Best Online Healthcare Administration Degree Programs

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Contributor, Benzinga
May 7, 2020

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As a healthcare administrator, you can help others and revolutionize healthcare. Whether you’re an aspiring or current career professional, an online healthcare administration degree is an ideal way to land an entry-level role or advance your career.

Let Benzinga help you find a program that fits your needs, budget and lifestyle. 

Why Choose an Online Healthcare Administration Degree?

An online healthcare administration degree can help you land many rewarding roles. Some career opportunities that are worth considering: 

  • Healthcare consultant 
  • Healthcare human resource manager 
  • Health information manager
  • Health services administrator
  • Medical and health services manager 
  • Medical reimbursement specialist 
  • Nursing home administrator
  • Private practice office manager 
  • Social/community service manager
  • Training and development manager

Depending on the setting you decide to work in, you can also earn a comfortable salary. And as you gain experience and level up your skills, you will position yourself for lucrative leadership roles. 

It’s also an ideal way to meet the educational requirements you need in many healthcare roles. If you decide to switch gears later on down the line, you won’t have to return to the drawing board and earn another bachelor’s degree. 

How to Choose an Online Healthcare Administration Degree

Keep these factors in mind as you choose an online healthcare administration degree.

Experienced Instructors 

You want an online healthcare administration degree program that features experienced instructors. They can provide nuggets of wisdom you can’t find in textbooks to help you navigate challenges and thrive in your career. 

Course Offerings 

Are you interested in a particular aspect of healthcare administration? Before you enroll, it’s a good idea to review the course offerings to determine whether the instruction provided is on topics you’re most interested in and are aligned with your career goals. 

Affordability 

These programs require you to make a steep investment. It’s well worth the time and money you’ll spend, but it doesn't make sense to invest more than you have to for the same end result. 

Jobs Waiting for You with an Online Healthcare Administration Degree

Here are some top job opportunities for healthcare administration degree holders. 

Medical and Health Services Manager 

As a medical and health services manager, you’ll oversee core services in clinics, hospitals, managed care organizations and public health agencies. 

On average, medical and health services managers earn a mean annual wage of $115,160 per year. 

Nursing Home Administrator 

Nursing home administrators manage operations and ensure compliance with state and federal guidelines. 

Nursing home administrators earn around $116,000 per year. 

Healthcare Human Resources Manager 

In this role, you will be responsible for managing the administrative functions of a healthcare organization. Healthcare human resources managers ensure that recruiting, interviewing and hiring processes are conducted according to the organization’s policies. They also collaborate with key members of the leadership team to engage in strategic planning activities. 

The average annual salary for healthcare human resources managers is $116,720. 

Best Online Colleges for a Healthcare Administration Degree

We’ve conducted hours of research to bring you the best online colleges for a healthcare administration degree. You will also find a review of each program to help you identify a program that meets your needs. 

1. Southern New Hampshire University

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Southern New Hampshire University offers an online Bachelor of Science in healthcare administration. It was developed in accordance with recommendations from the Association of University Programs in Healthcare Administration (AUPHA). 

This program equips you with the knowledge and skills to excel in the field as a healthcare administrator. You will also hone your communication, computational and critical thinking skills. 

All healthcare administration majors are required to take these core courses: 

  • Ethical and Legal Considerations of Healthcare 
  • Healthcare Delivery Systems 
  • Healthcare Economics
  • Healthcare Finance 
  • Healthcare Marketing 
  • Healthcare Quality Management 
  • Healthcare Reimbursement
  • Healthcare Research and Evaluation Methodologies 
  • Healthcare Strategic Management and Policy
  • Human Relations in Administration 
  • Human Resource Management 
  • Organizational Behavior 
  • Population Health and Cultural Competence
  • Principles of Epidemiology  

Students also choose to specialize in healthcare information management or patient safety and quality. 

The health information management track involves these classes:

  • Communication and Technologies 
  • Healthcare Data Management 
  • Healthcare IT Infrastructure and Network Management 

If you choose to concentrate in patient safety and quality, you will complete these courses:

  • Healthcare Regulatory Compliance and Accreditation 
  • Patient Systems and Strategies
    Performance Improvement Measurement and Methodologies 

There’s also a healthcare administration capstone that allows you to merge all the key concepts taught in the program. 

You need 120 credits to graduate from the program. SNHU allows transferring in up to 90 to help you finish faster and save money. 

Enroll now

2. Florida International University 

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Consider an online Bachelor of Health Service Administration from Florida International University. It prepares you for an entry-level management position in a health-related organization or entry into a graduate degree program. 

The program is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Courses are led by experienced faculty who delve into engineering and financial management as they relate to health organizations. The curriculum also covers economics, evaluation and program planning, health services research, legal matters, policies and regulations. 

  • Communication and Information Technology for Healthcare Professionals 
  • Global Healthcare Systems and Policy 
  • Global Issues and Trends in Healthcare 
  • Healthcare Financial Management 
  • Healthcare Organizational Behavior and Resource Management 
  • Healthcare Quality Management 
  • Legal Aspects of Healthcare
  • Program Planning and Evaluation 
  • Qualify and Evidence-Based Healthcare Services

When you finish the program, you will be equipped to effectively manage healthcare organizations. You need 120 credit hours to earn your degree. 

Enroll now

3. University of Central Florida 

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Consider an online Bachelor of Science in health services administration from the University of Central Florida. 

This program brings you up to speed on best practices when managing healthcare facilities. You will also be equipped to handle complex challenges in the healthcare industry. 

As a healthcare services administration, you must successfully complete these core courses: 

  • Community Health 
  • Epidemiology 
  • Fundamentals of Health Information Technology 
  • Healthcare Economics 
  • Healthcare Finance 
  • Health Law and Ethics 
  • Health Sciences Research Methods 
  • Long Term Care and Administration
  • Medical Terminology 
  • Organization and Management for Health Agencies I and II
  • Principles of Healthcare Reimbursement, Insurance and Managed Care Plans  
  • Quality Management 
  • U.S. Healthcare Systems 

Students also complete an internship and cornerstone in health services administration. Both experiences give you valuable insight and experience that will serve you well in your career. 

UCF Online requires at least 120 credit hours to finish the program. 

Enroll now

4. Old Dominion University

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Get an online Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences with a concentration in health services administration from Old Dominion University. This degree completion program is most suitable for students who already have college credit under their belt and want to finish their studies faster. It is also certified by the Association of University Programs in Health Administration. 

The curriculum caters to both aspiring and current health professionals who want more from their career. You will learn how to effectively manage others in healthcare agencies and even launch your own agency if it’s something you’re interested in. 

Below are the mandatory core courses for health services administration majors: 

  • Managerial Epidemiology 
  • Population Health 
  • Principles of Public Health 
  • Public Health Science
  • The U.S. Healthcare Delivery System

Alumni work as healthcare leaders in ambulatory clinics, hospitals, fitness and wellness centers, home health agencies, physician practices, public health departments and retirement communities

Enroll now

5. University of West Florida 

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Interested in a management role at a clinic, hospital, nursing home or another healthcare facility? The online Bachelor of Science in health sciences – healthcare administration can help you meet the educational requirements and position you for success in the field. 

The 120-credit hour program covers a variety of relevant topics in the major core courses. They include:

  • Current Issues in the Health Sciences 
  • Current Topics in Health Informatics 
  • Healthcare Administration 
  • Health Economics 
  • Health Ethics and Professionalism 
  • Legal Fundamentals of Healthcare and Public Health 
  • Marketing Fundamentals 
  • Medical Terminology 
  • Personnel Administration in Healthcare
  • Principles of Healthcare Finance 
  • Quality Improvement in Healthcare 
  • Strategic Planning in Healthcare 
  • Understanding U.S. Healthcare
  • Essentials of Public Health or Introduction to Global Health Sciences 

You will also complete an Internship and health sciences research seminar. 

You’ll collaborate effectively with other healthcare staff on projects and demonstrate your expertise in healthcare economics, laws and regulations, management and marketing. You’ll also learn how to leverage your critical thinking skills to overcome challenges as a healthcare administrator. 

The University of West Florida permits up to 90 transfer credits from an accredited college or university. 

Enroll now

6. Western Governors University 

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Western Governors University features an online Bachelor of Science in business administration – healthcare management. This degree program is flexible and allows you to work on your own terms when it’s convenient for you. 

It’s most ideal for working adults who want to level up their skills and land a more rewarding career. As a healthcare management student, you will take these upper-level core courses: 

  • Financial Resource Management in Healthcare 
  • Healthcare Delivery Systems, Regulation and Compliance 
  • Healthcare Management and Strategy
  • Healthcare Operations Management
  • Healthcare Quality Improvement and Risk Management  
  • Healthcare Research and Statistics 
  • Healthcare Values and Ethics 
  • Technology Applications in Healthcare 

The program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). 

Enroll now.

7. Trine University 

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The online Bachelor of Science in healthcare administration from Trine University focuses on the evolution of healthcare delivery. You will also acquire application-based knowledge and best practices when working in a healthcare leadership role. 

Students choose from the following professional tracks: information systems, organizational leadership, healthcare specialty or communication. 

Regardless of the track you choose, you must successfully complete these core courses: 

  • Applied Finance and Revenue Cycle 
  • Effective Quality Management 
  • Healthcare Human Resources Management 
  • Healthcare Market Analysis 
  • Information System Strategies
  • Infrastructure Basics
  • Professional Relationships 
  • Technology and Clinical Systems 
  • U.S. and World Healthcare Systems 
  • Healthcare Capstone 

When you finish the program, you will be prepared to work in healthcare leadership or enter a graduate degree program.

Enroll now

8. Concordia University-Saint Paul

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The online Bachelor of Arts in healthcare administration program from Concordia University-  Saint Paul is designed to complement your busy lifestyle. You will gain the confidence and hands-on experience needed to flourish in the evolving healthcare industry. 

The curriculum entails a series of core courses, including: 

  • Compliance and Regulatory Requirements 
  • Epidemiological Foundation 
  • Ethics and Decision Making in Healthcare Environments 
  • Healthcare Diversity and Global Issues 
  • Healthcare Economics 
  • Healthcare Finance
  • Healthcare Information Systems 
  • Leadership Communication 
  • Legal Environment for Healthcare Managers 
  • Strategic Leadership of Resources, People and Teams 

Concordia University-Saint Paul records a 95% job placement rate among graduates within 1 year of completing their program of study.  

Enroll now.

9. University of St. Francis 

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Seeking a professional role in a healthcare setting? The Bachelor of Business Administration in healthcare management from the University of St. Francis may be a good fit. 

Students discover best practices for rendering top-notch patient care. The curriculum also covers many vital concepts, like epidemiology, healthcare delivery, information management and management. 

These core courses are required: 

  • Epidemiology 
  • Financial Management of Health Services 
  • Healthcare Delivery 
  • Healthcare Information Management 
  • Management in Healthcare Organizations 

You will also choose 2 healthcare management electives from this list: 

  • Global Health 
  • Healthcare Ethics 
  • Human Resource Management 
  • Introduction to Public Health 
  • Managing Difficult Conversations 
  • Medical Sociology 
  • Operations Management 
  • Healthcare Management Practicum I and II 

Graduates of the program work as healthcare executives in ambulatory care facilities, consulting firms, home health agencies, hospices, hospitals, long-term care facilities, public health departments, universities and research institutions. 

Want to pursue an MBA or M.S. degree? The University of St. Francis allows you to take graduate-level courses in your final 2 semesters. This enables you to earn a master's degree in just 1 additional year following graduation. 

Enroll now

Find the Perfect Online Healthcare Administration Degree Program

Ready to continue your education in an online healthcare administration degree program? Check out our list of recommendations and select an option that works for you. 

Southern New Hampshire University Online

SNHU Online Offers:

  1. Flexible schedules
  2. Affordable tuition
  3. Online tutoring
  4. Access to electronic research materials
  5. Specialized academic advising
  6. Supportive online community

Learn more at SNHU.