Best MHA Programs in Ohio: Online and Campus
Learn about the best online and on-campus MHA programs in Ohio. Plus, get answers to key questions about admissions, accreditation, overall program cost, and completion time.
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Healthcare administrators oversee budgeting, hire and train staff, and, most importantly, ensure that their organization delivers quality, patient-centered care. In order to qualify for these positions and enjoy added benefits like high job growth and increased pay, you’ll first need to obtain a master of healthcare administration.
If you’re curious about where to begin, look no further. This guide details everything you need, including information about what you’ll learn, programs with online courses, and financial aid opportunities. We’ve also spotlighted this year’s best MHA programs in Ohio to help get you started on your grad school search. Keep reading to find the answers you need about earning you MHA and explore how the degree can take your healthcare career to the next level.
Mount Vernon Nazarene University
Mount Vernon, Ohio
Private
Tiffin University
Tiffin, Ohio
Private
Bowling Green State University
Bowling Green, Ohio
Public
Ohio University
Athens, Ohio
Public
University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, Ohio
Public
Xavier University
Cincinnati, Ohio
Private
Ohio Dominican University
Columbus, Ohio
Private
Frequently Asked Questions About MHA Programs in Ohio
What knowledge and skills do you learn in MHA programs in Ohio?
MHA programs combine the evidence-based and patient-centered aspects of healthcare delivery with core business and management skills. Students receive instruction in key knowledge areas that equip them to plan, coordinate, and direct medical and health services. For example, the online MHAprogram at Mercy College of Ohio focuses on health leadership and builds competency in areas like business literacy, relationship and human resources management, and healthcare delivery systems.
Many programs conclude with a capstone course designed to ready students for high-level employment or promotion. At schools like the University of Cincinnati, that requirement means completing a two-semester seminar exploring current and emerging issues in healthcare management.
Are there CAHME-accredited online MHA programs in Ohio?
While this may not be true of every program, schools like Xavier University offer an online MHA in Ohio with full CAHME accreditation. This form of accreditation provides healthcare-specific backing to qualified programs and could set you apart as a job-seeking graduate. Minimally, always make sure prospective schools hold institutional accreditation.
What are the admissions requirements for MHA programs in Ohio?
The most important requirement is that prospective applicants hold a relevant, accredited bachelor’s degree with a competitive GPA (typically 2.75 or above). Ohio University provides an additional list of admissions components shared by many other programs. It includes:
- Official academic transcripts
- Entrance examinations (usually for international applicants only)
- A short statement of purpose (500-1,000 words)
- Two or three letters of reference
- A professional resume
Some programs require additional materials like relevant work experience or course prerequisites, so follow the instructions on your application closely.
How long do MHA programs in Ohio take to complete?
Timeframes for completion fluctuate quite a bit and depend on factors like enrollment status (i.e., full-time vs. part-time), program pacing, and availability of online coursework. The program at Cleveland State, for example, uses fully-online formats to accommodate working professionals and typically graduates students along an expedited path. Most programs take two years or less to complete, however. The course of study at Franklin takes 21 months, while schools like Case Western offer an accelerated program (one year) alongside a two-year option for part-time students.
How much do Ohio MHA programs cost?
The examples below give you a sense of the range of possible costs involved with MHA programs in Ohio. There are several main factors impacting the final price tag of your degree, including the type of school you attend (i.e., public vs. private), your residency status, and whether you enroll full-time or part-time.
University of Cincinnati
Master of Health Administration
Total Credits: 40
$754/credit (resident); $769/credit (non-resident)
Can I get financial aid to help pay for my MHA program in Ohio?
The availability depends on factors like your enrollment status, background, and location. Schools like Xavier, Case Western Reserve, and the University of Cincinnati offer financial aid to all students at the graduate level. Others, like The Ohio State, set aside scholarships specifically for new and returning MHA students. See our healthcare administration scholarship guide and broader financial aid resource for more information on how to finance your degree when attending an MHA program in Ohio.
Inside Look at Online MHA Programs in Ohio
In general, earning your MHA online in Ohio means you’ll finish more quickly and enjoy a higher degree of flexibility than campus-based alternatives. Some schools only extend limited online options, though. Xavier University, for instance, offers online delivery for its executive MHA track for part-time working professionals. Other schools, like Mercy College and Ohio University, allow students to complete some or all requirements entirely online.
The University of Cincinnati offers a good example of what to expect from an online MHA program in terms of pacing and delivery. Courses are mostly asynchronous with occasional live sessions. This means students can access material and complete assignments at their convenience. Expedited classes often run in seven-week sessions with longer courses lasting up to 14 weeks. Many online Ohio MHA programs use the same faculty as in-person programming and result in the same CAHME-accredited degree. Take a look at the rankings below to see who made our list of the top online MHA programs in Ohio today:
Earnings and Job Outlook for MHA Graduates in Ohio
So far, we've discussed details on how MHA programs in Ohio work. But before we go any further, it’s time to take a look at what you can expect in terms of job outlook once you have your MHA degree in hand. In that regard, there’s plenty of good news to share, which we've outlined in the two tables below. The first table offers long-term (2022-2032) job growth figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics for medical and health services managers employed in the U.S. overall and in Ohio specifically. Most notable here are the growth percentage figures for the nation and the state, which are a stunning 10 and 9 times, respectively, the 2.8% for all U.S. occupations combined over the same ten-year period.
The earnings figures listed in the second table are just as impressive, with salaries for medical and health services managers ranging from over $63,000 on the lower end to more than $175,000 at the top. You’ll find some variations in the numbers within the state, with slightly higher salaries in larger metro areas and slightly lower salaries in smaller communities and rural areas. Keep in mind, though, that MHA graduates will likely enjoy relatively higher salaries within this range compared to HA professionals without master’s degrees.
| Area | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % | Avg. Ann. Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 509,500 | 654,200 | 144,700 | 28.40% | 54,700 |
| Ohio | 18,720 | 23,310 | 4,590 | 24.50% | 1,910 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio | $63,860 | $103,690 | $175,650 |
| Akron, OH | $68,210 | $102,150 | $173,070 |
| Canton-Massillon, OH | $61,200 | $98,980 | $164,990 |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN | $65,430 | $105,280 | $183,670 |
| Cleveland-Elyria, OH | $70,350 | $116,960 | $184,550 |
| Columbus, OH | $63,380 | $105,830 | $179,020 |
| Dayton, OH | $70,470 | $105,610 | $173,530 |
| Lima, OH | $66,660 | $100,400 | $155,570 |
| Mansfield, OH | $61,730 | $98,000 | $167,630 |
| Springfield, OH | $64,570 | $98,500 | $160,250 |
| Toledo, OH | $61,560 | $99,800 | $155,830 |
| Youngstown-Warren-Boardman, OH-PA | $59,080 | $93,170 | $150,760 |
Source: Medical and Health Services Managers, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Additional Resources for MHA Students in Ohio
Scholarships and Online Resources for Healthcare Administration Students
This guide offers plenty of tips on how to secure financial aid as a healthcare administration graduate student. It also looks at additional resources like professional support networks, student associations, and scholarly journals related to healthcare management that can enhance your experience.
Representing over 1,000 different service providers, clinics, and long-term care facilities, this organization connects and supports professionals in healthcare administration. It sponsors state-wide publications, extends continuing education opportunities, and hosts an annual convention for its members.
Association for Healthcare Administration Professionals
A nationwide organization, the AHCAP extends a variety of free resources available to Ohio MHA students and graduates. Opportunities include webinars on new and emerging issues in healthcare management, regular newsletters containing information on the latest trends and events, and an ongoing job bank for current career-seekers.
ACHE of Greater Ohio – Student Associates
A chapter of the American College of Healthcare Executives, this organization provides special resources and benefits to MHA and other healthcare students. Programming includes mentorship with local corporate executives, educational courses, networking summits, internship and fellowship opportunities, and other special events.
