20 Best And Cheapest Online Healthcare Administration Programs
20 Best And Cheapest Online Healthcare Administration Programs

The online Bachelor of Healthcare Administration (BHA) Program is designed for undergraduate students preparing for careers as managers in the public and private healthcare sector. With these courses in health management, law and ethics, accounting and finance, economics, health information systems, analytics, and human resources administration, graduates will find themselves well prepared to make an impact and drive positive change in the healthcare industry.

Healthcare Administration Degree

Medical and health services managers play a vital role in the healthcare field. They help improve healthcare delivery, supervise staff, and ensure that their department possesses the latest tools. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects the need for these professionals to grow 32% between 2019-2029, a figure significantly exceeding the median projected growth for all U.S. professions.

These professionals earn a median annual salary of $100,980, allowing them to live comfortably even in cities with high costs of living. They can possibly increase their salary potential by attaining one or more relevant certifications or an advanced degree.

Individuals interested in the field can begin their career by earning a bachelor's in healthcare administration degree. This degree lays the groundwork students need to work in various healthcare settings. Online healthcare administration degrees give students the flexibility to balance their studies with personal and professional obligations.

How long does it take to earn a bachelor's in Healthcare Administration online?

The total number of credits required for an online health care administration degree typically ranges from 120 to 126. Bachelor’s degree programs generally take about four or five years to complete for full-time students.

Those earning a health care administration degree online may find accelerated programs available, as well as part-time enrollment options. Some programs require completion of an internship or other fieldwork, and some students choose to complete a related minor or specialization or to pursue a dual degree. All of these factors can directly affect how long it takes to graduate.

How much does an Online Bachelor's in Healthcare Administration cost?

The cost of an online bachelor's in health care administration depends on several factors. State residency is an important consideration since many colleges and universities charge higher tuition for out-of-state students. However, some schools charge flat tuition for online students regardless of state residency. Technology fees are another key factor; these fees often apply to online students but not their brick-and-mortar counterparts.

Per-credit costs for an online bachelor's in health care administration can be as low as $165 or reach around $900 for nonresident or private-college options. Students should expect to pay between $50,000 and $85,000 in total tuition for one of these programs.

What can you do with a Bachelor's in Healthcare Administration?

Photo; sharda
Photo; sharda
Most health care administration jobs are in an office setting within a health care facility. Local, state, and private hospitals employ the largest percentage of medical and health services managers, according to the BLS.

Graduates with a bachelor’s in health care administration can also work for the government, for nursing and residential care facilities, at group medical practices, and for ambulatory health care services.

  • Clinical manager: Those in this role typically manage staff and operations in small facilities or services at the director level in larger medical organizations. Many have a medical background, such as nursing experience.
  • Health information manager: Health information managers oversee the collection, storage, and dissemination of patient and facility records. They also develop and monitor compliance with health information policy. Health information managers must maintain certification as registered health information technicians.
  • Hospital administrator: Hospital administrators oversee staff and manage operations to promote the smooth functioning of hospitals. This position may involve work in human resources, budgeting, and regulatory compliance.
  • Medical office manager: These managers oversee the day-to-day activities of a medical office, including scheduling, expenses and processing of paperwork. They typically have extensive knowledge of medical billing and insurance processes.
  • Medical practice manager: Medical practice managers work to ensure that medical facilities run smoothly by maintaining records, handling payroll, and overseeing budgetary functions.
  • Nursing home administrator: Nursing home administrators oversee the management of facility personnel and operations, including finances, resident care, patient and family relations, and related services. This work requires a state license and continuing education.
  • Practice administrator: While the primary responsibilities of practice administrators center around administrative functions of a medical facility, they also work with external entities like medical supply companies, vendors and customers to coordinate inventory, negotiate contracts and deal with customer service issues.

Top 20 Best And Cheapest Online Healthcare Administration Programs

1. Columbia Southern University - Online MBA in Healthcare Management

2. Midwestern State University - Online Master’s in Health Services Administration

3. Trident University International - Online Master’s in Health Administration

4. Western Carolina University - Online Master of Health Sciences – Health Management

5. Park University - Online Master of Healthcare Administration

6. Concordia University - Online Master of Healthcare Administration

7. Anderson University - Online MBA – Healthcare Leadership

8. University of Maryland University College - Online Master’s in Healthcare Administration

9. Ohio University - Online Master of Health Administration

10. Saint Leo University - Online MBA in Healthcare Management

11. Plymouth State University - Online MBA in Healthcare Administration

12. Austin Peay State University - Online Master of Healthcare Administration

13. Friends University - Online Master of Healthcare Leadership

14. Belhaven University - Online MBA in Health Administration

15. Clarkson College - Online Master’s in Healthcare Administration

16. Indiana Wesleyan University - Online MBA in Healthcare Administration

17. Regis University - Online Master’s in Healthcare Informatics and Management

18. Western Kentucky University - Online Executive Master of Health Administration

19. the University of Scranton - Online Master’s in Healthcare Administration

10. Brandman University - Online MBA in Health Administration

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20 Best And Cheapest Online Healthcare Administration Programs

1. Columbia Southern University - Online MBA in Healthcare Management

Photo: columbiasouthern
Photo: columbiasouthern

Orange Beach, Alabama

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $5,085

Columbia Southern University offers an accredited online MBA in healthcare administration degree program that is the most affordable on our list. The estimated time of completion for this completely online program is three years. Courses are delivered online and taught by the same professors who lead on-campus classes. These courses include advanced healthcare management, healthcare financial management, health resources and policy analysis, and legal foundations of healthcare. A total of 36 credit hours are required for the MBA and healthcare management concentration. Columbia Southern is an accredited member of the Distance Education Accrediting Commission and a recognized member of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Also, the school’s online healthcare management program is the most affordable on our list.

2. Midwestern State University - Online Master’s in Health Services Administration

Wichita Falls, Texas

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $5,878

Midwestern State University’s online master’s in healthcare administration is a comprehensive program designed for students who aspire to leadership positions in healthcare. Additionally, students may earn a graduate certificate in health services administration. MHA majors may also select from one of four areas of concentration, designed for students who want to tailor their degree to meet career goals. These concentration areas include health information management, medical practice management, public and community sector healthcare management, and rural and urban hospital management. Midwestern is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 82nd best regional university in the West and the 28th top public school.

3. Trident University International - Online Master’s in Health Administration

Photo: gradreports
Photo: gradreports

Cypress, California

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,120

Trident University International offers the online BS in Health Administration. This degree will help you develop a strong knowledge base in health administration, including health systems, ethics, finance, and health policy. Students will develop a firm foundation in health administration and will develop the analytical and problem-solving skills needed as a health administration professional.

Trident University International is accredited by:

WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

Minimum Education: High School or Equivalent

Recommended GPA: 2.0 or above (4.0 scale)

Application Requirements; Official High School Transcript/GED Score

Restricted States; Georgia, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York, Oregon

4. Western Carolina University - Online Master of Health Sciences – Health Management

Cullowhee, North Carolina

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,192

Western Carolina University offers a type of master’s in healthcare administration online program designed for students interested in health management. The program is 100% online and designed for professionals with daytime commitments that prevent them from attending traditional classes. These courses include ethics in educational leadership, healthcare informatics, healthcare marketing, legal environment, research methodology in the health sciences, systems and policy in healthcare, and theoretical foundations of public health. Admission to the program requires an undergraduate degree with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better, three letters of recommendation, and satisfactory GRE scores. The school is accredited and ranked with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, U.S. News ranks Western Carolina as the 37th best regional university in the South and the 13th top public school.

5. Park University - Online Master of Healthcare Administration

Parkville, Missouri

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,025

Park University’s online master’s in healthcare administration is an online MHA program offered within the School of Business and designed for individuals aspiring to become leaders in the field. Admission to this ACBSP-accredited program requires a bachelor’s from a regionally accredited institution, a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or better, and official transcripts. Courses are delivered online and taught by the same university professors who instruct on campus. These courses include healthcare economics and policy, healthcare finance, healthcare organizational behavior and leadership, legal and ethical issues in healthcare administration, management of health information systems, and organization of healthcare delivery systems. Park is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a top regional university in the Midwest.

6. Concordia University - Online Master of Healthcare Administration

Photo: duhocbgc
Photo: duhocbgc

Irvine, California

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,150

Concordia University offers the 120-credit Bachelor of Arts in Health Care Management. It provides students with the opportunity to develop the supervisory skills necessary for management and administration in:

  • acute settings
  • communities
  • long-term facilities

The curriculum is provided through a Christian worldview. It consists of classes in:

  • health care marketing
  • human resource management
  • health care evaluation and planning
  • financial accounting
  • ethics
  • eldercare

A health care practicum and a capstone course in the form of an integrative project are also required. Graduates are eligible to become Certified Nursing Home Administrators (NHAs) after completing the program.

7. Anderson University - Online MBA – Healthcare Leadership

Anderson, South Carolina

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,242

Anderson University’s online healthcare management programs include the online MBA with healthcare leadership concentration. This entirely online degree program is designed to provide students with interdisciplinary exposure to all areas of the healthcare industry. Courses are delivered online and include healthcare finance and economics, healthcare structure and policy, and improving quality and safety outcomes. Admission requires an earned bachelor’s degree in business or related program and official transcripts showcasing strong undergraduate academics. The school is accredited and ranked with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, U.S. News ranks the school as the 67th best regional university in the South and 27th best value institution.

8. University of Maryland University College - Online Master’s in Healthcare Administration

Adelphi, Maryland

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,514

University of Maryland University College offers the online BS in Health Services Management. This degree provides students with grounding in the core knowledge and competencies for effective management in the dynamic healthcare environment, teaching them to think comprehensively and strategically about healthcare trends so that they can lead innovation.

Coursework includes the following:

  • management—finance
  • facilities management
  • information systems
  • strategic planning
  • ethical issues
  • data analysis
  • economics
  • marketing

University of Maryland University College is accredited by:

Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

9. Ohio University - Online Master of Health Administration

Photo: vitalrecord.tamhsc.edu
Photo: vitalrecord.tamhsc.edu

Athens, Ohio

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,510

Ohio University’s online master’s in healthcare administration programs do not require the GRE for admission and can be completed entirely online. Designed to take two years to complete, the online master of health administration is for working professionals who want to make effective decisions and flourish as leaders serving the health care community. Courses are taught by university professors and industry professionals with both in-classroom and out of the classroom experience. These courses include ethical issues in healthcare, evaluation and quality improvement in healthcare, healthcare finance, health law, health policy, information systems for health services, research and quantitative methods for health services, and strategic planning and marketing in health services. The institution is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a top national institution.

10. Saint Leo University - Online MBA in Healthcare Management

Saint Leo, Florida

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,630

Saint Leo University offers the online Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration. Take classes in health care management, law, financing, policy analysis and information technology—often with an international perspective. Courses are taught by experienced faculty and medical professionals, former and current medical doctors and administrators. A senior-year internship will give you intensive exposure to the challenges and opportunities you’ll encounter in the health care environment.

Saint Leo University is accredited by:

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

11. Plymouth State University - Online MBA in Healthcare Administration

Plymouth, New Hampshire

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,738

One of the more affordable online master’s in healthcare administration programs on our list is the online MBA with a healthcare administration concentration from Plymouth State University. Admission does not necessarily require an earned bachelor’s degree, but students possessing an undergraduate degree may have the option to waive foundational courses required for the program. All classes are delivered online and include comparative healthcare systems, information technology in healthcare, leadership in healthcare, special topics and issues in healthcare, and survey issues in healthcare administration. Those seeking professional development may also be interested in the available and online healthcare administration certificate. U.S. News and World Report ranks Plymouth as the 104th best regional university in the North and the 31st top public school.

12. Austin Peay State University - Online Master of Healthcare Administration

Clarksville, Tennessee

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,773

Austin Peay State University’s online healthcare management programs include the master of healthcare administration–a one-year program that can be completed entirely online and in just ten months. The admission process is convenient, especially for those with an undergraduate GPA of 3.5 or better. When the applicant’s GPA is high, the GRE may be waived. All classes are delivered online and taught by the same professors who instruct on campus. These courses include administration for health educators and managers, finance management of healthcare service, introduction to research methods, issues in health services administration, and strategic healthcare management. Austin Peay State is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 79th best regional university in the South and the 26th top public school.

13. Friends University - Online Master of Healthcare Leadership

Photo: online.scu.edu.au
Photo: online.scu.edu.au

Wichita, Kansas

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,068

Friends University offers one of the most affordable online master’s in healthcare administration programs on our list. The master of healthcare leadership (MHCL) was the first specifically directed healthcare administration graduate degree offered in the Wichita area and is now available entirely online. Courses include contemporary issues in aging services, financial management, leadership excellence in healthcare, management information systems in healthcare, quality management in healthcare organizations, risk management, and decision making, and strategic planning and performance analytics in healthcare. Total major requirements consist of 30-36 credit hours. Friends are ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top regional university in the Midwest, and several of the school’s online graduate programs have earned top 100 placements.

14. Belhaven University - Online MBA in Health Administration

Jackson, Mississippi

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,080

Belhaven University offers an online Bachelor of Health Administration. The program is designed for students who seek a career in healthcare leadership. If you want to affect change in hospitals, doctors’ offices, and insurance companies, this online healthcare administration degree program might be a good fit for you.

The curriculum emphasizes the roles of leaders in the workplace. It includes courses in communication, research-based decision-making, business law, human resources, marketing, computer applications, and business fundamentals.

Graduates go on to serve as:

  • Manager of health information services
  • Supervisor of medical records
  • Case and contract managers

Belhaven University is accredited by:

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

15. Clarkson College - Online Master’s in Healthcare Administration

Omaha, Nebraska

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,422

Clarkson College’s online master’s in healthcare administration program offers an accelerated degree designed for working professionals who want to maximize their leadership potential and advance their careers. Courses start every six weeks so that students may focus their attention on taking one class at a time. Courses are taught by dedicated Clarkson faculty members with experience both in and out of the classroom. Some of the required courses include finance for healthcare leaders, fundamentals of scholarly writing in APA, healthcare delivery systems and managed care, healthcare leadership, human resources and organizational behavior, and research methods and analysis. A total of 39 credits is required for the completion of the degree. Clarkson is accredited and recognized by major ranking publications like U.S. News and World Report.

16. Indiana Wesleyan University - Online MBA in Healthcare Administration

Photo: bmba
Photo: bmba

Marion, Indiana

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,937

Indiana Wesleyan University offers a business master’s in healthcare administration online program that results in an MBA with a concentration in healthcare administration. Students can complete their degree in approximately 18-20 months by taking online courses taught by instructors with professional expertise and experience. Some of the required courses include applied management theory, business economics, healthcare governance and organizational structure, healthcare principles and policies, healthcare technology and information management, and statistics for business decision-making. Successful applicants must hold a bachelor’s or graduate degree from an accredited college or university with an undergraduate GPA of 2.5 or better. Indiana Wesleyan is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 27th best regional institution in the Midwest.

17. Regis University - Online Master’s in Healthcare Informatics and Management

Denver, Colorado

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,250

The online Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration program prepares students to hire, train, and evaluate staff; coordinate accreditation; and manage financial operations to keep the business side of any health care facility running smoothly on every level. The curriculum teaches students how to coordinate care, manage finances, maintain compliance, and supervise staff, preparing them with the analytical, leadership, communication, and technical skills needed in management positions. Students also learn to improve patient care and employee experiences as they develop knowledge and skills in health care policy, health care delivery systems, strategic and project management, health care information systems, and more.

Regis University is accredited by:

Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

18. Western Kentucky University - Online Executive Master of Health Administration

Bowling Green, Kentucky

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,400

The online Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration and Long-Term Care Administration (LTCA) Certificate work together to prepare students for high-demand positions in the health care industry. The LTCA certificate provides students with an additional area of expertise in dealing with the aging population and qualifies them to sit for the Licensed Nursing Home Administrator board exam. Students will take courses designed for the immediate on-the-job application, such as Health Care Finance, Health Care Quality, and Health Organizations and Management.

Western Kentucky University is accredited by:

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

19. University of Scranton - Online Master’s in Healthcare Administration

Scranton, Pennsylvania

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,402

The University of Scranton offers online masters in healthcare administration programs that can be completed 100% online. The online MHA is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME) and adheres to the ACHE Healthcare Leadership Alliance competency model. Classes are delivered online and taught by the same professors who lead on-campus courses. These courses include administrative issues, healthcare ethics, healthcare law, healthcare operations and quality, leadership in health administration, long-term care administration, and medical practice administration. The University of Scranton is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 6th best regional university in the North and the 22nd best value school.

10. Brandman University - Online MBA in Health Administration

Irvine, California

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,460

Brandman University offers an accredited online MBA in healthcare administration designed to prepare students for high-level leadership roles within the healthcare system. Admission requires an earned bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with a GPA of 3.0 or better, or a combination of a slightly lower GPA and satisfactory GRE scores. Classes are delivered online and include business process analysis and innovation, healthcare economics, healthcare policy and delivery, innovations in technology and information access, and quality management in healthcare. Brandman is recognized by U.S. News and World Report as a top regional university in the West, and its online MBA programs are ranked #152 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

Healthcare Administration Outlook and Salary

The health care administration field is projected to grow 17 percent over a decade by 2024, much faster than the national average for all occupations, according to the BLS.

Jobs in health care administration generally require management skills and an understanding of laws and regulations. A bachelor’s degree is also typically needed, the BLS says, although employers may prefer applicants with a master’s degree in the field.

Some jobs require licensing, and employers may also favor job candidates with certifications – such as those from the Professional Association of Health Care Office Management, the American Health Information Management Association and the American College of Health Care Administrators.

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