Ohio MHA Programs Online: Compare Top Schools & More

Online MHA Programs in Ohio: How They Work

Earning your MHA online in Ohio means the potential to graduate quicker and enjoy a higher degree of flexibility than with 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.

Here are three schools that stand out for their online MHA programs in Ohio.

Questions About Online MHA Degrees in Ohio

Before diving into any program, it’s important to have all your questions answered. The following are questions that most students have as they consider an MHA program. Below, you’ll find answers to the most common questions, including those on accreditation, skills and knowledge, and costs.

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 MHA program 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 prepare 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?

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. Also keep in mind that there are often fees on top of the tuition, which can add up quickly. But don’t let the tuition numbers frighten you. Many schools offer financial aid, grants, scholarships, and other opportunities to find the funding you need to bring the bottom line down to a more comfortable level.

Career & Salary 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.

Ranking the Best Online MHA Programs in Ohio