Online Doctorate in Healthcare Administration Programs

Healthcare administrators ensure the smooth operation of hospitals, clinics, and doctor’s offices. As the healthcare sector continues to grow, organizations will need more experienced leaders.

Healthcare administration doctoral programs prepare graduates to pursue high-paying, in-demand roles. Our ranking will help you find the right program for your career goals.

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

A doctorate is the highest degree in healthcare administration and builds expertise for careers in healthcare leadership or academia. Before applying to doctoral programs, graduate students need to choose between a Ph.D. in healthcare administration and a doctor of healthcare administration (DHA).

What’s the difference between a Ph.D. in healthcare administration and a DHA? Both are doctorates in healthcare administration, but they prepare graduates for different career paths. An online Ph.D. emphasizes theory and research, leading to academic and research roles. In contrast, a DHA prepares practitioners for decision-making roles, including as a hospital administrator or CEO.

The doctoral requirements for a Ph.D. and DHA differ. In a Ph.D. program, you’ll explore administration theories and conduct original research for a dissertation. In a DHA, you’ll focus on applied leadership skills. Most DHA programs require an applied research project as the culminating experience.

Careers in healthcare administration report strong demand and above-average salaries. Medical and health services managers report a six-figure median salary, and BLS projections predict much faster than average growth over the next decade.

Medical and health service managers earn a median annual salary of $110,680, according to the BLS. The bottom 10% of earners make $67,900. The top 10% of earners report salaries of $216,750.

The BLS projects medical and health service manager jobs to increase by 28% over the next decade — significantly faster than the average 3% for all occupations.

The cost of a doctorate in healthcare administration depends on the program and delivery format. For example, graduate students paid an average of $12,630 in 2020, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. However, in-person programs cost an average of $16,860, while online programs cost an average of $8,030. On top of tuition and fees, you’ll need to budget for textbooks and personal expenses.

Online doctoral students at accredited universities qualify for many forms of financial aid. You can submit the FAFSA annually to qualify for federal student aid programs. Universities may also offer grants, scholarships, and other forms of aid to help doctoral students cover costs.

What are the advantages of an online vs. on-campus program? Consider factors such as your schedule, budget, and learning style to find the right delivery format for you. And then think about what to look for in an online college.

Doctoral students have a choice between public and private universities. The best fit depends on your academic needs, budget, and preferences. And regarding cost, keep in mind that online universities may offer lower tuition rates than on-campus universities.

Before applying to doctoral programs, you’ll need to meet the admission requirements. DHA programs often require a master’s degree plus professional experience in healthcare. While many Ph.D. programs require a master’s degree, some admit applicants with a bachelor’s degree.

Common admission requirements include:

Some programs may also require GMAT or GRE scores, and DHA programs may require or recommend up to five years of experience working in a healthcare setting. Because each program sets different requirements, review them carefully before applying.