Online MHA Degree Programs: Comparing Top Colleges

How They Work: Online MHA Degree Profiles

Anyone searching for a master’s in healthcare administration or leadership has more than likely run across several MBA degree programs specializing in healthcare management or administration. And finding such programs leads to the inevitable question, “How does an MBA with a Healthcare Administration concentration differ from an MHA degree?” Generally speaking, an MBA with a Healthcare Administration concentration prepares business professionals to apply advanced banking and investment skills to their work with client healthcare organizations. An MHA, on the other hand, provides current healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to carry out the administrative operations of healthcare organizations as a direct employee.

There are even dual MHA/MBA programs for those who can’t decide which program to pursue. In these programs, you will get specialized knowledge in finance and healthcare so that you can best serve the organization you work with whether it’s related to the healthcare industry or not. Continue reading to find out which kind of program is right for you.

Find Online MHA Programs by State and Specialty

Answers to Common MHA Student Questions

The options for graduate degrees in healthcare administration are vast. From MHA to MBA to dual programs, it can be overwhelming to decide what is the best route for you to take. However, you aren’t alone. Many students have the same questions you have, and to make your research a little easier we have provided answers to the most searched questions below.

Is it better to get an MBA or MHA?

It depends. If you think of yourself as a “people person” and your main professional focus concerns the management of healthcare services and systems, then an MHA would be a better fit. If you come from a business undergraduate background and your main professional interests are in how the areas of banking and finance apply to the healthcare business, then you should look into an MBA. In terms of pay, MBAs have a slightly higher average salary of $83,589 whereas the average salary for an MHA is $78,035.

In what state do healthcare administrators make the most money?

New York. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual mean wage of healthcare administrators in New York is $179,160. In comparison, the national median annual wage for healthcare administrators of $110,680.

What are the cons of being a healthcare administrator?

One of the cons of being a healthcare administrator is the financial and time investment of education since most employers prefer candidates with a master’s degree. On top of that, once you are hired as a healthcare administrator there can be long hours and you may have to work nights and weekends. Also, healthcare administrators need to stay up to date on the constantly changing healthcare regulations and policies. This can be especially difficult to keep up with on top of your other responsibilities.

Which bachelor’s degree is best for MHA?

A Bachelor of Science degree in a health-related field such as community health sciences or biology is the best for an MHA. However, if you are going for an MBA in healthcare administration, a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) is best for this route.

Is it worth getting a master’s in health administration?

Yes. An MHA can help you stand out in the job market so you can advance your career and get higher pay. Education is a significant commitment, but the outcome is that you get a competitive edge and more specialized knowledge so that you can make an impact.

MHA Program Cost Comparison: Tuition & Fees

As previously stated, one of the drawbacks of a graduate degree in healthcare administration is the financial commitment. You will have to pay for tuition, books, lab fees, equipment/software, parking, and more. Even if you choose an online education there will still be hidden fees which can increase the cost immensely. To give you a better idea of exactly what you be financially responsible for, we have compiled the approximate costs for seven programs below. We have even cut out costs for room and board to give you the most direct comparison between schools. See which program is most reasonable for you.

Ranking Today’s Best Online MHA Programs

With the number of online master’s degrees in healthcare administration, it can be an overwhelming ordeal to find the right program for you. Which one is the most affordable? The most flexible? How do you know if a program will properly prepare you for the professional environment? Using data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), and from the schools themselves, EduMed has researched and analyzed multiple programs to provide you with more clarity on affordability and quality. Review the colleges and universities that truly stand out.

MHA Certification Requirements

While certification is not required for an MHA degree, having passed a certification exam can help you stand out in the job market. The following certifications are meant to demonstrate your competency across all areas of healthcare management and signify your commitment to improving the healthcare industry. If you feel that certification would be the right step for you after completing your education, keep reading for more in-depth looks at these credentials.

Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE) – American College of Healthcare Executive (ACHE)

You can earn your Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE) credential from the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) for $250. This credential is designed for professionals who want to become a recognized leader and improve the prestige of the healthcare organization they currently work for. To be considered eligible you will need to be a current ACHE Member, you will need to have a Master’s degree, and a minimum of five years of healthcare management experience. Earning the credential involves providing two references, completing continuing education credits from ACHE, partaking in four volunteer activities, and passing the Board of Governors Exam in Healthcare Management. Although this might seem like quite an ordeal for a certification, ACHE has created multiple exam preparation resources to make the process a little less overwhelming.

Certified Medical Manager (CMM) – Professional Association of Health Care Office Management (PAHCOM)

The Certified Medical Manager (CMM) credential is offered by the Professional Association of Health Care Office Management (PAHCOM). The CMM validates knowledge of revenue management, risk management, human resources, finance, contract management, business management, technology and data management, clinical performance reporting, and patient clinical education and practice marketing. To qualify for the exam, you must have at least two years of experience working within the healthcare industry and 12 post-secondary education credits related to healthcare or management. The exam costs $385 and PAHCOM provides free online sample quizzes to prepare from.

Salary Details for Medical & Health Services Managers