A bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration will teach you how to manage the healthcare industry from a business perspective. Read on to find the best programs, reviewed by our academic experts.
Health care spending in the United States reached $3.8 trillion in 2019. Health care managers help hospitals, doctors’ offices, and health care facilities provide quality care to a community while managing limited resources.
A degree in health management prepares you for these managerial tasks in companies in the health sector. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 32 percent job growth for medical and health care executives between 2020 and 2030. Health care administrators work for health care facilities, regulatory agencies, and insurance companies that guarantee quality patient care.
Read on to learn more about the best online schools for healthcare administration, and the exciting career opportunities in this growing field.
2022 Best Accredited Online Bachelor’s Program in Health Administration
How We Rate Schools
We believe that a college education is one of the most important investments you can make. Our goal is to help you navigate the college selection process by providing transparent, inclusive, and relevant school rankings.
Our rankings are based on a few guiding principles and use the latest available statistical data from trusted sources. We hope that our approach will help you find the right school for you.
#1 Online College in Kansas
Ottawa University
School Information
Location: Ottawa, Kansas
Institution Type: Private
Accreditation: Yes
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Average Cost Per Credit
In State | $499
Out of State | $499
Credits to Graduate: 120
Program Information
Degree-Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
OU offers two bachelor’s degrees in health administration: a clinical degree and a non-clinical degree. Each program offers accelerated 8-week courses. Clinical and non-clinical specializations may focus on human resources, finance, economics, or management and leadership.
Although the degree programs are similar, clinical students may transfer up to 30 credits of clinical and laboratory work. Applicants for both programs submit an application, application fee, and official transcripts.
#2 Online College in Connecticut
Charter Oak State College
School Information
Location: New Britain, Connecticut
Accreditation: Yes
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Average Cost Per Credit
In State | $319
Out of State | $419
Credits to Graduate: 42
Program Information
Degree-Completion Program | Yes
Institution Accreditation | New England Commission of Higher Education
Charter Oak, a public school in Connecticut, offers an online bachelor’s degree in health administration. The program is perfect for professionals in health care and related industries. Courses cover health and health care economics, human resource management, as well as accreditation and regulatory requirements.
The Bachelor of Health Management ends with a final project. In addition to credits, students can receive credit for passing test scores, military transcripts, and training certificates.
#3 Online College in District of Columbia
George Washington University
School Information
Location: Washington, District of Columbia
Admission Rate: 41%
Graduation Rate: 82%
Institution Type: Private
Accreditation: Yes
Percent Online Enrollment: 22%
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Average Cost Per Credit
In State | $615
Out of State | $615
Credits to Graduate: 120
Program Information
Degree-Completion Program | Yes
Institution Accreditation | Middle States Commission on Higher Education
GW offers an online Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences in Clinical Operations and Healthcare Management. Candidates prepare for leadership roles in profitable and clinically effective healthcare organizations. Applicants need a minimum of 60 qualifying credits. Students earn 60 GW credits, 48 of which are core credits.
Bachelor of Health Administration applicants must have a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 2.5. Graduates of some community colleges may qualify for admission.
#4 Online College in Florida
Florida International University
School Information
Location: Miami, Florida
Admission Rate: 58%
Graduation Rate: 63%
Accreditation: Yes
Percent Online Enrollment: 68%
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Average Cost Per Credit
In State | $228.81
Out of State | $345.87
Credits to Graduate: 120
Program Information
Degree-Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | Association of University Programs in Health Administration
CRF offers an online bachelor’s degree in health services administration. Graduates often go on to entry-level positions in health care. The program includes 60 credit points for the lower level and 60 credit points for the higher level.
Students complete 15 credits of electives on topics such as conflict management, diversity management, and the psychology of aging. Applicants submit high school diplomas and SAT or ACT scores. Admission to the program requires an associate degree or completion of university’s core curriculum.
#5 Online College in Idaho
Brigham Young University-Idaho
School Information
Location: Rexburg, Idaho
Admission Rate: 96%
Graduation Rate: 60%
Institution Type: Private
Accreditation: Yes
Percent Online Enrollment: 70%
100% Online
Average Cost Per Credit
In State | $148
Out of State | $148
Credits to Graduate: 120
Program Information
Degree-Completion Program | No
Institution Accreditation | Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
BYU-Idaho offers a bachelor’s degree in Health Administration for students who aspire to entry-level leadership positions in small health care facilities. The school recommends that students considering this specialization enroll in the Introduction to Health Care Administration course first.
The 120-credit program includes 23 credits in health administration. The courses cover topics such as health strategy and health systems. Graduates also complete an internship. Members of the LDS Church go through a different admissions process.
#6 Online College in Virginia
University of Virginia
School Information
Location: Charlottesville, Virginia
Admission Rate: 24%
Graduation Rate: 95%
Accreditation: Yes
Percent Online Enrollment: 10%
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes and Scheduled Classes
Average Cost Per Credit
In State | $590
Out of State | $590
Credits to Graduate: 120
Program Information
Degree-Completion Program | Yes
Institution Accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
UVA offers a Bachelor of Professional Studies in Health Sciences Administration for professionals. The degree can qualify graduates for managerial positions in healthcare organizations.
The interdisciplinary curriculum includes courses such as economics and finance in healthcare. Students also explore challenges and opportunities in American healthcare. The program ends with a capstone.
Applicants to AVU’s online Bachelor of Health Care Administration program require an associate’s degree in healthcare or 45 to 60 transferable credits, including general education credits.
#7 Online College in Indiana
Purdue University Global
School Information
Location: West Lafayette, Indiana
Graduation Rate: 27%
Accreditation: Yes
Percent Online Enrollment: 99%
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Average Cost Per Credit
In State | $371
Out of State | $371
Credits to Graduate: 120
Program Information
Degree-Completion Program | No
Institution Accreditation | Higher Learning Commission
Purdue Global offers an online Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration designed to help students learn fundamental healthcare administration skills. Students take foundation courses and core courses. Students can use electives to pursue a specialization.
Courses cover topics such as health finance, operational analysis and quality improvement, as well as health economics and policy. Graduates must complete an internship. Applicants must have a high school diploma, home study certificate, or GED. Purdue Global offers military and work experience credits.
#8 Online College in Indiana
Trine University
School Information
Location: Fort Wayne, Indiana
Admission Rate: 24%
Institution Type: Private
Accreditation: Yes
Percent Online Enrollment: 98%
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Average Cost Per Credit
In State | $399
Out of State | $399
Credits to Graduate: 120
Program Information
Degree-Completion Program | No
Institution Accreditation | Higher Learning Commission
Trine’s BS in Health Care Administration program provides application-based training in the concepts of health care. The core course covers US and global healthcare and healthcare market analysis. Students choose from three tracks: Information Systems Organizational Leadership, and Health Care Major.
The bachelor’s degree in health management can qualify for managerial tasks and advanced courses of study. Admission requires a high school diploma or GED, and students can transfer up to 90 credits.
#9 Online College in Utah
Western Governors University
School Information
Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
Graduation Rate: 21%
Institution Type: Private
Accreditation: Yes
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Average Cost Per 6-Month Term
In State | $3,575
Out of State | $3,575
Credits to Graduate: 120
Program Information
Degree-Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Program
The Bachelor of Business Administration: Healthcare Management course at WGU enables students to take on management roles in healthcare. The program requires 41 courses across eight subject areas. Title hopes complete a cornerstone.
WGU’s competency-based curriculum requires students to demonstrate their knowledge rather than requiring a set time for each course. Most students complete the online Bachelor of Healthcare Administration program in 35 months. The WGU evaluates the professional and scientific experience of the applicants. The university also takes into account the time that each candidate can devote to their studies.
#10 Online College in Florida
University of Central Florida
School Information
Location: Orlando, Florida
Admission Rate: 44%
Graduation Rate: 72%
Accreditation: Yes
Percent Online Enrollment: 59%
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Average Cost Per Credit
In State | $179.19
Out of State | $715.80
Credits to Graduate: 120
Program Information
Degree-Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | Association of University Programs in Health Administration
UCF’s online Bachelor of Science in Health Services Administration program prepares students for leadership positions in health care organizations such as hospitals, long-term care facilities, and health care companies. Graduates can also pursue postgraduate study in health administration.
The online Bachelor of Health Administration program includes courses in the areas of health financing, patient experience, health systems, human resources, health law ethics, and health policy. Applicants submit high school or homeschool transcripts or GED scores. Applicants must have acceptable SAT or ACT scores.
What Can I Expect from an Online Healthcare Administration Degree Program?
The Bachelor of Health Management combines a business administration background with a focus on health economics. Some schools may offer the degree as a stand-alone program. Alternatively, commercial programs may offer healthcare management as a focus.
Those with experience in clinical roles or patient care may find that a healthcare administration degree allows them to move into supervisory or managerial roles. Online Bachelor of Health Administration programs provide hands-on training opportunities while you continue to work.
Most health administration bachelor’s degrees require 120 credits and take four years. General education requirements include science, communication, and history. Minor concentrations and electives complement health administration courses.
Approximately half of the courses required for health administration are related to business administration and health policy. In addition to courses such as microeconomics and business accounting, online health management students take courses in medical terminology and health policy.
Some schools that offer a self-employment healthcare management degree online allow students to further specialize. Concentrations include three or more courses in a health administration subfield.
Focus options may include:
- Policy and law
- Informatics
- Leadership
- Financial management
- Marketing
- Patient safety and quality
- Human resources
Many schools offer the opportunity to participate in internships. Students may work in hospital departments, marketing positions, or human resources offices. Some schools count internships as capstone experience.
Courses in an Online Healthcare Administration Bachelor Program
All health administration students are required to take basic business courses. Core courses help you apply the theories and business principles you learn in these courses in a healthcare setting.
Tuition fees vary depending on the school and concentration chosen. Read on for several popular health management courses.
Strategic Management and Health Policy
Healthcare organizations face many challenges, including changes in policy, reimbursement, and technology. This course helps healthcare leaders assess business challenges and identify opportunities for innovation and efficiency. Topics covered include care delivery and coordination, cost and utilization management, and data and information technology.
Regulatory Compliance and Healthcare Accreditation
Healthcare organizations must adhere to strict regulations to maintain their accreditation, a key component of business success. This course introduces students to important health guidelines in the United States and the regulatory bodies that oversee health standards. Topics include HIPAA healthcare privacy and healthcare compliance programs.
Measurement of Performance Improvement
Healthcare organizations must continually measure patient safety and quality of care and implement continuous improvement programs. This course helps students analyze data qualitatively and quantitatively to meet regulatory requirements. Students delve into patient data collection methods, physician profiles, and continuing care studies.
Healthcare Reimbursement
Proper billing ensures timely payment of government and insurance programs. This course includes an overview of medical coding, billing processes and reimbursement control. Students will learn how to perform data quality checks and validate billing codes to comply with insurance and reimbursement policies.
Healthcare Delivery Systems
This course provides students with a historical perspective on the American healthcare system and the evolution of modern healthcare delivery, regulatory, and payment agencies. Missions examine the social, legal, and economic factors affecting healthcare delivery and historical changes in healthcare policy. Students also learn how to collect statistics, interpret data, and assess the reliability of data.
Admission Requirements for an Online Bachelor of Healthcare Administration Program
Most on-campus and online health administration degree programs have similar admissions requirements. For online programs, you need a computer or laptop that meets the needs of your program. In this section, we look at some of the most common requests.
Application
Student applications typically include demographic information such as a prospective student’s name, address, birthday, and citizenship status. You can complete your application online and at the end you may submit the joint application, which is a universal application that allows you to apply to multiple colleges.
Test Scores
Although some colleges and universities no longer require ACT or SAT scores, these standardized tests still help schools provide a basis for assessing college readiness. These tests are usually taken in the freshman or senior year of high school.
Letter of Recommendation
Many colleges ask for letters of recommendation from past teachers, supervisors, mentors, and others who can speak knowledgeably about the student and their chances of success in higher education. Give referrers plenty of time to write thoughtful letters rather than asking at the last minute.
Essays
While letters of recommendation allow those who know the students to provide personal information, academic essays allow students to shed some light on why they attend a particular school and what they want to study. These should be very well thought out and highly personalized.
Official Transcripts
Schools require official high school credentials and any colleges previously attended to ensure students meet all prerequisites. If a student wishes to transfer existing credits to their new institution, transcripts provide the information needed to assess whether those courses will count towards the current degree.
What Can I Do With an Online Bachelor of Health Administration?
Career Prospect
A bachelor’s degree in health administration prepares graduates for jobs in health administration. These jobs may include strategic planning for healthcare organizations, recruiting staff, and promoting healthcare organizations through marketing.
The BLS forecasts 32% job growth for healthcare administrators between 2020 and 2030. This growth has been largely driven by the healthcare needs of a rapidly aging population and an increased focus on preventive healthcare services. A healthy job market awaits graduates. A master’s degree and experience in health informatics can provide a competitive advantage when applying for positions in this field.
Career Path
Health Manager
Healthcare administrators manage budgets, hire and schedule staff, and set strategic priorities. They work in hospitals, doctor’s offices and ambulatory health services. According to PayScale data from August 2021, they earn a median annual salary of $67,320.
Medical Marketing Manager
Medical marketing executives work for public and private hospitals, outpatient medical centers, physician groups, and long-term care providers. They execute marketing plans using print, video, digital, and social media channels. They can shed light on a particular health problem or on the services of the body. They earn a median annual salary of $66,290, according to PayScale data from August 2021.
Head of Health Services
These administrators, often employed by public or nonprofit community health organizations, direct community health initiatives and the delivery of health services. They manage budgets and personnel, communicate the organization’s mission to the community, and ensure compliance with legal requirements. According to the BLS, healthcare managers earned a median annual salary of $104,280 in 2020.
Retirement Home Manager
Nursing home administrators oversee the management of skilled nursing, assisted living, and long-term care facilities. You must ensure compliance with legal requirements, including inspections and quality control. They also manage the hiring and staffing of the facility. They earn a median annual salary of $92,900, according to PayScale data from August 2021.
Health Policy Analyst
Health policy analysts work with government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and political action committees. They collect and analyze data on the effectiveness of current policies on different demographic groups. They use their research to model the short-term and long-term effects of policy changes. Based on PayScale data from August 2021, they earn a median annual salary of $64,300.
Continuous Education
After earning a bachelor’s degree in health administration and working in the field for several years, some professionals may decide to pursue additional education to broaden their career prospects.
Many health care administrators have a master’s degree in health care administration or even an MBA with a concentration in health care administration. These programs can range in length from 1 to 2 years.
People who earn a Ph.D. in health administration typically teach or conduct research. Professionals can also opt for a shorter certification program to develop specific skills.
How to Choose an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Health Administration?
Costs
It costs an average of $13,900 to attend a public nonprofit 4-year institution in the 2018-2019 school year, compared to $27,200 per year for private nonprofit colleges and universities. Costs can vary widely, so make sure you understand the actual cost of the program. Some students also find it cheaper to study online than in person.
Program Format
If you look at Bachelor of Health Administration programs online, students will find that they offer both synchronous and asynchronous learning. Students looking for more flexibility often follow an asynchronous format. They must also decide if they want to study part-time, full-time, or accelerated. This means that the degree can take between 3 and 6 years.
Location
Location can play an important role in the decision-making process, especially when the Online Bachelor of Health Administration requires some face-to-face learning components. If this is the case, students can choose a school that is further away but still accessible by car. If there are no personal requirements, they can choose a program across the country.
Accreditation
Accreditation refers to the rigorous steps that a university and/or academic program must follow to ensure they meet educational quality standards set by the accrediting agencies. For schools, regional accreditation is the most widely recognized and accepted form of accreditation. Some programs also receive programmatic accreditation depending on the area.
Student Support
Finding the best student support services can make or break a student’s college experience. Academic mentoring programs offer opportunities to learn from health administrators in the field, while internships allow students to put their new knowledge into practice. Find out what online student services are available before deciding on a school or program.
FAQ About Healthcare Administration Programs
Is Healthcare Administration a BA or a BS?
Health administration programs may offer the option of a bachelor’s or bachelor’s degree. Both programs prepare graduates for careers in healthcare administration. A bachelor’s degree often focuses more on science and mathematics, while a bachelor’s degree offers more of a general liberal arts education.
Is It Worth Studying Health Administration?
Yes, a bachelor’s degree in health administration can lead to lucrative and in-demand jobs. According to the BLS, managers in the health and medical fields earned a median annual salary of $104,280 in 2020, with projected job growth of 32% between 2020 and 2030.
What Can I Do With a Bachelor of Health Administration?
You can find work in a variety of healthcare organizations, including independent medical practices and clinics. You can also choose to focus on a specific business area, such as human resources, marketing, or safety and risk management. Some health administrators become policy analysts, working with government agencies to develop new health policy initiatives.
How Much Money Can I Make With a Bachelor of Health Administration?
Earning potential depends on education, experience, location and employer. The BLS reports a median salary of $104,280 for healthcare and medical managers in 2020. However, salaries range from $59,980 in the 10th percentile to $195,630 in the 90th percentile.
What are the Highest Paying Jobs With a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Administration?
Health care administrators employed in pharmaceutical and drug manufacturing earned a median annual salary of $205,470 in 2020.