The Best Online Bachelor’s in Healthcare Management
| TBS Staff
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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 |
Featured Online Schools
Best Online Bachelor's Programs in Healthcare Management
The University of Oklahoma offers more than 20 undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs through the College of Extended Studies. The online BS in lifespan care administration emphasizes adaptable caregiving skills and practices over the lifespan.
The online healthcare management program comprises 120 credits, including general education, major, elective, and specialization credits. Students can choose to specialize in early childhood, adolescence, or geriatrics. Regardless of their specialization, all students take core courses on topics like ethical and legal issues in healthcare, biology of human aging, and human service administration.
Students culminate the degree with a capstone, which consists of a practicum and an in-depth research project on lifespan care administration. Students can optionally pursue registered behavior technician credentials concurrently with the degree.
The healthcare management degree features an accelerated schedule and asynchronous courses, giving students the flexibility to balance their studies with professional and personal obligations. Students can begin classes in the fall, spring, or summer.
Founded in 1891, Drexel University hosts three physical campuses, additional regional locations, and a comprehensive online division launched in 1996. Drexel University Online offers more than 150 online undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs, including a BS in health services administration.
The healthcare management degree comprises 180-184 quarter credits. Students complete four 10-week terms per year, taking general education, liberal arts, major, and elective courses. Learners take core health services administration courses on topics like healthcare ethics, nonprofits and healthcare, and healthcare marketing. Students also take business classes on topics like organizational behavior, accounting for professionals, and introduction to business statistics.
Students may transfer up to 135 quarter credits or 90 semester credits with a grade of "C" or better toward the program. Drexel accepts applications on a rolling basis and offers fall, winter, spring, and summer start dates. All online learners pay the same tuition rate regardless of residency. The university was the first in the nation to develop its own mobile app, DrexelOne Mobile, which students can use to access resources and support services.
Located in Kentucky's largest metro area, the University of Louisville occupies three physical campuses and hosts a comprehensive online division. UofL enrolls more than 22,000 students annually, including nearly 8,800 online students, through 12 academic schools and colleges. Distance learners can choose from over 40 online undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs.
UofL offers an online BS in organizational leadership and learning with a healthcare leadership track through the College of Education and Human Development. The 120-credit program includes general education, major, and elective courses. Learners study topics like healthcare law and ethics, organizational change in healthcare, and healthcare HR management. The healthcare management degree culminates in a capstone project and exit portfolio.
The program suits students with prior college experience, allowing learners to transfer up to 48 tuition-free credits toward the degree. Online learners can choose from two study formats: a term option, which offers guided learning over accelerated eight-week courses, or the flex option, a self-guided, competency-based format that gives students up to 32 weeks to complete each course. All distance learners pay the same tuition rate regardless of residency. Active-duty military and veterans receive a tuition discount.
Located near Pittsburgh, Saint Francis University is the oldest Catholic-Franciscan college in the United States. SFU offers more than 50 undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs, including more than 35 fully online degrees and certificates through Francis Worldwide.
The 36-credit online bachelor of health science with a healthcare management concentration is a degree-completion program that includes business, healthcare management, liberal studies, and elective requirements. The program emphasizes best healthcare management and marketing practices, healthcare economics, ethics and healthcare law, and healthcare policy. Students can also complete a healthcare internship as an elective.
SFU accepts applications on a rolling basis throughout the year. Online students can begin the bachelor's in healthcare management on one of two starts per semester. All online students pay the same tuition rate regardless of residency. Online students gain access to library reources, career services, and admissions counseling.
Established in 1959, the University of Alabama at Birmingham began as a small medical school and is now one of three distinguished entities in the University of Alabama system. UAB enrolls more than 22,000 students each year through undergraduate and graduate programs across 10 academic and professional schools. The school's distance learning division, UAB Online, delivers more than 100 programs and courses in fully online and blended formats.
Students pursuing the fully online, 120-credit bachelor of science in healthcare management can tailor the degree to their interests and goals through concentrations in general management, clinical management, pre-professional studies, or long-term care administration.
In addition to general education, major, and elective coursework, all learners complete an internship to gain practical experience in the field. The program also offers optional fast tracks in health informatics, healthcare quality and safety, and occupational therapy. These tracks allow students to earn a second degree in a related subject while they pursue the healthcare management degree.
Students earning the bachelor's in healthcare management online gain skills and knowledge in communication, ethical and legal healthcare issues, and strategic planning. Graduates can pursue positions in long-term care facilities, hospitals, medical group practices, and managed care organizations. UAB admits students on a rolling basis throughout the year. Students can start the online BS in healthcare management at any time.
Founded in 1872 by the Religious of the Sacred Heart, Maryville University of Saint Louis offers more than 50 online undergraduate and graduate programs across 10 fields of study. The 128-credit, online healthcare management degree emphasizes entrepreneurial healthcare management, preparing graduates to forge their own career paths through broad skill development.
Students in this program complete general education, core, major, and elective courses. Core coursework focuses on topics like professionalism, communication, compliance, and healthcare privacy and security. In addition to coursework, students complete a healthcare management practicum and seminar, gaining experience in the field. Learners culminate the degree with a capstone requirement.
Students can begin the BS in healthcare management on one of three start dates throughout the year. All online students pay the same tuition rate regardless of residency. Online students can take advantage of a variety of financial aid opportunities, including institutional scholarships and employer assistance programs.
Established in 1978, Regent University ranks among the fastest-growing private universities in the nation, enrolling more than 10,000 students across nine schools and colleges. Students can choose from over 135 undergraduate and graduate programs, all of which incorporate a Christian worldview.
The 120-credit, online healthcare management bachelor's degree emphasizes the continuum of care in the U.S. healthcare system. The program includes general education, healthcare management core, and elective courses. Classes cover topics like business statistics, healthcare informatics, macroeconomics, and marketing principles. Students culminate the degree with a healthcare practicum and capstone requirement.
To earn the degree, students need a grade of "C" or better in all major coursework and a cumulative minimum 2.0 GPA. The healthcare management degree comprises eight-week courses and offers multiple start dates per year. Regent charges per-credit tuition rates based on how many credits each student pursues, regardless of the student's state of residence.
Parker University emphasizes patient-centered programs in healthcare practice and research. Parker offers undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs in health sciences, technology, business, and education. The university counts itself among the nation's most renowned providers of health and wellness programs and professional training.
Parker's bachelor of business administration with a concentration in healthcare management comprises 120 credits and includes general education, business, healthcare management, and elective coursework. Students take classes on topics like ethics and decision-making in healthcare; introduction to healthcare management; and quality improvement, quality assurance, and risk management. Students culminate the degree with an internship and healthcare management capstone course.
Parker offers monthly start dates throughout the year. All online students pay the same tuition rate regardless of residency. Active-duty military students enjoy a tuition discount. Whenever possible, Parker encourages prospective BBA students to attend an open-house event on campus to meet professors, staff, and fellow students prior to enrolling in an online program.
Founded in 1912 by the Sisters of Mercy, Saint Joseph's College of Maine imparts a Catholic worldview and emphasizes community service in its liberal arts programs. SJP enrolls roughly 1,000 students on campus and nearly 2,500 learners online. The college offers more than 50 online undergraduate and graduate programs in education, nursing, business, and liberal arts.
The 128-credit, online bachelor of science in health administration prepares graduates for careers as healthcare managers and administrators. The curriculum includes general education, health administration core, and elective classes. Students take core coursework on topics like healthcare ethics, quality control, financial management, human resources, and healthcare systems. Students can transfer up to 95 credits toward the online healthcare management degree.
SJC also offers an online health administration certificate for pre-bachelor's students and a fast-track option that allows students to concurrently earn a BS in healthcare management and a master's of health administration (MHA) degree. Online students gain access to tutoring, advising, and IT services. Additionally, students can take advantage of optional internships. SJC accepts applications on a rolling basis throughout the year. Students can begin on one of four start dates per year.
Founded in 1893 as a Christian liberal arts institution, Concordia University provides career-focused programs that highlight experiential learning and relevant job skills. CSP offers more than 80 undergraduate and graduate programs, including more than 40 online offerings.
The 120-credit, fully online BA in healthcare administration includes seven-week general education, major, and elective courses. Major coursework, which students must take sequentially, explores subjects such as leadership communication, healthcare diversity and global issues, and compliance and regulatory requirements. The program culminates in an internship and healthcare management capstone course, giving students practical experience in the field.
Courses follow a mostly asynchronous format, giving students the flexibility to balance their studies with professional and personal obligations. Transfer applicants must submit official college transcripts with a minimum 2.0 GPA. Applicants with fewer than 20 transferable college credits must submit official high school transcripts. All online students pay the same tuition rate regardless of residency. Distance learners can access online library, technical, and career development services.
Founded in 1906, Western Kentucky University is one of 16 members of Kentucky's postsecondary education system. WKU enrolls 19,000 students through 93 undergraduate majors and 92 graduate and certificate programs. Online students can choose from diverse undergraduate and graduate programs through WKU Online and WKU On Demand.
WKU's 120-credit, online BS in healthcare administration is one of only 11 of its kind in the country to hold programmatic accreditation. Students complete online courses as part of a cohort, taking courses with the same group of peers throughout the program. The degree emphasizes skills and knowledge in healthcare finance, quality, organization, and management. Students take classes on topics like contemporary healthcare issues, healthcare organization management, and medical terminology.
The healthcare management degree also includes an embedded certificate in long-term care administration. The certificate focuses on caregiving for aging communities, qualifying graduates to pursue licensed nursing home administrator credentials. Distance learners culminate the degree with a healthcare administration internship to gain practical experience in the field.
Founded in 1924 by the Religious Sisters of Mercy, Misericordia University was established under the auspices of the Roman Catholic Church. Misericordia serves more than 2,500 students through its undergraduate and graduate programs. Learners can choose from more than 37 bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees, including a variety of online programs.
Misericordia's online healthcare management bachelor's degree includes general education, major, and elective courses and offers an optional specialization in healthcare management marketing. Students complete core business and management courses, including business law, market research, and principles of management. They also complete healthcare courses on topics like introduction to health systems, healthcare strategic management, and managed care.
Students can earn the BS in healthcare management on an accelerated schedule. Part-time students pursuing the accelerated path can graduate in as little as 2.5 years. Freshman applicants need a minimum 2.5 GPA. The school typically admits transfer students with a minimum 2.0 GPA.
Chartered in 1920 by the Congregation of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Immaculata University was the first Catholic college for women in Philadelphia. Today, Immaculata enrolls more than 2,500 coeducational students through over 60 undergraduate and professional programs and more than a dozen graduate degrees and certificates.
Immaculata's online BS in healthcare management is an accelerated degree-completion program offered through the College of Adult Professional Studies. The healthcare management degree comprises 126 credits, including general education, major, and elective requirements. The curriculum explores topics including healthcare laws and ethics, healthcare operations, human resources, and financial management. Students learn how to plan, direct, and coordinate the delivery of healthcare.
Applicants must hold a high school diploma or equivalent and submit official transcripts. The school recommends that applicants submit letters of recommendation to bolster their applications. All online students pay the same tuition rate regardless of residency. The university offers a variety of financial aid opportunities for online students, including institutional scholarships and a tuition payment plan.
Established in 1878, Champlain College offers career-focused programs that use distance learning methods. The college was among the first in the nation to deliver online degrees and certificates. Champlain serves more than 2,500 students on its main campus and more than 3,000 students online.
The online, 120-credit BS in healthcare administration includes general education, major, and elective requirements. The program also features an embedded, 15-credit certificate in healthcare administration. Learners study topics like healthcare performance and process improvement, principles of business, and healthcare privacy and protection. Students culminate the degree with an integrative healthcare management capstone.
Students can begin on one of multiple start dates throughout the year. Learners can transfer up to 90 credits for prior academic, military, or life experience. Students pursuing the online bachelor's in healthcare administration pay the same tuition rate regardless of residency.
Founded in 1865 as Union Business College, Peirce College originally provided career training for soldiers returning from the Civil War. Today, Peirce enrolls roughly 2,000 students through diverse undergraduate and graduate programs. With an average student age of 35, the school is Philadelphia's only institution of higher learning focused on adult learners. Students can choose from more than 30 online undergraduate and graduate degrees.
The 121-credit online bachelor of science in healthcare administration teaches students how to manage administrative, clinical, and financial systems; use medical terminology; analyze data; and model leadership skills and behavior. The program includes general education courses like speech communication, English composition, and application software fundamentals. Healthcare administration courses cover topics like medical terminology, healthcare law and ethics, and health policy. Students culminate the degree with a capstone course.
During the degree, students can earn up to 12 credits toward Peirce's MS in organizational leadership and management. Peirce also offers related online programs, including an associate degree in health information technology, a BS in health information administration, and a certificate in medical coding. All online students pay the same tuition rate regardless of residency.
Established in 1884, Mississippi University for Women counts world-renowned poets, authors, artists, musicians, and playwrights among its alumni. The university began admitting male students in 1982. Today, MUW enrolls more than 2,500 students through over 50 programs, including 30 online undergraduate and graduate programs.
The 120-credit, online bachelor of business administration with a concentration in healthcare management includes general education, business core, major, and elective courses. Students explore business topics such as accounting, marketing, communication, and strategic management. Major requirements include healthcare law, healthcare information technology, and comparative healthcare systems, culminating in a capstone portfolio. Students must maintain a grade of "C" or better in all required courses to graduate.
Students can transfer up to 90 credits toward the degree. All online students pay the same tuition rate regardless of residency. Graduates can work in roles such as clinical manager, hospital administrator, nursing home manager, and managed care analyst. Applicants must submit transcripts, letters of recommendation, and SAT or ACT scores.
Established in 1873 as a teacher training facility, the Southeast Missouri State University now serves 12,000 students through more than 175 undergraduate majors and 75 graduate degrees and certificates. Students can choose from roughly 40 online programs, including a
bachelor of science in healthcare management with concentrations in quality and patient safety or informatics.
The 120-credit program includes general education, senior-division, and major coursework. Students complete core courses in human biology, health perspectives, principles of macroeconomics, and pre-calculus. Learners also complete a healthcare management internship to gain practical experience in the field.
SEMO students can choose from four-, eight-, and 16-week course delivery options, with courses available in the fall, winter, spring, and summer terms. Learners gain access to dedicated academic and admissions advisors and student success coaching services. Students can begin the online BS in healthcare management on one of multiple start dates throughout the year. SEMO also offers an accelerated completion option for students interested in pursuing a related master's degree.
Founded in 1869, Southern Illinois University is a public research university that enrolls more than 14,500 students each year through 11 academic schools and colleges. Students can choose from more than 20 online undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs, including a bachelor's in healthcare management.
Offered through the School of Health Sciences, the 120-credit program allows students to pursue a minor in long-term care or health information and informatics management. Students complete foundational social sciences, humanities, mathematics, and communication coursework. They also complete a sequence of healthcare management courses on topics like healthcare ethics, U.S. healthcare systems, and health policy and politics. Learners culminate the degree with an internship at an approved healthcare facility.
The online healthcare management degree follows an accelerated format, with eight-week courses in the fall, spring, and summer. Online students have access to career, counseling, library, and financial aid services through the School of Health Sciences and the Student Health Care Management Association.
Founded in 1877, Regis University is a Jesuit Catholic college that hosts more than 10,000 students across its main campus in Denver, its three regional sites across Colorado, and online. Students can choose from over 180 undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs, spanning five schools and colleges. Regis offers many of its programs online.
The 120-credit, online BS in healthcare administration includes general education, major, and elective courses. General education classes include literature, philosophy, and religious studies. Students take major courses on topics like healthcare policy then and now, foundations of health law, and project management in the healthcare sector. The healthcare management degree culminates in an administrative internship and a healthcare administration capstone.
The accelerated program features eight-week courses. Most students graduate in under three years. Regis offers fall, spring, and summer terms with multiple start dates during each term. All online students pay the same tuition rate regardless of residency.
Established in 1947, the Oregon Institute of Technology is the state's premier polytechnic higher learning institution. Oregon Tech serves more than 5,300 students through diverse undergraduate and graduate programs, including a variety of online programs through Oregon Tech Online.
Oregon Tech's 181-credit, online bachelor of science in health informatics emphasizes foundational skills in business management, healthcare, computer science, and information systems. Students complete coursework across four primary modules: communication, humanities, math/science/social science, and information technology.
Classes include business ethics, principles of healthcare marketing, and healthcare management. The program culminates in a three-part senior project, preparing graduates for executive positions within IT departments of healthcare facilities.
Students can begin on one of multiple start dates per year. Students gain access to peer tutoring, advising, test-proctoring, and library services. All online students pay the same tuition rate regardless of residency. Freshman applicants must submit transcripts and ACT or SAT scores. Transfer applicants and applicants older than 22 do not need to submit standardized test scores.
Founded in 1932, Southern New Hampshire University offers more than 200 liberal arts, business, education, STEM, and social sciences programs. SNHU began offering online undergraduate and graduate programs in 1995. The university is among the fastest-growing private, nonprofit institutions in the U.S., enrolling more than 3,000 students on campus and more than 90,000 learners online each year.
SNHU's 120-credit, online BS in healthcare administration includes general education, major, concentration, and elective courses. Students can pursue one of two concentrations to tailor the degree to their interests and goals: health information management or patient safety and quality. Regardless of concentration, all students take courses in healthcare delivery systems, human relations in administration, and healthcare strategic management and policy. Students culminate the degree with a healthcare administration capstone project.
The curriculum aligns with standards put forth by the Association of University Programs in Health Administration, which include competencies in communication, computational skills, critical thinking, and societal and cultural context. Online undergraduate students take 1-2 eight-week classes per term, with six terms per year. Students can transfer up to 90 credits toward the degree. All students pay a set, per-credit tuition rate for online coursework, regardless of their state of residence.
Founded in 1898, Dallas Baptist University integrates faith and learning through more than 125 undergraduate and graduate programs. Established in 1998, the school's Office of Online Education offers more than 75 fully online degrees and over 300 online courses. Online programs feature an average student-to-instructor ratio of 11-to-1.
DBU offers an online bachelor of arts and sciences in healthcare management through its College of Professional Studies. The 120-credit healthcare management degree includes general studies, major, and elective coursework. DBU's unique general education sequence explores subjects like religion, kinesiology, natural science, and fine art. Major course requirements include healthcare ethics, legal issues in healthcare management, and human resource management for healthcare organizations.
The bachelor's in healthcare management culminates in a principles of management course and an advanced management seminar in healthcare, each requiring a service-learning field component. Students complete year-round, asynchronous courses, giving learners the flexibility to balance their studies with professional and personal obligations. The health management degree offers start dates in the fall, winter, spring, and summer semesters.
Founded in 1890 by the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, Viterbo University is one of only 24 Franciscan institutions of higher learning in the United States. The university enrolls more than 2,600 students in over 40 undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs, including a variety of online programs.
The online BBA in healthcare management is a degree-completion program for students with at least 30 transferable credits from prior college coursework or military training. This healthcare management degree includes courses in healthcare quality improvement, ethical and legal issues, marketing, and economics. Students must also complete Viterbo's signature core courses, including theological inquiry, scientific reasoning, and historical analysis.
Students earning the healthcare management degree online take eight-week courses, and most students graduate within two years. The Academic Resource Center offers technology, library, and career services for online learners. Students can also access advising and tutoring services through the Center for Student Success.
Founded in 1928 by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Springfield, Massachusetts, the College of Our Lady of the Elms delivers academic programs in the Catholic tradition. Elms enrolls more than 1,500 students through over 50 undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs, including 10 fully online programs.
The 120-credit, online healthcare management degree is a degree-completion program for students with at least 60 transferable credits. Students complete a mix of business and healthcare courses. Business courses cover topics like managerial communications, business strategy, and computer applications. Healthcare management courses include introduction to health services, health law, and the sociology of healthcare. Students also complete an internship to gain practical experience in the field.
The program uses a cohort format, meaning students take courses with the same group of peers throughout the program. Online undergraduate courses begin in late August/early September. Advisors strongly recommend that applicants hold an associate degree in a healthcare field and at least two years of professional experience in health services.
Founded in 1935, Norfolk State University offers nearly 50 undergraduate and graduate programs across seven schools and colleges. The school's distance learning division, NSU Online, offers 13 undergraduate and graduate programs in healthcare, business, psychology, education, and information technology.
Offered through the Department of Nursing and Allied Health, the online BS in health services management includes general education, major, and elective courses. General education requirements include English, social sciences, and humanities courses. Students complete major courses on topics like current trends in healthcare delivery, healthcare information systems, and comprehensive health planning. The 120-credit healthcare management degree culminates in an internship and research project.
While students complete most courses asynchronously, some instructors may require occasional synchronous meetings in the virtual classroom. NSU also hosts virtual orientation webinars at the start of each academic term. Online students can access comprehensive technical support, academic advising, and library and career services.
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.
The motto of TheBestSchools.org is Finding the best school for you. Here is how we do it:
The value of any ranking list of schools and/or degree programs depends on having a methodologically sound assessment of each school’s/program’s characteristics, especially insofar as these can be objectively measured. A college or university is a complex entity, with numerous factors to consider, and distilling these down to the place where meaningful comparisons can be made to form a defensible ranking list becomes part science and part art.
To meet this challenge—and thereby provide you with the most useful and insightful educational rankings on the Internet — TheBestSchools.org formulates our rankings based on five informational categories (six, when considering online schools). The major metrics and qualities for which we rank are these (with expanded, detailed considerations and weights listed):
1. Academic excellence based on a school’s curriculum generally or within the selected discipline [weight = 25%]
- Weighs school against known leading schools in that discipline
- Weighs number of core curricula listed as advanced courses within that discipline and compares against introductory courses
- Weighs school’s curriculum against known knowledge needs of major employers in that discipline
- Considers number and types of specializations offered within that discipline
- Considers faculty expertise in that discipline
- Considers range of electives within that discipline
- Considers quality of online environment offered to students (if applicable), particularly within that discipline
2. Strength of faculty scholarship [weight = 25%]
- Considers education background of the faculty
- Considers years of faculty experience both inside and outside of academia.
- Considers faculty membership and leadership within relevant, prominent associations
- Considers academic papers published by faculty in relevant, prominent periodicals
- Considers awards and recognitions given to faculty members from prominent organizations and from other sources
3. Reputation [weight = 20%]
- Considers a school’s reputation among academic peers and employers regarding the following:
- Faculty
- Curriculum
- “Freshness” of academic knowledge
- Adaptability to changes in employment sectors
- Suitability of graduates for the workplace
4. Financial aid [weight = 10%]
- Mandatory: Requires full accreditation from an agency endorsed by the U.S. Department of Education and listed on the federal register to accept student federal financial aid
- Considers range of school-sponsored financial aid such as scholarships and grants
5. Range of degree programs [weight = 20%]
- Considers range of degree levels: associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral and professional
- Considers range of degree subjects offered, such as art & design, computers & technology, education & teaching, criminal justice, and business
6. Strength of online instruction methodology (if applicable) [weight = 25%; subtract 5% from each of the above for online schools/programs]
-
Considers the following of the online classes:
- Types of online technology used to deliver content
- Pedagogy style: asynchronous, synchronous, or both (depending on the degree)
- Extent and quality of the online, community learning environment, including options for communication, interactivity, and collaboration between students and also between students and instructors
- Variety, breadth, and depth of coursework, and its support, including project options and online tutoring
-
Considers the following of instructors:
- Extent of training for teaching within an online learning environment
- Amount of timely, consistent feedback to students
- Extent of collaboration with prospective employers to ensure suitability of instructional materials for achieving desired skills
- Ratio to number of students in a class
- Number and quality of internships in a student’s geographical area for applicable degrees
Because students tend to review a variety of information when choosing a school, the weight a student gives any one criterion will vary. For instance, it’s not enough to offer a carefully constructed ranking of great schools if many are too expensive or too difficult to get into.
To better serve the needs of prospective students, we are therefore increasingly offering filters that help you better use our rankings to find the schools that match your specific needs. These supplement our ranking criteria and include:
- Accreditation
- Public or private status
- Acceptance rate
- Retention rate
- Graduation rate
- ACT/SAT requirements
- Cost in-state / out of state
- Undergrad, grad, or both offered
- Region
- State
- City
Get the best rankings here AND get them to suit your personal needs. That’s TheBestSchools.org advantage!
If you have any questions about our ranking methodology, please contact us.
Citations: For a broader account of our ranking methodology, especially as it relates to TheBestSchools.org's underlying educational philosophy and, in other ranking articles, looks beyond academic excellence (as here) to such factors as return on investment or incidental benefit, see our article "Ranking Methodology: How We Rank Schools at TBS." Reputation of schools and degree programs can at least in part be gauged through the school or department's publishing activity, citations, and desirability. At TheBestSchools.org, we keep track of such social and peer validation: "Making Sense of College Rankings." For nuts-and-bolts information about colleges and universities, we look to the National Center for Education Statistics and especially its College Navigator. Insofar as salary and inflation data are relevant to a ranking, we look to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Finally, nothing beats contacting schools and degree programs directly, which our researchers often do, with the result that all the entries in this article should be considered as belonging to this citation!
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 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.
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.
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.
| 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.
| 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.
| 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.
| 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
A bachelor's in healthcare management gives students the administrative knowledge and skills necessary to succeed as healthcare managers. Learners study topics like healthcare economics, privacy regulations, and healthcare systems administration. Students may pursue a BA or BS in healthcare management, depending on the school.
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.
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 nearly $100,000 per year.
Earning a bachelor's degree in healthcare management typically takes four years of full-time study to complete. However, some programs offer accelerated timelines, allowing students to graduate within 2-3 years.
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