University Headquarters (HQ) is an industry-leading, independent educational organization that provides independent college rankings using a proprietary formula to create first class unbiased rankings. The team at University HQ strives to provide accurate and trustworthy rankings that highlights affordable programs in healthcare administration.
The best and most affordable healthcare administration programs prepare students to excel in leadership roles through a relevant academic curriculum and essential skill-building. The daily ins and outs of healthcare administration roles will vary by employer; however, many jobs encompass a number of similarities that all healthcare administration degrees should prepare student for.
To become a healthcare administrator, it’s necessary to have at least some higher education. You may start with an associate degree in a healthcare-related field and work toward a master’s degree in healthcare administration. It’s also possible to seek employment in a wide array of workplace environments.
At the end of the day, a healthcare administration degree should provide a solid foundation for becoming an exceptional leader in the healthcare industry. And affordable healthcare administration degrees offer many distinct advantages in this growing field, including less debt and greater flexibility.
Featured Online Programs
Top 50 Affordable Healthcare Administration Colleges and Universities
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Score: 83.72
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,989
- Out-of-State:$39,330
- Net Price: $10,614
- Acceptance Rate: 17%
- Retention Rate: 96%
- Graduation Rate: 91%
- Total Enrollment: 31,705
- Undergrad Students: 20,029
- Graduate Students: 11,676
- Grads Salary: $77,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Washington Adventist University
Score: 77.97
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $25,200
- Out-of-State:$25,200
- Net Price: $17,088
- Acceptance Rate: 51%
- Retention Rate: 86%
- Graduation Rate: 50%
- Total Enrollment: 671
- Undergrad Students: 582
- Graduate Students: 89
- Grads Salary: $108,000
- Student-to-faculty: 6:1
California State University-Long Beach
Score: 77.34
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,008
- Out-of-State:$18,888
- Net Price: $9,346
- Acceptance Rate: 40%
- Retention Rate: 85%
- Graduation Rate: 73%
- Total Enrollment: 38,973
- Undergrad Students: 32,931
- Graduate Students: 6,042
- Grads Salary: $79,000
- Student-to-faculty: 22:1
Rutgers University-New Brunswick
Score: 76.82
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $17,239
- Out-of-State:$36,001
- Net Price: $17,535
- Acceptance Rate: 66%
- Retention Rate: 92%
- Graduation Rate: 84%
- Total Enrollment: 50,637
- Undergrad Students: 36,344
- Graduate Students: 14,293
- Grads Salary: $81,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Score: 76.36
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $16,488
- Out-of-State:$36,402
- Net Price: $16,018
- Acceptance Rate: 75%
- Retention Rate: 90%
- Graduation Rate: 84%
- Total Enrollment: 54,955
- Undergrad Students: 39,248
- Graduate Students: 15,707
- Grads Salary: $80,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
AdventHealth University
Score: 75.63
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $20,880
- Out-of-State:$20,880
- Net Price: $27,329
- Acceptance Rate: 34%
- Retention Rate: 67%
- Graduation Rate: 55%
- Total Enrollment: 1,610
- Undergrad Students: 1,110
- Graduate Students: 500
- Grads Salary: $113,000
- Student-to-faculty: 5:1
University of South Florida
Score: 75
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,410
- Out-of-State:$17,324
- Net Price: $11,004
- Acceptance Rate: 44%
- Retention Rate: 90%
- Graduation Rate: 74%
- Total Enrollment: 49,600
- Undergrad Students: 38,047
- Graduate Students: 11,553
- Grads Salary: $73,000
- Student-to-faculty: 22:1
University of Central Florida
Score: 74.03
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,368
- Out-of-State:$22,467
- Net Price: $13,108
- Acceptance Rate: 41%
- Retention Rate: 93%
- Graduation Rate: 76%
- Total Enrollment: 68,346
- Undergrad Students: 58,662
- Graduate Students: 9,684
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 29:1
Charter Oak State College
Score: 73.5
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,506
- Out-of-State:$8,506
- Net Price: $10,191
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 100%
- Graduation Rate: 64%
- Total Enrollment: 1,602
- Undergrad Students: 1,501
- Graduate Students: 101
- Grads Salary: $81,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
University of Detroit Mercy
Score: 72.54
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $32,300
- Out-of-State:$32,300
- Net Price: $18,197
- Acceptance Rate: 91%
- Retention Rate: 85%
- Graduation Rate: 73%
- Total Enrollment: 5,360
- Undergrad Students: 3,156
- Graduate Students: 2,204
- Grads Salary: $84,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
James Madison University
Score: 72.41
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $13,576
- Out-of-State:$30,790
- Net Price: $18,274
- Acceptance Rate: 78%
- Retention Rate: 89%
- Graduation Rate: 81%
- Total Enrollment: 22,224
- Undergrad Students: 20,346
- Graduate Students: 1,878
- Grads Salary: $75,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Florida A&M University
Score: 72.28
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,785
- Out-of-State:$17,725
- Net Price: $11,583
- Acceptance Rate: 33%
- Retention Rate: 90%
- Graduation Rate: 60%
- Total Enrollment: 9,215
- Undergrad Students: 7,709
- Graduate Students: 1,506
- Grads Salary: $74,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
Florida International University
Score: 72.22
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,565
- Out-of-State:$18,963
- Net Price: $9,881
- Acceptance Rate: 64%
- Retention Rate: 91%
- Graduation Rate: 69%
- Total Enrollment: 55,609
- Undergrad Students: 45,688
- Graduate Students: 9,921
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 24:1
University of Michigan-Dearborn
Score: 71.11
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $14,944
- Out-of-State:$31,360
- Net Price: $12,444
- Acceptance Rate: 54%
- Retention Rate: 82%
- Graduation Rate: 56%
- Total Enrollment: 8,223
- Undergrad Students: 6,116
- Graduate Students: 2,107
- Grads Salary: $81,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Score: 70.24
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,214
- Out-of-State:$21,876
- Net Price: $13,951
- Acceptance Rate: 80%
- Retention Rate: 84%
- Graduation Rate: 70%
- Total Enrollment: 29,551
- Undergrad Students: 23,461
- Graduate Students: 6,090
- Grads Salary: $74,000
- Student-to-faculty: 20:1
California State University-Northridge
Score: 69.39
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,095
- Out-of-State:$18,975
- Net Price: $8,936
- Acceptance Rate: 91%
- Retention Rate: 75%
- Graduation Rate: 56%
- Total Enrollment: 37,579
- Undergrad Students: 32,181
- Graduate Students: 5,398
- Grads Salary: $81,000
- Student-to-faculty: 24:1
CUNY Lehman College
Score: 69.3
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,410
- Out-of-State:$15,360
- Net Price: $4,974
- Acceptance Rate: 55%
- Retention Rate: 71%
- Graduation Rate: 54%
- Total Enrollment: 13,015
- Undergrad Students: 11,211
- Graduate Students: 1,804
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
Baptist Health Sciences University
Score: 69.1
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $13,846
- Out-of-State:$13,846
- Net Price: $9,549
- Acceptance Rate: 41%
- Retention Rate: 63%
- Graduation Rate: 58%
- Total Enrollment: 797
- Undergrad Students: 777
- Graduate Students: 20
- Grads Salary: $72,000
- Student-to-faculty: 7:1
University of North Florida
Score: 68.94
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,389
- Out-of-State:$20,793
- Net Price: $11,338
- Acceptance Rate: 71%
- Retention Rate: 80%
- Graduation Rate: 68%
- Total Enrollment: 16,406
- Undergrad Students: 14,171
- Graduate Students: 2,235
- Grads Salary: $68,000
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
Score: 68.92
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,277
- Out-of-State:$18,516
- Net Price: $15,000
- Acceptance Rate: 77%
- Retention Rate: 80%
- Graduation Rate: 65%
- Total Enrollment: 10,104
- Undergrad Students: 9,423
- Graduate Students: 681
- Grads Salary: $76,000
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
Regis University
Score: 68.64
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $43,980
- Out-of-State:$43,980
- Net Price: $26,377
- Acceptance Rate: 76%
- Retention Rate: 72%
- Graduation Rate: 67%
- Total Enrollment: 4,668
- Undergrad Students: 2,398
- Graduate Students: 2,270
- Grads Salary: $89,000
- Student-to-faculty: 9:1
Florida Atlantic University
Score: 68.45
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,879
- Out-of-State:$17,324
- Net Price: $9,711
- Acceptance Rate: 81%
- Retention Rate: 81%
- Graduation Rate: 62%
- Total Enrollment: 29,592
- Undergrad Students: 24,191
- Graduate Students: 5,401
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 22:1
Appalachian State University
Score: 68.38
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,541
- Out-of-State:$24,537
- Net Price: $13,084
- Acceptance Rate: 83%
- Retention Rate: 83%
- Graduation Rate: 75%
- Total Enrollment: 20,436
- Undergrad Students: 18,558
- Graduate Students: 1,878
- Grads Salary: $64,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
University of Mississippi
Score: 67.79
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,412
- Out-of-State:$26,980
- Net Price: $14,289
- Acceptance Rate: 97%
- Retention Rate: 89%
- Graduation Rate: 68%
- Total Enrollment: 22,300
- Undergrad Students: 17,302
- Graduate Students: 4,998
- Grads Salary: $70,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Fresno Pacific University
Score: 67.57
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $35,558
- Out-of-State:$35,558
- Net Price: $15,255
- Acceptance Rate: 75%
- Retention Rate: 75%
- Graduation Rate: 50%
- Total Enrollment: 3,032
- Undergrad Students: 1,744
- Graduate Students: 1,288
- Grads Salary: $84,000
- Student-to-faculty: 10:1
Mississippi State University
Score: 67.51
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,815
- Out-of-State:$26,580
- Net Price: $15,364
- Acceptance Rate: 75%
- Retention Rate: 81%
- Graduation Rate: 63%
- Total Enrollment: 22,649
- Undergrad Students: 18,305
- Graduate Students: 4,344
- Grads Salary: $73,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
The University of West Florida
Score: 67.45
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,360
- Out-of-State:$19,241
- Net Price: $8,609
- Acceptance Rate: 48%
- Retention Rate: 85%
- Graduation Rate: 53%
- Total Enrollment: 13,521
- Undergrad Students: 9,291
- Graduate Students: 4,230
- Grads Salary: $67,000
- Student-to-faculty: 22:1
St. Joseph's University-New York
Score: 67.42
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $34,535
- Out-of-State:$34,535
- Net Price: $18,001
- Acceptance Rate: 77%
- Retention Rate: 82%
- Graduation Rate: 69%
- Total Enrollment: 4,348
- Undergrad Students: 3,556
- Graduate Students: 792
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
University of La Verne
Score: 67.23
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $47,000
- Out-of-State:$47,000
- Net Price: $25,103
- Acceptance Rate: 74%
- Retention Rate: 77%
- Graduation Rate: 63%
- Total Enrollment: 5,662
- Undergrad Students: 3,365
- Graduate Students: 2,297
- Grads Salary: $85,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
University of Mary
Score: 66.76
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $21,468
- Out-of-State:$21,468
- Net Price: $18,369
- Acceptance Rate: 81%
- Retention Rate: 80%
- Graduation Rate: 64%
- Total Enrollment: 3,652
- Undergrad Students: 2,506
- Graduate Students: 1,146
- Grads Salary: $75,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
Mercy College of Ohio
Score: 66.72
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $18,950
- Out-of-State:$18,950
- Net Price: $14,564
- Acceptance Rate: 46%
- Retention Rate: 77%
- Graduation Rate: 52%
- Total Enrollment: 1,261
- Undergrad Students: 1,120
- Graduate Students: 141
- Grads Salary: $73,000
- Student-to-faculty: 5:1
Concordia University-Wisconsin
Score: 65.85
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $34,250
- Out-of-State:$34,250
- Net Price: $24,485
- Acceptance Rate: 70%
- Retention Rate: 78%
- Graduation Rate: 66%
- Total Enrollment: 4,988
- Undergrad Students: 2,817
- Graduate Students: 2,171
- Grads Salary: $77,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
Saint Joseph's University
Score: 65.73
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $51,340
- Out-of-State:$51,340
- Net Price: $33,777
- Acceptance Rate: 89%
- Retention Rate: 86%
- Graduation Rate: 82%
- Total Enrollment: 7,861
- Undergrad Students: 5,071
- Graduate Students: 2,790
- Grads Salary: $77,000
- Student-to-faculty: 10:1
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Score: 65.69
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,832
- Out-of-State:$21,864
- Net Price: $16,834
- Acceptance Rate: 87%
- Retention Rate: 82%
- Graduation Rate: 64%
- Total Enrollment: 21,639
- Undergrad Students: 13,032
- Graduate Students: 8,607
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
University of Evansville
Score: 65.69
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $42,676
- Out-of-State:$42,676
- Net Price: $19,301
- Acceptance Rate: 76%
- Retention Rate: 80%
- Graduation Rate: 65%
- Total Enrollment: 2,017
- Undergrad Students: 1,717
- Graduate Students: 300
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 10:1
Central Michigan University
Score: 65.58
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $14,190
- Out-of-State:$14,190
- Net Price: $15,605
- Acceptance Rate: 79%
- Retention Rate: 72%
- Graduation Rate: 62%
- Total Enrollment: 14,557
- Undergrad Students: 10,401
- Graduate Students: 4,156
- Grads Salary: $72,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Indiana Wesleyan University
Score: 65.54
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $31,168
- Out-of-State:$31,168
- Net Price: $21,755
- Acceptance Rate: 87%
- Retention Rate: 78%
- Graduation Rate: 67%
- Total Enrollment: 2,603
- Undergrad Students: 2,236
- Graduate Students: 367
- Grads Salary: $75,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
Felician University
Score: 65.35
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $37,830
- Out-of-State:$37,830
- Net Price: $15,743
- Acceptance Rate: 89%
- Retention Rate: 70%
- Graduation Rate: 52%
- Total Enrollment: 2,148
- Undergrad Students: 1,746
- Graduate Students: 402
- Grads Salary: $81,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
Concordia College at Moorhead
Score: 65.27
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $30,020
- Out-of-State:$30,020
- Net Price: $23,087
- Acceptance Rate: 66%
- Retention Rate: 84%
- Graduation Rate: 69%
- Total Enrollment: 1,903
- Undergrad Students: 1,827
- Graduate Students: 76
- Grads Salary: $69,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
West Virginia University Institute of Technology
Score: 65.09
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,064
- Out-of-State:$20,120
- Net Price: $9,529
- Acceptance Rate: 65%
- Retention Rate: 56%
- Graduation Rate: 34%
- Total Enrollment: 1,481
- Undergrad Students: 1,481
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $86,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
Trevecca Nazarene University
Score: 64.83
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $29,790
- Out-of-State:$29,790
- Net Price: $16,080
- Acceptance Rate: 71%
- Retention Rate: 74%
- Graduation Rate: 61%
- Total Enrollment: 3,327
- Undergrad Students: 1,867
- Graduate Students: 1,460
- Grads Salary: $70,000
- Student-to-faculty: 22:1
University of Houston-Clear Lake
Score: 64.68
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,746
- Out-of-State:$21,330
- Net Price: $17,871
- Acceptance Rate: 69%
- Retention Rate: 67%
- Graduation Rate: 54%
- Total Enrollment: 8,562
- Undergrad Students: 6,352
- Graduate Students: 2,210
- Grads Salary: $78,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
Winston-Salem State University
Score: 64.64
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,735
- Out-of-State:$17,391
- Net Price: $14,097
- Acceptance Rate: 73%
- Retention Rate: 77%
- Graduation Rate: 50%
- Total Enrollment: 5,004
- Undergrad Students: 4,513
- Graduate Students: 491
- Grads Salary: $74,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
DeSales University
Score: 64.59
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $44,800
- Out-of-State:$44,800
- Net Price: $29,104
- Acceptance Rate: 77%
- Retention Rate: 78%
- Graduation Rate: 68%
- Total Enrollment: 2,991
- Undergrad Students: 2,225
- Graduate Students: 766
- Grads Salary: $79,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
Herzing University-Brookfield
Score: 64.32
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $13,420
- Out-of-State:$13,420
- Net Price: $17,553
- Acceptance Rate: 95%
- Retention Rate: 85%
- Graduation Rate: 60%
- Total Enrollment: 394
- Undergrad Students: 392
- Graduate Students: 2
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
Brigham Young University-Idaho
Score: 64.31
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,656
- Out-of-State:$4,656
- Net Price: $7,899
- Acceptance Rate: 96%
- Retention Rate: 68%
- Graduation Rate: 54%
- Total Enrollment: 43,023
- Undergrad Students: 43,023
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $69,000
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
Eastern Illinois University
Score: 64.27
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $13,403
- Out-of-State:$15,879
- Net Price: $13,380
- Acceptance Rate: 68%
- Retention Rate: 71%
- Graduation Rate: 55%
- Total Enrollment: 8,857
- Undergrad Students: 6,916
- Graduate Students: 1,941
- Grads Salary: $69,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
Roberts Wesleyan University
Score: 64.26
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $37,504
- Out-of-State:$37,504
- Net Price: $23,341
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 74%
- Graduation Rate: 68%
- Total Enrollment: 1,573
- Undergrad Students: 1,048
- Graduate Students: 525
- Grads Salary: $76,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
Salve Regina University
Score: 64.18
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $47,930
- Out-of-State:$47,930
- Net Price: $37,997
- Acceptance Rate: 70%
- Retention Rate: 82%
- Graduation Rate: 76%
- Total Enrollment: 2,872
- Undergrad Students: 2,190
- Graduate Students: 682
- Grads Salary: $81,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
Western Illinois University
Score: 64.1
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $14,952
- Out-of-State:$14,952
- Net Price: $11,213
- Acceptance Rate: 75%
- Retention Rate: 67%
- Graduation Rate: 47%
- Total Enrollment: 7,643
- Undergrad Students: 5,309
- Graduate Students: 2,334
- Grads Salary: $74,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
Why a Degree from an Affordable Healthcare Administration School?
The cost of degrees at some colleges and universities today is becoming a financial burden that is simply untenable and unbearable for far too many people. The good news is that many high-quality, affordable healthcare administration programs are available throughout the country. These days, one does not have to sacrifice the quality of their healthcare administration education with an affordable degree. They are now one and the same in many instances.
Flexibility is also often synonymous with affordable degrees. Online or flexibly timed degrees often offer program options that cater to non-traditional students. It can be easier to work a full-time job while completing courses either online or in-person on the weekends and evenings. They may even offer a hybrid experience. These degrees are also often ideal for parents and individuals who care for any loved one at home. Many people also choose these flexible and affordable degrees for career advancement while they are gaining invaluable hands-on experience.
Another reason to choose an affordable degree in healthcare administration is to secure greater opportunities. Most healthcare administration degrees will require a master’s degree or a bachelor’s degree with industry-specific certifications. These degrees and certifications will cost even more money over the years. The more one saves on each program, the more money one has to continue their education and qualify for career advancement.
And, keep in mind that healthcare administration is a rapidly growing field. The healthcare industry is booming due to the aging population and greater emphasis on and acceptance of preventative healthcare. The more education and skills a healthcare administrator has, the greater the career opportunities. And it is affordable programs that make all of this education possible.
Choosing an Affordable Program
While not all colleges and universities are created equal, many affordable healthcare degree programs do exist that offer students an exceptional education. It’s impossible to determine the quality of education based solely on the price of a program. As such, it is essential to review many aspects of a higher learning institution and the healthcare administration program.
Find Online Healthcare Administration Schools
Accreditation is one of the most important factors when determining the right program in healthcare administration. Students who want to succeed must select an affordable college or university that is regionally accredited. This type of accreditation is the most desirable by the majority of hiring employers. It’s also a good idea to examine whether or not the program is accredited in addition to the higher learning institution. Accredited programs also provide a competitive advantage in the workforce marketplace.
An easy way to save over $100,000 is to select an in-state school over an out-of-state school. Most in-state schools charge a fraction of the cost in comparison to what they charge students from other states. The academic differences are rarely worth the price difference. The same is true of private schools versus public schools, though the recognition that your degree comes from a well-regarded school may be seen as worth it by those wanting to move into prestigious positions. A private school can cost over $50,000 dollars a year, whereas a state, public school, in some states, is still less than $10,000 a year.
Do not forget about the possibility of saving money by choosing online healthcare administration programs over in-person degrees. Many affordable schools charge less for online degrees, and they charge the exact same amount for in-state and out-of-state tuition. Keep in mind that some schools are charging more for online degrees in general and charging out-of-state tuition for online students who reside outside of the state in which the physical classrooms are located.
Online Options
Online healthcare administration degrees and certificates are widely available at all degree levels. This field works well as an online program for many reasons. To begin, this type of healthcare position does not actually require any hands-on medical care. As such, nearly all courses can be taught online.
An online associate degree in healthcare administration only provides a foundation for understanding the overall healthcare environment, whereas, a bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration prepares students for entry-level healthcare administration roles. At the master’s degree level in healthcare administration, most students will be working within the healthcare industry while they complete their online degree, which is ideal for employers and program participants alike.
In addition to these programs being ideal to take online for the flexibility and that the subject is compatible with online learning, it’s important to note that online learning in healthcare administration may be an advantage for students as the industry continues to shift toward telemedicine and telehealth. By completing a healthcare degree program online, it will help future healthcare administrators to better understand the best ways to manage online medical care in the coming years.
If online education does not work for someone, many colleges and universities offer hybrid programs and in-person programs as alternatives. A hybrid healthcare administration degree will allow for students to take some classes online and others in person. And some schools still only offer in-person classes, or they offer in-person classes for those who are more comfortable with such learning environments. Each school and student will be different.
Are These Programs in High Demand?
The medical and health services industry is in high demand, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). It expects a growth rate of at least 32% through 2029. This is significantly higher than expectations for most occupations during the same timeframe. Much of this growth can be directly attributed to the rising age in baby boomers. These individuals will simply require more care from all types of organizations throughout the next 10 years, at least.
One should also expect growth in healthcare administration specializations. There is a growing need within the field to be able to work in many different healthcare environments such as physician offices, emergency medicine, pediatric facilities, etc. Another growing specialization within healthcare administrations is for those who have a better understanding of information systems and information technology. As technology becomes even more intertwined with healthcare, technology and cyber security comprehension will be essential.
Healthcare administration careers are also expanding and exist at all levels and in all science sectors including social sciences, improvement sciences, pharmaceuticals, management sciences, life sciences, and more. Roughly 40% of all healthcare administrators currently work within a hospital setting. However, it’s possible to work in many different types of work environments as a healthcare administrator such as outpatient clinics, insurance companies, medical laboratories, nursing homes, and home healthcare agencies.
What Can You Do with a Degree in Healthcare Administration?
The career opportunities in healthcare administration are extensive and abundant. With each different degree and program level comes different possibilities. The type of job for which one qualifies depends entirely on the employer and one’s education. At larger organizations, an associate degree will lead to basic entry-level positions within the healthcare field. These will be more of support roles and data entry. A person may have the chance to advance in healthcare careers with this degree; however, most employers will prefer a bachelor’s degree.
Some entry-level positions will require a bachelor’s degree, and most management roles will require the same or higher. These job openings have a wide range of options such as office manager, business strategy analyst, unit coordinator, and many more. Within such roles, it’s possible to work in areas that center around data, patients, staff, business operations, philanthropy initiatives, etc. A bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration might be enough to move up to leadership roles within a healthcare organization in some instances. Again, this will depend upon the employer.
Most healthcare companies and organizations will prefer or require a master’s degree in healthcare administration for any role that has decision-making power. This might be in the form of a director, consultant, project lead, management, and other roles. It’s possible to work in a variety of areas with these degrees such as finance, pharmacy, operations, emergency management, strategy, accounting, program development, human resources, and much more.
And, while some organizations will hire C-suite executives with a master’s degree, it is becoming increasingly common that these elite roles are reserved for individuals with a PhD or a doctorate degree.
Graduates Earn More After College
Those with an associate degree in healthcare administration and some experience might qualify for a number of entry-level healthcare positions at different healthcare institutions such as medical coder, medical biller, medical transcriptionist, or medical customer service representative. It might even be possible to become a health information technician. Most management positions will likely prefer a bachelor’s degree. It’s possible to earn between $30,000 - $50,000 with this degree and in these roles.
A bachelor’s degree will improve job pool options. Again, some experience will be necessary to secure management positions in most cases. However, higher entry-level positions are also available for new graduates. With this degree, some people might choose the career pathways of HR management, healthcare consultant, billing specialist, health services manager, clinical supervisor, or others. Many individuals with this degree will earn between $50,000- $75,000.
For those who wish to pursue management and executive career pathways in healthcare administration, many employers will prefer a master’s degree in healthcare administration. In some instances, the employer may even prefer or require a PhD or a doctorate. With a master’s degree or MBA, many individuals will quickly become managers, then administrators and directors of divisions or departments. Some people will even advance to a C-suite position. These degrees will have a wide range of salary expectations, from $60,000 to $160,000.
The type of employer and sector within the healthcare industry will also influence degree requirements and pay. Medical and pharmaceutical manufacturing positions are often considered the highest paying industries for individuals with healthcare administration degrees. One can earn over $200,000 in these areas, with the right education and experience. And, while becoming a professor in healthcare administration may require a PhD, it may not pay as well as other employers.
FAQs
- What healthcare administration & management courses will you take?
The course offerings will vary by program and may also vary based on the specialization a student chooses. The course possibilities are nearly endless and might include computer applications in health administration, legal aspects of healthcare, academic writing and research, critical thinking for professionals, fundamentals of statistics, healthcare policy and economics, and many others. - Why should you consider a career in healthcare administration & management?
The reason for choosing a career in healthcare administration and management will be unique for everyone. However, here are some of the highlights. Some people like the idea of being able to make a difference in people’s lives. Other people are drawn to the job security and high salaries. The flexibility of career options is another interest for some. And others yet like the prestige that is often associated with these roles throughout various communities. - How long does it take to get a degree in healthcare administration?
The length of time to receive a degree in healthcare administration depends upon the individual, the program, and the degree level. On average, a student can expect to complete each degree level in the same amount of time as any other degree program. An associate degree can be completed in as little as two years. A healthcare administration bachelor’s degree typically takes around four to five years for full-time students. And a master’s degree or an MBA in healthcare administration might take between 18 months and 3 years. - Is it worth getting a bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration?
A bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration is essential for career advancement and better pay in this field. This degree will also more easily lead to leadership roles and competitive advantages during job searches. And many specialized certificates in healthcare administration will require at least a bachelor’s degree for admission. - What is the career pathway for healthcare administration?
The career pathway for healthcare administration will vary based on the level of education one wishes to complete, as well as the job specifications of a role. Generally speaking, a healthcare administrator will not require a scientific medical background or a medical degree. However, individuals with medical backgrounds can become healthcare administrators with the right education and experience. Most healthcare administration roles will require at least a bachelor’s degree and several years of industry or business experience. It’s also helpful to have specialized certifications, a master’s degree, and direct experience within the healthcare industry to secure these roles.
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