It takes a doctor to save a patient, but it takes the best Master’s in Health Care Administration to run the hospital effectively.
In fact, making sure that medical facilities and the people who staff them are provided with the right materials and use correct policies is crucial for patient health and for the good of the hospital in the long term.
Hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes need administrators with specialized skill sets that take them above and beyond the medical knowledge of a nurse or doctor. Health Care Administration degrees provide administrative leaders with the tools and knowledge they need to promote their hospital and ensure that it runs efficiently 24 hours a day and seven days a week.
Health care administrators focus on guiding hospital programs rather than individual patients. It’s a full-time job, but it’s rewarding in a way separate from attending to patients directly.
What is a Master’s in Health Care Administration Degree?
A Master’s in Health Care Administration degree sets up graduates for success in leadership roles in the health care industry. While many health care degrees focus on training students to become doctors or other medical practitioners, master’s degrees in health care administration focus more on managing, organizational, and business knowledge.
A master’s degree in health care administration can also prepare you to lead pharmaceutical companies, nursing homes, and health insurance companies. Health care administration incorporates business knowledge with health care specializations.
How Much Can You Earn with a Master’s in Health Care Administration Degree?
The exact salary for someone with a master’s degree in health care administration can vary from position to position. This is because the leadership roles that someone with this degree takes incorporate different levels of responsibility. In addition, some organizations are worth more money which will necessitate a higher paycheck.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that medical and health services managers, which is a broad term for administrators in health care organizations or facilities, have a median salary of $99,730 per year. However, you only require a bachelor’s degree to become a health care facility leader.
Earning a master’s degree will necessitate a pay increase and may lead to a higher salary cap. Also, the number of administrative positions in health care is increasing by 18% per year, which is faster than the national average. This leads to higher demand, which traditionally favors employees as they can negotiate higher salaries than in inundated fields.
Earning a master’s degree in this field may be particularly valuable according to the BLS. It’s known that medical and health service managers a master’s degree make up only 24% of the workforce compared to 32% with a bachelor’s degree, making those with master’s degrees more valuable. The median annual wage premium for those with a masters’ degree is up to $20,000, meaning you may be able to work the same job as a person with a bachelor’s degree but to earn more due to your master’s expertise.
Professionals with a master’s degree in health care administration may also become human resources managers, who have a median salary of $113,300 per year. This may require additional specialization in human resources and some experience in that field to be considered for the position.
What is Required for a Master’s in Health Care Administration Degree?
To get into a master’s program for health care administration, you must first have a bachelor’s degree in a related field. Because health care administration is a field that focuses on both the business and health care aspects of the industry, having a degree with either of these focuses may be acceptable depending on the university you are applying to.
Your degree must also have several prerequisites that may or may not have been completed based on the degree’s focus. For instance, graduates with a bachelor’s degree in business may need to take several health care or scientific prerequisite courses to qualify for a health care administration program.
Other requirements may or may not include several letters of recommendation, a GPA of 2.5 or higher, a history of your work experience, and a personal essay detailing your plans for the future and explaining why you want into the program.
Once in the program, you’ll study classes ranging from health care specifics to broader business fundamentals. Classes will include subjects like:
- Biology
- Communication
- Business administration
- Management
- Marketing
- Financing
- International Relations
- Psychology
What Are the Best Master’s in Health Care Administration Degrees?
OSR uses six data points: three school-wide and three program specific. For school-wide, OSR uses Student Satisfaction, Admission Rates, and the number of programs the school offers online. For program-specific, OSR checks the Median Debt of graduates from that program, how many degrees are offered within that program’s umbrella department, and what percentage of students at that school graduated from that department.
The six statistics are displayed by each school. The sliding bar under each statistic represents how that school compares to other US institutions. “Not reported” means a school did not release that information to the US Department of Education. A more detailed description of the OSR process can be found on the methodology page.
Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing & Allied Health
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Quick Facts
- Tuition: $13,086(in state) / $13,086(out of state)
- Can be completed in less than 22 months
- 36 credit hours needed
- Courses are 5 to 10 weeks long
School Wide
Program Level
100%OSR ScoreThis program is offered in two varieties, an MBA in health care or an MS in Wellness and Health Promotion Management. The former focuses on the business aspects of running a hospital. The latter emphasizes employee wellness and focuses more on policy implementation and the human element of the field.
Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences
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Quick Facts
- Tuition: $14,742(in state) / $14,742(out of state)
- 34 credit hours required
- Only open to bachelor’s degree graduates
- Requires two letters of recommendation
School Wide
Program Level
99%OSR ScoreThis program offers a flexible schedule that you can build to fit your needs. All the online work must be supplemented by two sessions on campus. These on-campus sessions will help students network and gain the leadership experience necessary to successfully manage a real-world health care facility.
Clarkson College
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Quick Facts
- Tuition: $10,350(in state) / $10,350(out of state)
- Focus on one course at a time
- 39-45 credit hours required
- 4-7 semesters for completion
School Wide
Program Level
97%OSR ScoreThis is an accelerated program that can provide you with a master’s degree in a short period of time. Courses begin every six weeks. The program ends with a capstone project in the form of a business plan or research project.
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
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Quick Facts
- Tuition: $5,832(in state) / $15,792(out of state)
- 36 credit hours required
- Classes begin in summer, fall, and spring
- $75 application fee
School Wide
Program Level
96%OSR ScoreTexas Tech’s program is fully online, accelerated, and designed for working professionals who have already completed a bachelor’s degree. Classes emphasize operations and strategic management as well as legal and regulatory aspects of health care. It’s a degree well-suited to future hospital administrators.
American Sentinel University
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Quick Facts
- Tuition: $6,180(in state) / $6,180(out of state)
- Can be completed in two years
- Requires either 12 courses or 12 competencies (for the project path)
- Classes are eight weeks long
School Wide
Program Level
96%OSR ScoreThis program combines the fundamentals of business as they relate to the health care sector. There are two options available to obtain the MBA degree: course-based or project-based. Project-based is more difficult for online students to complete but is still possible; the course-based option is much more flexible.
Excelsior College
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Quick Facts
- 36 credit hours required
- Capstone course required
- Can transfer up to 18 credits
School Wide
Program Level
94%OSR ScoreThis degree program sets you up to advance in hospitals or other health care facilities across the country. You can continue this online program while you work as it is designed for professionals to complete on a part-time basis. Courses focus on medical licensure and certification and health service outreach communication planning, as well as other business and health care aspects.
MCPHS University
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Quick Facts
- Tuition: $20,880(in state) / $20,880(out of state)
- 36 credit hours required
- 48 credit hours required for non-business undergraduates
- Must have resume or work experience to apply
School Wide
Program Level
93%OSR ScoreThis totally online program has two start terms—fall and spring. As an MBA in Health Care Management, this program is a perfect choice for health care professionals who want to pursue leadership opportunities. It incorporates expert instruction and the hands-on expertise of MCPHS’ faculty, all of whom have medical administrative experience.
Western Governors University
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Quick Facts
- Tuition: $6,500(in state) / $6,500(out of state)
- Classes are extremely flexible
- Capstone project required for completion
- 36 credit hours required
School Wide
Program Level
92%OSR ScoreThis flexible online MBA program is perfect for preparing to enter into upper-level management positions in health care facilities. Most of the graduates of this program finish their studies within two years. It delivers a healthy mix of business classes and up-to-date health care information.
South University-Savannah Online
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Quick Facts
- Tuition: $13,097(in state) / $13,097(out of state)
- Flexible admissions requirements
- 36 credit hours required
- $35 application fee
School Wide
Program Level
92%OSR ScoreSouth University’s program can be completed in as little as one year if you have the time to focus on your studies. This program emphasizes health care management principles and knowledge in areas like finance and human resources. It also explores health law and ethics and health care planning and marketing.
Capella University
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Quick Facts
- Tuition: $14,365(in state) / $14,365(out of state)
- 4 specialization courses available
- 48 total quarter credits required
- Two paths available for graduation
School Wide
Program Level
91%OSR ScoreThis online degree program features practice-based learning, requiring you to coordinate with your fellow students to network and develop communication skills. There are multiple start dates throughout the year. You can also complete this degree in as little as 12 months depending on your skills or the track you choose.
Purdue University Global-Indianapolis
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Quick Facts
- Tuition: $10,128(in state) / $10,128(out of state)
- Multiple start dates throughout the year
- 10-week terms
- 52 credits required
School Wide
Program Level
90%OSR ScoreThis is a 100 percent online program that can prepare you to handle new business and health care developments in the industry. It develops your administrative and ethical skills so you can take health care leadership positions with confidence. Because of the schedule flexibility, it’s an ideal online program if you must work while you continue your studies.
AdventHealth University
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Quick Facts
- Tuition: $21,300(in state) / $21,300(out of state)
- $50 application fee
- All courses must be completed within 72 months
- Readmissions possible if you fail out
School Wide
Program Level
86%OSR ScoreThis university allows for a path from an associate degree all the way to a master’s degree in a combined three-year program. If you’re certain about your career ambitions, this an efficient course that will save you money in the long run. The program can be completed entirely online and will incorporate joint work with fellow students.
University of Saint Mary
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Quick Facts
- Tuition: $11,070(in state) / $11,070(out of state)
- 36 credit hours required
- Only 30% of courses focus on health care management
- Can be completed in less than two years
School Wide
Program Level
86%OSR ScoreThis online program is an MBA with a health care management concentration. Most of the curriculum is shared with other MBA degrees, but most electives and other courses focus on health care administration. It incorporates classes that focus on business skills and the ethical and legal issues in health care.
George Washington University
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Quick Facts
- Tuition: $29,790(in state) / $29,790(out of state)
- Doesn’t require many prerequisites
- 33 credit hours required
- Must complete a residency or internship
School Wide
Program Level
84%OSR ScoreThis online program will help you improve the efficiency and ethical quality of health care across the country. Coursework incorporates both research and text-based learning. It also emphasizes health policy and management, so it’s a good program if you want to influence corporate or policy-level health care decisions.
Rivier University
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Quick Facts
- Tuition: $10,260(in state) / $10,260(out of state)
- 7-week course lengths
- Program can be completed in less than two years
- 36 credit hours required
School Wide
Program Level
84%OSR ScoreThis MBA in health care administration focuses on managing core business functions and uniting those skills with health care understanding. It emphasizes the development and management of health care operations and services. It features a flexible class format with multiple start dates throughout the year.
Stony Brook University
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Quick Facts
- Tuition: $10,870(in state) / $22,210(out of state)
- 50% of the program is online
- Students must be on campus one or two evenings per week
- 51 credits required
School Wide
Program Level
84%OSR ScoreThis program is a two-year hybrid degree that incorporates classwork from an interdisciplinary series of sources. It culminates in both practicum and capstone courses, offering graduates valuable real-world experience before they enter the workforce. The program utilizes a core foundation of general management principles and emphasizes health care aspects.
Walden University
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Quick Facts
- Tuition: $11,586(in state) / $11,586(out of state)
- Can transfer up to 25 credits
- Several specializations available
- 50 three quarter credits required
School Wide
Program Level
83%OSR ScoreWalden’s program comes in either a course-based online option or a flexible, competency-based format that can let you complete the degree to more quickly if you have applicable experience. There are multiple start dates throughout the year. The curriculum incorporates a lot of policy-based learning.
Saint Joseph's College of Maine
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Quick Facts
- Tuition: $8,720(in state) / $8,720(out of state)
- 12-week terms
- Can be completed in two years or less
- 42 credits required
School Wide
Program Level
83%OSR ScoreThis online MHA program uses a competency-based approach, so you can skip courses if you demonstrate proficiency in them. There are four start dates throughout the year. There are also no application fees or GRE scores required, so enrollment is relatively easy.
West Coast University-Orange County
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Quick Facts
- Tuition: $10,054(in state) / $10,054(out of state)
- 36 credit hours required
- Can be completed in 12 months
- Support is offered after graduation
School Wide
Program Level
82%OSR ScoreThis online MHA program is one of the fastest in the country. Incorporating student support services and plenty of internship opportunities, you can choose a pace that works for you with dual Accelerated and Working Professional pathways. The degree’s curriculum focuses on five competencies, including entrepreneurship, hospital administration, and leadership.
Regis University
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Quick Facts
- Tuition: $12,852(in state) / $12,852(out of state)
- 8-week class lengths
- 3 start dates
- 36 credit hours required
School Wide
Program Level
81%OSR ScoreThis Master of Science in Health Administration program focuses on administration skills for upper management in health care companies. Its curriculum incorporates legal and financial courses as well. It’s a fantastic program for health care professionals more interested in the business side of things.
Independence University
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Quick Facts
- Tuition: $15,616(in state) / $15,616(out of state)
- Program is only 15 months long
- 57.5 credits required
- No elective courses incorporated
School Wide
Program Level
81%OSR ScoreThis short-term online program is a perfect choice for professionals who want to get their degree as fast as possible. It provides advanced knowledge and business, accounting, human resources, and medical skills. It also offers flexible scheduling and asynchronous learning.
Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global
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Quick Facts
- Tuition: $10,671(in state) / $10,671(out of state)
- Can be completed in less than two years
- You’ll study with a cohort group through the entire program
- 42 credit hours required
School Wide
Program Level
81%OSR ScoreThis MBA degree has an emphasis on health care administration. You’ll learn to develop solutions and strategies for business problems or opportunities at a health care facility. Classes meet once per week online or in person.
National University
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Quick Facts
- Tuition: $14,976(in state) / $14,976(out of state)
- 4-week classes
- 72 quarter units required
- Involved networking is part of the program
School Wide
Program Level
80%OSR ScoreThis program is one of the top choices in the San Diego area or the online marketplace. It’s a professional program that can develop your organizational and managerial skills in relation to the health care industry. It also incorporates planned internships and a capstone real-world experience.
University of St Francis
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Quick Facts
- Tuition: $13,464(in state) / $13,464(out of state)
- Can be completed in 12 months
- 8-week sessions
- 36 credit hours required
School Wide
Program Level
80%OSR ScoreThis online degree program is extremely affordable and flexible. It’s ranked highly by the Master’s Program Guide and is a superb choice if you must work while completing your studies. With six start dates and a flexible schedule system, you can complete your classes anytime and anywhere.
Pennsylvania State University-World Campus
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Quick Facts
- Tuition: $20,470(in state) / $20,470(out of state)
- 49 credit hours required
- Must have five years of work experience in health care
- Culminates in a capstone course
School Wide
Program Level
80%OSR ScoreThis MHA program emphasizes policy and administration, making it a top choice if you want to influence health care policy in the future. It combines health-related work experience with business management education. The online program is built so you can form partnerships with your fellow students and experienced faculty.
University of Phoenix-Arizona
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Quick Facts
- Tuition: $16,713(in state) / $16,713(out of state)
- 6-week courses
- Can be completed in 17 months
- 36 credit hours
School Wide
Program Level
79%OSR ScoreThis is an ideal program for students that must juggle studies and their family at the same time. It offers accelerated and relaxed pacing options so you can complete your courses when it works for you. The degree comes in a standard format or can be specialized as a dual MBA/BHA or specialized with a concentration in informatics.
Ashford University
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Quick Facts
- Tuition: $11,214(in state) / $11,214(out of state)
- 6-week courses
- 36 credit hours required
- Specialization does not require extra credits
School Wide
Program Level
77%OSR ScoreThis online program emphasizes leadership and human connection above the business aspects of the sphere. It requires you to take one course at a time, so it’s an ideal choice for those with busier schedules. The curriculum focuses on topics such as health policy, law, and ethics.
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
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Quick Facts
- Tuition: $5,511(in state) / $19,239(out of state)
- 39 credit hours required
- Can be completed in 18 months
- Only 21 credits are with classes
School Wide
Program Level
77%OSR ScoreThis online program prepares students to be leaders in the healthcare industry. It incorporates a balanced curriculum that focuses on the technological, economic, and human aspects of health care. It also includes a project-based internship to provide you with real-world experience in leadership.
Cleary University
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Quick Facts
- Tuition: $16,560(in state) / $16,560(out of state)
- Can be completed in less than two years
- 33 credit hours required
- 7-week courses
School Wide
Program Level
77%OSR ScoreThis is an MBA in Health Care Leadership, as it emphasizes ethical decision-making and problem-solving skills. Its curriculum incorporates more communication and leadership frameworks than other programs. In addition, financial aid is offered to all matriculated students so it may be a good choice if you are on a tight budget.
Western Carolina University
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Quick Facts
- Tuition: $4,435(in state) / $14,842(out of state)
- Multiple start dates
- Credit requirements vary by concentration
- Graduate scholarships available each semester
School Wide
Program Level
77%OSR ScoreThis is a 100% online program specifically designed for those who already have a background in healthcare administration or business. It offers four concentrations in emergency medical care, health education, health management, or nutrition. Each concentration only accepts applicants at certain points in the year.
Wilmington University
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Quick Facts
- Tuition: $8,388(in state) / $8,388(out of state)
- 36 credit hours required
- Professional certification options are available
- Most classes are “Core” relating to management
School Wide
Program Level
76%OSR ScoreWilmington’s program provides a Master of Science in Management degree with a health care administration concentration. In addition to this concentration, the program offers two competencies in decision-making and knowledge of health policy. Most course requirements can be completed at your own pace.
Rutgers University-New Brunswick
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Quick Facts
- Tuition: $16,848(in state) / $28,656(out of state)
- 36 credit hours
- Can be completed in one year
- Students will complete simulated and real-life projects
School Wide
Program Level
76%OSR ScoreThis program provides you with the tools and expertise to be an operational leader in the healthcare sphere. It’s a multidisciplinary program that is more business-oriented than health care-oriented. It’s also practice-based, so it provides lots of opportunities for real-world expertise. Because of this, some of the classes must be attended in person at the New Brunswick campus.
Roberts Wesleyan College
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Quick Facts
- Tuition: $13,680(in state) / $13,680(out of state)
- 43 credits required
- Multiple start dates available
- You stick with a cohort throughout the program
School Wide
Program Level
76%OSR ScoreThis Master of Science degree program can be completed in either 100% online or hybrid formats. The hybrid format requires that you attend classes one night a week. Additionally, graduates from Roberts already can complete the program in 14 months with an accelerated track.
Florida International University
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Quick Facts
- Tuition: $8,912(in state) / $21,393(out of state)
- 42 credits required
- Can be completed in 18 months
- Has 3 residency requirements
School Wide
Program Level
75%OSR ScoreThis online program provides you with the business and leadership skills you need to progress your career in the health care management field. It emphasizes knowledge and financing and health system reimbursement, as well as policy development. It’s a fantastic choice for future hospital administrators or health insurance CEOs.
Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis
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Quick Facts
- Tuition: $8,370(in state) / $8,370(out of state)
- Can be pursued full-time or part-time
- Joint degree options available
- 51 credits required
School Wide
Program Level
75%OSR ScoreThis program has been accredited for nearly 50 years in Indiana and has produced many successful graduates. The program features advanced courses that have you participate in project work for various health care organizations. Other practical experience opportunities include internships and a mentoring program that will pair you with a local health care executive.
