Edited By Darryl S.
Review & Contribution By Dr. Wilfredo D. Staton
The online Master’s in Healthcare Administration program offers a comprehensive foundation, equipping students with advanced skills to manage healthcare entities effectively. Through diverse coursework and practical experiences, students delve into healthcare policies, financial management, informatics, and delivery systems, fostering critical thinking. Graduates are poised for high-level roles like hospital CEO or healthcare consultant, qualified for diverse settings. The program’s emphasis on critical skills prepares them to tackle complex challenges in healthcare. With a strong job outlook and lucrative median wages, this master’s degree is an excellent choice for those aspiring to impactful careers, shaping the future of healthcare administration in hospitals, practices, insurance, and government sectors.
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Featured Online Master’s in Healthcare Administration
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Southern New Hampshire University
PROGRAM: Best & Affordable Online Master’s in Healthcare Administration
Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit, accredited institution with more than 3,000 on-campus students and over 60,000 online students, making us one of the fastest-growing universities in the country. Founded in 1932, we’ve been relentlessly reinventing higher education ever since and have gained national recognition for our dedication to helping students transform their lives and the lives of those around them.
We’re proud to provide affordable, accessible education that students can pursue on our 300-acre campus in Manchester, NH, over our innovative online platform or at our regional centers in Manchester, Nashua, Portsmouth and Salem, NH, and Brunswick, ME.
SNHU has earned the GetEducated.com Best Buy and Best of Business – Best Online Degree awards and is consistently ranked as a top Military Friendly® School by G.I Jobs®.
Best Online MHA Programs
An online Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration equips students with the expertise and skills necessary to enhance their credibility as industry professionals. Factors such as cost, format, accreditation, student support, faculty quality, and funding are crucial when selecting a program. The teams at OMC have meticulously researched the best programs and have compiled a list considering these factors. Here are 15 of the top-ranked online Master’s in Healthcare Administration programs:
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| College Name & Address | Tuition | Graduation Rate |
|---|---|---|
| #1 University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill 103 South Bldg Cb 9100, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599 | $10,552 | 91% |
| #2 Marist College 3399 North Rd, Poughkeepsie, New York 12601 | $15,300 | 84% |
| #3 University of Scranton 800 Linden Street, Scranton, Pennsylvania 18510 | $11,580 | 83% |
| #4 University of Minnesota, Twin Cities 100 Church Street SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455 | $17,580 | 83% |
| #5 Saint Joseph’s University 5600 City Avenue, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19131 | $17,334 | 81% |
| #6 George Washington University 1918 F Street, NW, Washington, District of Columbia 20052 | $31,770 | 82% |
| #7 University of Southern California University Park, Los Angeles, California 90089 | $46,272 | 92% |
| #8 Appalachian State University 287 Rivers St, Boone, North Carolina 28608 | $4,839 | 73% |
| #9 University of Central Florida 4000 Central Florida Blvd, Orlando, Florida 32816 | $6,916 | 72% |
| #10 George Mason University 4400 University Dr, Fairfax, Virginia 22030 | $12,144 | 71% |
| #11 Valparaiso University US Highway 30 and Sturdy Road, Valparaiso, Indiana 46383 | $11,700 | 71% |
| #12 University of Cincinnati 2624 Clifton Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45221 | $12,790 | 71% |
| #13 American University 4400 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, District of Columbia 20016 | $30,351 | 79% |
| #14 University of Denver 2199 S. University Blvd, Denver, Colorado 80208 | $51,336 | 77% |
| #15 Saint Joseph’s College of Maine 278 Whites Bridge Rd, Standish, Maine 04084 | $9,470 | 67% |
| #16 Ohio University 020 Chubb Hall, Athens, Ohio 45701 | $9,444 | 65% |
| #17 Virginia Commonwealth University 910 W Franklin St, Richmond, Virginia 23284 | $12,701 | 67% |
| #18 Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences 850 Greenfield Road, Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17601 | $15,660 | 63% |
| #19 Drexel University 3141 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104 | $35,181 | 69% |
| #20 William Woods University One University Avenue, Fulton, Missouri 65251 | $6,480 | 58% |
| #21 University of Southern Indiana 8600 University Blvd, Evansville, Indiana 47712 | $9,486 | 50% |
| #22 University of Nevada, Las Vegas 4505 S Maryland Pky, Las Vegas, Nevada 89154 | $5,459 | 45% |
| #23 University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee 2200 E Kenwood Blvd, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53211 | $10,543 | 44% |
| #24 Peirce College 1420 Pine Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102 | $13,896 | 42% |
| #25 University of Providence 1301 Twentieth St S, Great Falls, Montana 59405 | $14,000 | 38% |
Source – Integrated Post Secondary Education Data System & University Data
*Tuition rates are for in-state and per year. Program specific rates may apply.
**NA – data not available
Most Affordable Online MHA Programs
As tuition fees continue to rise, enrolling in affordable online Master’s in Healthcare Administration programs becomes challenging for students. Addressing this concern, the team at OMC meticulously researched and compiled a list of the most cost-effective programs, ensuring accessibility for aspiring healthcare administrators seeking quality education without the financial strain often associated with advanced degrees. Here is the list:
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| College Name & Address | Tuition | Graduation Rate |
|---|---|---|
| #1 Appalachian State University 287 Rivers St, Boone, North Carolina 28608 | $4,839 | 73% |
| #2 University of Nevada, Las Vegas 4505 S Maryland Pky, Las Vegas, Nevada 89154 | $5,459 | 45% |
| #3 Oklahoma State University, Tulsa 1111 W 17th St, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74107 | $5,530 | NA |
| #4 Louisiana State University, Shreveport One University Place, Shreveport, Louisiana 71115 | $6,196 | 31% |
| #5 William Woods University One University Avenue, Fulton, Missouri 65251 | $6,480 | 56% |
| #6 University of Central Florida 4000 Central Florida Blvd, Orlando, Florida 32816 | $6,916 | 72% |
| #7 California State University, East Bay 25800 Carlos Bee Blvd, Hayward, California 94542 | $7,176 | 50% |
| #8 University of Maryland, Global Campus 3501 University Blvd East, Adelphi, Maryland 20783 | $8,640 | 15% |
| #9 Colorado State University, Global Campus 585 Salida Way, Aurora, Colorado 80011 | $9,000 | NA |
| #10 Ohio University 020 Chubb Hall, Athens, Ohio 45701 | $9,444 | 65% |
| #11 Saint Joseph’s College of Maine 278 Whites Bridge Rd, Standish, Maine 04084 | $9,470 | 67% |
| #12 University of Southern Indiana 8600 University Blvd, Evansville, Indiana 47712 | $9,486 | 50% |
| #13 University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee 2200 E Kenwood Blvd, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53211 | $10,543 | 44% |
| #14 University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill 103 South Bldg Cb 9100, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599 | $10,552 | 91% |
| #15 University of Scranton 800 Linden Street, Scranton, Pennsylvania 18510 | $11,580 | 83% |
| #16 Valparaiso University US Highway 30 and Sturdy Road, Valparaiso, Indiana 46383 | $11,700 | 71% |
| #17 George Mason University 4400 University Dr, Fairfax, Virginia 22030 | $12,144 | 71% |
| #18 Virginia Commonwealth University 910 W Franklin St, Richmond, Virginia 23284 | $12,701 | 67% |
| #19 University of Cincinnati 2624 Clifton Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45221 | $12,790 | 71% |
| #20 Peirce College 1420 Pine Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102 | $13,896 | 42% |
| #21 University of Providence 1301 Twentieth St S, Great Falls, Montana 59405 | $14,000 | 38% |
| #22 Marist College 3399 North Rd, Poughkeepsie, New York 12601 | $15,300 | 84% |
| #23 Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences 850 Greenfield Road, Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17601 | $15,660 | 63% |
| #24 Saint Joseph’s University 5600 City Avenue, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19131 | $17,334 | 81% |
| #25 University of Minnesota, Twin Cities 100 Church Street SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455 | $17,580 | 83% |
Source – Integrated Post Secondary Education Data System & University Data
*Tuition rates are for in-state and per year. Program specific rates may apply.
**NA – data not available
What Online MHA Programs Entail
Online Master’s in Healthcare Administration programs provide advanced healthcare management and administration knowledge. Typically requiring 36-48 credit hours, these programs offer flexible online, on-campus, or hybrid formats, taking 1.5 to 2 years to complete. Students develop critical thinking, analytical, and communication skills, preparing for roles like hospital CEO or healthcare consultant. Graduates are qualified for diverse healthcare settings, contributing to hospitals, health practices, insurance companies, and government agencies.
Curriculum and Coursework and Skills Gained in a Master’s In Healthcare Administration
A Master’s in Health Administration program features core courses and electives focusing on healthcare management, informatics, and policy. Students complete a capstone project, fieldwork, internship, or thesis as part of their degree requirements. Core courses cover financial management, policy, informatics, operations, leadership, and ethics. Electives may explore quality, safety, marketing, and analytics. The capstone project allows the practical application, while research enthusiasts may opt for a thesis involving original healthcare administration research. Here are some common courses one can expect in a master’s in healthcare administration online program:
Healthcare Delivery Systems
The Healthcare Delivery System course explores the American healthcare system, covering its evolution, current models, and services, focusing on the continuum of care, health professionals, and accreditation. It addresses leadership challenges related to access, quality, and cost, investigating the delivery of quality care across the consumer continuum.
Healthcare Leadership
This course introduces classical and contemporary leadership views. Students explore leadership theories, assess their own styles, and analyze traits of historical and current leaders. Special emphasis is placed on leadership within healthcare administration, enhancing skills for effective leadership in the healthcare industry.
Healthcare Strategic Management
This program concentrates on methods for identifying, collecting, analyzing, evaluating, and reporting strategic data. Effective strategic management can contribute to the organization’s long-term success. The course introduces key concepts, tools, and principles of strategy formulation and execution, along with competitive analysis. It also evaluates leadership decisions impacting performance and organizational survival.
Financial Management in Healthcare
This program allows students to grasp the significance of financial management in healthcare operations. It covers the creation and analysis of operational and capital budgets, teaching budget development, and evaluation of departmental financial status. Additionally, it emphasizes measuring financial performance through methods like volume-adjusted variance analysis and breakeven analysis.
Healthcare Quality and Risk Management
The Healthcare Quality and Risk Management course in a Master’s in Healthcare Administration program equips students with insights into healthcare quality improvement. It explores methods and tools to enhance patient safety, improve health outcomes, and mitigate risks. The course emphasizes developing processes for in-depth investigation of internal operations.
Upon graduation, students can expect to have gained the following skills:
- Strategic Thinking: Developing the ability to think strategically in healthcare management.
- Leadership: Acquiring leadership skills for effective decision-making and team management.
- Financial Management: Understanding budget development, financial evaluation, and corrective actions.
- Quality Improvement: Gaining expertise in healthcare quality improvement methods and tools.
- Risk Management: Assessing and mitigating clinical and organizational risks within healthcare settings.
- Data Analysis: Using techniques for identifying, collecting, and analyzing strategic data.
- Communication: Enhancing communication skills is crucial for effective healthcare administration.
- Policy Analysis: Analyzing and understanding healthcare policies and their impact.
- Ethical Decision-Making: Developing the ability to make ethical decisions in healthcare settings.
Degree Types
There are two types of degrees in healthcare administration: the Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) and the Master of Science in Healthcare Administration (MS). The MHA program focuses on healthcare management and administration, while the MS program equips individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to advance as successful healthcare leaders.
Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA)
The Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) program is designed to equip students with specialized skills in healthcare management and administration. Focused on healthcare leadership, policy, and organizational management, the MHA degree prepares professionals for impactful roles in the evolving healthcare industry, addressing complex challenges and promoting quality patient care.
Master of Science in Healthcare Administration (MS)
The Master of Science in Healthcare Administration (MS) program delves deeply into healthcare policies, leadership, and strategic management, imparting students with the skills necessary for effective decision-making and leadership roles across diverse healthcare settings.
Specializations for Healthcare Administration Students
The healthcare industry is expanding, and specialization provides students with focused knowledge and skills, improving their career prospects. Through in-depth exploration of specific areas, students cultivate expertise that distinguishes them in the job market. Specialized education ensures they are well-prepared to address industry demands, becoming valuable assets to employers and enhancing their ability to navigate and contribute effectively to their chosen career paths. Here is a list of the main specializations most students pursue:
| Area of Focus | Description | Careers This Concentration Prepares For |
|---|---|---|
| Healthcare Operations | This specialization involves an in-depth study of optimizing healthcare delivery systems. Students focus on efficient management, resource allocation, and organizational strategies, preparing them to lead and enhance operational processes within healthcare institutions, ensuring effective and quality patient care. | • Hospital Administrators • Healthcare Operations Managers • Clinical Operations Directors |
| Healthcare Informatics | This specialization centers on the intersection of information technology and healthcare. Students delve into managing health information systems, data analytics, and electronic health records. This expertise equips professionals to drive innovation, enhance patient care, and navigate the evolving landscape of healthcare technology and information management. | • Health Informatics Specialists • Clinical Informatics Analysts • Health Information Managers |
| Financial Management | In this specialization, students explore budgeting, financial analysis, and strategic financial planning within the healthcare sector. This specialization equips professionals with the skills to ensure the financial health and sustainability of healthcare institutions, contributing to effective resource allocation and organizational success. | • Healthcare Finance Managers • Financial Analyst in Healthcare • Revenue Cycle Managers |
| Health Policy | This specialization focuses on the analysis, development, and implementation of policies that shape the healthcare landscape. Students explore the intricacies of healthcare regulations, ethical considerations, and public health strategies. This specialization prepares professionals to navigate complex policy environments, advocate for effective healthcare practices, and contribute to advancing public health. | • Healthcare Policy Analysts • Health Policy Advisors • Health Policy Researchers |
| Quality Care | This specialization optimizes healthcare delivery for improved patient outcomes. Students explore quality improvement methodologies, patient safety, and regulatory compliance. This specialization equips professionals to lead initiatives that enhance the quality of care, ensuring patient satisfaction, safety, and adherence to industry standards. | • Patient Safety Officers • Quality Assurance Managers in Healthcare • Healthcare Accreditation Coordinators |
Graduation Timeline
The Master’s in Healthcare Administration provides a flexible timeline for both part-time and full-time students. The standard program usually takes two years, while an accelerated option shortens the curriculum for quicker completion. Timelines vary among universities. Part-time programs may take longer than full-time ones. Additionally, some universities offer accelerated programs to finish in a shorter time frame.
Accelerated Master’s in Healthcare Administration Online Programs
Accelerated programs condense traditional coursework, enabling students to complete their degrees in a shorter duration. This option appeals to those seeking quicker entry into the workforce. However, students must diligently research accelerated programs to ensure quality. Factors like faculty expertise, accreditation, and student success are crucial in determining the program’s value and impact on career prospects. Here are a few universities that offer accelerated Master’s in Healthcare Administration programs:
Admission Requirements for Online MHA Programs
When pursuing a Master’s in Healthcare Administration, aspiring students face specific admission requirements. Generally, universities seek candidates with a bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration or related fields, ensuring a foundational understanding of advanced coursework in the master’s program. Here are a few of the most common healthcare administration degree requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration or related field
- Completed form and application fee
- Official transcripts from previous academic institutions
- Letters of recommendation
- Résumé or Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Personal Statement or Statement of Purpose
- GRE/GMAT Scores
- Interview (sometimes part of the admission process)
- Relevant work experience (may be preferred but not always required)
Online MHA No GRE Programs
The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is a standardized test often required for graduate school admission. Some universities, aiming to attract diverse applicants, offer waivers based on a high GPA or significant work experience. This practice acknowledges alternative indicators of a candidate’s academic and professional capabilities, promoting broader access in the admissions process. Here are some institutions that provide healthcare administration master’s online with no GRE:
Accredited Online MHA Programs
In selecting an online healthcare administration master’s program, verifying accreditation by a recognized body is crucial. Accreditation guarantees the program adheres to top-quality standards in curriculum, faculty, student support, and learning outcomes, assuring a reputable and valuable educational experience.
The Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME)7 is the main accrediting body for Healthcare Administration Master’s programs in the United States. CAHME, recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)8, assesses programs using stringent criteria, evaluating curriculum, faculty, student support, and learning outcomes. Completing a Healthcare Administration Masters program accredited by CAHME can boost career prospects, affirming to employers that students have undergone a high-quality education.
Universities can also be accredited nationally or by one of six regional accrediting agencies:
- New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
Free Online Healthcare Administration Courses
Free online courses provide accessible learning opportunities, enabling individuals to acquire new skills or enhance existing ones without financial constraints. However, it’s crucial to note that while these courses offer valuable knowledge, they often lack formal accreditation. Nonetheless, they remain an invaluable resource for personal and professional development. Here are some examples of free healthcare administration courses:
| Course | Medical and Clinical Administration9 |
| Provided by | Alison |
| Description | This free course explores overseeing medical facilities, a crucial aspect of healthcare management. Covering areas like budgeting, regulatory compliance, and collaboration with healthcare providers, the program equips learners with essential skills. From patient confidentiality to financial management, it addresses key aspects, preparing individuals for roles in healthcare management amid rising demand. |
| Course | Foundations of Healthcare Management10 |
| Provided by | Alison |
| Description | This course explores healthcare systems, emphasizing ethical and legal aspects. Essential skills for health information management, healthcare marketing, and public relations are highlighted. The course underscores the importance of analytical and critical thinking skills in navigating complex care situations, illuminating their impact on patient and elder care. |
| Course | Healthcare Problem Solving11 |
| Provided by | Udemy |
| Description | This course introduces common quality tools for addressing everyday healthcare challenges. Emphasizing problem definition as a crucial first step, it guides healthcare professionals through analysis and innovative solution-finding. The course provides practical exercises and tools to aid problem-solving and process improvement decision-making. |
How to Pay for Online MHA Programs
Considering the current state of student debt and the overall expense of education, it is important to thoughtfully examine the payment options available for an online Master’s in Healthcare Administration program. Funding involves exploring financial aid options, scholarships, and grants. Students can consider employer reimbursement programs, work-study arrangements, or federal student loans. Here is a brief on funding options for a master’s in healthcare administration:
Scholarships
Scholarships are financial awards that support students in pursuing their education by covering tuition, fees, or other educational expenses. These merit- or need-based opportunities help reduce the financial burden and make higher education more accessible for deserving individuals.
Grants
Grants are financial aids that do not require repayment, supporting students in pursuing education. Awarded by government bodies, institutions, or organizations, grants ease the financial burden, ensuring broader access to education and empowering students to focus on academic success without the stress of loan repayments.
Graduate Assistantships
Graduate assistantships allow graduate students to work part-time within their academic institution, gaining valuable experience in teaching, research, or administrative roles. In exchange, they often receive stipends, tuition waivers, or other benefits, facilitating professional development while helping to offset the costs of their education.
Student Loans
Student loans are financial instruments that enable students to borrow money to cover educational expenses. These loans are offered by government agencies or private lenders, and students repay the borrowed amount with interest after completing their education. While loans provide immediate financial support, they contribute to post-graduation debt students are responsible for repaying.
FAFSA
FAFSA, or the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, is a crucial form for students seeking financial aid for higher education. Completing the FAFSA determines eligibility for federal grants, loans, and work-study programs. It is a key step in accessing financial assistance to help cover college or university costs.
Scholarships for Master’s in Healthcare Administration Students
The first step in applying for federal loans and grants is to complete the online Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA ®). This one-stop application service analyzes financial need and reports finding to selected online MHA programs. Federal assistance is offered in the form of the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan (Direct Loan) Program. Master’s students may borrow up to $20,500 in non-subsidized loans. Direct PLUS Loans are for students with tuition that exceeds the maximum amount on non-subsidized loans.
Scholarships for Master’s in Healthcare Administration students ease financial strain, fostering academic excellence and professional development. These awards, often based on merit or need, empower students to pursue advanced degrees without undue financial burden, ultimately enhancing the workforce in healthcare management. Here are two online master’s of healthcare administration scholarships to explore:
| Scholarship | Foster G. McGaw Scholarship12 |
| Description | The scholarship in honor of Foster G. McGaw, founder of the American Hospital Supply Corporation, was initiated by the American College of Healthcare Executives Foundation. It aims to financially assist students in healthcare management graduate programs, alleviating the burden of tuition costs, student loans, and related expenses. |
| Award/Amount | $5000 |
| Application Deadline | March, annually |
| Scholarship | National Association of Health Services Executives Scholarship13 |
| Description | The NAHSE Scholarship Program offers financial support for minority students pursuing healthcare management or related careers. Recognizing that financial constraints may hinder academic pursuits, the program encourages eligible students facing economic challenges to apply for these scholarships. |
| Award/Amount | Varies |
| Application Deadline | Varies |
Career Paths and Average Salaries for Healthcare Administration Graduates
The online master’s in healthcare administration is designed to shape students into skilled professionals in healthcare administration and related fields. Graduate-level proficiency equips individuals with knowledge spanning various healthcare management disciplines, and taking up specializations will further demonstrate the skills acquired during the program. Some potential career options for master’s in healthcare administration graduates include:
| Occupation | Medical and Health Services Managers14 |
| Median Annual Salary | $104,830 |
| Job Growth (up to 2032) | 28% (much faster than average) |
| Job Description | Managers in medical and health services strategize, lead, and organize healthcare operations. Their responsibilities may include overseeing an entire facility, a specific clinical department, or managing a medical practice for a group of physicians. Adapting to shifts in healthcare laws, regulations, and technology is integral to their role. |
| Occupation | Epidemiologists15 |
| Median Annual Salary | $78,520 |
| Job Growth (up to 2032) | 27% (much faster than average) |
| Job Description | Epidemiologists investigate patterns and causes of diseases and injuries. They aim to reduce the risk and occurrence of adverse health outcomes through research, community education, and health policy implementation. |
| Occupation | Nursing Home Administrator16 |
| Median Annual Salary | $128,633 |
| Job Growth (up to 2032) | No Data Available |
| Job Description | The Nursing Home Administrator oversees activities following set policies and federal/state guidelines. Responsible for strategic planning, profitability, and overall operations, they coordinate business functions, recommend improvements, and may necessitate an advanced degree. Typically reports to top management. |
| Occupation | Health Information Management Manager17 |
| Median Annual Salary | $97,947 |
| Job Growth (up to 2032) | No Data Available |
| Job Description | A Manager in Health Information Management oversees the health information department within healthcare settings such as hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. Their duties include maintaining the precision, confidentiality, and accessibility of patient health records, supervising staff, and ensuring adherence to legal and regulatory standards. |
Certifications and Licensing for Healthcare Administration Graduates
Healthcare administration certifications are optional but highly beneficial. Acquiring certifications demonstrates expertise and commitment. They boost career prospects by validating skills, fostering continuous learning, and enhancing credibility, making professionals more competitive in the evolving healthcare landscape. Here are a few certifications graduates of healthcare administration can explore:
The Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ)18
The Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) is the sole accredited certification in healthcare quality, affirming expertise and commitment. This sought-after credential distinguishes professionals, showcasing competence, enhancing credibility, and signaling readiness to contribute significantly to healthcare quality, positioning individuals for new opportunities and roles in the field.
Certified Healthcare Access Manager (CHAM)19
The Certified Healthcare Access Manager (CHAM) is customized for healthcare access management professionals and is administered by the National Association of Healthcare Access Management (NAHAM). This certification program seeks to validate individuals with a comprehensive understanding of healthcare access management principles and best practices. Covering areas such as patient registration, admissions, scheduling, and financial counseling, the CHAM credential showcases proficiency in healthcare access management, contributing to increased employment prospects in the healthcare sector.
Certified Healthcare Financial Professional (CHFP)20
The Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA) Certified Healthcare Financial Professional (CHFP) is the flagship certification, showcasing expertise in business acumen, collaboration, financial strategy, and understanding future trends. Tailored for finance professionals, clinical leaders, and health plans, it signifies a profound understanding of healthcare’s financial intricacies.
Additional Resources for Students
Students pursuing their master’s in healthcare administration online or recently graduated should examine membership in a professional organization. These associations offer valuable resources such as job boards, articles, forums, and extensive networking opportunities within the healthcare administration field. Here are a few resources that students of healthcare administration programs should be associated with:
American Public Health Association
Dedicated to supporting the research and teaching of healthcare leadership principles, the American Public Health Association promotes ethical public health and the importance of public health competency to improve humanity.
National Rural Health Association
The National Rural Health Association (NRHA) is a non-profit organization that unites thousands of members nationwide. Dedicated to leading rural health issues, NRHA focuses on advocacy, communication, education, and research. Its diverse membership includes individuals and organizations with a shared interest in promoting the well-being of rural communities.
Healthcare Administration Alliance
The Healthcare Administration Alliance is dedicated to promoting teamwork and smooth communication among entities and individuals involved in healthcare administration. Embracing for-profit companies, non-profit organizations, and individual professionals, the Alliance focuses on education, training, certification, and continuing education. It adheres to standards promoting honesty, cooperation, and customer focus, encouraging member collaboration and cross-marketing.
FAQs About Online MHA Programs
What is a master’s in healthcare administration?
A Master’s in Healthcare Administration (MHA) is a postgraduate program focused on developing effective leadership and management skills in healthcare settings. It covers areas like healthcare policy, finance, operations, and strategic planning, preparing professionals for leadership roles in healthcare administration, management, and related fields.
How long will it take to complete an online master’s in healthcare administration program?
Can a master’s student work while attending the MHA program?
Are all MHA distance degree programs offered entirely online?
Will I still have access to student resources in an online MHA program?
Is having prior healthcare experience necessary to pursue a Master’s in Healthcare Administration?
Is a master’s in healthcare administration worth It?
Citations:
The Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME)
Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)
Alison- Medical and Clinical Administration
Alison- Foundations of Healthcare Management
Udemy- Healthcare Problem Solving
National Association of Health Services Executives Scholarship
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook for Medical and Health Services Managers
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook for Epidemiologists
Salary.com- Nursing Home Administrator
Salary.com- Health Information Management Manager
The Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ)
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