MBAs in Healthcare Management Online: See Top Programs

Featured Online MBA in Healthcare Management Programs

By enrolling in an online MBA in healthcare management program, you’ll take a significant step toward advancing your career in the healthcare field. These online degree programs are designed to help students gain essential business knowledge and apply business practices in healthcare settings. The content and quality of online master’s degree in healthcare management programs can vary, so you should conduct research before applying to schools.

We compiled essential information on choosing the right program for your career path, what it takes to earn an MBA, and ways to pay for school. We also accounted for factors like affordability and accreditation to help prospective students find top online healthcare management MBA programs throughout the U.S.

FAQs About Online MBA in Healthcare Management Programs

What will I learn in an online MBA in healthcare management program?

MBA in healthcare management programs typically include core business subjects like finance, marketing, and management, often viewed through a healthcare lens. Standard courses include Marketing, which covers topics like branding and consumer behavior; Organizational Issues and communication, which focuses on leadership, communication, and the U.S. healthcare system; Leadership, which explores ethical decision-making and healthcare leadership; Healthcare Information Systems, which examines technology and informatics in healthcare; and a capstone or practicum that provides practical experience in the field.

Can I specialize in healthcare management when earning an MBA?

Some MBA in healthcare management programs offer specializations for focused study. Healthcare Operations Management focuses on strategic operations and supply chain management within healthcare settings. Insurance and Risk Management explores proactive and reactive measures to control safety hazards, including incident management, insurance, and healthcare policy.

Human Resources Management focuses on building and maintaining an adequate healthcare workforce; it covers employee relations, the impact of technology, and human capital management for quality healthcare services.

How long does it take to earn an MBA in healthcare management online?

One benefit of an online MBA in healthcare management program is that students can log in and work through classes at their convenience. They don’t need to delay taking classes because they don’t align with work or personal schedules.

Most programs can be completed in 18 months of full-time study, but some can be completed in as little as a year. Part-time students can expect to take two to three years to complete an MBA in healthcare management program. This depends on their course load. Some programs might require a capstone, practicum, or research project, which can lengthen the amount of time needed to complete them.

How much does an online MBA in healthcare management program cost?

The cost of an online MBA in healthcare management program varies depending on the institution, program duration, and financing. For example, the University of Texas at Tyler charges $30,219 for students who take two courses each term. Students who are charged a fee per session will pay more if they enroll in one course at a time.

Tuition fees vary between in-state and out-of-state students. So, prospective MBA students must review program details and consult an academic advisor for clarity.

Do I need a special license or certification to work or advance in healthcare management?

Certifications or credentials are not required to work in healthcare management. But, MBA students might opt to pursue a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE) credential. This credential indicates a high level of healthcare management expertise. It can take a while to earn – base qualifications include three years of ACHE membership and five years of executive-level healthcare management experience. So, students who want to pursue this credential should research it early and factor the certification steps into their education plans.

Career Profile: What Can I Do with an MBA in Healthcare Management?

An MBA in healthcare management prepares students for leadership roles in the dynamic healthcare industry. They can pursue a career as a hospital administrator who leads and manages facilities. Clinic managers oversee operations in medical clinics or physician practices. Healthcare consultants provide expertise on strategy and efficiency to organizations. Health policy analysts influence healthcare through research and analysis. After earning an MBA, you’ll be prepared for these and other exciting roles in the healthcare sector.

Hospital Administrator

• Responsibilities: Oversee the day-to-day operations of a hospital or healthcare system, including managing staff, finances, and patient care
• Pros: High earning potential, impactful work, leadership opportunities
• Cons: Long hours, stressful environment, high pressure
• Work Environment: Hospitals, healthcare systems, medical centers

Clinic Manager

• Responsibilities: Manage the administrative and clinical operations of a medical clinic or physician’s practice, including staff supervision, patient scheduling, and budget management
• Pros: Direct patient interaction, rewarding work, potential for manageable work hours
• Cons: Fast-paced environment, demanding patients, potential for long hours
• Work Environment: Medical clinics, physician practices, outpatient care centers

Healthcare Consultant

• Responsibilities: Counsel healthcare organizations on various subjects such as strategic planning, financial management, operational effectiveness, and regulatory compliance
• Pros: Variety of projects, intellectual stimulation, good earning potential
• Cons: Frequent traveling, challenging clients, lengthy work hours
• Work Environment: Consulting firms, hospitals, healthcare organizations, independent practice

Health Policy Analyst

• Responsibilities: Research and analyze healthcare policies, regulations, and legislation. Often work for government agencies, research institutions, or advocacy groups
• Pros: Impactful work that contributes to healthcare improvements and is intellectually stimulating
• Cons: Can be politically influenced, might require advanced degrees, potential for bureaucracy
• Work Environment: Government agencies, research institutions, think tanks, non-profit organizations

Pharmaceutical Project Manager

• Responsibilities: Manage projects related to developing, testing, and marketing pharmaceuticals; manage timelines, budgets, and cross-functional teams
• Pros: Assists in medical breakthroughs, competitive salaries
• Cons: High-stress work environment, stringent regulations, long hours
• Work Environment: Pharmaceutical companies, research institutions, contract research organizations

Ranking the Best Online MBA in Healthcare Management Programs

Selecting the best online MBA in healthcare management program is essential to your professional success. We ranked several programs based on academic reputation, faculty strength, student services, tuition, and career outcomes.

We based the rankings on information from credible sources plus research. This list is a great place to start your program search. It will help you weigh options side-by-side. Refer to the methodology pop-up for a description of our ranking procedures and detailed metrics and weights.