Earning an online MBA in healthcare management can lead to a fast-paced and fulfilling career at the intersection of business and healthcare. These MBA programs provide a comprehensive education focused on providing graduates with the skills needed to thrive in healthcare administrations.
Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that roles for medical and health services managers will grow by 18% between 2018 and 2028 – much faster than the national average for all occupations. All told, some 71,600 new roles should be created during this time period. Professionals in these roles earned median salaries of $99,730 in 2018, with the top 10% of earners bringing home more than $182,000.
Below, review our rankings of the 15 best online MBA in healthcare management programs for 2020.
| #1 | University of Massachusetts - Amherst | Amherst, MA |
| #2 | University of Delaware | Newark, DE |
| #3 | Florida International University | Miami, FL |
| #4 | Portland State University | Portland, OR |
| #5 | Mercer University | Macon, GA |
| #6 | University of South Dakota | Vermillion, SD |
| #7 | Quinnipiac University | Hamden, CT |
| #8 | Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing & Allied Health | Omaha, NE |
| #9 | Widener University | Chester, PA |
| #10 | Endicott College | Beverly, MA |
Best Online MBA in Healthcare Management Programs
| Rank | School | Location | Apply | More Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
University of Massachusetts - Amherst |
Amherst, MA | ||
| 2 |
University of Delaware |
Newark, DE | ||
| 3 |
Florida International University |
Miami, FL | ||
| 4 |
Portland State University |
Portland, OR | ||
| 5 |
Mercer University |
Macon, GA | ||
| 6 |
University of South Dakota |
Vermillion, SD | ||
| 7 |
Quinnipiac University |
Hamden, CT | ||
| 8 |
Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing & Allied Health |
Omaha, NE | ||
| 9 |
Widener University |
Chester, PA | ||
| 10 |
Endicott College |
Beverly, MA | ||
| 11 |
Parker University |
Dallas, TX | ||
| 12 |
Baker University |
Baldwin City, KS | ||
| 13 |
Concordia University - Saint Paul |
Saint Paul, MN | ||
| 14 |
California University of Pennsylvania |
California, PA | ||
| 15 |
Gwynedd Mercy University |
Gwynedd Valley, PA |
End of list, bravo!
Online MBA in Healthcare Management Programs Ranking Guidelines
We selected these accredited online MBA in healthcare management degree programs based on the quality of the program, types of courses provided, faculty strength, school awards, rankings and reputation -- including the reputation for providing online degrees.
What Is an MBA in Healthcare Management?
It typically takes students two years to earn an MBA in healthcare administration. However, learners who enroll in an accelerated track usually need one year, while part-time learners may require around three years to graduate.
It typically takes students two years to earn an MBA in healthcare administration.
An online healthcare MBA program blends traditional business coursework with studies in healthcare. It differs from a master's in healthcare administration (MHA) in that it emphasizes the development of business skills and then considers how healthcare fits into business. An MHA, conversely, starts with the study of healthcare and incorporates some business skills.
After earning an MBA in healthcare management, some students decide to pursue doctoral studies to qualify for research and/or teaching positions. The most direct path to these jobs involves pursuing a Ph.D. in healthcare management. These degrees typically require 5-7 years of study alongside a comprehensive dissertation.
Choosing an Online MBA in Healthcare Management Program
Pursuing an online MBA in healthcare administration means committing a large amount of time, energy, and money. As such, finding the right program for each student's particular goals is paramount.
Students should find a program that fits with their academic abilities and review admission requirements, program requirements, and coursework to ensure the program prepares them for their target career.
Students should find a program that fits with their academic abilities and review admission requirements, program requirements, and coursework to ensure the program prepares them for their target career. For example, does the department maintain a good reputation with connections in the healthcare industry and a high graduation rate? If possible, prospective learners should speak to current and former students to get their impressions.
Learners should also consider whether a program meets their financial requirements. Review tuition costs and ask about any available scholarships, grants, or assistantships/fellowships. Look at in-state options at public schools or schools in other states that charge online learners in-state tuition rates.
Curriculum for an Online MBA Degree in Healthcare Management
- Healthcare Informatics
-
This course explores the integration of technology and data science into healthcare. Students explore vendor selection and evaluation, electronic medical record storage, strategic planning, and infrastructure design. The course prepares students for positions working with data collection, storage, and assessment.
- Healthcare Finance
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Learners apply fundamental principles of accounting and financial analysis to practical problems in healthcare finance and economics. Students use seminal cases, models, and texts to examine the landscape of financial healthcare before exploring solutions, such as managerial and risk management strategies.
- Evaluating Healthcare Quality
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This course examines the concepts of quality and evaluation from the perspectives of providers, patients, and insurers. Students explore scientific and managerial standards of quality. Learners are prepared to work in regulatory environments or as compliance officers.
- Healthcare Leadership Models
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Students learn about models used in healthcare leadership to effectively manage diverse groups of employees with individual needs. The course incorporates case studies to highlight the variety of models in use and some of the opportunities and challenges present with each.
- Ethics in Healthcare Management
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This course takes a look at common ethical dilemmas encountered in the world of healthcare management and gives students the tools needed to respond appropriately. Learners consider concepts related to moral reasoning, ethical decision-making, and ethics around informatics.
Certifications and Licenses an MBA in Healthcare Management Prepares For
Certified Revenue Cycle Specialist
The American Association of Healthcare Administrative Management (AAHAM) offers numerous certificates, which help set and maintain industry standards for healthcare finance professionals. The certified revenue cycle specialist exam evaluates knowledge of the functional areas of revenue cycles. The two-hour certification exam is suitable for professionals who work with patient healthcare accounts.
Certified Revenue Cycle Professional
Also offered by AAHAM, the certified revenue cycle professional credential is well suited for supervisors in the revenue cycle industry. Certification exam topics are related to billing, patient access, revenue cycle management, and credit/collections. Candidates have four hours to finish the exam.
Healthcare Management Degree Jobs
Earning an online MBA in healthcare management prepares graduates to work in myriad settings and roles. Some professionals in this field are drawn to the hustle and bustle of a hospital, while others prefer working in long-term care facilities such as nursing homes. Additionally, individuals focused on macro healthcare management may enjoy working as policy analysts or researchers.
Healthcare administrators spend their days managing administrative staff members, developing and monitoring budgets, setting departmental objectives, and liaising with other leaders. They may also set work schedules, report to governing boards, manage records, and ensure compliance with laws and regulations.
Healthcare administrators typically communicate well in person and on paper; they can effectively convey information to a variety of stakeholders and supervisees. They also possess advanced knowledge of business principles and understand how to manage healthcare facilities. The field encompasses several job titles, including the following.
Medical and Health Service Managers
Also known as healthcare administrators or healthcare executives, these individuals manage hospitals, nursing homes, physician offices, and other facilities. They ensure smooth delivery of health services, oversee staff, manage administrative functions, and develop reports to highlight issues and opportunities.
Top Executives
Chief hospital administrators work alongside other C-level staff to provide high-level strategic leadership and direction. They set departmental goals, manage department heads, develop strategic plans, and oversee the budgetary requirements in their area. They also present information about their work to stakeholders or governing boards, as required.
Public Relations and Fundraising Managers
Professionals in these roles work to develop and maintain a favorable public image of the hospital or healthcare facility they represent. They may create corporate identities, coach spokespeople, answer media inquiries, and conduct training on speaking to reporters. They may also hold fundraising events to bring in funding and oversee staff in their department.
Accreditation for Online MBA in Healthcare Management Degrees
When researching an online MBA in healthcare administration program, remember to consider regional and programmatic accreditation. Regionally accredited schools go through a process to ensure the institution meets student needs, provides helpful resources, and offers support as needed. The Council for Higher Education Accreditation recognizes six regional accrediting bodies -- look for one of these when finding a school.
Programmatic accreditation refers to a process individual departments and/or degree tracks go through to make sure students are prepared to enter their chosen industry. Accrediting organizations evaluate factors such as the curriculum, student outcomes, employment rates, and support services. Students interested in healthcare management MBA programs should look for degree tracks accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
Healthcare Management Professional Organizations
Joining a professional organization devoted to supporting healthcare administrators offers several tangible benefits. Students can sometimes take advantage of discounted membership rates, scholarships, awards, and mentorship opportunities. New graduates and early-career professionals can participate in networking events to build contacts. Industry veterans may also enjoy participating in a continuing education program to stay on the frontlines of industry changes.
We discuss a few of the best professional organizations in healthcare management below.
Health Care Administrators Association
HCAA is a nonprofit association for third-party administrators. The organization hosts events, provides webinars, and maintains a job board. HCAA's 18-month Emerging Leaders Academy provides thorough knowledge of healthcare administration for new leaders.
American College of Healthcare Executives
ACHE offers educational resources, publications, and a job board. The organization also oversees board certification in healthcare management. ACHE presents awards to leaders who make outstanding contributions to the healthcare field.
American Association of Healthcare Administrative Management
Dedicated exclusively to the revenue cycle, AAHAM educates members and the public. The association also advocates for public policy related to reimbursement, data management, registration, patient relations, and medical records.
