50 Most Affordable Healthcare Administration School Programs

Get Matched With Healthcare Administration Programs

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.

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Top 50 Affordable Healthcare Administration Colleges and Universities

1

CUNY Lehman College

Score: 100

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

2

Fayetteville State University

Score: 95.82

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,969
- Out-of-State: $7,969
Net Price: $6,355
Acceptance Rate: 81%
Retention Rate: 70%

Graduation Rate: 44%
Total Enrollment: 6,787
Undergrad Students: 5,748
Graduate Students: 1,039
Grads Salary: $65,000
Student-to-faculty: 18:1

3

CUNY New York City College of Technology

Score: 95.66

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,332
- Out-of-State: $15,282
Net Price: $6,406
Acceptance Rate: 82%
Retention Rate: 61%

Graduation Rate: 21%
Total Enrollment: 13,087
Undergrad Students: 13,087
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $70,000
Student-to-faculty: 15:1

4

Purdue Global

Score: 94.52

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,110
- Out-of-State: $14,421
Net Price: $6,785
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 17%

Graduation Rate: 20%
Total Enrollment: 45,125
Undergrad Students: 33,510
Graduate Students: 11,615
Grads Salary: $83,000
Student-to-faculty: 26:1

5

Ohio University-Eastern

Score: 92.42

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,178
- Out-of-State: $9,170
Net Price: $7,478
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 58%

Graduation Rate: 16%
Total Enrollment: 1,143
Undergrad Students: 1,143
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $73,000
Student-to-faculty: 13:1

6

Brigham Young University-Idaho

Score: 91.14

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

7

Ohio University-Lancaster

Score: 91.1

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,178
- Out-of-State: $9,170
Net Price: $7,913
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 54%

Graduation Rate: 13%
Total Enrollment: 1,994
Undergrad Students: 1,994
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $45,000
Student-to-faculty: 18:1

8

Ohio University-Southern

Score: 90.29

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,178
- Out-of-State: $9,170
Net Price: $8,181
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 49%

Graduation Rate: 21%
Total Enrollment: 2,006
Undergrad Students: 2,006
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $55,000
Student-to-faculty: 18:1

9

Ohio University-Chillicothe

Score: 89.46

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,178
- Out-of-State: $9,170
Net Price: $8,456
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 56%

Graduation Rate: 18%
Total Enrollment: 1,928
Undergrad Students: 1,928
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $75,000
Student-to-faculty: 17:1

10

The University of West Florida

Score: 88.99

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

11

California State University-Northridge

Score: 88

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

12

California State University-Long Beach

Score: 86.76

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

13

West Virginia University Institute of Technology

Score: 86.21

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

14

Baptist Health Sciences University

Score: 86.15

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

15

Peirce College

Score: 85.93

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $15,060
- Out-of-State: $15,060
Net Price: $9,621
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 100%

Graduation Rate: 5%
Total Enrollment: 856
Undergrad Students: 762
Graduate Students: 94
Grads Salary: $69,000
Student-to-faculty: 9:1

16

Langston University

Score: 85.75

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,728
- Out-of-State: $14,255
Net Price: $9,681
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 52%

Graduation Rate: 23%
Total Enrollment: 1,903
Undergrad Students: 1,774
Graduate Students: 129
Grads Salary: $70,000
Student-to-faculty: 20:1

17

Florida Atlantic University

Score: 85.66

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

18

Clayton State University

Score: 85.41

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,068
- Out-of-State: $15,790
Net Price: $9,792
Acceptance Rate: 56%
Retention Rate: 60%

Graduation Rate: 34%
Total Enrollment: 5,847
Undergrad Students: 5,283
Graduate Students: 564
Grads Salary: $70,000
Student-to-faculty: 16:1

19

Governors State University

Score: 85.29

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $11,320
- Out-of-State: $11,320
Net Price: $9,833
Acceptance Rate: 57%
Retention Rate: 56%

Graduation Rate: 21%
Total Enrollment: 4,427
Undergrad Students: 2,609
Graduate Students: 1,818
Grads Salary: $68,000
Student-to-faculty: 10:1

20

Florida International University

Score: 85.14

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

21

Charter Oak State College

Score: 84.2

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,506
- Out-of-State: $8,506
Net Price: $10,191
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 100%

Graduation Rate: 100%
Total Enrollment: 1,602
Undergrad Students: 1,501
Graduate Students: 101
Grads Salary: $81,000
Student-to-faculty: 13:1

22

Weber State University

Score: 83.19

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,391
- Out-of-State: $17,084
Net Price: $10,525
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 68%

Graduation Rate: 42%
Total Enrollment: 29,914
Undergrad Students: 28,903
Graduate Students: 1,011
Grads Salary: $76,000
Student-to-faculty: 21:1

23

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Score: 82.92

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

24

University of Michigan-Flint

Score: 82.24

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $14,014
- Out-of-State: $31,274
Net Price: $10,840
Acceptance Rate: 66%
Retention Rate: 77%

Graduation Rate: 46%
Total Enrollment: 5,985
Undergrad Students: 4,609
Graduate Students: 1,376
Grads Salary: $69,000
Student-to-faculty: 13:1

25

The College of Westchester

Score: 82.08

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $24,705
- Out-of-State: $24,705
Net Price: $10,891
Acceptance Rate: 95%
Retention Rate: 71%

Graduation Rate: 42%
Total Enrollment: 828
Undergrad Students: 828
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $65,000
Student-to-faculty: 20:1

26

University of South Florida

Score: 81.74

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

27

Rhode Island College

Score: 81.71

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,986
- Out-of-State: $26,519
Net Price: $11,014
Acceptance Rate: 88%
Retention Rate: 71%

Graduation Rate: 44%
Total Enrollment: 5,787
Undergrad Students: 4,719
Graduate Students: 1,068
Grads Salary: $72,000
Student-to-faculty: 11:1

28

Western Illinois University

Score: 81.11

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

29

University of North Florida

Score: 80.73

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

30

Santa Fe College

Score: 80.6

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,563
- Out-of-State: $9,189
Net Price: $11,380
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: N/A

Graduation Rate: 51%
Total Enrollment: 12,729
Undergrad Students: 12,729
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $77,000
Student-to-faculty: 20:1

31

Florida A&M University

Score: 79.99

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

32

Texas Woman's University

Score: 79.69

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,648
- Out-of-State: $18,720
Net Price: $11,682
Acceptance Rate: 94%
Retention Rate: 73%

Graduation Rate: 48%
Total Enrollment: 15,958
Undergrad Students: 10,153
Graduate Students: 5,805
Grads Salary: $72,000
Student-to-faculty: 16:1

33

Texas Southern University

Score: 79.25

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,173
- Out-of-State: $21,773
Net Price: $11,826
Acceptance Rate: 97%
Retention Rate: 55%

Graduation Rate: 26%
Total Enrollment: 8,632
Undergrad Students: 6,830
Graduate Students: 1,802
Grads Salary: $72,000
Student-to-faculty: 18:1

34

Tennessee State University

Score: 78.77

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,568
- Out-of-State: $22,284
Net Price: $11,986
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 62%

Graduation Rate: 32%
Total Enrollment: 9,218
Undergrad Students: 7,678
Graduate Students: 1,540
Grads Salary: $77,000
Student-to-faculty: 14:1

35

Columbia Southern University

Score: 77.62

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,808
- Out-of-State: $5,808
Net Price: $12,366
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 42%

Graduation Rate: 33%
Total Enrollment: 15,948
Undergrad Students: 11,330
Graduate Students: 4,618
Grads Salary: $77,000
Student-to-faculty: 28:1

36

Idaho State University

Score: 77.44

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,356
- Out-of-State: $27,466
Net Price: $12,425
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 71%

Graduation Rate: 37%
Total Enrollment: 12,301
Undergrad Students: 10,017
Graduate Students: 2,284
Grads Salary: $73,000
Student-to-faculty: 13:1

37

University of Michigan-Dearborn

Score: 77.38

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

38

Montana State University Billings

Score: 77.25

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,706
- Out-of-State: $21,347
Net Price: $12,487
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 60%

Graduation Rate: 29%
Total Enrollment: 4,057
Undergrad Students: 3,665
Graduate Students: 392
Grads Salary: $68,000
Student-to-faculty: 15:1

39

Bryant & Stratton College-Virginia Beach

Score: 77.22

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $18,457
- Out-of-State: $18,457
Net Price: $12,498
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 33%

Graduation Rate: 26%
Total Enrollment: 1,281
Undergrad Students: 1,281
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: N/A
Student-to-faculty: 18:1

40

Francis Marion University

Score: 76.86

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $11,160
- Out-of-State: $21,544
Net Price: $12,614
Acceptance Rate: 83%
Retention Rate: 65%

Graduation Rate: 39%
Total Enrollment: 4,045
Undergrad Students: 3,635
Graduate Students: 410
Grads Salary: $65,000
Student-to-faculty: 13:1

41

Western Kentucky University

Score: 76.83

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $11,436
- Out-of-State: $27,000
Net Price: $12,625
Acceptance Rate: 97%
Retention Rate: 77%

Graduation Rate: 51%
Total Enrollment: 16,493
Undergrad Students: 14,440
Graduate Students: 2,053
Grads Salary: $66,000
Student-to-faculty: 18:1

42

Eastern Washington University

Score: 76.22

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,353
- Out-of-State: $25,892
Net Price: $12,827
Acceptance Rate: 96%
Retention Rate: 67%

Graduation Rate: 50%
Total Enrollment: 10,910
Undergrad Students: 7,604
Graduate Students: 3,306
Grads Salary: $71,000
Student-to-faculty: 19:1

43

Valdosta State University

Score: 76.19

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,007
- Out-of-State: $17,062
Net Price: $12,836
Acceptance Rate: 89%
Retention Rate: 59%

Graduation Rate: 40%
Total Enrollment: 10,209
Undergrad Students: 7,573
Graduate Students: 2,636
Grads Salary: $66,000
Student-to-faculty: 17:1

44

Western Carolina University

Score: 75.63

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,532
- Out-of-State: $8,532
Net Price: $13,022
Acceptance Rate: 85%
Retention Rate: 71%

Graduation Rate: 61%
Total Enrollment: 11,635
Undergrad Students: 9,956
Graduate Students: 1,679
Grads Salary: $66,000
Student-to-faculty: 16:1

45

University of Louisiana at Lafayette

Score: 75.59

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,418
- Out-of-State: $24,146
Net Price: $13,036
Acceptance Rate: 75%
Retention Rate: 70%

Graduation Rate: 51%
Total Enrollment: 15,219
Undergrad Students: 12,950
Graduate Students: 2,269
Grads Salary: $69,000
Student-to-faculty: 18:1

46

Appalachian State University

Score: 75.44

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

47

University of Central Florida

Score: 75.37

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

48

University of Nevada-Las Vegas

Score: 75.21

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,142
- Out-of-State: $26,098
Net Price: $13,159
Acceptance Rate: 85%
Retention Rate: 77%

Graduation Rate: 47%
Total Enrollment: 30,660
Undergrad Students: 25,365
Graduate Students: 5,295
Grads Salary: $73,000
Student-to-faculty: 18:1

49

Middle Georgia State University

Score: 75.17

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,432
- Out-of-State: $14,032
Net Price: $13,174
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 61%

Graduation Rate: 24%
Total Enrollment: 7,688
Undergrad Students: 7,259
Graduate Students: 429
Grads Salary: N/A
Student-to-faculty: 18:1

50

Shawnee State University

Score: 74.75

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,622
- Out-of-State: $16,157
Net Price: $13,313
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 66%

Graduation Rate: 35%
Total Enrollment: 3,297
Undergrad Students: 3,091
Graduate Students: 206
Grads Salary: $67,000
Student-to-faculty: 14:1

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 Healthcare Administration College

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 Healthcare Administration 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.

Healthcare Administration 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.

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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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