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What Can I Expect from an Online Master’s in Health Administration Program?

In an online master’s in health administration program, you can expect the same academic quality of on-campus programs in a more flexible format. Online programs eliminate the need to commute to campus, allowing you to save a significant amount of time and money. The exact details for each online master’s in health administration program vary depending on which school you attend, so you’ll need to thoroughly review each option to ensure you select the best one for your specific needs and goals.

Available concentrations

If there’s a particular niche of the health administration field that you are interested in, look for a program that allows you to focus your studies on that specialty. Some of the most common concentration options for an online master’s in health administration include:

  • Healthcare Ethics: Focuses on the moral principles, beliefs, and values involved when making healthcare decisions. Courses may include medical ethics, health law and policy, and moral reasoning.
  • Informatics: Bridge the gap between clinical work and IT. Classes focus on healthcare technology, including the electronic storage of records.
  • Operations: Students learn to effectively manage and run a healthcare facility or organization.
  • Health Policy: This concentration reviews how healthcare policies are designed and implemented at the federal, state, and local levels.

Common degree curriculum

The curriculum for an online master’s degree in health administration focuses on the foundational principles of managing a healthcare facility. While core classes tend to be similar across all colleges, electives will vary depending on the concentration. The standard courses you are likely to encounter include:

  • Strategic Human Resource Management: Analyzes human resources topics and regulatory processes in the healthcare industry.
  • Healthcare Financial Management: Provides students with the accounting skills needed to run a healthcare business.
  • Global Health and Diversity: Details the factors that affect international healthcare systems, including finances and political issues.
  • Legal and Ethical Issues in Healthcare: Covers legal and ethical issues that arise in healthcare and provides an overview of relevant regulations and legislation.

Certification and license preparation

In addition to your master’s degree, you should consider earning professional certifications to expand your skill set further and bolster your resume. Some of the certification programs that are most impressive to prospective employers include:

Program accreditation

Only apply to schools approved by a DOE-recognized regional accrediting organization, such as the New England Commission of Higher Education or Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. If your school doesn’t have regional accreditation, you may be unable to access financial aid or transfer credits to another institution if needed. Ideally, the program you attend will also be approved by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education.

Program completion timeframe

Online master’s in health administration programs usually require 36 to 48 credit hours of coursework, which takes about two years to complete when taking classes full-time. Motivated students who have a lot of free time to devote to their studies may be able to earn their degree in just one year, while those attending college part-time may need as many as five years.

Some programs use a cohort model, which requires students to take courses in a specific order at the same pace as other students. Those who want to earn their degree as fast as possible should look for an asynchronous program that allows you to progress through courses at your own pace.

Employment Outlook for Master’s in Health Administration Graduates

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the total number of jobs in the United States is projected to increase by 3% over the next decade. Most occupations related to health administration are expected to grow much faster — this means there will be plenty of opportunities available for workers with a master’s in health administration, making it easier to find a job and negotiate pay raises.

A master’s in health administration will also unlock the potential to earn an exceptionally high salary. Indeed, the top 10% of medical and health services managers make more than $209,990 per year.

Remember that your salary will likely depend on where you work, as areas with a higher cost of living generally offer higher salaries. For example, while medical and health services managers earn an average income of $171,620 in New York, they tend to make less than $100,000 in Alabama.

Job Title Job Description Median Yearly Salary Projected Growth Rate (2022 – 2032)
Medical and Health Services Manager Medical and health services managers may oversee entire healthcare facilities or a specific department in larger facilities. They direct how medical organizations respond to healthcare laws, regulations, and technology changes. $104,830 28%
Community Service Manager Community service managers coordinate and supervise local social programs. They most often work for nonprofit organizations and government agencies. $74,240 9%

Professional organizations

Professional organizations provide valuable networking opportunities for those in healthcare administration. They can link you to potential employers and offer continuing education and industry updates. Consider some of the top professional organizations for those with a master’s in health administration:

Financing Your Online Master’s in Health Administration Degree

Online master’s in health administration programs are typically more affordable than on-campus programs, but students often still need help paying for their degree. The first step to accessing assistance is filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which matches you with loans, scholarships, and grants provided by the federal government. For additional help, many private organizations offer scholarships and other financial aid options for those pursuing a healthcare career.

Student Finance Resources and Guides

With so many financing options available, it can take time to figure out what you should do next after submitting your FAFSA. The resources listed below can help you make sense of your financial aid situation and significantly reduce the cost of your degree.

Online Master’s Degree Scholarship Database

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Read More about Healthcare Administration Degrees

Interested in a degree?

Learn more about online degrees, their start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.