Online PhDs in Healthcare Management: Review Schools

Featured Online Healthcare Administration Doctorate Programs

The primary purpose for earning a doctorate in healthcare administration is to prepare graduates to become effective and influential leaders at the very highest levels of the profession. In other words, it’s more than just managing an organization’s operations, it’s about moving the entire industry ahead by enacting real, positive change. Most doctorate programs will focus on several core competencies including communication, leadership, and healthcare policies and regulation. There may also be an opportunity to specialize.

Most online healthcare administration doctoral programs feature fully online coursework. Virtually all also require some in-person student participation, typically in the form of one or more short-term residencies. These residencies normally take place on the school’s campus, but some programs feature off-campus options at locations throughout their state, region, or the nation. Specific in-person requirements vary from program to program, so be sure to carefully review all degree requirements and in-person requirements before you enroll. Carefully review tuition and fees as well as opportunities for financial aid. The following three programs combine the flexibility of online learning with quality instruction to jumpstart your search.

FAQs About Online Healthcare Administration Doctorates

Are online healthcare administration doctorate degrees accredited?

Accreditation is the process through which academic programs and the schools offering them are evaluated for quality, ensuring they meet specified higher education standards. There are currently no U.S.-based agencies that specifically accredit healthcare administration doctoral programs, online or on-campus. Accreditation of colleges and universities as a whole (institutional accreditation) in the U.S. is administered by several national and regional agencies recognized by the Department of Education. Proper accreditation is an absolute must for any degree program you consider, so be sure to confirm your school’s institutional accreditation before you sign up. You can check a school’s accreditation by visiting the school’s website, contacting the school directly, or searching the Department of Education’s official accreditation database.

What are the admissions requirements to get into a good online healthcare administration doctoral program?

Admissions requirements vary from program to program, so check closely before submitting your application. Most programs have requirements like:

• Master’s degree in healthcare administration or management or closely related field of study. Most programs also require a minimum GPA (3.0 is not uncommon) for the degree and/or other completed relevant graduate-level coursework.
• Substantial work experience, typically in a position in mid-level healthcare administration or management, health policy, or closely related field. Five years minimum is not uncommon.
• Other requirements may include a current resume or CV, written career goal statement or personal essay, letters of recommendation, and proof of English proficiency (for non-native English-speaking applicants).

Are there specialization opportunities in Doctor of Healthcare Administration programs?

Some online programs allow students to tailor their studies to explore specific interests within the larger healthcare administration field, either by offering formal specialization or concentration track options or through flexibility in their elective course choices. Specializations include Healthcare Administration, Healthcare Leadership, Healthcare Analytics, Healthcare Professions, Advocacy and Policy.

Is healthcare experience required for admission to a DHA program?

Yes. DHA programs are generally intended for working professionals. In addition to a master’s degree in the healthcare field, many programs also require 3-5 years of work experience to be considered for admission. A DHA is the highest degree conferred in the field and is intended for mid- to senior-level professionals.

Will I earn a PhD at the completion of my program.

No. Both a DHA and a PhD are terminal doctoral degrees in the healthcare administration field, both focus on research, and both typically require about the same time commitment to complete. There are a few important differences with regard to career outcomes. PhD students are usually required to complete a dissertation and seek roles in research or teaching. DHA students, on the other hand, often complete a final project and are more likely to serve in leadership and administrative positions.

Career Profile: What Can You Do with a Doctorate in Healthcare Administration?

Healthcare administration doctoral degree earners typically find careers that take them to the executive level of corporations and nonprofit organizations throughout the healthcare industry, as well as the faculties of prestigious colleges and universities. Advanced positions in research and administration are also available with both state and federal government agencies. Many graduates find satisfying and lucrative careers as independent consultants. While a doctorate takes significant time and energy, an advanced degree in healthcare administration is valuable for career growth. The five roles below are some of the most common career paths for DHA graduates.

Postsecondary Healthcare Educator

Postsecondary educators are responsible for preparing the next generation of healthcare industry leaders. Duties include preparing course materials and evaluating student progress through assignments, papers, and exams. Postsecondary educators must stay informed on all new developments and future trends in the healthcare management field by reading the latest academic journals, attending professional conferences and seminars, and consulting with fellow colleagues. Job titles include professor, assistant professor, instructor, and lecturer.

Chief Executive Officer

The very top of the career ladder for many healthcare administration professionals, CEOs are responsible for all organizational operations. Specific duties include formulating and implementing organization policies, objectives, and activities; creating budgets and coordinating financing activities such as funding and investments; evaluating organization performance and effectiveness and seeking ways to cut costs and improve efficiencies; and appointing department heads and other management professionals, and delegating duties to them. Compensation for this position may be high, but long hours are also the norm.

Healthcare Consultant

Healthcare consultants provide a number of specialized services for clients of all kinds throughout the healthcare industry. Healthcare consultants meet with clients to identify and define problems and issues within an organization and then conduct studies and reviews to find solutions to those problems and issues. Healthcare consultants are typically independent contractors working with a variety of clients but may also be fully employed by a single large private healthcare corporation, non-profit organization, or governmental agency.

Hospital Administrator

A hospital administrator manages the day-to-day operations, staff, and finances of a hospital system. Job responsibilities may include recruiting and hiring staff, creating budgets, quality insurance, compliance, and overseeing patient care. Administrator jobs can be fulfilling leadership positions but may also require long hours.

Nursing Home Administrator

A nursing home administrator and a hospital administrator have similar responsibilities, but the focus is on long-term care facilities such as nursing homes and retirement homes. A nursing home administrator will often have special training in elder care and may work non-traditional hours including weekends and holidays.