080
- Out-of-state$16,080
- Retention Rate100%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled6,815
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment95%
- AccreditationYes
University of the Southwest
- Hobbs, NM
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Programmatic Accreditation: International Accreditation Council for Business Education
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $799
Out-of-State | $799
Credits to Graduate: 60
The University of the Southwest's doctor of business administration (DBA) program prepares students for executive and administrative healthcare careers. The program includes a mentorship and dissertation residency, which can be completed virtually or at the New Mexico campus.
The program has zero textbook fees and includes a free laptop. The school's admission requirements include a master's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA and at least three years of relevant professional experience.
- In-State$16,000
- Out-of-state$16,000
- In-State$22,500
- Out-of-state$22,500
- Retention Rate69%
- Acceptance Rate45%
- Students Enrolled1,064
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment100%
- AccreditationYes
Why Get Your DHA Degree Online?
What are the advantages of attending an online DHA program? Online formats can offer increased flexibility to accommodate your schedule, budget, and learning style. Other advantages of online programs include:
- The convenience of studying from home
- Potential savings on travel and lodging costs
- The ability to study at your own pace through an asynchronous format
What You Need to Know About Online DHA Degrees
A doctorate is the highest degree in healthcare administration, and these programs build expertise for careers in healthcare leadership or academia. Online healthcare administration programs offer flexible study formats, but may have in-person clinical or practicum requirements.
Before applying to doctoral programs, you should consider whether you want to pursue a Ph.D. in healthcare administration or a DHA. Take your time to explore both options, as each path offers unique benefits for your career.
Ph.D. in Healthcare Administration vs. DHA: What’s the Difference?
Both a Ph.D. and a DHA are doctorates in healthcare administration, but they prepare graduates for different career paths. An online Ph.D. program emphasizes theory and research, leading to academic and research roles. In contrast, a DHA course of study prepares practitioners for decision-making roles, including as hospital administrators or CEOs.
Ph.D. in Healthcare Administration vs. DHA Requirements
The doctoral requirements for a Ph.D. and DHA differ. In a Ph.D. program, you’ll explore administration theories and conduct original research for a dissertation. In a DHA program, you’ll focus on applied leadership skills. Most DHA programs require an applied research project as the culminating experience.
Healthcare Administration Salary and Job Demand
Many careers in healthcare administration report above-average salaries and high demand. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), medical and health services managers earned a median annual salary of $110,680 as of May 2023. The bottom 10% of earners made less than $67,900, while the top 10% earned above $216,750.
The BLS projects jobs for medical and health services managers to grow by 29% from 2023-2033 — significantly faster than the average for all occupations.
Applying for a Doctorate in Healthcare Administration Program
Graduate programs typically have stricter admissions requirements than undergraduate programs. Before applying for a DHA program, you’ll need to ensure you meet these.DHA programs often require a master’s degree plus professional experience in healthcare. While many Ph.D. programs require a master’s degree, some admit applicants with a bachelor’s degree.
Common admissions requirements include:
- A master’s degree from an accredited school, with a minimum GPA of 3.0
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- Resume
- GMAT or GRE scores (if required)
- Up to five years of experience working in a healthcare setting (if required)
Frequently Asked Questions About DHA Programs
Earning a doctorate in health administration offers a solid return on investment and job security. According to the BLS, for example, medical and health services managers typically earn over six figures and should see significant job growth over the next decade.
