The fastest online MBA Healthcare Management programs offer working health management professionals a flexible path for career advancement.
Healthcare in the United States is a robust industry and the career of Healthcare Administrator or Manager is growing at a rapid 32%, ten-year, rate. Best Health Degrees researched some of the online, accredited Health Care Management MBA degree programs to help you choose the online program best for you.
A graduate healthcare administration program combines professional skills, business skills, and specialized knowledge of healthcare. An accelerated MBA Healthcare Administration online program is perfect for working health management professionals who want to advance in their careers.
Featured Programs
Our Method: Ranking the 10 Fastest Online Health Care Management MBA Degrees
Our ranking looks at a variety of factors but concentrates on program length, coursework required, admission standards, estimated basic tuition costs, and school rankings or recognitions. All programs hold accreditation.
To rank the 10 Fastest Online Health Care Management MBA Degrees, Best Degrees editors researched accredited, trusted programs of all kinds. From our initial pool, we ranked programs according to price, accreditation, reputation, and salary potential, using data from IPEDS and Niche, U.S. News and World Report, and other higher education rating publications.
1. Texas A&M University at Corpus Christi
You can earn your online MBA with a Health Care Administration concentration degree at this school in 12-24 months.
Requiring 36 credit hours, you’ll study specialty courses in Health Care Financial Management, Health Economics and Policy, Health Law and Ethics, and The Health Care System. This program requires core business classes in accounting, finance, marketing management, operations, administrative policy and strategy, and also a capstone project.
Prospective students need a baccalaureate degree with at least a 2.5 GPA during the last 60 credit hours, submission of GMAT/GRE scores, current resumes, and academic transcripts. If you have a master’s degree, you’re able to transfer up to 9 credit hours to this program.
Fast Fact: Students must complete 36 credit hours (12 courses) with 8 advanced MBA courses and 4 concentration courses. Niche considers this university #920/1,572
Estimated Tuition Cost: $15,679 (tuition total)
Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International)
Interested: Find out more about this MBA in healthcare management program!
2. Florida International University
Taking only 18 months, you can earn an online Master of Business Administration in Healthcare from Florida International University. This program is through FIU’s Alvah H. Chapman Jr. Graduate School of Business.
The accelerated MBA Healthcare Administration program covers accounting, finance, healthcare management and reimbursement, healthcare fraud and abuse, the global healthcare environment, organizational behavior, information systems, and more. The program requires 3 residencies on the FIU Miami campus. These professional development events include Lean Six Sigma Grand Master Black Belt Instructors and training in Lean Six Sigma.
If you have two years of work experience, a bachelor’s degree, and academic transcripts, you should consider this online program. Applicants do not need to submit GRE or GMAT scores. Additional information required includes letters of recommendation, current resume, and statement of purpose.
Fast Fact: 42 credits. US News and World Report ranks FIU in the top 100 of its Top Public Schools
Estimated Tuition Cost: $59,892 (tuition total)
Interested: Find out more about this MBA in healthcare management program!
3. Northern Kentucky University
Offering a healthcare concentration, NKU has an online MBA. This program requires 33 credit hours with a healthcare management curriculum.
Courses are in quick, 5-week sessions, allowing you to move through the curriculum on a timely basis. You’ll take eight business foundation courses in areas such as management of healthcare organizations, finance, accounting, organizational strategies, legal aspects, and introduction to information systems. Specialization studies include healthcare policy, marketing, medical language, healthcare quality. The program also requires a 5 credit hour capstone experience, which includes a review of MBA essentials.
Applicants do not need GRE scores for admission. But in addition to other documents, you will need to have a 2.50 GPA in your undergraduate work, a resume, and a letter of purpose.
Fast Fact: NKU is one of Forbes’ America’s Best Colleges for nine years in a row
Estimated Tuition Cost: $15,708 (total tuition)
Interested: Find out more about this MBA in healthcare management program!
4. Boise State University
In just one year you can earn an MBA in Healthcare from Boise State University online. This program features 7 week courses and 6 start dates during the year.
You’ll study foundational, business courses in strategies in marketing, organizations, finance, accounting, supply chain management, business plan development, and more. Leadership for Health Professionals, Healthcare Systems and Delivery, and Healthcare Operations and Financial Management make up the healthcare emphasis for this degree. This curriculum improves decision-making skills as well as directs the business aspects of healthcare.
This program is for those who meet the admission requirements. Applicants need at least two years of managerial work experience, a bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 GPA, and GMAT or GRE scores.
Fast Fact: U.S. News and World Report rated this program at #40 in its Best Online MBA Programs, 2019 ranking
Estimated Tuition Cost: $36,750 (tuition total)
Interested: Find out more about this MBA in healthcare management program!
5. Southeastern Oklahoma State University
The John Massey School of Business at Southeastern Oklahoma State University offers a 100% online MBA. This reasonably priced online MBA in Healthcare Information Systems requires 36 credit hours. And, it prepares graduates for managerial positions in the growing health informatics field.
You’ll take core courses in areas such as finance, marketing, behavioral management, accounting, as well as research and analysis. Among the concentration courses, you’ll study leadership and ethics, Electronic Health Records (EHR), health information systems, and management issues. You’ll also become familiar with healthcare ethics and state and federal healthcare regulations. Additionally, students can complete this program in as few as 12 months.
You won’t need GMAT scores to apply for admission to this accelerated MBA Health care Administration program, but you do need to provide proof of a baccalaureate degree with a 2.5-3.0 GPA and academic transcripts. If your undergrad degree wasn’t in business, you can still apply. However, you may need to complete prerequisite coursework in fundamental accounting, finance, statistics, and microeconomics.
Fast Fact: SOSU is a public university. It opened in 1909.
Estimated Tuition Cost: $12,132 (tuition total)
Accreditation: Lamar University’s College of Business is fully accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International)
Interested: Find out more about this MBA in healthcare management!
6. Lamar University
Part of the Texas State University System, Lamar University has an online MBA in Healthcare Administration. This program requires 30 credit hours, which students can complete in 12 months or less.
Offered 100% online, this degree’s curriculum covers core business studies in finance, accounting, strategic management, marketing, as well as enterprise resource planning (ERP). Healthcare courses will cover healthcare strategy, healthcare information systems, healthcare policies, etc. You can choose from healthcare electives in leadership, planning, organization, Human Resources, and law.
Prospective students need a bachelor’s degree (business preferred), GMAT scores, and academic transcripts. Students with a non-business bachelor’s degree must complete “Leveling Requirements” in courses such as economics, finance, and accounting.
Fast Fact: Established in 1923, Niche rates Lamar University #884/1,572 in its 2021 Best Value Colleges in America ranking
Estimated Tuition Cost: $11,580 (tuition total); $14,218 (tuition total with Leveling Requirements)
Interested: Find out more about this MBA in healthcare management!
7. University of Southern Indiana
Completely online, this MBA with a concentration in healthcare at USI is both fast and affordable.
In as few as 11 months, you’ll complete this program with MBA core studies in economics, leadership, marketing, finance, and strategic management. Your healthcare concentration will include Lean Six Sigma, Risk Management, and Data Driven Decision Making. This program enhances healthcare administration knowledge and hones leadership skills.
Admission requires you have a bachelor’s degree with at least a 2.5 GPA, professional resume, letters of reference, official academic transcripts, as well as GMAT/GRE scores. Additional documents may be required as well.
Fast Fact: U.S. News and World Report ranks the USI MBA program #123 Best Online MBA and #65 Best Online MBA for Veterans
Estimated Tuition Cost: $12,900 (tuition total)
Interested: Find out more about this MBA in healthcare management!
8. University of Central Arkansas
Through the University of Central Arkansas Online, you can earn a Healthcare Administration MBA in 30 credit hours. This accelerated MBA Healthcare Administration online program is one of the top.
As with other MBA programs, you’ll take core 24 hours of coursework in Marketing Strategy, Organizational Behavior, Information Technology for Managers, Administration of Health Programs, Operations Management, and more. Six hours of health care electives from, among other courses, Health Promotion Interventions, Contemporary Health Problems, and Research in Health Sciences.
General graduate admissions require you to submit an academic transcript for your undergraduate degree (demonstrating at least a 2.70 GPA). You’ll want to discuss the MBA admission details with an Admission Counselor. Additionally, the UCA College of Business offers a graduate certificate in Data Analytics that students can complete with the MBA program (more).
Fast Fact: 18-24 months. UCA opened in 1907. Niche rates it #277/676 Top Public Universities in America
Estimated Tuition Cost: $325.00 per credit hour for online students
Interested: Find out more about this MBA in healthcare management!
9. University of Northern Colorado
In about a year, you can earn a Master of Business Administration with an Emphasis in Healthcare Administration online from the University of Northern Colorado. This program from the Monfort College of Business requires 36 credit hours.
Core credit hours in ethics, leadership, strategic management, and finance. Four, non-credit modules in statistics, economics, finance, and accounting, will complement your studies. You’ll take healthcare courses in Healthcare Systems, Quantitative Issues in Healthcare, and Healthcare by the Numbers.
To satisfy admission requirements, you’ll need to hold a bachelor’s degree, academic transcripts, and you don’t have to provide GMAT scores. Of course, the school may request other general application materials.
Fast Fact: UNC ranks #906/1,572 by Niche in its Best Value Colleges in America
Estimated Tuition Cost: $23,034 (tuition total)
Interested: Find out more about this MBA in healthcare management!
10. Freed-Hardeman University
Freed-Hardeman University offers an online MBA. This business administration degree program is 30 credit hours and has a Healthcare Management concentration.
Core business courses include studies in Strategic Decision Making, U.S. Healthcare System, Business Law and Ethics, Healthcare Information Systems, Total Quality Management in Healthcare, and others. Additionally, you’ll choose from either Integrated Healthcare Administration Experience (a 200-hour fieldwork experience conducted under the supervision of a healthcare proctor) or Operations Management. Freedman-Hardeman University also offers a dual enrollment BBA/MBA degree.
Admission to this program is a four-step process including application, submission of academic transcripts, copy of a government-issued photo I.D. (driver’s license, passport, etc.), and a signed payment agreement. Depending on your undergraduate degree, you may need to complete prerequisites prior to admission.
Fast Fact: Freed-Hardeman is a private school that opened in 1869. It ranks #8 in U.S. News and World Report’s Best Value Schools
Estimated Tuition Cost: $18,300 (tuition total)
Accreditation: Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCOC) and the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).
Interested: Find out more about this MBA in healthcare management!
What is a Healthcare MBA?
An MBA is a Master of Business Administration. With Healthcare MBA programs, the business education coursework focuses on the field of Health Care Administration. Students learn business and management skills, healthcare management, and healthcare finance.
Healthcare management prepares graduates to work in healthcare leadership roles in the healthcare industry, like healthcare executives. If you’re currently working in healthcare, an online MBA program can advance your career and increase your earning potential.
What are Healthcare MBA Admissions Requirements?
To apply to any graduate degree program, prospective students need to have a bachelor’s degree. For a healthcare management online program, prospective students should submit an application along with some or all of the below items.
- official college transcripts
- current resume or CV
- 2 to 3 letters of recommendation from professional contacts
- GMAT or GRE scores
- an essay or personal statement
COVID-19 UPDATE: Due to COVID-19, students may take the GMAT and GRE exams in person or online.
What Do You Learn in an Online Healthcare Management MBA Program?
A traditional master’s degree takes approximately two years to complete. An online MBA degree consists of core classes, elective classes, and often a final healthcare management capstone project or internship. Below are some of the courses that graduate students may take in an online healthcare MBA program.
- Business Leadership and Human Values
- Healthcare Information Systems
- Managing Organizations in Healthcare / Managing Health Services Organizations
- Healthcare Law and Regulations
- Strategic Healthcare Management
- Health Economics Policy and Administration
- Medical Practice Management
- Global Healthcare Administration / International Health Issues
Managing Human Capital - Health Systems Management
Service Line Development - Population Health Informatics / Population Health Management
- Economics for Decision-making
Statistical Analysis and Data-driven Decision Making - Management in Health Administration
- Business Analytics / Data Analysis / Quantitative Analysis
How Do You Choose an MBA in Healthcare Management Program?
Before you begin your school search for online graduate business programs, make a list of your career goals.
Type of Program
Next, you should look for schools with healthcare management online MBA programs that prepare graduates for career opportunities that align with your goals. For example, if you know you want to work in healthcare informatics, then narrow your search to MBA programs that focus on this area.
Accreditation
Any school you attend should have accreditation. In addition to accreditation for the institution, many degree programs have accrediting bodies. Below are the main programmatic accreditation organizations for business schools and MBA programs. Make sure you attend an accredited online MBA program.
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB website)
- Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP website)
- International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE website)
Cost
Cost is often the most important factor for many students. In addition to tuition, there are often other fees that make up the total cost of a program. The general rule of thumb is private schools are more expensive than state schools or public universities. This is because in-state tuition is lower than out-of-state tuition. However, a lot of schools offer in-state tuition for neighboring states. And many offer the same tuition rates for all students regardless of residency. So, students can save money with online graduate programs.
Also, check for scholarship opportunities and financial aid opportunities from each school as well as federal financial aid.
Format
The program format for healthcare management courses may also be an important factor. Online programs have synchronous courses that are live classes and in real-time. They also have asynchronous delivery that students can view anytime or a combination of both in a hybrid format.
Busy working professionals may not be able to attend full time. However, full time students may finish with only one year of study while part time students may take two to four years to finish.
What are the Advantages of an Accelerated Healthcare Management MBA?
Fast track MBA programs help you focus on specific skill sets to meet your needs. Students can complete an accelerated MBA with a Healthcare Management concentration in as few as 12-18 months, allowing them to quickly enter the job market or use their new skills in their current position.
Less time in an online graduate program also can save you money. Most programs charge their distance education students the same tuition and fees as in-state students, regardless of their state of residency.
What is the Job and Career Outlook With an MBA in Healthcare Administration?
The need for qualified healthcare administrators is on the rise. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job growth rate for this career is much faster than average at 32% over a ten-year period.
How fast you get a job will probably depend on a number of factors. MBA-prepared healthcare managers are in demand in government agencies, hospitals, medical offices, long-term care facilities, outpatient care facilities, and also physician groups.
Where Can You Work with a Healthcare MBA?
Healthcare management degrees train individuals to work in leadership positions in healthcare facilities like hospitals, doctor’s offices, and residential care facilities. Additionally, there are many employment opportunities in public and private healthcare organizations. Many larger organizations also have project management, healthcare marketing, or healthcare informatics career paths.
- Medical and Health Services Managers
- Human Resource Director
- Hospital Administrator
- Healthcare Administrators
- Medical Entrepreneur
- Medical Facility CFO Top Executives
- Training and Development Managers
How Much You Make with an MBA in Healthcare Administration?
An accelerated MBA Healthcare Administration program will not only get you into the job market sooner but will allow you to command a higher salary, depending on where you live and work. The salary range, according to the BLS, is between $60,780 and $205,620.
PayScale estimates salaries for MBA-prepared employees at $63,000 to$107,000 in areas of Practice Managers, Healthcare Consultants, Practice Administrators, Operations Directors, as well as Executive Directors.
When calculating salary, don’t forget to include compensation packages which may include health insurance, paid time off, paid sick leave, 401k or retirement plans, child care, and also tuition reimbursement.
MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES MANAGER
Median Salary is $101,340 per year (BLS)
HEALTHCARE ADMINISTRATOR
Median Salary is $101,340 per year (BLS)
TOP EXECUTIVE
Median Salary is $98,980 per year (BLS)
TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
Median Salary is $120,130 per year (BLS)
Is an Online MBA in Healthcare Management Worth It?
Yes. A flexible online program in healthcare management offers students a path to career advancement. Healthcare management majors qualify for management-level positions in the healthcare field. Furthermore, an MBA in healthcare management provides a more thorough understanding of the field. And, individuals can also earn a higher salary.
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