Best Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Healthcare Management
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Top Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Healthcare Management
Healthcare managers oversee the administrative aspects of hospitals, physicians’ offices, and other healthcare facilities. They oversee daily operations, analyze patient care outcomes, and manage staff. A bachelor’s degree in healthcare management prepares graduates for these lucrative positions.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that medical and health services managers, including healthcare administrators, clinical managers, and health information managers, earn a median salary of over $110,680 per year.
Featured Online Healthcare Management Degrees
Best Healthcare Management Online Bachelor’s Programs
Florida International University
Miami, FL- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,721
- Out-of-state$16,529
- In-State$8,912
- Out-of-state$21,393
- Retention Rate89%
- Acceptance Rate58%
- Students Enrolled58,711
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment68%
- AccreditationYes
Western Governors University
- Salt Lake City, UT
- 4 year
- Online
- In-State$6,380
- Out-of-state$6,380
- In-State$7,500
- Out-of-state$7,500
- Retention Rate73%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled136,139
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online EnrollmentN/A
- AccreditationYes
Southern New Hampshire University
- Manchester, NH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$30,756
- Out-of-state$30,756
- In-State$18,810
- Out-of-state$18,810
- Retention Rate65%
- Acceptance Rate88%
- Students Enrolled113,514
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment94%
- AccreditationYes
University of Central Florida
- Orlando, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,478
- Out-of-state$19,810
- In-State$6,916
- Out-of-state$25,759
- Retention Rate91%
- Acceptance Rate44%
- Students Enrolled69,402
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment59%
- AccreditationYes
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
- Lubbock, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,417
- Out-of-state$19,282
- In-State$6,168
- Out-of-state$16,128
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled5,294
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment53%
- AccreditationYes
Best Online Programs
Healthcare Management
2023
How We Chose These Schools
At TheBestSchools, we use trusted data from the U.S. Department of Education to evaluate schools without bias. Our ranking methodology helps prospective students from various backgrounds find the best fit. We consider key factors like academic quality, online offerings, and affordability so every type of student can find the best fit for them.
This ranking is from 2023. Learn more about how our formula works on our ranking methodology page.
Choosing a Program
When researching the best bachelor’s in healthcare management online programs, students should consider factors like program length, cost, and reputation. For example, some programs offer accelerated timelines or generous transfer credit policies that allow students to expedite graduation.
Prospective students should also research the total cost of the degree, factoring in tuition, other education expenses, and financial aid opportunities. To evaluate a program’s quality, prospective students should consider graduation rates, job placement statistics, and accreditation status.
What To Expect from an Online Bachelor’s Degree Program in Healthcare Management
An online bachelor’s degree in healthcare management prepares graduates for careers like healthcare administrator and health services manager. Learners study topics like healthcare administration, budgeting in the healthcare field, and medical terminology. Many programs also incorporate business administration classes.
In addition to courses within the healthcare management major, students complete general education classes in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. During these classes, healthcare management majors strengthen their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Earning a healthcare management degree online usually takes four years of full-time study. Transfer students with prior college credit and/or an associate degree can often complete their bachelor’s degrees in less time. Graduates can pursue healthcare management careers or graduate study, such as a master’s in healthcare administration.
Example Courses for Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Healthcare Management
Courses vary by program, but most online bachelor’s healthcare management degree programs include classes like healthcare economics, legal and ethical issues in healthcare, and healthcare administration. We cover several common courses for healthcare management students below.
- Privacy and Protection in Healthcare: In this course, students learn about the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, commonly known as HIPAA. Learners also study the relationship between HIPAA and other federal and state health privacy laws, including the enforcement of these laws. The course teaches students how to identify situations governed by HIPAA and understand which laws apply to specific patient situations.
- The Economics of Healthcare: Healthcare managers oversee budgets for healthcare organizations. In courses on the economics of healthcare, learners study the connection between healthcare pricing and patient health outcomes, learning to balance cost with quality care. The course also introduces the economic models governing healthcare systems. Additional topics include supply and demand in healthcare, cost-benefit analysis, and the insurance system.
- Healthcare Administration: In healthcare administration classes, students examine healthcare management challenges and the leading theories and practices in healthcare administration. Learners may study the organization of healthcare institutions, the relationship between healthcare providers and managers, and healthcare management systems. Students also learn how to apply healthcare management theories to real-world situations.
- Legal and Ethical Issues in Healthcare: Healthcare managers and administrators must ensure that healthcare organizations comply with laws and regulations while promoting ethical patient care practices. This course examines the legal and ethical issues healthcare professionals encounter in their work. Topics may include government regulation of healthcare providers, the role of patient consent in medical procedures, and health information management.
- Medical Terminology: Medical terminology courses introduce students to the language of medicine. Students learn how to define, interpret, and pronounce medical terminology in areas like pathology, pharmacology, and oncology. By studying clinical terminology, terms for diagnosis, and common abbreviations, students can better understand and interpret medical records.
Accreditation for Online Bachelor’s in Healthcare Management Degrees
Students who wish to earn a healthcare management degree should research a school’s accreditation status before applying. Accreditation indicates that a school meets high standards for faculty qualifications, student learning outcomes, and academic rigor. Institutions can earn regional or national accreditation. Generally, liberal arts and research institutions hold regional accreditation, while vocational and technical colleges hold national accreditation. Regional accreditation is typically considered the more prestigious of the two.
Certain programs within a school may also receive programmatic accreditation. AACSB and the Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education both grant programmatic accreditation to healthcare management programs.
Accreditation benefits students in several ways. First, only students at accredited schools qualify for federal financial aid, and many schools only recognize and accept credits and degrees from accredited institutions. Additionally, many employers prefer to hire candidates with an accredited degree, and some professional certifications require an accredited degree. You can learn more about college and university accreditation here.
Healthcare Management Jobs
Professionals with a bachelor’s degree in healthcare management can work in roles like healthcare executive, medical services manager, and human resources manager. We cover several common careers for graduates below.
Questions About Healthcare Management Degrees
What Is Healthcare Management?
Healthcare managers oversee daily operations and long-term planning for hospitals, physicians’ offices, and other healthcare facilities. They supervise staff, allocate financial resources, and make sure facilities follow government regulations. These professionals also work to improve patient outcomes. Most healthcare management jobs require a bachelor’s degree in healthcare management, though some may require a master’s in healthcare administration.
What Can I Do With a Bachelor’s in Healthcare Management?
Graduates with a bachelor’s in healthcare management can work as healthcare administrators, patient care managers, practice administrators, and healthcare executives. In these roles, professionals oversee the operations of hospital departments, physicians’ offices, and other healthcare facilities. With experience, healthcare managers can work as healthcare executives and directors.
How Much Can You Make With a Healthcare Management Degree?
Healthcare management salaries vary by experience, job title, and location. However, according to the BLS, medical and health services managers earn a median salary of $110,680 per year.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Bachelor’s Degree in Healthcare Management?
Earning a bachelor’s degree in healthcare management typically takes four years of full-time study. However, some programs offer accelerated timelines, allowing students to graduate within two to three years.
