Are you thinking of pursuing higher education in the healthcare industry? Have you considered going for an MHA? Maybe you want to earn your MHA online?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you should definitely look into an online MHA program. For anyone who thinks this may be the right path for them, we have all of the information you need to make your decision. Read on to find out what exactly an MHA is, what you can do with it and where you can earn one online.
What are MHA Programs?
So, what is an MHA? MHA is an acronym that stands for Master’s in Health Administration. This is the degree many healthcare professionals decide to earn because it covers a wide array of necessary aspects of the healthcare industry.
People who earn an MHA are typically the ones who plan to get jobs in higher leadership positions. Within the healthcare industry, this means jobs for MHA holders will typically involve every aspect of the healthcare industry, from budgeting to managing facilities and services offered. An MHA is seen as a leadership degree because it focuses on leading teams.
MHA vs MBA vs MPH
There are quite a few degrees in this area of study that are incredibly similar to each other. The main three are an MHA, MBA or MPH. People often confuse these three degrees and this makes it harder for you to decide which degree is the best option.
We already went over what an MHA is, so we will move on to an MBA, a Master’s in Business Administration. This is a degree commonly coupled with other fields. For example, a Master’s in Business Administration degree program commonly seen in the healthcare industry is an MBA in Healthcare Management (MBAHM).
MBA’s are considered to be more of a management degree. Generally, anyone trying to earn an MBA is hoping to land a job in a managerial position. An MBAHM is a specialized management degree specifically designed for future work in the healthcare industry.
An MPH is a Master’s in Public Health, similar to a research degree. With an MPH, students learn more about healthcare for the masses. This means students study topics like epidemiology, global health and disease prevention. People with these degrees end up doing a lot of research that benefits the medical field.
What Can You Do with an MHA?
If you have decided a Master’s in Healthcare Administration is the best degree for you, you’re probably wondering what you can do with an MHA. There are plenty of jobs you can get with an MHA degree, most of them putting you in a managerial position. Some of the most common ones include being a longterm care administrator, a health services manager or a hospital administrator.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for healthcare administrators and managers is $115,160. If you earned an MHA and went into this field, it is safe to say you would be paid very well for your work. The field is also expected to grow 18 percent by 2028, meaning there will be plenty of job opportunities for you after completing your MHA.
You can do quite a bit with an MHA and with a great job outlook for the field, there really aren’t any reasons you shouldn’t go for it. That said, let’s now move on to the best online schools offering MHA degrees which can equip you with the knowledge you need to succeed.
Best Online MHA Programs
One great thing about pursuing an MHA is that it can easily be done online. The following 11 colleges all offer great online MHA degree programs.
George Washington University
George Washington University offers an online Master’s in Healthcare Administration that includes a few on-campus, immersive experiences for students to acquire more hands-on experience. One of the best parts of this program is that even though you are required to have two to three years of experience in the health sector or a field related to your career, there is no entrance exam required like many other programs.
George Washington University is also using a combination of strategies to keep its online program the same as its on-campus program. This means that as a graduate student, you will join live video streams with your professor and classmates weekly, as well as be given access to all on-campus resources.
Seton Hall
Seton Hall University’s online Master’s in Healthcare Administration is more of a hybrid program, as it requires students to complete three separate on-campus intensives, each lasting five days. This program has a unique setup which allows students to complete one course at a time instead of simultaneously, with each lasting seven weeks. Seton Hall University would be a good choice for non-traditional students who want a mix of on-campus and online work.
University of Utah
The University of Utah offers a Professional Master of Health Administration. This degree gives students who are already seasoned professionals the chance to go back to school and advance their career. With a program designed specifically for those who already have a bit of working experience in the field, the University of Utah provides students with a flexible education from experts in the field.
To enroll in the Professional Master of Health Administration program at the University of Utah, students are required to complete and pass a GRE or GMAT exam.
Pennsylvania State University
At Pennsylvania State University, you can earn an online Master’s in Healthcare Administration. The program is designed for students who have at least five years of background experience in the healthcare industry, but exceptions to this rule are sometimes made. Pennsylvania State University’s MHA program is also completed at your own pace, allowing students more flexibility in their schedules.
This program does require a few on-campus intensives that provide great experience for graduate students. During these intensives, you will get the opportunity to visit healthcare facilities to talk with experts in the field and ask them any questions you may have.
University of Scranton
The online Master’s in Healthcare Administration program offered at the University of Scranton is truly an online program. Unlike many of the other universities offering these programs, the University of Scranton does not have any requirements for students to complete in an on-campus setting. This program is designed for students to study and learn at their own pace, rather than on a schedule.
One of the best parts about the MHA program at the University of Scranton is that it requires 150 hours of fieldwork be completed prior to graduating. This means students are able to complete internships or volunteer work in their field and get credit for it.
University of Maryland University College
The University of Maryland University College offers a relatively affordable online Master’s in Healthcare Administration degree. Graduate students choosing to enroll in this program will need to complete the required 36 credit hours as well as a capstone project to graduate.
If you want to go to an affordable college that you can do research at, the University of Maryland University College may be a good choice for you. Many of its courses cover healthcare research and doing a capstone project will give you that research time you are looking for.
Saint Joseph’s College of Maine
If you choose to attend Saint Joseph’s College of Maine, you will be able to enroll in their accredited online Master’s in Healthcare Administration program. This program is designed to best suit people who are already working in the field of healthcare but want to move forward in their career and get hired for administrative positions.
One of the best features of this program is that students have the opportunity to fast track their degree. The fast track version of the program allows students to complete their degree in a much shorter time period, which makes Saint Joseph’s College of Maine a great choice for anyone in a hurry to finish their degree.
Colorado State University
At Colorado State University, you can enroll in an online Master’s in Healthcare Administration program. The program at this university is taught completely online and offers 14 different specializations for students who want to have their degrees more customized. Some of the specializations offered online include health law and ethics, healthcare finance and healthcare information systems. This provides students with a good way to make their degrees more personally-tailored, giving them higher success rates when applying for jobs.
Colorado State University’s MHA program is designed specifically for graduate students who want to go into healthcare administration, so if this is your goal, this university may be a good choice for you.
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Regis University
Regis University in Denver, Colorado offers an online Master’s in Health Services Administration. Regis University is considered one of the more affordable online programs on this list. Its program requires 36 credit hours to graduate, including quite a few electives. By allowing students to choose from a variety of electives, Regis University has made a name for itself for being a good school to attend if you want to earn a more personally-tailored degree.
Some of the elective courses you can take include healthcare finance and contemporary issues in health service delivery systems. If you are hoping to land a more specific job than simply a healthcare administrator or manager, Regis University may be a good option for you.
University of Mary
The University of Mary is a private Catholic university that offers an MBA in Healthcare Administration, making this a good option for anyone who wants to land a job in a managerial position instead of just a leadership role. The program at this college can be completed in just over a year if you are determined to do so, totaling 36 credit hours.
The University of Mary is also accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, which significantly adds to its good reputation. For students who wish to attend a private school and learn in a more religious setting, this would be a great place to enroll.
Concordia University-Saint Paul
At Concordia University-Saint Paul, students are offered an online MHA program that is designed to be completed at your own pace. The program requires 42 credit hours, so it may take a little longer to complete than others, but the thorough education may be worth it. For graduate students at Concordia, there is a huge selection of resources available, from the university library to online mentoring and counseling.
This is another private Christian university that would be an awesome choice for anyone seeking an education in a Christian setting. Concordia University-Saint Paul is also good for students who want to take their time getting through their master’s degree.
Conclusion
Attending any of these top colleges for a Master’s Degree in Healthcare Administration would be a great choice. All of these schools are held in high esteem by potential employers and having a degree from one gives your resume a new edge.
Earning any graduate degree is a big decision to make, but if you are trying to decide if you should earn an MHA, consider how rewarding it will be in the future. Not only will you have a graduate-level degree, but you will also be able to get your dream job, with your dream salary.
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