The 5 Best Online Doctorate in Healthcare Administration Programs

The needs of an aging national population and rapid advancements in medical technology are driving growth in the healthcare industry. Demand for qualified professionals increases with the construction of new hospitals, clinics, and assisted living facilities. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that jobs for medical and health services managers will increase 20% by 2026, nearly triple the growth rate for all occupations.

Earning a PhD in healthcare administration online helps current professionals improve employment opportunities and increase earning potential. An online doctorate in healthcare administration distinguishes job candidates from other professionals and qualifies degree holders for high-level positions. The following guide discusses how to choose and finance DHA online programs.

For career information, skip down:

• What Else Can I Expect from an Online Doctorate in Healthcare Administration Program?
• Accreditation for Online Healthcare Administration Doctorate Degrees
• Employment Outlook for Doctorate in Healthcare Administration Graduates
• Healthcare Administration Professional Organizations
• Paying for Your Online Doctorate in Healthcare Administration

Online Healthcare Administration Doctorate Degree Program Ranking Guidelines

We selected the degree programs based on the quality of program and range of courses provided, as well as school awards, rankings, and reputation.

RANKING METHODOLOGY

Methodology for College Rankings

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!

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The Best Online Healthcare Administration Doctorate Programs

1. Liberty University Online

Lynchburg, Virginia

One of the biggest names in distance education, Liberty University offers 289 online programs. The school’s online doctoral degree in healthcare management never requires students to visit the campus in Lynchburg, Virginia. The program’s 60-credit curriculum combines foundational business courses with major-specific coursework in legal and ethical issues for healthcare professionals and managing human capital in healthcare.

While campus visits are not mandatory, students may choose to complete certain on-campus intensives, which allow them to accrue credits more quickly. All applicants must possess a relevant master’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Transfer students may apply up to 15 credits toward their degrees. The program delivers coursework asynchronously, with each online course lasting eight weeks.

Liberty University is regionally accredited from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

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2. Central Michigan University

Mt. Pleasant, Michigan

Based in Mount Pleasant, Central Michigan University caters to students far beyond the state borders of Michigan through its extensive online presence. One of the school’s strongest online programs is the doctorate in healthcare management. The 63-credit program runs on a hybrid cohort model, requiring students to complete 51 credits of didactic (classroom/theory) coursework. This model includes 15 asynchronous online courses and six on-campus intensives, lasting two and a half days each. A dissertation makes up the remaining 12 credits.

The program’s didactic curriculum includes studies in leadership, public health, and quantitative analysis. Online courses last eight, 12, or 16 weeks, depending on the material. Applicants must have a master’s or professional degree to apply. If a qualified student is not accepted, CMU places them on a one-year waitlist to try and put them in the next year’s cohort.

CMU is regionally accredited from the Higher Learning Commission.

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3. University of Mississippi

University, Mississippi

Located in Jackson, the University of Mississippi’s DHA degree online uses blended learning and a cohort model, combining asynchronous online coursework with limited on-campus requirements. Though the program primarily caters to part-time students who are also working professionals, there is a full-time option available. Students can expect to complete the program in nine semesters or approximately three years.

The program’s curriculum includes coursework in health economics, health research, and quality processes in health organizations, in addition to a capstone doctoral project. All applicants must already have a master’s degree, with a GPA of at least 3.0. GRE scores are also required. The program accepts students exclusively for its summer cohort that includes 10-15 students per unit.

The University of Mississippi is regionally accredited from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

4. Franklin University

Columbus, Ohio

Operating a central campus in Columbus, Ohio, in addition to over 20 satellite campuses throughout the Midwest, Franklin University expands its national presence through distance learning. The school’s online doctorate in healthcare administration program aims for flexibility above all. Students never have to visit campus to complete their degree, and transfer students may bring up to 24 approved credits with them. Students often complete their degrees within three years.

The 58-credit curriculum includes a research core, major courses, electives, and a dissertation. Major coursework includes topics like healthcare economics and healthcare policy, for example, and the dissertation usually accounts for each student’s final year of study. All applicants must have a master’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0. The program accepts students for spring, summer, and fall start dates.

Franklin University is regionally accredited from the Higher Learning Commission.

5. Medical University of South Carolina

Charleston, South Carolina

Based in Charleston, the Medical University of South Carolina is one of the oldest medical schools in the nation. As a recent adopter of distance education, MUSC offers a unique online doctorate in healthcare administration — the DHA executive program. The program’s 63-credit curriculum takes approximately three years to complete. The first two years consist of asynchronous online coursework, with one weekend per semester required on campus. The final year takes place entirely on campus, with students working closely with faculty members on their dissertations.

Prior to admission, all applicants must have professional experience in a leadership role (management or policy) in healthcare. Prospective students must have earned a master’s or professional degree in the field and demonstrate proficiency in statistics, epidemiology, health finance, health economics, and organizational behavior. The GRE and GMAT are not required for admission.

MUSC is regionally accredited from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

What Else Can I Expect from an Online Doctorate in Healthcare Administration Program?

Requirements to earn a PhD in healthcare management online vary by school. The following classes are common among DHA online programs; most students take some or all of these courses while earning an online doctorate in healthcare administration.

Curriculum for an Online Doctorate in Healthcare Administration

• Population health: This course provides a broad overview of epidemiology and explores strategies for predicting and preventing global, national, and community public health risks. Using case studies, students examine methods of standardizing health information, organizational policy development, and ethical and efficient resource allocation.
• Leadership strategies: This course explores established leadership theories and the relationship between effective leadership and efficient workplace operations. Coursework encourages self-reflection and personal development. Students strengthen the communication and management skills necessary to manage a team and enact positive changes in healthcare policy.
• Healthcare law and ethics: In addition to the historical foundations of current healthcare policies, this course covers recent developments and controversies surrounding medical legislation. Students investigate the social impact of healthcare reform and explore related moral and ethical dilemmas by examining case studies and enacting mock legislation.
• Healthcare economics: Students gain a broad understanding of fundamental financial and economic principles used in organizational finance strategies, including business plan development and corporate asset management. Learners explore marketing and funding concepts from both for-profit and nonprofit organizational perspectives. Coursework emphasizes the role of emerging technology in data-driven decision making.
• Research methods: In preparation for their dissertation, students examine various research methodologies, data collection and analysis procedures, and literature evaluation techniques used in clinical research. Learners identify research problems, design studies, and formulate hypotheses.

How Long Does It Take to Get an Online Doctorate in Healthcare Administration?

Many students earn a PhD in healthcare management online in less time than is normally required to complete traditional, on-campus programs. However, the amount of time necessary to earn a DHA degree online depends on factors including enrollment status and program structure. While most full-time students require two to three years to earn a doctorate, curriculum structure, content, and delivery methods impact the time it takes to graduate.

Flexible, asynchronous programs feature self-paced coursework and allow busy students to complete assignments and review course materials at their convenience. Self-motivated students with strong organizational skills can complete asynchronous classes quickly. Synchronous, cohort-based programs are highly structured and emphasize collaborative learning. While cohort programs offer peer and faculty support, they feature rigid deadlines and less flexible schedules. Most students take longer to complete a synchronous DHA degree online program.

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Accreditation for Online Healthcare Administration Doctorate Degrees

Accreditation is important to consider when researching DHA online programs. Accreditation ensures colleges and universities maintain high academic and ethical standards. Schools may hold regional or national accreditation; for-profit vocational and technical schools typically receive national accreditation, and most public, nonprofit universities are regionally accredited.

Regional accreditation is more highly regarded than national accreditation. Credits earned from regionally accredited institutions transfer easily, whereas regionally accredited schools rarely accept credits earned from nationally accredited institutions. Because regionally accredited programs are often regarded as more prestigious, many employers prefer candidates with an online PhD in healthcare administration from a regionally accredited college or university. Employer tuition reimbursement programs generally stipulate the employee attend a regionally accredited institution.

The U.S. Department of Education (ED) relies on accreditation status to determine which institutions are eligible for federal funding. While the ED does not award accreditation, the department oversees the six regional accrediting bodies. The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) ensures that both regional and national accrediting bodies follow proper protocols. CHEA maintains a comprehensive database of accredited institutions.

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Employment Outlook for Doctorate in Healthcare Administration Graduates

Doctorate in Healthcare Administration Careers

An online doctorate in healthcare administration leads to a variety of employment opportunities in the healthcare sector and elsewhere. Many graduates pursue management roles in hospitals and large medical facilities. Others lead nonprofit organizations, teach in universities and colleges, and secure high-level corporate positions. Careers for healthcare administration professionals, such as those below, require excellent communication and organizational skills.

1. Medical and Health Services Manager: Also known as healthcare administrators, these managers coordinate medical services, hire and train staff, manage finances, and maintain records. They may be in charge of an entire facility, one or more departments, or a medical practice group. This position requires strong communication and interpersonal skills.
   • Median Annual Salary: $96,540
   • Projected Growth Rate: 20%
2. Human Resources Manager: Human resources managers oversee the administrative functions of a company or organization, including hiring staff members, developing benefit and training plans, and securing regulatory compliance. They serve as a liaison between upper management and staff, mediate labor disputes, and oversee employee relations.
   • Median Annual Salary: $106,910
   • Projected Growth Rate: 9%
3. Postsecondary Teacher: Many students pursue an online doctorate in healthcare administration to become a postsecondary instructor or professor. Professors typically specialize in one or more academic fields and teach at colleges or universities. Many postsecondary teachers also conduct research.
   • Median Annual Salary: $75,430
   • Projected Growth Rate: 15%
4. Top Executive: The responsibilities of top executives vary by organization and industry, but most of these professionals develop policies, procedures, and initiatives that further organizational goals. Most have extensive managerial and administrative experience in a particular sector, and large medical corporations typically prefer candidates with a doctorate in healthcare management.
   • Median Annual Salary: $103,950
   • Projected Growth Rate: 8%
5. Social and Community Service Manager: Tasked with coordinating social service organizations, these managers identify medical, economic, and social needs within a community or demographic. They develop and implement outreach programs, evaluate data to determine an initiative’s effectiveness, and modify programs accordingly. Most have a background in medical or social science in addition to managerial experience.
   • Median Annual Salary: $64,680
   • Projected Growth Rate: 18%

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Doctorate in Healthcare Administration Salary

Professionals with a doctorate in healthcare management typically earn higher salaries than those with a master’s or bachelor’s degree. However, individual salaries depend on factors including location, industry, and professional experience. As the table below demonstrates, professionals with more work experience generally earn higher salaries; some late-career professionals in the field average nearly double the salaries of entry-level employees.

Median Salary by Experience Level

Job Title	Overall Median Salary	Entry-Level Employees	Mid-Career Employees	Late-Career Employees
Medical and Health Services Manager	$65,033	$58,746	$77,220	$118,093
Human Resources Manager	$64,120	$55,309	$64,693	$71,711
Postsecondary Teacher	$87,552	$60,032	$71,084	$100,332
Top Executive	$74,703	$56,872	$66,771	$96,389

Healthcare Administration Professional Organizations

Professional organizations benefit both current students pursuing a DHA degree online and working professionals in the industry. Professional organizations offer members opportunities to gain new skills, boost their resumes, and make valuable industry connections. Common resources for members include career services, continuing education, and scholarship opportunities. These organizations provide a forum for healthcare administrators to network, collaborate, and grow professionally. The groups below are ideal for students earning a PhD in healthcare management online.

• American Association of Healthcare Administrative Management (AAHAM): AAHAM promotes professional development and provides advocacy for current and prospective healthcare administrators. The organization offers five certifications and provides a discounted student membership rate and access to exclusive scholarships.
• Association for Healthcare Administrative Professionals (AHCAP): In addition to continuing education programs and free webinars, AHCAP members receive tuition discounts at sponsored institutions, career and resume assistance, and an invitation to the organization’s annual conference.
• Health Care Administrators Association (HCAA): This nonprofit association offers support and legal advocacy for third-party healthcare administrators. HCAA hosts seminars, conferences, and summits during which members build industry connections and gain new skills.

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Paying for Your Online Doctorate in Healthcare Administration

Students earning a PhD in healthcare management online have a variety of options for financing their studies, including scholarships and tuition reimbursement programs. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine whether you qualify for federal financial aid, including grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. While some learners pursuing a DHA degree online fund their education with private loans, federal student loans typically feature lower interest rates and more lenient payment plans. Additional funding options, such as work-study programs, may be available to students who intend to pursue employment with nonprofit or government organizations. These programs often require recipients to work in an underserved region or population after graduation.

In addition to federal funding, there are many scholarship and fellowship opportunities available to students pursuing a doctoral degree in healthcare management. Institutions, corporations, special interest groups, and individuals award scholarships based on financial need, academic merit, and specialized criteria. Unlike student loans, students do not have to repay scholarship awards. Some employers offer scholarships or tuition reimbursement programs for employees pursuing higher education.

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Last Updated: September 18, 2018