Best Online Associate in Healthcare Administration Degree Programs
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An online associate degree in healthcare administration prepares students to enter the growing healthcare industry. Healthcare administrators support medical care facilities, including hospitals, clinics, and retirement centers.
As members of the baby-boom generation reach retirement age, the healthcare field will likely continue to grow. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that the number of healthcare administration positions will increase 28% by 2032, a rate much faster than the national average for all occupations.
Graduates of online healthcare administration associate degree programs often secure positions supporting the daily operations of hospitals, nursing homes, outpatient care centers, and clinics. These professionals create and manage budgets and develop strategies for increasing revenue.
Healthcare administrators need strong problem-solving and communication skills. They must also stay apprised of current and proposed healthcare legislation, and they need the technological skills to understand new databases and internet security measures.
Students earning an associate in healthcare administration online typically complete coursework in business management, accounting, and strategic planning principles. They also take major courses in areas such as healthcare laws, regulations, and ethics.
Many respected colleges and universities offer online healthcare administration associate degree programs to meet the growing demand for healthcare management professionals. Students in these programs generally complete online coursework and in-person, practical learning experiences supervised by healthcare professionals. In addition to pursuing healthcare administration roles in medical facilities, graduates are qualified to enter bachelor’s in healthcare administration programs.
The Best Online Associate in Healthcare Administration Degree Programs
Florida Institute of Technology
Melbourne, FL- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$41,720
- Out-of-state$41,720
- In-State$22,338
- Out-of-state$22,338
- Retention Rate79%
- Acceptance Rate66%
- Students Enrolled6,022
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment10%
- AccreditationYes
Concordia University-Wisconsin
- Mequon, WI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$30,060
- Out-of-state$30,060
- In-State$11,052
- Out-of-state$11,052
- Retention Rate81%
- Acceptance Rate64%
- Students Enrolled5,777
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment39%
- AccreditationYes
Minnesota West Community and Technical College
- Granite Falls, MN
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$5,300
- Out-of-state$10,600
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate59%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled3,421
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment49%
- AccreditationYes
Keiser University
- West Palm Beach, FL
- Campus + Online
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students EnrolledN/A
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online EnrollmentN/A
- AccreditationYes
Colorado Christian University
- Lakewood, CO
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$23,502
- Out-of-state$23,502
- In-State$13,045
- Out-of-state$13,045
- Retention Rate83%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled7,587
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment55%
- AccreditationYes
Point University
- West Point, GA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$20,085
- Out-of-state$20,085
- In-State$12,360
- Out-of-state$12,360
- Retention Rate63%
- Acceptance Rate29%
- Students Enrolled2,389
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment33%
- AccreditationYes
Iowa Central Community College
- Fort Dodge, IA
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,980
- Out-of-state$7,480
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate52%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled5,237
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment26%
- AccreditationYes
Tyler Junior College
- Tyler, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$2,160
- Out-of-state$2,736
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled12,323
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment33%
- AccreditationYes
New England College
- Henniker, NH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$24,555
- Out-of-state$24,555
- In-State$14,088
- Out-of-state$14,088
- Retention Rate58%
- Acceptance Rate100%
- Students Enrolled3,527
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment61%
- AccreditationYes
Guilford Technical Community College
- Jamestown, NC
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$2,128
- Out-of-state$7,504
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate55%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled11,070
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment45%
- AccreditationYes
Best Online Programs
Associate in Healthcare Administration
2023
Online Associate in Healthcare Administration Degree Programs Ranking Guidelines
We ranked these degree programs based on quality, curricula, school awards, rankings, and reputation.
Rankings MethodologyHealthcare Administration Associate Degree Salary Information
Earning a healthcare administration associate degree online prepares students to pursue support positions in healthcare facilities. Graduates often work with doctors and registered nurses as credentialing specialists and patient registration clerks. Others become insurance clerks, who help patients make medical claims and set up payment plans. Graduates can also enter roles as patient account representatives. Each of these entry-level positions can lead to higher-paying managerial roles.
- Credentialing Specialist:
- These specialists monitor medical professionals at hospitals and clinics by checking their professional credentials and ensuring they maintain licensure. Credentialing specialists advise professionals on licensure renewal and check the status of potential employees. This position may lead to higher management positions in credentialing.
- Salary based on experience:
- Entry Level: $35,000
- Mid-Career: $41,000
- Experienced: $43,000
- Late Career: $43,000
- Patient Registration Clerk:
- These professionals greet patients as they arrive and collect forms, documentation, insurance records, and copays. They also answer phone calls and emails, make patient appointments, and coordinate office scheduling.
- Salary based on experience:
- Entry Level: $26,000
- Mid-Career: $29,000
- Experienced: $31,000
- Late Career: $31,000
- Insurance Clerk:
- Insurance clerks process medical insurance claims and liaise between insurers and patients. They also help organize and clarify claim rights, limitations, and payment plans.
- Salary based on experience:
- Entry Level: $26,000
- Mid-Career: $30,000
- Experienced: $31,000
- Late Career: $30,000
- Medical Office Manager:
- Medical office managers work in doctors’ offices, overseeing day-to-day operations. They must have excellent communication, organization, and delegation skills.
- Salary based on experience:
- Entry Level: $39,000
- Mid-Career: $41,000
- Experienced: $45,000
- Late Career: $49,000
- Patient Account Representative:
- These professionals work at hospitals and medical centers, answering patients’ billing questions. They collect payments, process claims, and work with insurance companies to provide information to patients.
- Salary based on experience:
- Entry Level: $30,000
- Mid-Career: $33,000
- Experienced: $35,000
- Late Career: $38,000
Source: PayScale
Choosing an Online Healthcare Associate Degree Program
Prospective students should research programs to find the option that fits their career objectives. The growing number of online programs means learners have a variety of options and can often find a program that meets all their needs, including academic interests, budget, and lifestyle requirements.
In-state programs generally offer the most affordable tuition rates. However, some schools charge all online learners the same tuition rates, regardless of residency status. In addition to tuition rates, students should consider costs such as application fees, transfer credit fees, and graduation charges.
- Program Cost:
- This is the overall cost of the program, including tuition, registration, and administrative fees. Some schools offer a prorated fee for distance students, which can result in a reduced overall program cost. Program cost also includes technology fees for online students.
- Transfer Policies:
- Since many graduates of associate programs transfer to bachelor’s programs, learners should choose a school that offers easily transferable credits and degrees. Many associate programs maintain transfer agreements with local four-year institutions to ensure graduates can apply their associate degree to a bachelor’s program at the school.
- School Size and Type:
- School and program sizes impact classroom sizes and student-to-instructor ratios, which affect the learning atmosphere. Students in smaller programs often receive more individual attention, and program size can impact the availability of resources and funding. Students should also consider the respective benefits of public and private schools. Public schools receive government funding, but private schools often maintain smaller class sizes.
- Program Length:
- Degree completion time varies based on many factors, including enrollment status. Full-time students typically complete associate programs in two years, and part-time students generally take 3–5 years. Learners with busy personal and professional lives often take fewer classes per term and require longer to earn their associate degree.
- On-Campus Requirements:
- Students earning their healthcare administration associate degree online generally do not need to complete any on-campus requirements. However, some programs include mandatory on-campus orientations. Additionally, graduates who enter online bachelor’s programs in the field may need to visit campus for final exams or capstone presentations.
Accreditation for Online Healthcare Administration Associate Degrees
Accreditation is a crucial consideration when choosing a school. Accreditation demonstrates a school or program meets set standards of academic quality and prepares graduates for positions and further education in the field. Many institutions and employers only recognize degrees earned from accredited institutions, which means attending an unaccredited school may prohibit graduates from securing a job or earning admission into bachelor’s programs.
Schools can hold regional or national accreditation, with regional accreditation being the oldest and most highly regarded. The U.S. Department of Education sanctions seven bodies to administer and monitor regional accreditation. For example, the New England Association of Schools and Colleges awards regional accreditation to northeastern schools, while the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools evaluates institutions in the southeastern part of the country, from Texas to Virginia.
The Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges is a regional accrediting agency that evaluates community colleges. The Council for Higher Education Accreditation maintains a database of accredited institutions. Students can also look for programs with field-specific accreditation from agencies such as the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education.
How Long Does It Take to Get an Associate Degree in Healthcare Administration?
The time necessary to earn an associate degree in healthcare administration online depends on several factors, including enrollment status and credit requirements. Full-time students generally take 4–5 courses per term and complete a 60-credit program in two years. To graduate more quickly, students can take 6–7 courses per term and earn their associate degree in 1.5 years.
Part-time students generally take 1–4 courses per term and require 3–5 years to graduate. Part-time enrollment is ideal for learners with personal or professional obligations, including students who work full time while earning their degree.
Courses in an Online Healthcare Administration Associate Program
Students completing paralegal degree programs online often take a combination of elective and core courses. Learners choose electives that fit their career goals, and core courses provide a foundation for effective legal practice. While course offerings vary by program, the classes below are common in most paralegal bachelor’s programs.
- English Composition:
- This introductory course covers the fundamentals of written and oral communication. Learners review grammar and paragraph structure, the fundamentals of writing a thesis, and elements of a multi-argument essay. Coursework also addresses the impact of tone and writing styles and how to tailor public memos and press releases.
- Medical Terminology:
- To manage patients, doctors, and insurance claims, healthcare administrators need a working knowledge of medical terms, including terms related to diagnoses and pharmaceutical treatments. Learners in this course study the structure of the human body, including muscular, digestive, respiratory, and neurological systems. Coursework also introduces major healthcare branches, such as oncology and radiology.
- Medical Office Management:
- Students explore processes within medical centers, including patient enrollment, medical history acquisition, physician diagnosis and treatment, and outpatient care. This course examines communications, safety procedures, and major technological systems in healthcare facilities.
- Health Records Management:
- Learners explore how patient records are constructed and protected. Coursework builds on basic office management skills to examine complex issues related to records management. Students learn about the processes behind ethical records acquisition, sharing, and storing, along with the legal responsibilities of healthcare facilities.
- Medical Coding:
- Medical coding involves the clear identification of medical procedures and the matching of treatments with appropriate claims reports. Students in this class explore the dominant healthcare claims systems and prepare to address practical patient claims and billing situations.
