Best Online Degrees in Healthcare Management 2023
Updated March 21, 2024
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Top Healthcare Management Degrees Online
Healthcare managers oversee the administrative aspects of hospitals, physicians' offices, and other healthcare facilities. They oversee daily operations, analyze patient care outcomes, and manage staff. A bachelor's degree in healthcare management prepares graduates for these lucrative positions.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that medical and health services managers, including healthcare administrators, clinical managers, and health information managers, earn a median salary of over $104,000 per year.
Featured Online Healthcare Management Degrees
Best Healthcare Management Online Programs
We use trusted sources like
Peterson's Data and
the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
#1 Best Online Degrees in Healthcare Management 2023
Florida International University
Miami, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Florida International University is a public, four-year college offering a variety of competitive bachelor's degree programs. Located in Miami, the university supports distance learning across 36 remote bachelor's programs. Distance learners looking to earn an online degree in healthcare administration can enroll in the online bachelor of health services administration program.
Learners benefit from a rigorous curriculum that enables flexible study. Enrollees can modify their coursework in consultation with their academic advisor. Degree-seekers can explore other educational opportunities, such as minors and elective courses, to customize their studies.
At present, undergraduates pay $16,529 in tuition. The school's accreditation status allows students to access funding opportunities, such as scholarships and fellowships. The average financial aid award per student at this college is $8,958.
Florida International University at a Glance:
Online Enrollment: 39,863
Total Online Programs: 67
Online Bachelor's Programs: 36
Admission Rate: 58%
#2 Best Online Degrees in Healthcare Management 2023
Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UT - 4 years
- Online
Located in Salt Lake City, Utah, Western Governors University enables online learning across 65 online degree programs. Of these online offerings, 30 provide an undergraduate-level education. Learners seeking competitive, customizable study relevant to the healthcare administration field will find the school's online BBA in healthcare management to be an attractive option. The healthcare administration program provides flexibility to learners from all walks of life through full- and part-time study options.
Enrollees complete foundational and advanced coursework, granting them the knowledge and skills needed to advance in the healthcare administration field. These classes incorporate general and advanced knowledge applicable to healthcare administration careers. Students can explore electives, minors, and concentrations with their academic advisor to individualize their degree.
Graduates possessing a bachelor's degree can often access more job opportunities and grow their earning potential over time. According to the institution, individuals earn a median salary of $48,100 six years after finishing their degree. To learn more about funding opportunities and eligibility requirements, students should contact the financial aid office.
Western Governors University at a Glance:
Total Online Programs: 65
Online Bachelor's Programs: 30
#3 Best Online Degrees in Healthcare Management 2023
Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, NH - 4 years
- Online + Campus
A leader in online education, Southern New Hampshire University facilitates distance learning across 84 online degree programs. Of these programs, 35 are available to undergraduate students. From its main campus in Manchester, the school supports an online bachelor of science in healthcare administration. The healthcare administration program prioritizes flexibility through full- and part-time study options.
The program curriculum consists of general and advanced coursework, totaling 120 credits. Enrollees also complete general education classes, gaining a well-rounded education. Degree-seekers can individualize their studies by choosing electives, minors, and concentrations.
A bachelor's degree often connects graduates with numerous job opportunities and a higher earning potential. According to the institution, enrollees earn a median salary of $43,300 six years after finishing their degree. Prospective students can meet with the financial aid office to learn more about funding opportunities and eligibility requirements.
Southern New Hampshire University at a Glance:
Online Enrollment: 106,762
Total Online Programs: 84
Online Bachelor's Programs: 35
Admission Rate: 88%
Transfer Credits Accepted: Accepted
#4 Best Online Degrees in Healthcare Management 2023
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
With its main campus in Orlando, the University of Central Florida provides competitive bachelor's degree programs to learners from all walks of life. Distance learners can choose from 19 fully online bachelor's degree programs. The bachelor's in health services administration supports flexible, rigorous study.
The healthcare administration degree's flexibility meets the needs of every learner. The program prioritizes customizable learning options. Enrollees can choose electives, minors, and other modifications to individualize their studies.
When calculating the cost of a degree, students should note the current tuition rate of $19,810. The accredited institution connects students with internal and external funding opportunities, such as scholarships and fellowships. Enrollees can expect to receive a financial aid award package of about $9,728.
University of Central Florida at a Glance:
Online Enrollment: 41,097
Total Online Programs: 47
Online Bachelor's Programs: 19
Admission Rate: 44%
#5 Best Online Degrees in Healthcare Management 2023
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
Lubbock, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
As a leader in online education, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center supports 2,821 distance learners across 21 remote degree programs. Undergraduate learners seeking flexible, remote studies can choose from one of three online bachelor's degree programs. For students looking to advance in a healthcare administration-adjacent career, the online bachelor of science in healthcare management is a wise choice. Students in the healthcare administration program can complete classes at their own pace, with the option for part-time study.
During the healthcare administration program, students complete foundational and advanced coursework relevant to the healthcare administration field. Students also fulfill general education requirements. Learners can individualize their studies by choosing electives, minors, and concentrations.
Many graduates easily grow their earning potential with a bachelor's degree. According to the college, graduates earn a median salary of $76,700 six years after completing their degree. Prospective students should contact the healthcare administration department directly before applying, to discuss admission requirements, application materials, and other information.
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center at a Glance:
Online Enrollment: 2,821
Total Online Programs: 21
Online Bachelor's Programs: 3
Online Bachelor's Programs in Healthcare Management Ranking Guidelines
We ranked these accredited online healthcare management bachelor's degree programs based on their quality, curricula, faculty, school awards, rankings, and reputations, including each school's reputation for effectively providing online degree programs.
Our Methodology
Here at TheBestSchools.org, we take the trust and welfare of our readers very seriously. When making our school and program rankings, our top priority is ensuring that our readers get accurate, unbiased information that can help them make informed decisions about online education. That's why we've developed a rigorous ranking methodology that keeps the needs of our readers front and center.
Our proprietary, multi-criteria ranking algorithm analyzes key data indicators — as collected by the federal government — for each school or program. What data we use depends on the focus of each specific ranking, but in all cases, our ranking methodology is impartial: Schools cannot buy better rankings at TBS.
While specific criteria under consideration can vary by ranking, there are a few data points that we value most highly. They are affordability, academic quality, and online enrollment. Below, we break down our algorithm to help you understand what you're getting when you use one of our rankings.
-
Academics -
Affordability -
Online Enrollment
Data Sources
The data used in TBS rankings comes primarily from the federal government, and much of it is provided by the schools themselves. We aggregate and analyze this data to build our rankings.
The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) is our primary source. Its data comes from annual surveys conducted by the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Every college, university, or technical school with access to federal financial aid must participate in these surveys, which include questions about enrollment, graduation rates, finances, and faculty qualifications. This is publicly available data, which you can access yourself through the College Navigator.
Additionally, because we value a personal touch and the professional experience of our staff and Academic Advisory Board, we vet all results and adjust rankings as necessary based on our collected knowledge of schools and degree programs. Depending on the ranking, we may obtain additional input from AcademicInfluence.com, subject matter experts, prior TBS ranking lists, or other sources we deem relevant to a particular ranking.
Breakdown of Our Rankings Methodology
About Our Ranking Factors
Here at TBS, we value what you value: quality education, affordability, and the accessibility of online education. These factors guide all of our program rankings.
Each of these factors are further broken down into weighted subfactors. For example, retention rates are weighted more heavily than availability of program options because they are a better indicator of student success.
We chose the following factors for our rankings because of their influence on learning experiences and graduate outcomes. However, students should always balance our rankings against their personal priorities. For instance, a learner who needs a fully online program may prioritize online flexibility more than our rankings do. Our rankings are designed to help you make a decision — not to make a decision for you.
Academics - 75%
Affordability - 15%
Online Enrollment - 10%
In all our school rankings and recommendations, we work for objectivity and balance. We carefully research and compile each ranking list, and as stated in our advertising disclosure, we do NOT permit financial incentives to influence rankings. Our articles never promote or disregard a school for financial gain.
If you have questions about our ranking methodology, please feel free to connect with our staff through contact page.
We thank you for your readership and trust.
Choosing a Program
When researching the best bachelor's in healthcare management online programs, students should consider factors like program length, cost, and reputation. For example, some programs offer accelerated timelines or generous transfer credit policies that allow students to expedite graduation.
Prospective students should also research the total cost of the degree, factoring in tuition, other education expenses, and financial aid opportunities. To evaluate a program's quality, prospective students should consider graduation rates, job placement statistics, and accreditation status.
What Is Healthcare Management?
Healthcare managers oversee the operations of healthcare facilities. They supervise staff, ensure facility compliance with laws and regulations, and create and implement policies. Healthcare managers also work closely with physicians, nurses, and other clinical professionals to improve patient care outcomes. Although healthcare managers often do not bring clinical training to their roles, they need an understanding of medical terminology, electronic medical records, and healthcare operations.
Healthcare managers may hold titles like healthcare administrator, health insurance manager, department manager, or practice manager. They can work in hospitals, physicians' offices, nursing homes, and other medical facilities. These roles typically require a healthcare management bachelor's degree.
What Is a Bachelor's in Healthcare Management Degree?
An online bachelor's degree in healthcare management prepares graduates for careers like healthcare administrator and health services manager. Learners study topics like healthcare administration, budgeting in the healthcare field, and medical terminology. Many programs also incorporate business administration classes.
In addition to courses within the healthcare management major, students complete general education classes in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. During these classes, healthcare management majors strengthen their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Earning a healthcare management degree online usually takes four years of full-time study. Transfer students with prior college credit and/or an associate degree can often complete their bachelor's degrees in less time. Graduates can pursue healthcare management careers or graduate study, such as a master's in healthcare administration.
What Will I Learn in an Online Bachelor's in Healthcare Management Program?
Courses vary by program, but most online bachelor's healthcare management degree programs include classes like healthcare economics, legal and ethical issues in healthcare, and healthcare administration. We cover several common courses for healthcare management students below.
- Privacy and Protection in Healthcare: In this course, students learn about the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, commonly known as HIPAA. Learners also study the relationship between HIPAA and other federal and state health privacy laws, including the enforcement of these laws. The course teaches students how to identify situations governed by HIPAA and understand which laws apply to specific patient situations.
- The Economics of Healthcare: Healthcare managers oversee budgets for healthcare organizations. In courses on the economics of healthcare, learners study the connection between healthcare pricing and patient health outcomes, learning to balance cost with quality care. The course also introduces the economic models governing healthcare systems. Additional topics include supply and demand in healthcare, cost-benefit analysis, and the insurance system.
- Healthcare Administration: In healthcare administration classes, students examine healthcare management challenges and the leading theories and practices in healthcare administration. Learners may study the organization of healthcare institutions, the relationship between healthcare providers and managers, and healthcare management systems. Students also learn how to apply healthcare management theories to real-world situations.
- Legal and Ethical Issues in Healthcare: Healthcare managers and administrators must ensure that healthcare organizations comply with laws and regulations while promoting ethical patient care practices. This course examines the legal and ethical issues healthcare professionals encounter in their work. Topics may include government regulation of healthcare providers, the role of patient consent in medical procedures, and health information management.
- Medical Terminology: Medical terminology courses introduce students to the language of medicine. Students learn how to define, interpret, and pronounce medical terminology in areas like pathology, pharmacology, and oncology. By studying clinical terminology, terms for diagnosis, and common abbreviations, students can better understand and interpret medical records.
Accreditation for Online Bachelor's in Healthcare Management Degrees
Students who wish to earn a healthcare management degree should research a school's accreditation status before applying. Accreditation indicates that a school meets high standards for faculty qualifications, student learning outcomes, and academic rigor. Institutions can earn regional or national accreditation. Generally, liberal arts and research institutions hold regional accreditation, while vocational and technical colleges hold national accreditation. Regional accreditation is typically considered the more prestigious of the two.
Certain programs within a school may also receive programmatic accreditation. AACSB and the Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education both grant programmatic accreditation to healthcare management programs.
Accreditation benefits students in several ways. First, only students at accredited schools qualify for federal financial aid, and many schools only recognize and accept credits and degrees from accredited institutions. Additionally, many employers prefer to hire candidates with an accredited degree, and some professional certifications require an accredited degree. You can learn more about college and university accreditation here.
Healthcare Management Jobs
Professionals with a bachelor's degree in healthcare management can work in roles like healthcare executive, medical services manager, and human resources manager. We cover several common careers for graduates below.
Medical and Health Services Managers
| Median Annual Salary: $104,830 | Projected Job Growth: 28% |
|---|
Medical and health services managers -- also known as healthcare executives and healthcare administrators -- oversee the operations of healthcare facilities. They ensure facilities comply with applicable laws and regulations, oversee facility budgets, supervise staff members, and represent facilities on governing boards. Most medical and health services managers hold a bachelor's degree, though some employers prefer candidates with a master's degree.
Top Executives
| Median Annual Salary: $98,980 | Projected Job Growth: 6% |
|---|
Top executives set strategies and policies for organizations. Healthcare executives plan and direct the operational activities and long-term goals of healthcare organizations. They may negotiate contracts, appoint department heads, and analyze performance indicators to improve efficiency and patient health outcomes. These professionals typically collaborate with managers, other executives, and board members. Most executive positions require at least a bachelor's degree and significant work experience.
Public Relations Managers and Specialists
| Median Annual Salary: $125,620 | Projected Job Growth: 6% |
|---|
Public relations managers and specialists in healthcare direct and manage the public image of healthcare facilities. They may create press releases, interact with the media, identify target audiences, and act as spokespeople for their organizations. Public relations managers and specialists generally need a bachelor's degree for entry-level positions. Candidates for managerial jobs often need several years of work experience.
Human Resources Manager
| Median Annual Salary: $130,000 | Projected Job Growth: 5% |
|---|
Human resources managers oversee the administrative functions of organizations, including healthcare organizations. They oversee employee benefits programs, advise managers on human resources issues, and manage hiring processes. Human resources managers may also mediate disputes between employees and direct disciplinary procedures. These professionals typically need a bachelor's degree plus several years of work experience.
Questions About Healthcare Management Degrees
What Is Healthcare Management?
Healthcare managers oversee daily operations and long-term planning for hospitals, physicians' offices, and other healthcare facilities. They supervise staff, allocate financial resources, and make sure facilities follow government regulations. These professionals also work to improve patient outcomes. Most healthcare management jobs require a bachelor's degree in healthcare management, though some may require a master's in healthcare administration.
What Is a Bachelor's in Healthcare Management?
A bachelor's in healthcare management gives students the administrative knowledge and skills necessary to succeed as healthcare managers. Learners study topics like healthcare economics, privacy regulations, and healthcare systems administration. Students may pursue a BA or BS in healthcare management, depending on the school.
What Can I Do With a Bachelor's in Healthcare Management?
Graduates with a bachelor's in healthcare management can work as healthcare administrators, patient care managers, practice administrators, and healthcare executives. In these roles, professionals oversee the operations of hospital departments, physicians' offices, and other healthcare facilities. With experience, healthcare managers can work as healthcare executives and directors.
How Much Can You Make With a Healthcare Management Degree?
Healthcare management salaries vary by experience, job title, and location. However, according to the BLS, medical and health services managers earn a median salary of nearly $104,000 per year.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Bachelor's Degree in Healthcare Management?
Earning a bachelor's degree in healthcare management typically takes four years of full-time study to complete. However, some programs offer accelerated timelines, allowing students to graduate within 2-3 years.
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