Online Master’s Degree in Health Care Administration
Online Master’s in Health Care Administration: An Overview
Health care is one of the fastest-growing industries in the country, thanks in part to advances in medical technology and changes in federal regulations affecting patients, hospitals and insurers. Professionals who work in health care administration and management oversee day-to-day operations in hospitals, doctor’s offices and other health care facilities. They may also work in related positions for corporations, nonprofit organizations or government agencies.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the typical entry-level education required of medical and health services managers is a bachelor’s degree, but an online health care administration and management master’s degree can help professionals advance to leadership positions more quickly. It may also be beneficial for individuals looking to transition into the field.
Online Master’s Degree in Health Care Administration
Coursework for an online master’s in health care administration focuses on the business and management side of health care. This area of the industry has been linked to high rates of employee satisfaction. More than 80 percent of medical and health services managers say their job has high meaning, according to data from PayScale, a careers website.
What is an online MHA?A growing number of colleges and universities now offer master’s in health care administration degree programs online. The online MHA program is an ideal pathway for students who wish to study from home, particularly those with other responsibilities like full- and part-time jobs or child care obligations.
How long does it take to earn a master’s in health care administration?Typical MHA degree programs can range from 32 to 60 credits. Students enrolled full time can complete most online master’s in health care administration programs within two academic years. Alternatively, some joint-degree online MHA programs and certain master’s specializations may take up to three or four years to complete.
Online Master’s Degree in Health Care Administration
How much does a master’s in health care administration cost?The overall cost of an online MHA program will depend on several factors. Students attending a college or university in their home state may pay lower tuition rates – sometimes as little as around $200 per credit hour. Out-of-state students, on the other hand, may pay higher tuition rates in the range of around $700 to $1,500 per credit hour.
In-state students should expect to pay anywhere from about $6,500 to $36,000 for their entire MHA degree program, while out-of-state students should expect an overall degree cost that can range from about $26,000 to $75,000. However, some schools charge a flat tuition rate for all students, regardless of their home state.
Online MHA degree admissions requirementsApplicants to online master’s programs in health care administration are generally expected to have work experience in the health care field. However, some online master’s degree programs may admit professionals without a background in health care.
GRE score requirements will vary by institution; in some cases, applicants will not need to submit a GRE score at all.
Choosing an accredited online MHA degree programAccreditation status is one of the most important considerations for prospective students. Colleges and universities in the U.S. receive accreditation from agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education; the accreditation process involves an extensive review of a school’s educational programs and student services.
A school’s accreditation will impact course credit transferability, as well as student eligibility for federal financial aid, so students should ensure the school offering the program has earned national or regional accreditation.
