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 mediane salary of nearly $100,000 per year.
#1 | University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus | Norman, OK |
#2 | Drexel University | Philadelphia, PA |
#3 | University of Louisville | Louisville, KY |
#4 | Saint Francis University | Loretto, PA |
#5 | University of Alabama at Birmingham | Birmingham, AL |
#6 | Maryville University of Saint Louis | Saint Louis, MO |
#7 | Regent University | Virginia Beach, VA |
#8 | Parker University | Dallas, TX |
#9 | Saint Joseph's College of Maine | Standish, ME |
#10 | Concordia University-Saint Paul | Saint Paul, MN |
Best Online Bachelor's Programs in Healthcare Management
Rank | School | Location | Apply | More Information |
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1 |
University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus |
Norman, OK Apply Now | ||
2 |
Drexel University |
Philadelphia, PA Apply Now | ||
3 |
University of Louisville |
Louisville, KY Apply Now | ||
4 |
Saint Francis University |
Loretto, PA Apply Now | ||
5 |
University of Alabama at Birmingham |
Birmingham, AL Apply Now | ||
6 |
Maryville University of Saint Louis |
Saint Louis, MO Apply Now | ||
7 |
Regent University |
Virginia Beach, VA Apply Now | ||
8 |
Parker University |
Dallas, TX Apply Now | ||
9 |
Saint Joseph's College of Maine |
Standish, ME Apply Now | ||
10 |
Concordia University-Saint Paul |
Saint Paul, MN Apply Now | ||
11 |
Western Kentucky University |
Bowling Green, KY Apply Now | ||
12 |
Misericordia University |
Dallas, PA Apply Now | ||
13 |
Immaculata University |
Immaculata, PA Apply Now | ||
14 |
Champlain College |
Burlington, VT Apply Now | ||
15 |
Peirce College |
Philadelphia, PA Apply Now | ||
16 |
Mississippi University for Women |
Columbus, MS Apply Now | ||
17 |
Southeast Missouri State University |
Cape Girardeau, MO Apply Now | ||
18 |
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale |
Carbondale, IL Apply Now | ||
19 |
Regis University |
Denver, CO Apply Now | ||
20 |
Oregon Institute of Technology |
Klamath Falls, OR Apply Now | ||
21 |
Southern New Hampshire University |
Manchester, NH Apply Now | ||
22 |
Dallas Baptist University |
Dallas, TX Apply Now | ||
23 |
Viterbo University |
La Crosse, WI Apply Now | ||
24 |
College of Our Lady of the Elms |
Chicopee, MA Apply Now | ||
25 |
Norfolk State University |
Norfolk, VA Apply Now |
End of list, bravo!
Online Bachelor's Programs in Healthcare Management Ranking Guidelines

We ranked these accredited online healthcare management bachelor's degree programs based on their quality, curricula, faculty, school awards, rankings, and reputations, including each school's reputation for effectively providing online degree programs.
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.
When researching the best bachelor's in healthcare management online programs, students should consider factors like program length, cost, and reputation.
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 Is Healthcare Management?
Healthcare managers oversee the operations of healthcare facilities. They supervise staff, ensure facility compliance with laws and regulations, and create and implement policies. Healthcare managers also work closely with physicians, nurses, and other clinical professionals to improve patient care outcomes. Although healthcare managers often do not bring clinical training to their roles, they need an understanding of medical terminology, electronic medical records, and healthcare operations.
Healthcare managers may hold titles like healthcare administrator, health insurance manager, department manager, or practice manager. They can work in hospitals, physicians' offices, nursing homes, and other medical facilities. These roles typically require a healthcare management bachelor's degree.
What Is a Bachelor's in Healthcare Management Degree?
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.
Learners study topics like healthcare administration, budgeting in the healthcare field, and medical terminology.
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 an MBA with a healthcare concentration.
What Will I Learn in an Online Bachelor's in Healthcare Management Program?
Courses vary by program, but most online healthcare management bachelor's 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
Prospective healthcare management students 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.
Prospective healthcare management students should research a school's accreditation status before applying.
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.
Medical and Health Services Managers
Median Annual Salary: $99,730 | Projected Job Growth: 18% |
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Medical and health services managers -- also known as healthcare executives and healthcare administrators -- oversee the operations of healthcare facilities. They ensure facilities comply with applicable laws and regulations, oversee facility budgets, supervise staff members, and represent facilities on governing boards. Most medical and health services managers hold a bachelor's degree, though some employers prefer candidates with a master's degree.
Top Executives
Median Annual Salary: $104,980 | Projected Job Growth: 6% |
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Top executives set strategies and policies for organizations. Healthcare executives plan and direct the operational activities and long-term goals of healthcare organizations. They may negotiate contracts, appoint department heads, and analyze performance indicators to improve efficiency and patient health outcomes. These professionals typically collaborate with managers, other executives, and board members. Most executive positions require at least a bachelor's degree and significant work experience.
Public Relations Managers and Specialists
Median Annual Salary: $114,800 | Projected Job Growth: 8% |
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Public relations managers and specialists in healthcare direct and manage the public image of healthcare facilities. They may create press releases, interact with the media, identify target audiences, and act as spokespeople for their organizations. Public relations managers and specialists generally need a bachelor's degree for entry-level positions. Candidates for managerial jobs often need several years of work experience.
Human Resources Manager
Median Annual Salary: $113,300 | Projected Job Growth: 7% |
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Human resources managers oversee the administrative functions of organizations, including healthcare organizations. They oversee employee benefits programs, advise managers on human resources issues, and manage hiring processes. Human resources managers may also mediate disputes between employees and direct disciplinary procedures. These professionals typically need a bachelor's degree plus several years of work experience.
Healthcare Management Professional Organizations
Healthcare management students and professionals benefit from joining professional organizations. The following organizations provide professional development tools, career services, and networking opportunities for current and prospective healthcare managers.
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Health Care Administrators Association
Representing healthcare administrators since 1980, HCAA advocates for third-party administrators and related service providers. Members include benefits administrators, managing general underwriters, medical managers, pharmacy benefits managers, human resources managers, and healthcare consultants. HCAA offers educational tools and networking opportunities, including two annual conferences.
Third-party administrators and plan sponsors can become regular members, while pharmacy benefits managers, healthcare consultants, and underwriters can become affiliate members. Regular members pay $700 per year and affiliate members pay $900 per year.
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American College of Healthcare Executives
The American College of Healthcare Executives promotes positive patient outcomes by improving quality of care and encouraging best practices in healthcare administration. The college offers a learning center that emphasizes continual improvement at all career stages.
Through ACHE, professionals can access educational resources, attend events and networking opportunities, and read publications to stay current in the field. The organization also publishes research on healthcare management and offers a career resource center that posts job openings and helps professionals advance their careers.
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American Association of Healthcare Administrative Management
AAHAM is a professional organization for healthcare administrators and managers. Founded in 1968, AAHAM offers educational resources on topics like data management, patient relations, and medical records. The organization also hosts publications, conferences, and seminars.
Additionally, AAHAM offers certification opportunities for staff and managers. AAHAM certification helps members advance their careers and earn professional recognition. Certification options include certified revenue cycle specialist and certified revenue cycle executive.
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National Association of Healthcare Access Management
An association for patient access services professionals, including healthcare managers, NAHAM establishes best practices in the field and promotes high-quality patient access services. The association offers networking opportunities, educational resources, and professional certifications, such as certified healthcare access manager and certified healthcare access associate.
NAHAM offers active membership for management-level professionals and those who deliver training or offer consulting services. Non-supervisory professionals and undergraduates earning a degree from an accredited institution can apply for associate membership. Active members pay $205 per year, while associate members pay $65.