Online Masters in Health Care Administration: How to Choose
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Masters in Health Care Administration (MHA) programs equip professionals with the knowledge and expertise to manage a medical facility. Responsibilities may include overseeing daily operations, updating policies to reflect laws and regulations, and tracking finances and budgets.
Those considering a career advancement in health care administration should not be concerned about job security. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates a 29% increase in medical manager jobs over the next ten years.
First, A Brief Overview of MHA Programs
Online MHA programs allow busy professionals to earn their degrees without attending a traditional classroom. This reduces commute times and lets them dedicate more time to their studies. It’s ideal for individuals who don’t want to commute or live in a different location and cannot attend in-person classes. An online MHA also benefits those who need to spend more time at home due to caretaking, familial or personal commitments.
Depending on pace and weekly time commitment, an online MHA can save students thousands compared to in-person programs. This means students can still receive a high-quality education without the price tag.
Below, we’ve analyzed five popular MHA programs to outline their offerings. We’ll discuss program lengths, funding opportunities and what sets each school apart.
Factors For Choosing an Online MHA Program
When evaluating online MHA programs, several key factors should guide your decision-making process, ensuring you select a program that aligns with your career goals, learning style, and personal circumstances.
Accreditation
If professional advancement is a priority, ensure your online MHA program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Management Education (CAHME). CAHME certification shows future employers that a program follows a meticulous curriculum and prepares you with applicable knowledge to excel in the health care management role.
Additionally, look for schools certified by a Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or U.S. Department of Education (ED)-approved agency. Schools can receive institutional or programmatic accreditation. Institutional accreditation means every department, program and in-campus or online offering will offer a reputable, high-quality education. Programmatic accreditation refers to certification for a specific program or department within an institution that meets industry-academic criteria.
Admission Requirements
Review each program’s admission requirements to ensure you meet the qualifications before applying. Some institutions might require a minimum Bachelor’s GPA or a minimum number of years of health care experience or the GRE.
Curriculum and Specializations
The curriculum includes health care management, finance, economics, health policy, law, strategic planning, quality improvement, health informatics and ethics, combining business and healthcare concepts to apply management principles to healthcare organizations.
Program Length and Flexibility
MHA program lengths vary, but they are typically completed between 12 months to two years. Some options, like Capella’s, allow students to complete the degree at an accelerated pace.
Networking Opportunities and Career Services
Some schools offer better networking and career support than others. For example, George Washington University encourages prospective students to "Join a thriving network of faculty, students and alumni connected to GW’s campus in Washington, D.C. — the center of health policy law, administration and regulation."
Cost and Financial Aid Options
The cost of attendance ranges from $9,900 to $94,000, depending on pace.
If applicable, look for financial aid opportunities or programs offering subsidized tuition for military or workforce development to reduce costs. For example, Purdue Global provides eligible military service members up to $4,500/year in tuition assistance, and their spouses get 10% off course costs.
Comparing 5 Popular Online MHA Degree Programs
To help you navigate your options, we've analyzed five popular online MHA programs, highlighting their key attributes, strengths, and potential drawbacks.
George Washington University
George Washington’s online MHA, known as MHA@GW, was ranked as the No. 11 best graduate school in public health by U.S. News & World Report in 2023. Located in Washington, D.C., it is an optimal match for those interested in health policy. After completion, students will learn about business administration, ethics, human relations, law and financial management.
Each credit costs $1,890. For the 50 credits needed to finish the degree, the total cost of attendance is about $94,500. It can be completed in 24 months.
Pros
- Does not require the GRE
- Includes four in-person workshops in Washington, D.C., and other health care facilities
Cons
- Students must be currently employed in a health occupation
- The most expensive option on the list
Purdue Global
Unlike other schools with limited application periods, Purdue Global has rolling enrollment with monthly start dates. Applications close two weeks before the start date, and the average workload is 15 hours a week. Students learn about health care law and ethics and health information management and assessment, among other topics.
This MHA consists of 13 courses that are four units each. At $485 a unit, the program costs $25,200, and the average completion time is 18 months.
Pros
- Reduced tuition for eligible military service members and spouses
- 86% student retention and 96% satisfaction rate
Cons
- Students are withdrawn from the program if they cannot pass the master's capstone in health care administration after two attempts
- Only 301 graduates for the online HMA so far
University of Southern California (USC)
USC’s Executive Master of Health Administration is a career advancement program for those seeking medical and health services manager, senior manager, director, executive director or vice president positions. Students will address emerging health care financing issues due to federal and state regulations.
The program consists of 36 units, takes about 24 months and costs $84,744. Military service members, spouses, dependents and veterans are eligible for tuition assistance.
Pros
- Two on-campus visits for interactive knowledge sessions
- Students might qualify for internal or external scholarships or fellowships
Cons
- Intended for mid-to senior-level professionals with over five years of healthcare experience
- An additional $2,950+ in residency-related fees
Western Governors University
Western Governors University’s online MHA covers quality improvement, community health and enterprise risk management. Successful graduates have gone on to work for companies like Kaiser Permanente and Cedars-Sinai.
The program requires 12 courses and does not have a per-unit cost. Instead, it offers a pricing model where students can take unlimited courses for a flat fee of $4,995 every six months. If completed within 12 months, the total cost is $9,990.
Pros
- Pricing model means students save money by taking more courses
- Start dates are the first of every month
Cons
- May not allow transfer credits from previous coursework or institutions
- Must apply for scholarships within 30 days of the program state date
Capella
Capella offers another flexible online MHA program where students can take as many courses as they want for a fixed rate. Enrollees will experience “interprofessional, practice-based learning that covers a broad range of topics in health administration, from patient care to business strategy.”
With the Flex Path model, students are charged $2,535 every 12 weeks until completion. Those on the accelerated track can finish the program in as few as 60 weeks, or five billing cycles, for $12,675.
Pros
- Self-paced model without course discussions
- 87% graduate student satisfaction rate
Cons
- Military tuition assistance can’t be used for Flex Path
- Additional fees for textbooks, software and course materials
Bottom Line
When considering online MHA programs, there are a few main factors: the program’s cost, career goals and whether the program fits your schedule.
Overall, Western Governors University is the most affordable option that allows you to complete exams whenever you feel prepared. It offers scholarships for health care degrees, military service members and state-specific financial assistance.
If you’re an experienced health care professional seeking an extensive alum network, George Washington University and USC’s programs may be a good fit. They target professionals with several years of health care experience who want in-person learning opportunities.
Finally, if you’d like to finish an MHA program as quickly as possible, Capella’s MHA program might be one to consider. Capella offers a budget-friendly program with shorter billing cycles and self-paced learning.