Best Online Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration of 2024
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An online bachelor’s in healthcare administration program can prepare you for a challenging career at the intersection of healthcare and business. Find out how to choose the right program, concentration, and work environment for you.
Explore our rankings of the best online bachelor’s in healthcare administration programs, and read about the factors to look for while researching schools.
Best Online Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration
Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, NH- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $330
Out-of-State | $330
Credits to Graduate: 120
The bachelor's in healthcare administration at SNHU offers 24/7 access to the program's online classroom, with no set class times. Learners can concentrate on technology-focused health information management or patient safety and quality, which emphasizes policy development that improves patient experiences.
A rolling admission process accepts students for six undergraduate terms throughout the year. Terms span eight weeks, and students can enroll part time (one class per term) or full time (two classes per term). SNHU allows up to 90 transfer credits.
- In-State$15,000
- Out-of-state$15,000
- In-State$18,900
- Out-of-state$18,900
- Retention Rate62%
- Acceptance Rate92%
- Students Enrolled145,533
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment96%
- AccreditationYes
Florida International University
- Miami, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $236
Out-of-State | $649
Credits to Graduate: 120
FIU's online bachelor's in health services administration prepares entry-level managers in healthcare organizations. The curriculum includes content in financial management, policies and regulations, program planning and evaluation, and systems engineering. Learners can access the program's interactive technology 24/7 and one-to-one guidance from a success coach.
The program offers scholarships and awards to eligible students through the Association of University Programs in Health Administration. First-year applicants with fewer than 60 transferable credits submit SAT, ACT, or CLT scores and high school transcripts.
- In-State$4,721
- Out-of-state$16,529
- In-State$8,912
- Out-of-state$21,393
- Retention Rate90%
- Acceptance Rate64%
- Students Enrolled56,664
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment65%
- AccreditationYes
University of Central Florida
- Orlando, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $179
Out-of-State | $716
Credits to Graduate: 120
UCF online offers a bachelor's in health services administration focusing on managerial challenges and concerns in the evolving healthcare field. The curriculum prepares graduates to navigate the complex healthcare landscape, make informed decisions, optimize operations, and lead teams within a positive work environment. Courses include epidemiology, healthcare economics, and U.S. healthcare systems.
Online learners work with a success coach from admission to graduation. First-time applicants submit SAT or ACT scores and high school transcripts or GED scores.
- In-State$4,478
- Out-of-state$19,810
- In-State$6,916
- Out-of-state$25,759
- Retention Rate92%
- Acceptance Rate36%
- Students Enrolled70,310
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment9%
- AccreditationYes
Colorado State University-Global Campus
- Aurora, CO
- 4 year
- Online
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $350
Out-of-State | $350
Credits to Graduate: 120
CSU Global's bachelor's in healthcare administration and management provides a foundation in business, communications, decision-making, human resources, and marketing. The fully online program features fixed tuition rates, student-scheduled learning, and 30 optional specializations. Each specialization requires five upper-division courses, and specialty areas include AI and robotics, cybersecurity, emergency management, fundraising, and public relations.
Classes begin every four weeks and include applying leadership principles, introduction to health policy, population health management, a healthcare analysis and policy development capstone, and a healthcare management practicum.
- In-State$8,400
- Out-of-state$8,400
- In-State$9,000
- Out-of-state$9,000
- Retention Rate35%
- Acceptance Rate96%
- Students Enrolled10,844
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online EnrollmentN/A
- AccreditationYes
Trine University-Regional/Non-Traditional Campuses
- Fort Wayne, IN
- 4 year
- Online
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $299
Out-of-State | $299
Credits to Graduate: 120
Trine University's bachelor's in healthcare administration sets graduates on a path to healthcare leadership positions, advancement in their current careers, or graduate study in business administration or organizational leadership. Offered through TrineOnline, the program features asynchronous classes and three professional tracks: healthcare specialty, information systems, and organizational leadership.
Core courses include applied finance and revenue cycle, effective quality management, and infrastructure basics. A health administration capstone provides a practical simulation in which students evaluate and manage a complex business problem or opportunity.
- In-State$9,576
- Out-of-state$9,576
- In-State$10,350
- Out-of-state$10,350
- Retention Rate75%
- Acceptance Rate60%
- Students Enrolled1,367
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment97%
- AccreditationYes
National University
- San Diego, CA
- 4 year
- Online
Programmatic Accreditation: Council on Education in Public Health
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $370
Out-of-State | $370
Credits to Graduate: 180 quarter units
The bachelor's in healthcare administration at National University features year-round enrollment and four-week courses, allowing students to graduate sooner. Learners can complete their coursework online.The program culminates with an eight-week, hands-on allied health capstone project, a study abroad global health experience, or, for California residents only, an on-site internship.
The curriculum focuses on developing leaders skilled in transitioning to hybrid and telemedicine-based healthcare systems. Courses include introduction to global health systems, health economics issues, and trends in healthcare.
- In-State$13,320
- Out-of-state$13,320
- In-State$15,480
- Out-of-state$15,480
- Retention Rate100%
- Acceptance Rate55%
- Students Enrolled17,135
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment80%
- AccreditationYes
University of North Florida
- Jacksonville, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $213
Out-of-State | $693
Credits to Graduate: 120
UNF's online bachelor of health administration prepares graduates for entry-level positions, career advancement, or graduate study in healthcare settings. Students can complete internships at healthcare technology companies, hospitals, insurance companies, long-term care facilities, and medical practices.
Core courses include healthcare accounting, health law and ethics, long-term care administration, and managerial epidemiology. Learners can concentrate on aging services with courses in aging in America, aging policy and politics, and assisted living administration. Both the general and aging services tracks conclude with a capstone.
- In-State$3,996
- Out-of-state$16,799
- In-State$8,570
- Out-of-state$19,585
- Retention Rate79%
- Acceptance Rate77%
- Students Enrolled16,594
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment77%
- AccreditationYes
Herzing University-Brookfield
- Brookfield, WI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $464
Out-of-State | $464
Credits to Graduate: 120
Herzing University offers an online bachelor's in healthcare administration that students can complete in 32 months. The curriculum focuses on fundamental skills in public and private healthcare settings. It emphasizes applied statistics, finance, and patient records management. The program offers specializations in leadership or managed care and an option to earn credits toward a dual MHA/MBA degree.
The flexible program features day and evening online classes and rolling admission. Admitted students can transfer up to 90 credits and use a 10% tuition discount.
- In-State$13,320
- Out-of-state$13,320
- In-State$10,800
- Out-of-state$10,800
- Retention Rate69%
- Acceptance Rate91%
- Students Enrolled351
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment76%
- AccreditationYes
State College of Florida-Manatee-Sarasota
- Bradenton, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $112
Out-of-State | $442
Credits to Graduate: 120
The online bachelor of applied science in health services administration at State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota, focuses on workforce skills. Graduates are prepared for administrative and management positions planning, developing, and managing healthcare operations. Coursework topics include health finance, human services, and information systems.
The program requires students to have completed 60 undergraduate credits and prefers applicants with an associate degree. Admission criteria specify a 2.0 GPA and 15 hours of prerequisite courses with a C or higher.
- In-State$2,365
- Out-of-state$2,365
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled8,424
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment72%
- AccreditationYes
Santa Fe College
- Gainesville, FL
- 4 year
- Online
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $126
Out-of-State | $429
Credits to Graduate: 60
Santa Fe College's bachelor's in health services administration online admits associate degree-holders from regionally accredited programs. Applicants must have a 2.5 GPA and a C or higher in financial accounting, introduction to statistics, managerial accounting, microcomputer applications, and principles of microeconomics.
The program trains professionals who can supervise and manage healthcare facilities, medical practices, departments, or clinical areas. Courses include fundamentals of health research methods, healthcare automation and technology, introduction to health administration, and the sociology of aging. Students complete an internship or project-based capstone.
- In-State$1,872
- Out-of-state$7,418
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled12,830
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment55%
- AccreditationYes
The Advantages of a Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration
Online bachelor’s in healthcare administration programs offer flexibility for students with jobs and families, with options for part- and full-time study.
The benefits of earning an online bachelor’s in healthcare administration include:
Marketable Skills: Coursework covers accounting, communications, data analysis, human resources management, information management, and organizational leadership.- Specializations: Students can focus on healthcare informatics, law and policy, project management, and strategic communications.
- Employment Growth: Graduates can enter a field with a faster-than-average projected job growth rate of 28% from 2022-2032.
What Can You Do with a Bachelor’s in Healthcare Management Degree?
Graduates of bachelor’s in healthcare management programs qualify for various positions, including healthcare informatics managers, medical marketing managers, medical office managers, and nursing home administrators. They are also eligible to apply to law school and become healthcare attorneys or enter healthcare administration master’s programs.
Job Growth
29%
Projected Job Growth for Medical and Health Services Managers
160,600
Projected New Jobs for Medical and Health Services Managers
Source: BLS
Salary
The table below lists the median annual salaries graduates of bachelor’s in healthcare management programs earn. Wages can vary according to geographic location and type of workplace, and healthcare managers can boost their earnings with higher degrees, skill-based certifications, and experience.
| Career Title | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Healthcare Administrator | $78,530 |
| Human Resources Manager | $74,000 |
| Medical Marketing Manager | $72,510 |
| Healthcare Program Director | $88,480 |
| Nursing Home Administrator | $99,140 |
| Medical Office Manager | $54,950 |
Choosing an Online Healthcare Administration Degree Program
While researching online healthcare administration degree programs, consider whether you can afford the tuition, transfer college credits, and learn fully online or if you must travel to campus for classes.
Program Cost
College can cost a lot of money. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the median total cost of online bachelor’s in health administration programs is $22,370 per year.
However, a smart shopper can find affordable degree options. Some schools offer a reduced rate or
in-state tuition for online courses or program-specific scholarships. Make sure to look at the total cost before committing to a school.
Transfer Policies
You can reduce the time and cost of earning an online degree through transfer credits. Some schools let you transfer credits from your previous associate degree or schooling, while others accept work or volunteer experience as credit. Most schools have a limit for how many transfer credits and how much experience you can transfer into their program, but these transfer limits vary by program. Check with an admissions counselor before you apply.
School Size and Type
A school’s size determines how many students you share resources with — and how many you can network with. Larger schools may also have a greater student-to-teacher ratio, making one-on-one time with faculty harder.
Choosing between a private and public school proves important since, on average, public schools cost less than private schools, and only public schools offer in-state tuition.
Program Length
Accelerated online programs can take as little as 18 months. Full-time online bachelor’s degrees take four years. An online program can take up to six years of part-time study. Schools usually charge a flat rate per credit, semester, or year.
On-Campus Requirements
An online program may require an internship or an on-campus intensive, which could mean traveling to complete your education. Some schools even use a hybrid model, requiring some on-campus classes. If you cannot commute, you probably should not apply to that school.
Accreditation for Online Healthcare Administration Degrees
Accreditation is one of the most important factors to consider when searching for a school, as it can impact your federal financial aid. In addition, most graduate schools and employers will turn you away if your degree does not come from an accredited university.
Schools can hold regional or national accreditation, with the former proving harder to achieve — rendering it the more reputable. National accreditation typically applies to vocational schools, and students should note that national accreditation does not usually transfer to regionally accredited institutions. In general, students should prioritize schools with regional accreditation.
Accreditation is regulated through collaboration between the Department of Education (ED) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). The ED sets standards for accreditation, and CHEA oversees regulatory agencies. If a school does not hold accreditation from a CHEA-approved organization, it may not offer a legitimate degree.
Individual degree programs also hold programmatic accreditation in addition to the university’s accreditation. For healthcare administration, look for programmatic accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education.
Healthcare Administration Concentrations
With so many career choices for graduates with a degree in healthcare administration, some schools offer concentrations to help students specialize. These concentrations can increase an individual’s chances of finding a job immediately after earning an online healthcare administration degree.
Healthcare Informatics
This concentration emphasizes computer science. Students learn to operate commonly used healthcare software and take data analysis, digital security, and information management courses.
Careers This Concentration Prepares For: Informatics analyst, informatics manager
Project Management
Keeping projects on track and within budget is a skill that many employers seek. This concentration covers contract management, negotiation, budgeting, and scheduling. Students also learn to make decisions in complex situations.
Careers This Concentration Prepares For: Healthcare project manager, project coordinator
Strategic Communications
Healthcare professionals deal with complex topics and serve a variety of patients. Keeping messaging clear and in line with facility values is vital. A strategic communications concentration covers communicating internally and externally, resolving conflicts, and developing and building brands.
Careers This Concentration Prepares For: Human resources, health communications
Healthcare Law and Policy
Law and policy surrounding healthcare are complex and constantly changing. With a healthcare law and policy concentration, students learn to keep facilities compliant with regulations. This pathway also covers human resources and ethics policies.
Careers This Concentration Prepares For: Healthcare attorney, healthcare law executive
Accounting
Handling the finances of any healthcare facility can prove challenging. This concentration establishes a firm understanding of accounting principles related to healthcare, including taxes, financial management, and auditing. Students in this specialty also learn about payroll and departmental accounting.
Careers This Concentration Prepares For: Healthcare accounting, accounts payable specialist
How Long Does It Take to Get a Degree in Healthcare Administration?
A bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration online usually takes four years. However, the length can vary depending on several factors. For example, students with transfer or experience credits take much less time. Some schools offer year-round courses, allowing students to forge ahead during the summer.
Most bachelor’s degree programs require at least 120 credits. Working students often enjoy studying part time, depending on their schedules. If you work and need to study part time, find an online school that offers an affordable per-credit tuition rate.
Courses in an Online Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration Program
While specific courses vary by program, most healthcare administration programs online cover similar topics. The list below includes a few sample classes to give you a feel for what you might encounter during one of these programs.
- U.S. Healthcare Systems: The U.S. healthcare system can be complicated, and healthcare administrators must know how to navigate it. This course covers the history of U.S. healthcare, the U.S. healthcare delivery system, and common U.S. healthcare facility styles. It also provides an overview of how health insurance billing works.
- Principles of Healthcare Management: Principles of healthcare management teaches you how to plan and direct operations within your organization as a healthcare manager. This course blends management and learning about the structure of healthcare facilities.
- Organizational Leadership: Most healthcare administrators take on leadership roles in their facilities. This course covers different leadership methods, including the best methods for individual workers and larger groups and the basics of psychology. This course sometimes emphasizes healthcare facilities.
- Strategic Management: Healthcare administrators must take a strategic approach to management and delegation to get the most out of a facility. This course covers planning and implementing strategies to achieve short- and long-term goals.
- Human Resources Management: Healthcare administration is often about human resource management, such as processing new hires and ensuring a safe and compliant work environment. This course covers evaluating, hiring, and training healthcare professionals while balancing against discrimination. It also covers how to structure and manage employee compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration
Healthcare administration is a complex field, but as long as you understand that it requires knowledge and skills in both business and healthcare, you should not find it harder than other business, science, and technology majors. You can expect a learning curve and should prepare to be challenged.
While there is overlap, the main difference between healthcare administration and healthcare management lies in the focus. Healthcare administrators oversee healthcare facility staff and services. Healthcare managers direct hospital and clinical operations, including finances and building maintenance.
Like most professionals, healthcare administrators experience stress and challenges. Healthcare administrators must handle staff issues and conflicts, stay informed about changing government regulations, and navigate rising healthcare costs while providing safe, high-quality patient care.
Healthcare professionals are in demand, and medical and health services managers should see strong job growth. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 160,600 new jobs for medical and health services managers between 2023 and 2033. An aging U.S. population needing healthcare and a broad shift to electronic health records point to long-term stability in the healthcare industry.
Healthcare administration is a challenging and rewarding career with rising employment growth projections. Median annual salaries for healthcare administrators range from $54,000 to $98,000, with six-figure average wages in some healthcare workplaces, U.S. states, and metropolitan areas.
