The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, using data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, estimates there are currently over 12,440,670 Americans employed, in one capacity or another, in healthcare fields. Responding to the aging of Baby Boomers and increased demands of hospitals and emergency rooms as centers for healthcare, the demand for healthcare managers will increase. These generalists are responsible for the operation and growth of hospitals, health systems and other health facilities; and, the assurance of financial, legal and policies. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 17% job growth in healthcare over the next decade, which will require approximately 56,300 healthcare management positions.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics calculates that healthcare executives enjoy a median yearly salary of $94,500, dependent on degree. As healthcare continues to grow, entry level positions in health systems require a minimum of an undergraduate degree in business, healthcare, accounting, etc. The most lucrative positions require graduate degrees, specifically appealing is the Master of Business Administration with either experience or education in healthcare management.
Employee Reimbursement
Increasingly, more employers are offering tuition assistance as part of employees benefits packages. Check with your employer's Human Resources department to see if your employer offers tuition assistance and if it's available to help you with your tuition costs.
Veterans, Active Military, Spouses and Dependents
More and more degree programs are offering tuition assistance to active military and retired personnel. Be certain to check the school's website to determine if your service will qualify you for a reduction in tuition or other benefits.
Federal Financial Aid
Typically, student loans are offered for graduate students. If you're interested in applying for a federal Stafford Loan, you're required to file an application available at Free Application for Federal Student to determine eligibility.
Accreditation
Accreditation of schools, programs and degrees is an important point to consider when choosing an online degree program. The designation of accreditation indicates that the college or university meets standard requirements as recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. There are two forms of national accreditation, institutional and programmatic. For example, in this ranking, many healthcare management programs hold accreditation from The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International (AACSB), the Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Management (CAHCM) or the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE). All schools hold institutional accreditation from DOE approved agencies.
Best Medical Degrees has identified twenty, online MBA degrees with healthcare management specializations. This ranking concentrates on tuition costs, length of program, accreditation and rankings by publications such as U.S. News and World Report, the Kiplinger Newsletter or Forbes Magazine were taken into consideration in the development of this affordable Masters in Healthcare Management degrees.
1. Fayetteville State University
Accredited by The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International (AACSB), Fayetteville State University offers an MBA with a specialization in healthcare managment online program. Students take a curriculum in accounting, principles in business statistics, economics, finance, data analysis, healthcare data systems and marketing. Specialization classes include managed care and the American healthcare systems, Healthcare Management, simply, is the general management of healthcare facilities and pertinent business issues, while leaving the administration and operation of staff and personnel to healthcare administrators. The function of the manager is to facilitate the running of healthcare facilities, including policy development and compliance, accounting and facilities management. Experiences, or education, in basic business theories such as statistics, finance, organizational behavior and marketing strategies are helpful in being a successful manager. Training in healthcare issues such as ethics, healthcare law and policies, healthcare informatics and interpersonal communication, serves as a bedrock for the successful management of a healthcare organization.. The School of Business and Economics also offers a certificate in healthcare management which requires 15 credit hours.
Located in Fayetteville, North Carolina, this university has been ranked #102 in its southern Regional Universities by U.S News and World Report, #43 Top Public Schools and #26 in its Historically Black Colleges and Universities rankings. The MBA program ranks #72 in Best Online MBA programs. Fayetteville State University was established in 1867 as Howard School and has a current enrollment over 6,000 students. The university holds accreditation from The Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Program Length: 39 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition: $6,435 (Resident); $16,107 (Non Resident)
2. Columbia Southern University
Columbia Southern University's College of Business offers an online MBA with a concentration in healthcare management. Estimated to take 3 years for completion, this program focuses on preparation of students to function in senior level hospital management. Coursework includes 24 credit hours of core coursework in Strategic Management & Business Policy, Management Information Systems, Advanced Marketing, Research Methods, Organizational Research and Theory, Business Ethics, International Business and Human Resource Management Methods. Twelve hours of healthcare management study covers Health Care Financial Management, Legal Foundations of Health Care, Health Resources and Policy Analysis and Advanced Health Care Management.
Accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), Columbia Southern University was founded in 1993 in Orange Beach, Alabama. This private, for profit institution is licensed by the State of Alabama Community College System to provide online degree programs.
Program Length: 36 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition: $10,440
3. Western Governors University
This MBA in Healthcare Management, online program is designed for students currently working in healthcare management who wish to advance their careers or for those wishing to enter the healthcare management career. Students complete courses in Managing Organizations and Leading People, Managing Human Capital, Marketing, Accreditation Audit, Global Economics for Managers, Accounting for Decision Makers, Ethical Leadership, Financial Management, Data-Driven Decision Making and Service Line Development. The degree also requires a capstone project. Coursework, typically, requires 15 hours of study per week.
GWU is accredited by The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). Created in 1995 to meet the needs in health professions, education, business and technology, the Governors Western University is a bipartisan consortium currently supported in six states: Indiana, Missouri, Nevada, Tennessee, Texas and Washington. Currently enrollment, nationwide, is estimated over 80,000 students; and, the WGU graduates approximately 10,000 per year. Western Governors University is a non-profit institution.
Program Length: 4 Terms (2 years)
Estimated Tuition: $13,000
4. Southern New Hampshire University
Accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), Southern New Hampshire University offers an online MBA in Healthcare Management degree which will expose the student to current trends in healthcare informatics, social, ethical and organizational issues in healthcare management. The curriculum includes studies in: Healthcare Informatics, Social and Organizational Issues in Healthcare, Mathematics and Statistics for Business, Business Law, Marketing and Strategy, Government Impact on Business, Operations Management and Technology, etc. There is a capstone project required for graduation.
Southern New Hampshire University began with the opening of the New Hampshire School of Accounting and Secretarial Science in 1932; and, the university was granted a charter by the NH legislature in 1963 to award degrees. SNHU currently has 3,000 students enrolled at his Manchester, NH campus and an impressive 80,000 online student enrollment. The school has been designated as Military Friendly by G.I. Jobs and holds regional accreditation by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
Program Length: 36 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition: $22,572
5. Kaplan University
Kaplan University provides an online Master of Healthcare Administration which prepares students for leadership and managerial positions in healthcare. This online program offers courses in Organizational Development for Healthcare, Leadership in Healthcare, Human Resources for Healthcare Managers, Healthcare Statistics, Healthcare Operations and Quality Assessment, Community Health Assessment, Health Information Management and Assessment, Healthcare Marketing and Healthcare Ethics. The program culminates with a capstone project.
Kaplan University holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission and was established in 1937,as the American Institute of Commerce (AIC) in Davenport, Iowa. The school now has campuses in Iowa, Maine, Indiana, Nebraska, Maryland and Wisconsin. This is a propriety institution and is a part of Kaplan Higher Education LLC. Kaplan University is military friendly and offers program discounts for active and retired military personnel.
Program Length: 52 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition: $22,932
6. Quinnipiac University
Offering an online MBA with a healthcare management specialization, this program requires 28 credit hours in core MBA requirements and 18 hours in healthcare management courses. Studies in the specialization courses include Foundations of Health Care Management, Quality Management in Health Care Facilities, Integrated Health Systems & Managed Care, Financial Management in Health Care Organizations and Legal Aspects of Health Care Delivery. Core MBA courses includes Foundations in Decision Making, Financial Decision Making, Marketing Decision Making, Financial and Managerial Accounting for Decision Making, Organizational Behavior and Leadership for Decision Makers and Financial and Managerial Accounting for Decision Making. A capstone project is also required.
The School of Business is AACSB accredited and has received ranking among the best in the nation by U.S. News & World Report for Best Online Graduate Business Programs. The Princeton Review has also recognized Quinnipiac University's School of Business as one of the best U.S. business schools. Currently, with over 9,000 enrolled students, Quinnipiac University was founded in 1929 in Connecticut and has been offering online degrees since 2001.
Program Length: 46 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition $23,000
7. Saint Leo University
Offered online, Saint Leo University has an online MBA with a concentration in healthcare management degree. The school also offers an accelerated MBA option. Generally, though, students must complete 12 hours in core courses, followed by concentration studies in professional development, human resource management, marketing, economics, healthcare organization/managed care, critical issues in healthcare and health policy evaluation. There is also an elective internship.
Saint Leo University is a private Florida institution, with Catholic roots, which was founded in 1889 in Tampa as an integrated school years before it was even legal to do so. Over the years, Saint Leo University has a current enrollment in excess of 6,000 students; and, has been ranked by U.S. News and World Report's ratings as
#62 in southern Regional Universities and #26 in Best Value Schools. The school has a proud heritage of serving military personnel and has been named among the nation's most military-friendly institutions by G.I. Jobs.
Program Length: 36 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition: $25,920 ($19,980 Active Military)
8. Arizona State University Online
This program at Arizona State University has been ranked #5 in Best Online MBA Programs by U.S. News and World Report. A unique degree, ASU Online has a Master of Healthcare Innovation degree which trains students in innovative approaches to healthcare strategies, economics, finance, application of evidence based practices, evaluation of outcomes and methods.
This program is in the top tier of U.S. News and World Report's college rankings and ranked #1 in its Most Innovative Schools; and, ASU has been recognized by Forbes' Best College Buys and by The Wall Street Journal as a school employers favor in job recruitment. Founded in 1885, ASU has a current enrollment of over 41,000 students. The university was founded in 1885 and holds accreditation from The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
Program Length: 33 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition: $25,344
9. New England College
Offering a 100%, online MBA in Healthcare Management degree, this program concentrates on core business coursework in Organizational Leadership and Change, Managerial Accounting and Finance for Leadership, Managerial Economics, Marketing Management, Professional and Organizational Ethics, Strategic Planning and Policy; and, concentration studies in Quality and Lean for Healthcare, Principles of Health Informatics and Comparative Healthcare Systems. The program includes a capstone project for graduation.
New England College has a campus in Hanniker, New Hampshire and is accredited by New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). The college was founded in 1946 as a private, non profit institution which ranks #155 in U.S. News and World Report's Best Online MBA Programs. New England College offers 37 Bachelor's degrees 12 Master's degrees and one Doctoral degree programs.
Program Length: 40 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition: $22,600
10. Colorado Technical University
A MBA in Healthcare Management, this program offers students the opportunity to study core business courses in accounting, leadership, ethics and strategy before entering the concentration courses of managing the healthcare organization, systems in healthcare, healthcare management and a capstone project. The curriculum provides students training in critical and creative thinking in healthcare policy, implementation of best practices, healthcare ethics and communications.
With an unlikely beginning with classes held in a roller rink in 1965, Colorado Technical University now an enrollment of over 26,000 students and a top 200 ranking by U.S. News and World Report's Best Online MBA programs and its degree programs have also received recognition as one of the Best For Veterans. G.I. Jobs cites this university as one of its Best For Vets Business Schools. The MBA program holds Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) accreditation and the university is approved by the Higher Learning Commission.
Program Length: 48 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition: $28,080
11. Des Moines University
This is a blended program requiring three on-campus experiences which totals 15 days in Des Moines. The Master of Health Care Administration (MHA) may typically be completed within two years. Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Management (CAHCM), students have the opportunity to do online study in Health Care Human Relations Management, Overview of the U.S. Health System, Health Care Financial Management, Legal and Ethics, Clinical Decision Making, Organizational Development, etc. Students will also participate in a Long Term Care Internship, conducted in a licensed long term care facility, under the guidance of a qualified health care administrator, and approved by the student's preceptor. This internship may substitute for the Field Based Learning.
Once known as the Still College of Osteopathy, Des Moines University was established in 1898 and located in Des Moines, Iowas. With a total enrollment of 1600 students, school states the university is ranked #25 in the top largest, nationally, for DOs and MDs. Des Moines University has 8 graduate programs ranging from Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, MS in Anatomy, MS in Biomedical Sciences, Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, MS in Physician Assistant Studies, Doctor of Physical Therapy, Master of Public Health and the MHA.
Program Length: 48 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition: $29,568
12. The University of Texas at Tyler
This program, through its College of Business and Technology is fully accredited by The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International) offers an online MBA in Healthcare Management which provides students with a foundation in business and understanding of ever-changing healthcare issues. Core courses will cover, among others, Advanced Financial Management, Decision Making in Operations Management, Organizational Behavior, Advanced Marketing Fundamentals and Strategy. Specialization coursework covers Introduction to the American Healthcare System, Special Topics in Healthcare and Healthcare Marketing.
Part of the University of Texas System, this university was established in 1971 and offers over 80 undergraduate and graduate degrees. The university has a Corporate Partner program which offers $5,000 off the total tuition for qualifying students. Students may check with UT Tyler Financial Aid Office to explore this option further. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, this MBA program has been ranked as one of the Best Online MBAs by U.S.News and World Report.
Program Length: 36 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition: $30,147.60
13. Brenau University
Brenau University offers an online MBA in Healthcare Management degree which holds accreditation from the Accreditation Counsel for Business Schools & Programs (ACBSP). Focusing on critical thinking skills and decision making, the program curriculum offers study in core business courses such as Budgeting for Managers, Financial Management, Management and Organizational Behavior, Global Economics, Integrated Business Operations and Marketing Management. Healthcare management specialization courses include Ethics and Leadership in Health Care, Law and Policy Development in Health Care, Organizational Systems in Health Care, Financial Management in Health Care and Advanced Topics in Health Care.
A private institution, Brenau University was founded in 1878 as a college for women in Gainesville, Georgia. The school now has an enrollment of over 3,500 undergraduates and graduate students; and, has been ranked by U.S. News and World Report as #52 in Regional Universities and #30 in its Best Value Schools rankings. The university is military friendly and offers a $250 tuition discount (per credit hour) for active-duty military, National Guard and Reservists; and, provides a 10 percent tuition discount for veterans, retirees, spouses and dependents of active duty personnel.
Program Length: 45 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition: $30,825
14. Our Lady of the Lake University
A MBA in Healthcare Management, this program requires core studies in Management Theory and Decision-Making Processes, Managerial Control Systems, Marketing Strategies and Policies, Information Systems for Management, Supply Chain and Operations Management, Economics of Global Business Conditions, Strategic Management Concepts and Processes. Specialization studies include Healthcare Law and Ethics, Healthcare Finance, Management of Healthcare, Institutions, Managed Care for Commercial, Medicare and Medicaid Populations and Healthcare Planning and Policy. Students will be versed in policy, legal aspects and strategies in operating a healthcare organization.
The university was founded in 1895 in Texas by the Sisters of the Congregation of Divine Providence. The university is accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and is ranked #76 among Regional Universities by U.S. News and World Report's Best Colleges; and, has been ranked #26 of College Choice's 50 Best Colleges in Texas. Our Lady of the Lake University has a current enrollment in excess of 3,000 students.
Program Length: 36 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition: $32,004
15. Florida Institute of Technologies
Estimated to require two years for completion, Florida Tech has an online MBA in Healthcare Management degree. Students will study core requirements in Managerial Economics, Managerial Accounting, Financial Management, Organizational Behavior and Marketing Management before healthcare specialization studies. These courses include Healthcare Policy, Information Management in Healthcare, Legal Aspects of Healthcare and Healthcare Planning and Marketing. The program culminates with a capstone project in Strategic Management.
Founded in 1958 in Melbourne, Florida, as a private university, Florida Tech holds institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges; and, its Nathan M. Bisk College of Business maintains accreditation from the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE). Florida Tech has been recognized by Forbes' as one of America's "Best Value" universities, one of the best colleges in the Southeast by The Princeton Review⨠and in the top 200 of U.S. News and World Report's National Universities and #119 in its Best Online MBA Program ratings.
Program Length: 36 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition: $32,256
16. Widener University
Widener University offers an MBA with a concentration in healthcare managment online degree. Core MBA curriculum includes studies in Leading Organizations and People, Information Systems and Data Analytics, Managerial Economics in an Innovative Environment, Marketing, Accounting and Managerial Decision Making, Strategic Financial Management and Managing Business Processes. Healthcare concentration studies involve general electives and specific studies in Health Care Policy and Community Health Management.
Founded in 1821 the Bullock School for Boys in Chester, Pennsylvania, the school morphed into a military college in 1862 and continued to evolve into what is now the Widener University. Widener University is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA) and Widener's online MBA is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). Recognized by U.S. News and World Report Widener University is ranked #183 in National Universities. The school has not forgotten its military roots and is ranked #48 Best Colleges for Veterans. The university is proud of its education focused service mission as stated on their website, the school's mission is "â¦to lead, engage, inspire, and contribute." Towards that vision, Newsweek has ranked the university #19 as a service-minded institution.
Program Length: 33 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition: $33,132
17. University of Scranton
This Pennsylvania university provides an online MBA with a healthcare management concentration offered through its Department of Health Administration and Human Resources. The broad based curriculum includes studies in: Accounting, Economics, and Finance, Operations and Information Management, Management and Marketing; and, specialized courses in Health Care Law, Hospital Administration, Global Health Management, Health Services and Systems and Healthcare Financial Management. The program includes a capstone project for graduation.
Ranked #42 by U.S. News and World Report's Best Graduate Schools for Healthcare Management, the University of Scranton and #91 Best Online MBA Programs and has received recognition from Forbes and the Princeton Review. The University of Scranton is a private institution, founded by the Jesuits in 1888; and, has an on campus enrollment over 3,000 students. The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME) and the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
Program Length: 36 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition: $33,840
18. Baker College Online
Baker College offers a MBA in Healthcare Management provided online. Before beginning healthcare management courses, students are required to complete general business courses in Human Resource Management, Human Behavior Management of Organizations, Accounting for the Contemporary Manager, The Economic Environment, The Marketing Environment and Research and Statistics for Managers. Courses in the healthcare management specialization include Healthcare Programs and Policies, Healthcare Administration, Quality Management in Healthcare Organizations, Information Technology Management in Healthcare Organizations, Health Law and Ethics and Healthcare Finance.
Founded in Michigan in 1911, Baker College has a presence in 14 areas of Michigan and Pennsylvania as well as online programming. Baker College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and the MBA Healthcare Management holds program accreditation from the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE). The largest independent college in Michigan, Baker College is a private, not for profit institution.
Program Length: 53 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition: $36,835
19. Capella University
Accreditation Council for Business Schools & Programs (ACBSP) accredited, this MBA in Healthcare Management degree is offered 100% online. This MBA will train students to apply business theories to a cross-discipline role as a healthcare manager. Participants learn to analyze healthcare mission, values and goals; and, have a foundation to understand the constantly changing landscape of healthcare in terms of sociological, political and economic issues. Alongside studies in basic business theories and concepts, specialized coursework will involve studies in: Strategic Management of Health Care Systems, Health Care Financial Management, Health Care Policy Analysis and Decision Making and Ethical and Legal Considerations in Health Care. Coursework concludes with a Capstone Project.
Capella University holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), is a for-profit institution and is owned by the Capella Education Company. The university was established in 1993. The school has an enrollment of over 37,000 online students and offers 53 degree programs. Capella University offers a Trial Course for students to experience a typical online course.
Program Length: 48 Credit Hours
Estimated tuition: $37,440
20. University of Delaware
The University of Delaware, through its Alfred Lerner College of Business & Economics, offers an online MBA with a concentration in healthcare management which can be completed in 16 months. The program is accredited by the Accreditation Counsel for Business Schools & Programs (ACBSP). Students will complete the core studies in Financial Reporting and Analysis, Fundamentals of Analytics, Leadership and Organizational Behavior, Economic Analysis for Business Policy, Marketing Management, Financial Management and Corporate Strategy, etc. The healthcare concentration involves studies in Population Health Informatics, E-Service Management in Healthcare and Patient Experience and Engagement.
The MBA from the University of Delaware has received a #65 ranking for Best Online MBA Programs by U.S. News and World Report and the university holds ratings as #30 in Top Public Schools, #79 in National Universities and #47 in Best Colleges for Veterans. The University of Delaware was established in 1743 and calls Newark, DE home for its main campus. It has an enrollment of over 22,000 students and is one of the oldest universities in the country.
Program Length: 44 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition: $44,000