Online Bachelor's in Healthcare Administration: Compare Top Schools

Explore the best online bachelor’s degrees in healthcare administration, get an inside look at program curricula and cost, and see where a degree in this fast-growing field can take you after graduation.

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Group of medical students, including a man and women in scrubs, holding clipboards and walking outdoors with a confident stride.

The healthcare field continues to see major growth in the United States, creating demand for managers to coordinate medical services and improve patient outcomes. One of the best ways to take on these roles is to earn a bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration. Many accredited colleges offer their bachelor’s degrees in healthcare administration online, making the path to a successful career more convenient.

Program Profiles of Bachelor’s Degrees in Healthcare Administration

Online healthcare administration programs allow you to earn a bachelor’s degree on a more reasonable timetable, which is great for those who have full-time jobs (or even part-time jobs!), family obligations, and the like. Due to the nature of healthcare administration, the curriculum can be completed fully online. You can attend classes synchronously (remotely at a set time) or asynchronously (remotely on your own time) and can finish the program in about four years. Let’s take a closer look at the two examples of online healthcare administration programs available today.

Grand Canyon University

Grand Canyon University

Grand Canyon University (GCU) is a private nonprofit university and one of the largest Christian universities in the world. Chartered in 1949, GCU has grown from a school of roughly 100 students to now more than 60,000, and that’s just the online student body. With more than 200 programs to choose from across both undergraduate and graduate levels, students have a variety of academic areas of study to delve into, including healthcare administration. Available both online and on-campus, GCU’s online healthcare administration bachelor’s degree program is designed to be completed in four years and focuses on the five specific areas of: communication & relationship management, leadership & professionalism, healthcare environment & business acumen, financial management, and organization dynamics.

Each online course lasts seven to eight weeks and students must complete 120 credit hours to graduate. However, up to 90 of these credits may be transfer credits, which can drastically reduce the time necessary to graduate. Most online students can expect to pay $470 per credit hour although veterans (both active duty and reserve) will get a discount and pay only $250 per credit hour.

National University

National University

Founded in 1971, National University (NU) is the largest non-profit private university in San Diego, California. Unlike many traditional colleges and universities, NU’s primary mission is to provide post-secondary education and training to adult students. So it’s no surprise that NU offers a robust online and on-campus curriculum, with more than 100 programs to choose from. Ninety of these programs are entirely online, including the Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration (BSHA). NU’s BSHA program is also an associate member of the Association of University Programs in Health Administration, also known as the AUPHA.

To provide the flexibility that nontraditional students demand, NU offers most of its courses in a special four-week format. This allows students to complete their course requirements faster and fit them more easily into an already busy schedule. To graduate, students must complete 180 quarter units. Healthcare administration students can also attend class on-campus at one of the 20 locations in California and Nevada.

Getting Familiar with the Online Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration

Learning online provides maximum flexibility for those students who need it most. Each school tailors its online healthcare administration bachelor’s degree program curriculum to make it as easy as possible for students to take classes whenever, wherever, and however they want. Given the relative hands-off nature of the healthcare administration field of study, this means many online programs can be finished entirely online, with no campus visits or in-person curriculum requirements necessary.

Prospective students can expect a course load that allows them to graduate in less than four years or in as many as five or six. For instance, at some schools, classes are only four weeks long. This makes it easier for students to fit in classes into their busy lives. Classes will often be asynchronous to allow students to take classes on their own schedule. This flexibility means one of the biggest challenges for online students is maintaining the discipline necessary to stay on track with coursework and degree requirements. Read our FAQ section below to learn more about the curriculum of online bachelor’s healthcare administration programs.

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What are the main topics that will be covered?

Before graduation, you should expect to cover several foundational topics, regardless of which program you choose to attend or what electives you decide to take. Examples include:

  • Leadership and management
  • Organizational communication
  • Legal and moral conflicts in healthcare
  • Financial considerations of a healthcare organization
  • The application of information technology
  • Evidence-based healthcare services
  • Healthcare policy

Some of these topics may have their own dedicated class. Others might be learned through a combination of courses. Either way, these topics will provide a comprehensive overview of how to successfully manage a healthcare organization.

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What are the key skills I will learn by the time I graduate?

Upon completion of an online bachelor’s program in healthcare administration, graduates can expect to be well-versed in the challenges and necessary duties that come with operating and leading a clinical or medical organization. Some of the unique skills students will have at graduation include:

  • Interpersonal and mediation skills to facilitate communication and cooperation among various departments and individuals with wide-ranging talents and educational backgrounds.
  • The ability to recognize ethical and moral dilemmas, as well as how to either resolve them or find experts to help make the best of an unwinnable situation.
  • Proficiency with accounting tools to analyze financial statements, projections, and billing processes.
  • Understanding of federal, state and local regulations and laws and how they apply to the healthcare setting.
  • Take statistical and epidemiological data and apply them to an existing clinical setting to improve patient and worker outcomes.
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What are some common classes I should expect to take?

Each school will create its own curriculum for an online bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration. However, there will be some common classes that most students can expect to take, regardless of which school they choose. For example, there will be classes that cover the ethics, legal issues, and financial challenges of the healthcare environment. Let’s take a look at some of these courses in more detail.

Healthcare Finance

core
Calender

This class is a primer for the basic concepts of accounting, budgeting, and billing within the healthcare context. Students learn how to use financial analytics to review expenditures, create management assessments, and measure productivity.

Legal and Ethical Issues in Healthcare

core
Calender

Students learn the fundamental principles and rules concerning laws in the healthcare realm as well as ethical principles that govern management decisions in hospitals and other healthcare settings. Students also study the guidelines that help them navigate the moral and legal dilemmas that commonly arise in a healthcare delivery setting.

Information Technology in Healthcare Management

core
Calender

By taking this course, students learn the basics of information technology, including principles of the internet, e-commerce, data management. This class will also teach how to apply these technologies and theories to maximize the effectiveness of healthcare delivery services.

Organizational Behavior

core
Calender

This class examines the theories underlying how workers interact and operate within an organization. Students analyze the principles of group dynamics, human psychology, motivation, culture, politics, work environment, and technology, specifically within a business setting.

Management Principles for Healthcare Administrators

core
Calender

This course teaches students the proper and effective management of healthcare human resources. Concepts cover a range of management contexts, including recruitment, hiring, firing, training, increasing diversity, and healthcare operations.

Capstone Project

core
Calender

In this writing-based course, students demonstrate the integration and synthesis of concepts learned in previous classes by applying them to an actual issue or concern in the healthcare industry.

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What are the typical admissions requirements?

Because the bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration is an entry-level degree, college admissions requirements typically match requirements for other bachelor’s degree programs, such as:

  • Completion of an application.
  • Payment of an application fee.
  • Submission of academic transcripts, such as from high school or other post-secondary institutions.
  • Admission exam scores, such as from the ACT or SAT.

Entry into the actual healthcare administration program may be a separate process and require completion of basic general lower-division education coursework and prerequisites with a minimum GPA. There are usually no requirements for prior experience in the clinical or healthcare field. However, such experience will be very useful when looking for post-graduate employment.

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How long does it take to earn a bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration?

Online degree programs offer tremendous flexibility in how and when a student completes coursework. Therefore, the time it takes to complete a bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration can vary greatly. For example, a full-time student will usually be able to earn a bachelor’s degree in approximately four years of study. In contrast, a part-time student may take five or six years to complete the healthcare administration bachelor’s degree. But this longer timeline has the advantage of allowing students to continue working or take care of other personal or family responsibilities while attending school.

Accreditation for Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Healthcare Administration

Accreditation is the process by which an independent body reviews a school or program to confirm that it meets a basic level of education quality. At the postsecondary level, there are two primary types of accreditation: institutional and programmatic.

Accreditation

Institutional accreditation can be broken down into two types: regional and national. Most schools will have regional accreditation, where an accrediting agency will have jurisdiction over a specific region of the United States. National accreditation is similar to regional accreditation, except the accrediting body can accredit any school across the country.

Programmatic accreditation pertains to a specific program, such as engineering, business, or accounting. At the bachelor’s level, there is no widely recognized accrediting body for healthcare administration. The Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME) is an accrediting organization for healthcare administration programs, but only at the master’s degree level. Therefore, when choosing among the many online bachelor’s degree healthcare administration programs out there, you need only look for regional or national accreditation. You can review a school’s current accreditation status by visiting the Department of Education’s Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs.

Examining the Cost of a Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration Online

When choosing an online bachelor’s degree program in healthcare administration, price matters. There are many variables that can go into the actual cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, type of school, and prior educational experience. To give you a rough idea of how much you can expect to pay, we’ve featured three online programs and their tuition costs by price per credit hour.

Capella University

Capella
University

Bachelor of Science
in Health Care Administration

$357-$375/credit

Southern Hampshire University

Southern New
Hampshire University

Healthcare
Administration (BS)

$320/credit

Purdue University Global

Purdue University
Global

Online Bachelor of Science in
Health Care Administration

$371/credit

Need help paying for school? Learn more about your options by reading our financial aid and scholarship guides.

FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:

Jobs and Salaries You Can Get with Your Online Bachelor’s Degree in Healthcare Administration

Graduating with a bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration can open a wide range of professional opportunities. While the bulk of graduates will likely work in a hospital, medical office or other healthcare facilities, there are many other places to find work, such as government agencies and insurance companies. Many of these positions have above-average job growth prospects and pay above the national average.

One of the reasons these jobs are in demand, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, is the anticipated growth in health care services in the United States. With an aging population and more people having access to medical care, there will be a strong need for individuals who can properly manage the delivery of that medical care.

Administrative services managers, sometimes known as business office managers, work on handling the day-to-day tasks healthcare or other business organizations may require. Administrative services managers sometimes have job duties that overlap with healthcare executives but will tend to focus more on short-term tasks, such as department monitoring, supervising clerical employees, or handling maintenance requirements.

Program-Requirements
Median National Salary
career

Prospective administrative services managers can improve their professional prospects by gaining real-world experience in the area in which they intend to work. Therefore, it’s especially helpful for that experience to be in the medical field, such as working as nurse, facilities staff, or human resources manager.

Also referred to as medical or health services managers, healthcare administrators handle the operations of a health care organization. This includes tactical duties, such as employee recruitment and training, scheduling, and regulatory compliance as well as the implementation of various initiatives and programs. Healthcare executives may also have the responsibility of creating strategic plans for a health care organization, such as budgeting, creation of long-term growth goals, and department reorganization.

Program-Requirements
Median National Salary
career

While not always required, many employers will expect healthcare executives to possess a master’s degree. It’s also helpful to have prior management or clinical experience.

Health insurance claims examiners make sure health care claims have been properly adjusted and submitted. The claims examiner will confirm the proper submission of a claim, double-check the analysis of the claims adjuster and either confirm, deny, or modify the original decision. They might also refer the claim to a claims investigator for more information.

Program-Requirements
Median National Salary
career

Depending on the position and company, a health insurance claims examiner will need prior health insurance experience, such as working as a claims adjuster. It also helps to have a background in the healthcare field.

Top Online Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration Programs

More and more schools have added online healthcare administration to their catalogs at all degree levels. But when reviewing these programs, how do you know which are right for you? Which ones have the best combinations of affordability, quality, and flexibility for today’s digitally-savvy students? Using data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), and from the schools themselves, EduMed.org has researched, analyzed, and ranked the schools with the best online healthcare administration degree programs. Review the colleges and universities that truly stand out.

1

Lakewood University

Cleveland Heights, Ohio

Lakewood University offers a fully online Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration program. The curriculum spans four semesters and covers essential topics such as healthcare management, ethics, medical terminology, and healthcare marketing. The program is designed to prepare students for leadership roles in healthcare settings, focusing on administrative and operational skills. Flexible payment plans and personalized academic support are available to help students succeed in their studies.

Why We Selected Lakewood University:

  • Lakewood University offers affordable tuition with low-interest payment plans to minimize student debt.
  • The program is developed with input from industry professionals, ensuring career-relevant skills and knowledge.
  • Lakewood University supports military personnel with benefits that can cover education costs, reducing out-of-pocket expenses.

Program Details

  • AccreditationDEAC
  • Average In-State Tuition$10,104
  • Average Institutional Aid$7,422
  • % of Students in ≥1 Online Course100%
  • % of Students Receiving an Award99%
  • Student/Faculty Ratio7/1
2
Portland State University offers a Bachelor’s degree in Public Health Studies with a concentration in Health Services Administration. The 180-credit program provides a solid foundation in public health, policy, organizational, administrative, and financial aspects of healthcare. Students benefit from tailored advising, mentorship, and experiential learning through internships. Graduates are prepared for roles such as hospital department manager, clinic administrator, and healthcare policy advocate, and for further graduate studies. The program is CEPH accredited.

Why We Selected Portland State University:

  • The program offers specialized career tracks in public health, enhancing job prospects in specific fields.
  • Faculty expertise combines with real-world experience, providing students with practical insights and mentorship.
  • Collaborative partnerships with community organizations offer valuable networking opportunities and experiential learning.

Program Details

  • AccreditationNWCCU
  • Average In-State Tuition$8,106
  • Average Institutional Aid$4,325
  • % of Students in ≥1 Online Course48%
  • % of Students Receiving an Award47%
  • Student/Faculty Ratio19/1
3

City College-Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

City College offers a Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration, designed to prepare students for leadership roles in healthcare settings. The program covers key areas such as healthcare law, ethics, management, and policy. Students engage in hands-on learning through internships and real-world projects, equipping them with practical skills needed in the healthcare industry. The program emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication, preparing graduates for various administrative roles in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare organizations.

Why We Selected City College-Fort Lauderdale:

  • The program offers specialized career tracks in healthcare administration, enhancing career flexibility.
  • Employer partnerships provide real-world connections and job opportunities for graduates.
  • Accelerated completion options allow students to finish the program in a shorter timeframe.

Program Details

  • AccreditationABHES
  • Average In-State Tuition$13,680
  • Average Institutional Aid$3,000
  • % of Students in ≥1 Online Course100%
  • % of Students Receiving an Award40%
  • Student/Faculty Ratio10/1
4

Liberty University

Lynchburg, Virginia

Liberty University’s Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration is designed to equip students with foundational knowledge in healthcare administration. The program covers key areas such as financial analysis, legal and ethical issues, human resource management, and healthcare economics. Students must complete a total of credits, though specific requirements are not detailed here. Career pathways include healthcare administration, hospital management, and human resource roles. Admission requirements are reviewed on a case-by-case basis, with no set minimums for acceptance. The program emphasizes practical skills and ethical principles, preparing graduates for impactful roles in healthcare management. Financial aid options are available, but specific costs are not provided. The program’s focus on business ethics and professional development makes it appealing for those seeking a career in healthcare leadership.

Why We Selected Liberty University:

  • Liberty University's online healthcare administration program offers valuable internship opportunities for real-world experience.
  • The program provides a comprehensive education blending business practices with healthcare knowledge, enhancing career versatility.
  • Students benefit from studying under experts with real-world experience in clinical and leadership settings.

Program Details

  • AccreditationSACSCOC
  • Average In-State Tuition$15,409
  • Average Institutional Aid$10,834
  • % of Students in ≥1 Online Course87%
  • % of Students Receiving an Award41%
  • Student/Faculty Ratio17/1
5

Southern New Hampshire University

Manchester, New Hampshire

The Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration at Southern New Hampshire University requires 120 credits to graduate. The program aligns with the Association of University Programs in Health Administration (AUPHA) principles and covers topics such as economics, epidemiology, ethical and legal issues, and human resources. Students can choose between two concentrations: Health Information Management and Patient Safety and Quality. The program prepares graduates for roles in government healthcare, hospitals, and private practice. Career outcomes include leadership positions in healthcare organizations. Admissions involve submitting past transcripts for a transfer credit evaluation, allowing up to 90 credits to be transferred. The cost per credit is $330, and financial aid options are available. The program can be completed in four years on a full-time basis.

Why We Selected Southern New Hampshire University:

  • The program offers specialized career tracks in Health Information Management and Patient Safety and Quality, allowing students to focus on specific areas of interest.
  • The curriculum is aligned with industry standards, following the competencies set by the Association of University Programs in Health Administration (AUPHA) and the Healthcare Leadership Alliance (HLA), ensuring graduates are well-prepared for leadership roles.
  • Students benefit from a generous transfer policy, allowing up to 90 credits to be transferred, which can significantly reduce the time and cost required to complete the degree.

Program Details

  • AccreditationNECHE
  • Average In-State Tuition$15,000
  • Average Institutional Aid$7,403
  • % of Students in ≥1 Online Course96%
  • % of Students Receiving an Award46%
  • Student/Faculty Ratio24/1
6

Jackson State University

Jackson, Mississippi

The Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration at Jackson State University is a comprehensive program that prepares students for management roles in healthcare. The program requires 122 credit hours, including core courses in healthcare organization, medical terminology, public health, and healthcare economics. Admission prerequisites include courses in accounting, statistics, economics, and computer science. Graduates typically assume entry and mid-level management positions in hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities. The program emphasizes developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills. Career prospects are strong, with a median annual salary of $101,340 for healthcare administrators. The program supports a diverse student body and offers opportunities for professional growth and further education in fields like public health.

Why We Selected Jackson State University:

  • The program offers direct field experience opportunities to prepare students for real-world management roles.
  • The curriculum is designed to address the need for underrepresented minorities in healthcare management positions.
  • Graduates are well-positioned for advancement into graduate programs like MPH and DrPH at Jackson State University.

Program Details

  • AccreditationSACSCOC
  • Average In-State Tuition$8,270
  • Average Institutional Aid$5,434
  • % of Students in ≥1 Online Course93%
  • % of Students Receiving an Award39%
  • Student/Faculty Ratio15/1
7

Mid-America Christian University

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

The Bachelor of Business Administration in Healthcare Management at MACU is a comprehensive program designed to equip students with the skills needed to manage healthcare organizations effectively. The program requires 122 credits, including 46 hours of university core courses and 30 hours of major requirements. Courses cost $435 per credit hour for lower division classes and $499 per credit hour for upper division classes. Admission requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Graduates are prepared for roles in healthcare management, with potential career paths including hospitals, physicians’ offices, and nursing homes. The program also prepares students for nationally accredited certifications in Medical Administration Assistant and Electronic Health Records. Employment of medical and health services managers is projected to grow significantly, with a median annual wage of $104,280 as of May 2020.

Why We Selected Mid-America Christian University:

  • The program offers a Christ-centered education with a strong ethical foundation.
  • The program is entirely online, providing flexibility for balancing personal and professional commitments.
  • Small class sizes ensure personalized attention and support for students.

Program Details

  • AccreditationMACU
  • Average In-State Tuition$17,568
  • Average Institutional Aid$8,287
  • % of Students in ≥1 Online Course97%
  • % of Students Receiving an Award33%
  • Student/Faculty Ratio11/1
The Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration program at Baptist University equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage healthcare organizations effectively. The program typically requires completion of a set number of credits, though specific details on length and credits are not provided. Admissions requirements generally include a high school diploma or equivalent and satisfactory academic performance. Career outcomes include roles in hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes, where graduates can apply their understanding of healthcare systems, policy, and management. Financial aid options are typically available to support students. Highlights of the program may include courses in healthcare ethics, finance, and strategic planning, though specific course details are not provided. The program aims to prepare students for leadership roles in promoting community health and quality patient care.

Why We Selected Baptist Health Sciences University:

  • The program offers flexible online courses, allowing students to maintain a work-life balance.
  • The curriculum integrates a Christian perspective, providing a unique ethical framework for healthcare administration.
  • The program prepares students for leadership roles with a focus on quality control and risk management in healthcare environments.

Program Details

  • AccreditationSACSCOC
  • Average In-State Tuition$11,112
  • Average Institutional Aid$6,500
  • % of Students in ≥1 Online Course65%
  • % of Students Receiving an Award56%
  • Student/Faculty Ratio8/1
9

Radford University

Radford, Virginia

The Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) program at Radford University is designed to equip students with the business and management skills necessary for leadership in healthcare organizations. The program requires 36 credit hours and can be completed in 19-24 months. It covers topics such as healthcare finance, operations, policy, law, ethics, informatics, marketing, and human resources. The curriculum emphasizes interprofessional collaboration, experiential learning, and mentorship opportunities. Graduates are prepared for senior-level positions in healthcare management. Admissions requirements typically include a bachelor’s degree and relevant work experience, though specific prerequisites may vary. Career outcomes include roles in healthcare leadership, management, and policy. Financial aid options are available, but specific costs are not detailed in the provided information.

Why We Selected Radford University:

  • The program offers unique interprofessional collaboration opportunities, enhancing students' ability to work across healthcare specialties.
  • Experiential learning through internships and practicums provides hands-on experience in the healthcare field.
  • Faculty expertise includes instructors with real-world experience from nationally acclaimed healthcare centers like Carilion Clinic.

Program Details

  • AccreditationSACSCOC
  • Average In-State Tuition$7,922
  • Average Institutional Aid$4,819
  • % of Students in ≥1 Online Course67%
  • % of Students Receiving an Award55%
  • Student/Faculty Ratio13/1
10

Columbia College

Columbia, South Carolina

The Healthcare Administration program at Columbia, SC, offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for leadership roles in the healthcare industry. The program typically requires a bachelor’s degree for admission and focuses on key areas such as healthcare systems, management, ethics, policy, finance, and strategic planning. Career outcomes include roles in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare organizations. While specific details about program length, credits, and cost are not provided, the curriculum is structured to provide a well-rounded understanding of the healthcare industry, preparing students for various administrative positions. Admissions typically require official transcripts and a completed application. Financial aid options may be available, but specific details should be confirmed with the institution.

Why We Selected Columbia College:

  • The program integrates ethical leadership and faith, setting graduates apart in healthcare administration.
  • The curriculum provides a strong foundation for further education, such as a Bachelor's or MBA in healthcare administration.
  • Graduates are well-prepared for roles like medical office managers and healthcare administrators, enhancing patient experiences.

Program Details

  • AccreditationHLC
  • Average In-State Tuition$17,418
  • Average Institutional Aid$6,279
  • % of Students in ≥1 Online Course75%
  • % of Students Receiving an Award60%
  • Student/Faculty Ratio11/1
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Shannon Lee, BA AUTHOR

Shannon Lee has written thousands of articles in the higher education space over the last 20 years, with a strong emphasis on medical and health. As the daughter of two professionals who retired from work in major hospital systems, Shannon brings her personal experience to bear on her writing on nursing, healthcare, and allied health.

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