Healthcare Administration Degree: What Is It and What Can You Do With It?
Updated June 2, 2023
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A healthcare administration degree prepares you for a career in healthcare administration and management.
Coursework typically centers on business and management topics in the healthcare industry. You can expect to take classes in subjects like healthcare communication, healthcare marketing, healthcare finance, and human resources.
With a healthcare administration major, you can pursue a variety of leadership roles, such as HR manager, hospital administrator, and medical billing manager.
Featured Healthcare Administration Programs
Best Healthcare Administration Programs
These rankings include
#1 Healthcare Administration Degree: What Is It and What Can You Do With It?
Harvard University
Cambridge, MA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Harvard University offers flexible options for students from a variety of backgrounds. Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the private institution provides on-campus and online programs with several learning formats to suit learners' schedules and needs. Nine percent of Harvard's programs include online enrollment options.
Harvard's customizable programs let degree-seekers design a course of study that matches their personal and professional goals. The school's two-year master in healthcare management program features a case-based teaching format and a hands-on field project. Enrollees benefit from institutional resources such as career workshops, mock interviews, and job fairs.
Prospective applicants can reach out to the financial aid office to learn about their eligibility for funding. Currently, 72% of Harvard students use financial aid to pay for school. The school reports a 98% graduation rate for its undergraduate programs.
#2 Healthcare Administration Degree: What Is It and What Can You Do With It?
The University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of Pennsylvania (Penn) prioritizes flexibility in its degree-granting programs. From its campus in Philadelphia, the private institution provides in-person and online programs. However, Penn's degree offerings are primarily campus-based, with only 4% of its programs available to distance learners.
Undergraduates major in 93 fields, including three online options. The college also provides 146 master’s programs, four of which are available online. The university's Ph.D. options include a healthcare management and economics program. This interdisciplinary degree combines business and healthcare content.
Faculty mentors and academic advisors help degree-seekers customize their course of study based on their interests and goals. Learners prepare for the job market through mock interviews, career workshops, and job fairs. Penn reports a 96% undergraduate graduation rate.
Prospective applicants work with the financial aid office to identify funding opportunities to cover degree costs. According to the most recent data, 57% of Penn students receive financial aid.
#3 Healthcare Administration Degree: What Is It and What Can You Do With It?
Yale University
New Haven, CT - 4 years
- Campus
The prestigious programs at Yale University appeal to learners from all walks of life. Located in New Haven, Connecticut, the private institution provides on-campus and online programs. Both modalities offer rigorous academics and supportive learning environments. Degree-seekers individualize their programs by choosing concentrations, minors, and electives that match their personal and professional goals.
Yale's master of public health in healthcare management combines courses from the university's School of Public Health and School of Management. Yale supports learners with institutional resources like career workshops, job fairs, on-campus recruiting opportunities, and conferences like the Colloquium in Healthcare Leadership.
Prospective applicants may be eligible for scholarships, grants, and other forms of financial aid. Out of the total student body, 61% receive a financial aid award. The school's undergraduate programs report a graduation rate of 96%.
#4 Healthcare Administration Degree: What Is It and What Can You Do With It?
The University of Florida
Gainesville, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The flexible programs at the University of Florida (UF) offer a variety of options for degree-seekers. Learners take classes at the public institution's Gainesville campus and online, with 21% of degree-granting programs offering an virtual option.
Undergraduate students at UF can choose from 103 bachelor’s programs, with 16 programs supported online. At the graduate level, the college boasts 126 master's degrees, including 41 online programs. In both modalities, enrollees take rigorous courses and benefit from a supportive learning community. Degree-seekers can customize their course of study by selecting electives and minors based on their interests and career goals. Students planning careers in healthcare administration can earn a master of health administration through UF's College of Public Health and Health Professions.
The school reports a graduation rate of 89% for its undergraduate programs, indicating strong student support. Learners can prepare for the job market through UF's mock interviews, career workshops, and job fairs.
UF's financial aid office connects prospective applicants with internal and external funding opportunities. Currently, 91% of enrollees receive some form of financial aid.
#5 Healthcare Administration Degree: What Is It and What Can You Do With It?
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
A private institution, Cornell University provides primarily in-person programs from its location in Ithaca, New York. The university emphasizes traditional on-campus learning, with only 1% of the school's programs providing distance learning enrollment.
Cornell reports a graduation rate of 95% for bachelor's degree-seekers. At the graduate level, learners enroll in 119 master's degrees, one of which is available online. In both graduate and undergraduate programs, enrollees benefit from challenging coursework and robust institutional support. Faculty mentors and academic advisors work with each student to create an individualized course of study. The school helps learners reach their career goals with institutional resources such as career workshops and job fairs.
Cornell students interested in healthcare management roles can earn a master of health administration in about two years. This program holds accreditation from the Committee on Accreditation for Healthcare Management Education.
Prospective applicants work with financial aid advisors to identify scholarship and grant opportunities. Typically, 59% receive financial aid.
#6 Healthcare Administration Degree: What Is It and What Can You Do With It?
The University of Washington
Seattle, WA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of Washington (the UW) is a public university offering many programs options for learners of all types. The UW in Seattle offers both in-person and online program options. Most students attend classes on campus, with only 2% of the school's programs providing online enrollment options.
Undergraduates can enroll in 248 majors, with two programs offering online bachelor's degrees. At the graduate level, the university hosts 277 master's programs, 12 of which offer online enrollment. Both learning formats provide rigorous academics and expert faculty. Many programs feature customization options that allow degree-seekers to design a course of study that matches their personal and professional goals. The UW's undergraduate graduation rate is currently 82%.
The two-year master of health administration program at the UW holds accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education. This full-time program caters to early-career professionals.
Prospective applicants work with the university's financial aid office to identify funding opportunities to help cover degree costs. Currently, 56% of UW students receive some form of financial aid.
#7 Healthcare Administration Degree: What Is It and What Can You Do With It?
Columbia University in the City of New York
New York, NY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Columbia University in the City of New York offers flexible routes to a college degree. With 3% of the private university's programs available online, most Columbia students learn on campus.
At the graduate level, degree-seekers at Columbia choose from 140 master's programs. Fourteen of these programs are available online, including the school's master of health administration.
Columbia's programs prioritize academic rigor while providing a supportive learning community, leading to an undergraduate graduation rate of 96%. Degree-seekers consult closely with academic advisors to choose classes that meet graduation requirements and match the student's professional goals. Learners prepare for life after graduation with resources like resume reviews, career workshops, and job fairs.
Prospective applicants work with the financial aid office to cover degree costs. The school reports that 58% of learners receive financial aid.
#8 Healthcare Administration Degree: What Is It and What Can You Do With It?
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-Chapel Hill) enrolls learners on campus and online. Eleven percent of the public university's programs provide a distance education option.
Learners interested in healthcare policy and administration can apply to UNC-Chapel Hill's Ph.D. program in health policy and management. Applicants should hold a related master's degree or a bachelor's degree plus relevant experience.
The college also offers 86 master's degrees, with 15 master's programs offered online. Enrollees benefit from multiple learning formats designed for diverse schedules, and degree-seekers work closely with faculty mentors to customize their program based on their unique interests and career goals. UNC-Chapel Hill supports learners with institutional resources like career workshops, mock interviews, and job fairs. This strong student support helps the school achieve a graduation rate of 91%.
UNC-Chapel Hill's financial aid office connects students with funding opportunities to help offset degree costs. Currently, 64% of enrollees receive a financial aid award.
#9 Healthcare Administration Degree: What Is It and What Can You Do With It?
The Ohio State University-Main Campus
Columbus, OH - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The Ohio State University provides flexible education to both traditional and nontraditional learners. The public institution delivers both in-person and online programs from its main campus in Columbus. Although on-campus learning is more common at the university, 6% of Ohio State's programs offer online learning formats.
Undergraduates choose from 162 majors, including three online programs. The college also offers 121 master's programs with 14 online options. Ohio State's master's degrees include a master of health administration program. Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education, this full-time program takes two years to complete.
Both graduate and undergraduate programs support students' academic and professional goals through career services offerings and degree customization options, such as electives, minors, and concentrations that let each learner create an individualized course of study. A leader in student success, the school reports a graduation rate of 87%.
Prospective applicants may be eligible for scholarships, grants, and other forms of financial aid. Ohio State reports that 84% of its learners receive financial aid.
#10 Healthcare Administration Degree: What Is It and What Can You Do With It?
New York University
New York, NY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
With two New York City campuses in Manhattan and Brooklyn, New York University (NYU) provides in-person and online programs. Eleven percent of the private university's programs feature an online learning option, with online delivery more common at the graduate level.
Undergraduates participate in 110 bachelor's programs, including four programs with online enrollment options. The college also boasts 179 master's degrees, with 29 programs offered online. One of these programs is NYU's online master of health administration. Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education, this part-time program enrolls students fully remotely.
Enrollees can choose the format that matches their learning styles and schedules. Faculty mentors and academic advisors work with degree-seekers to create an individualized course of study, and NYU offers career services like job fairs and workshops to help learners reach their professional goals. The university's undergraduate programs report an 88% graduation rate.
Prospective students may be eligible for scholarships, grants, and other forms of financial aid. Currently, 65% of NYU enrollees use financial aid to pay for school.
#11 Healthcare Administration Degree: What Is It and What Can You Do With It?
The University of Texas at Austin
Austin, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of Texas at Austin (UT) serves students from all walks of life. This public institution primarily offers in-person classes on campus, but 1% of its programs enroll distance learners.
At the graduate level, the school offers 108 master's programs, with four of them offered online. A hybrid program, UT's master of science in healthcare transformation combines in-person and online coursework. This one-year program helps prepare students to provide innovative healthcare industry leadership.
Committed to academic rigor and robust student support, UT provides institutional resources for educational and professional success. Degree-seekers can individualize their course of study by selecting electives and minors based on their interests and career goals. UT boasts a graduation rate of 88% for bachelor's degree-seekers.
Prospective students may be eligible for scholarships, grants, and other funding. Currently, 66% of UT enrollees receive some form of financial aid.
#12 Healthcare Administration Degree: What Is It and What Can You Do With It?
The University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of Southern California (USC) hosts prestigious programs in diverse fields. Learners enrolled at this private institution take classes at USC's Los Angeles campus and online. Ten percent of the school's programs provide distance learning enrollment, including 36 of its 179 master’s programs.
The master of health administration program at USC has earned accreditation from the Council on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education. This program features a 1,000-hour residency to give candidates hands-on experience.
USC's strong reputation in online and in-person learning benefits enrollees seeking a supportive learning community. Faculty mentors and academic advisors help degree-seekers customize their studies based on their academic interests and career plans. Learners make progress toward their professional goals thanks to career support and networking opportunities. USC reports a 92% graduation rate for bachelor's degree-seekers.
The financial aid office connects students with funding opportunities to help offset degree costs. Currently, 70% of USC enrollees receive a financial aid award.
#13 Healthcare Administration Degree: What Is It and What Can You Do With It?
Georgetown University
Washington, DC - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Georgetown University appeals to students with a variety of needs. From its campus in Washington, D.C., the private institution enrolls learners in-person and online. Of the school's total programs, 9% provide an online learning option.
At the graduate level, the school offers 97 master's programs, with 15 programs offered online. Enrollees can choose the format that matches their learning style and schedule. The programs offer a great deal of flexibility for degree-seekers to customize their course of study based on career goals. Learners in the master of science in health systems administration program hone their skills for the healthcare job market with institutional resources, including resume reviews, career counseling, and job fairs. Undergraduates report a 94% graduation rate.
The financial aid office connects students with funding opportunities to help offset degree costs. Currently, 54% of enrollees receive a financial aid award.
#14 Healthcare Administration Degree: What Is It and What Can You Do With It?
University of Georgia
Athens, GA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of Georgia (UGA) provides diverse enrollment options for degree-seekers. The public institution enrolls learners at its Athens campus and online, with 7% of degree-granting programs featuring an online option.
UGA offers more graduate than undergraduate programs via distance learning. Only one of the university's 125 bachelor’s programs is online, but its 113 master's degrees include 17 online options. Among UGA's on-campus master's programs is its master of health administration degree. Aimed at early-career professionals, this program is a candidate for accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education.
In both remote and face-to-face programs, UGA enrollees benefit from challenging coursework. Students also enjoy strong support resources, including faculty mentorship, academic advising, and career resources like workshops, resume feedback, mock interviews, and job fairs. UGA's undergraduate graduation rate is currently 87%.
Prospective applicants can consult the financial aid office for guidance on funding opportunities. Most of UGA's students — 92% — receive financial aid.
#15 Healthcare Administration Degree: What Is It and What Can You Do With It?
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN - 4 years
- Online + Campus
A private institution, Vanderbilt University offers most of its classes on campus in Nashville, Tennessee. However, 2% of the private university's programs are available online.
At the graduate level, the college offers 107 master's degrees, including four online programs. Vanderbilt's master of management in healthcare follows a hybrid format, combining online and in-person instruction. This one-year program targets current healthcare professionals in both clinical and nonclinical positions.
Degree-seekers at Vanderbilt can customize their programs based on their personal and professional goals by coordinating with faculty mentors and academic advisors. Career resources include workshops, resume feedback, mock interviews, and job fairs. Vanderbilt boasts a graduation rate of 93%.
Prospective applicants work with Vanderbilt's financial aid office to identify educational funding sources. Out of the total student body, 67% receive a financial aid award.
#16 Healthcare Administration Degree: What Is It and What Can You Do With It?
Florida International University
Miami, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The flexible programs at Florida International University (FIU) offer a variety of options for degree-seekers. This Miami-based public institution provides both on-campus and online programs. A leader in remote learning, FIU delivers 31% of its programs online.
Undergraduates choose from 81 bachelor's programs, including 40 online options. The college also offers 101 master's degrees, with 31 available to distance learners. FIU's degree offerings include two healthcare administration programs. The bachelor of health services administration is available online and on campus. For graduate students, the master of health services administration features online and hybrid options and is a candidate for accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education.
Both online and face-to-face modalities deliver challenging coursework while providing academic support, networking opportunities, and career guidance. Degree-seekers individualize their program by choosing concentrations, minors, and electives that match their personal and professional goals. Undergraduate degree-seekers can expect a 67% graduation rate.
Prospective applicants can contact the financial aid office to learn more about funding opportunities. According to the most recent data, 94% of FIU students receive financial aid.
#17 Healthcare Administration Degree: What Is It and What Can You Do With It?
Baruch College
New York, NY - 4 years
- Campus
Part of the City University of New York, Baruch College embraces a commitment to higher education. Located in New York City, the public institution provides on-campus and online programs. Customization options such as electives, minors, and concentrations let degree-seekers create an individualized course of study.
Experienced business professionals can earn an executive MBA in healthcare administration through Baruch. Housed in the Zicklin School of Business, this 22-month program follows a cohort-based format.
Baruch offers career services like job fairs and workshops to help learners reach their professional goals. A leader in student success, the college boasts a 73% graduation rate. Prospective applicants may qualify for internal and external funding opportunities to pay for their degrees. Learners receiving financial aid make up 91% of Baruch's student body.
#18 Healthcare Administration Degree: What Is It and What Can You Do With It?
The University of Utah
Salt Lake City, UT - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Based in Salt Lake City, the University of Utah (the U) stands out for its many flexible programs. Learners enrolled at the public institution participate in online and on-campus classes. Five percent of the U's many programs allow students to earn a degree entirely online.
Undergraduate offerings include 111 bachelor's degrees, with 8 available online. At the graduate level, degree-seekers choose from 124 master's programs, including 8 online options. Students seeking career advancement in the healthcare industry can apply for the U's master of healthcare administration (MHA) program, accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education. MHA candidates can earn their degree on campus, online, or in a hybrid format.
In both modalities, the institution provides cutting-edge instruction, individualized student support, and career guidance. Degree-seekers work closely with academic advisors to choose classes that meet graduation requirements and match the student's professional goals. Learners hone their skills for the job market with institutional resources such as resume reviews, career counseling, and job fairs. The undergraduate programs report a 67% graduation rate.
The financial aid office connects students with funding opportunities to help offset degree costs. Learners receiving financial aid make up 87% of the student body.
#19 Healthcare Administration Degree: What Is It and What Can You Do With It?
The University of South Florida
Tampa, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Located in Tampa, the University of South Florida (USF) educates students online and on campus. Of the school's total programs, 17% enroll distance learners. Undergraduates participate in 92 bachelor's programs, including 9 programs with online enrollment options. Master's candidates can apply to 111 programs, 31 of which are offered online. Housed in the university's College of Public Health, which holds Council on Education in Public Health accreditation, USF's master of health administration program has earned accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education.
Both online and on campus, USF enrollees benefit from the school's supportive learning environment. Faculty mentors and academic advisors help degree-seekers tailor their studies to their interests and goals. Career resources include workshops, resume feedback, mock interviews, and job fairs. Bachelor's degree-seekers graduate at a rate of 74%.
Prospective students can contact FSU's financial aid office to identify funding opportunities. According to the most recent data, 92% of the school's enrollees receive financial aid.
#20 Healthcare Administration Degree: What Is It and What Can You Do With It?
The University of California, Irvine
Irvine, CA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The flexible programs at the University of California, Irvine, (UCI) offer a variety of options for degree-seekers. The public institution grants most degrees in person, but offers select programs online. Of all UCI's programs, 1% provide a distance education option.
The college offers 107 master's degrees, with two delivered online. Both online and on-campus modalities feature rigorous classes, networking and peer support opportunities, and career support resources such as mock interviews, career workshops, and job fairs. Degree-seekers customize their programs based on their personal or professional goals by coordinating with faculty mentors and academic advisors. UCI's graduation rate is 85%.
Students seeking a healthcare administration degree from UCI can explore the university's executive MBA. This program's healthcare leadership track emphasizes digital leadership and helps prepare industry professionals for executive positions.
Prospective students can explore their eligibility for funding opportunities to help offset degree costs. The school reports that 74% of learners receive financial aid.
Types of Healthcare Administration Degrees You Can Get
Whether you want to jumpstart your healthcare career with an associate degree or raise your earning potential with a doctorate, there's a healthcare administration degree for you.
Associate in Healthcare Administration
- Program Length: 2 years
- Sample Careers: Patient services representative, medical records technician, medical secretary
An associate degree in healthcare administration is an easy way to jumpstart your healthcare career. With this two-year degree, you'll take classes such as medical terminology, introduction to healthcare management, patient privacy, and health policy.
You can also use your associate degree as a pathway toward a bachelor's degree.
Featured Associate in Healthcare Administration Programs
Bachelor's in Healthcare Administration
- Program Length: 4 years
- Sample Careers: Health services manager, nursing home administrator, training and development manager, health care human resources manager
While doctors and nurses often attract the limelight, healthcare administrators work behind the scenes, ensuring that health organizations run smoothly. A bachelor's in healthcare administration prepares you for a long list of careers in healthcare, from health services manager to nursing home administrator. You can also serve in roles managing the delivery of services in hospital departments and clinics.
Throughout your program, you'll hone skills in medical billing and coding, quality assurance, and healthcare policy and ethics.
Many bachelor's in health administration degrees also offer specializations in areas like organizational leadership, finance, marketing, and project management.
Featured Bachelor's in Healthcare Administration Programs
Master's in Healthcare Administration
- Program Length: 2-3 years
- Sample Careers: Administrative services manager, medical services manager, hospital administrator
A master of healthcare administration (MHA) is a great academic option if you want to expand your career options and enhance your earning potential while taking on leadership roles in healthcare.
This degree takes 2-3 years to complete and instructs you in advanced subjects like healthcare operations management, financial management, and strategic planning.
Many MHA students also pursue professional certifications, such as certified medical manager, certified healthcare financial professional, and certified healthcare access manager.
Featured Master's in Healthcare Administration Programs
Doctorate in Healthcare Administration
- Program Length: 3-8 years
- Sample Careers: Professor, research director, hospital administrator
If you want to assume executive roles or look for jobs in academia and research, a doctor of healthcare administration (DHA) is a solid choice.
In a DHA program, you'll take advanced healthcare administration courses, such as research methods, applied statistics, and economics and finance in healthcare. Graduation requirements often include an original dissertation and a comprehensive exam.
With a DHA, you can access a long list of careers, including research director, healthcare administration professor, and hospital CEO.
Featured Doctorate in Healthcare Administration Programs
Can You Earn a Healthcare Administration Degree Online?
Online healthcare administration degrees offer a flexible and affordable pathway.
With an online program, you can expand your career options and increase your earning potential while maintaining a full-time job and tending to other day-to-day responsibilities like childcare.
While online healthcare administration degrees are a perfect fit for some, be sure to consider your own needs before applying. You may find that you prefer a traditional, campus-based healthcare administration degree program over a 100% online degree.
Healthcare Administration Degree: Salary and Job Outlook
As a health admin major, you can expect to earn an above-average salary.
Many healthcare administration jobs boast median annual salaries above $75,000, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and Payscale.
The table below shows salary data and projected job growth rates for common healthcare administration careers. As with any job you may want to pursue, be sure to research the specific requirements for that position before applying.
| Job | Median Annual Salary | Job Growth Rate (2021-2031) |
|---|---|---|
| Human Resources Manager | $126,230 (May 2021) | 7% |
| Medical and Health Services Manager | $101,340 (May 2021) | 28% |
| Administrative Services and Facilities Manager | $99,290 (May 2021) | 7% |
| Nursing Home Administrator | $95,000 (March 2023) | N/A |
| Hospital Administrator | $91,000 (March 2023) | N/A |
| Healthcare Consultant | $82,000 (March 2023) | N/A |
| Healthcare Administrator | $76,000 (March 2023) | N/A |
| Clinical Supervisor | $63,000 (March 2023) | N/A |
| Medical Billing Manager | $59,000 (March 2023) | N/A |
| Health Information Technologist or Medical Registrar | $55,560 (May 2021) | 17% |
How to Choose a Healthcare Administration Degree: 3 Tips
Finding the right healthcare administration degree is critical so you can save money and get the most out of your education. Here are some tips to help you meet your academic and career goals and choose the best hospital administration degree for you.
1. Define Your Goals
Finding a healthcare administration degree that aligns with your skills, interests, and goals is vital.
Begin your college search by listing your goals on a piece of paper. For example, do you want to manage an entire hospital or just a department? Do you want to work in academia?
You'll also want to review the academic requirements for various careers to ensure that your academic path heads toward your intended professional goals.
2. Compare Programs
No two programs are identical, and health administration degree options can vary significantly by school and degree level. Be sure to consider factors like cost, curriculum, and location.
You should also verify that prospective schools offer specializations that match your goals.
Remember to take a close look at how schools deliver their programs, too. Do you want an in-person, online, or hybrid program? Some online health administration degrees offer only asynchronous classes, while others require you to attend live virtual classes.
3. Confirm Accreditation
Accreditation indicates that a school or program meets rigorous standards for educational quality set by an independent accrediting agency. Legitimate institutional accreditors are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Choosing an accredited school not only ensures you receive a quality education but also ensures that you qualify for federal financial aid.
You can check a college or university's accreditation status by going to its website and looking for information on its accreditations. Often, schools list accreditation details on their "About Us" pages.
Is a Degree in Healthcare Administration Worth It?
Like any academic field, a degree in healthcare administration could be a great fit for one student and a complete mismatch for another.
The best candidates for a healthcare administration degree typically aim to work in healthcare and boast strong problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication skills.
Here are some reasons why a healthcare administration degree may or may not be worth it for you.
A Health Admin Major May Be Worth It If …
- You want to be part of an in-demand field that's rapidly expanding.
- You're looking for a degree that provides you with opportunities to pursue a variety of healthcare careers.
- You want to work in a field where you can make a difference.
A Health Admin Major May Not Be Worth It If …
- You're happy and satisfied with your current career.
- You want to work directly with patients in a clinical setting.
- Overseeing and managing healthcare operations sounds overwhelmingly stressful to you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Healthcare Administration Degree Programs
What degree is best for healthcare administration?
The best degree in healthcare administration for you will depend on your academic and career goals, as well as on your skills and interests.
For business-minded individuals and budding entrepreneurs, an MBA with a health administration specialization or an MHA could be solid choices. If you'd prefer to teach at the university level, you might want to pursue a DHA instead.
Take time to ensure that any prospective health admin degrees align with your future career.
What is the role of a healthcare administrator?
Healthcare administrators do not provide direct patient care; rather, they work behind the scenes, overseeing the operations of a hospital, clinic, or other health organization. They may be involved in finance, human resources, communication, or legal and regulatory issues.
Is being a healthcare administrator hard?
Healthcare administrators often assume leadership roles. They are typically responsible for guiding an organization's strategic direction, developing policies, and overseeing overall operations.
This job requires excellent communication, analytical, and decision-making skills. Although the work can be challenging and even stressful at times, many administrators find their work personally rewarding.
What is the difference between healthcare administration and healthcare management?
Healthcare administration and healthcare management are extremely similar, but academic requirements and professional responsibilities can differ quite a bit.
Healthcare administration traditionally refers to the operational and business side of the field, whereas healthcare management involves both the clinical and business elements of the field.
Is a career in healthcare administration worth it?
If you're interested in a growing field where you can make a meaningful impact, a career in healthcare administration could be an excellent fit for you.
Whether you're interested in an associate degree or a DHA, there are numerous flexible and affordable healthcare administration programs that can help you achieve your goals.
All rankings and school descriptions on this page were created and reviewed independently by the TBS Rankings Team.
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