[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A healthcare administration degree prepares you for a career in healthcare administration and management.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Coursework typically centers on business and management topics in the healthcare industry. You can expect to take classes in subjects like healthcare communication, healthcare marketing, healthcare finance, and human resources.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]With a healthcare administration major, you can pursue a variety of leadership roles, such as HR manager, hospital administrator, and medical billing manager.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Types of Healthcare Administration Degrees You Can Get[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Whether you want to jumpstart your healthcare career with an associate degree or raise your earning potential with a doctorate, there’s a healthcare administration degree for you.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/associates/best-online-associate-healthcare-administration/”]Associate in Healthcare Administration[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading]
Program Length: 2 years
Sample Careers: Patient services representative, medical records technician, medical secretary
[hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An associate degree in healthcare administration is an easy way to jumpstart your healthcare career. With this two-year degree, you’ll take classes such as medical terminology, introduction to healthcare management, patient privacy, and health policy.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You can also use your associate degree as a pathway toward a bachelor’s degree.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-healthcare-administration/”]Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading]
Program Length: 4 years
Sample Careers: Health services manager, nursing home administrator, training and development manager, health care human resources manager
[hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While doctors and nurses often attract the limelight, healthcare administrators work behind the scenes, ensuring that health organizations run smoothly. A bachelor’s in healthcare administration prepares you for a long list of careers in healthcare, from health services manager to nursing home administrator. You can also serve in roles managing the delivery of services in hospital departments and clinics.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Throughout your program, you’ll hone skills in medical billing and coding, quality assurance, and healthcare policy and ethics.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many bachelor’s in health administration degrees also offer specializations in areas like organizational leadership, finance, marketing, and project management.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/masters/best-online-masters-healthcare-administration/”]Master’s in Healthcare Administration[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading]
Program Length: 2-3 years
Sample Careers: Administrative services manager, medical services manager, hospital administrator
[hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/masters/affordable/online-masters-healthcare-administration/”]master of healthcare administration[/hen-ui-link] (MHA) is a great academic option if you want to expand your career options and enhance your earning potential while taking on leadership roles in healthcare.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This degree takes 2-3 years to complete and instructs you in advanced subjects like healthcare operations management, financial management, and strategic planning.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many MHA students also pursue professional certifications, such as certified medical manager, certified healthcare financial professional, and certified healthcare access manager.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Doctorate in Healthcare Administration[/hen-ui-heading]
Program Length: 3-8 years
Sample Careers: Professor, research director, hospital administrator
[hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A doctor of healthcare administration (DHA) is a solid choice if you want to assume executive roles or seek jobs in academia and research.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In a DHA program, you’ll take advanced healthcare administration courses, such as research methods, applied statistics, and economics and finance in healthcare. Graduation requirements often include an original dissertation and a comprehensive exam.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]With a DHA, you can access a long list of careers, including research director, healthcare administration professor, and hospital CEO.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Can You Earn a Healthcare Administration Degree Online?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Online healthcare administration degrees offer a flexible and affordable pathway.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]With an online program, you can expand your career options and increase your earning potential while maintaining a full-time job and tending to other day-to-day responsibilities like childcare.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While online healthcare administration degrees are a perfect fit for some, be sure to consider your own needs before applying. You may find that you prefer a traditional, campus-based healthcare administration degree program over a 100% online degree.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Healthcare Administration Degree: Salary and Job Outlook[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As a health admin major, you can expect to [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/highest-paying/highest-paying-healthcare-jobs/”]earn an above-average salary[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and Payscale, many healthcare administration jobs boast median annual salaries above $75,00[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The table below shows salary data and projected job growth rates for common healthcare administration careers. As with any job you may want to pursue, be sure to research the specific requirements for that position before applying.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-caption]10 Popular Healthcare Administration Jobs[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Job[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Annual Salary[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Job Growth Rate (2022-2032)[/hen-ui-table-head] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job”]Human Resources Manager[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Salary”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/human-resources-managers.htm/” target=”_blank”]$130,000 (median)[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job Growth Rate (2022-2032)”]5%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job”]Medical and Health Services Manager[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Salary”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/medical-and-health-services-managers.htm/” target=”_blank”]$110,680 (median)[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job Growth Rate (2022-2032)”]28%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job”]Administrative Services and Facilities Manager[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Salary”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/administrative-services-managers.htm” target=”_blank”]$104,900 (median)[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job Growth Rate (2022-2032)”]5%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job”]Nursing Home Administrator[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Salary”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Nursing_Home_Administrator/Salary/” target=”_blank”]$99,570 (average)[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job Growth Rate (2022-2032)”]N/A[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job”]Hospital Administrator[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Salary”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Hospital_Administrator/Salary/” target=”_blank”]$95,070 (average)[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job Growth Rate (2022-2032)”]N/A[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job”]Healthcare Consultant[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Salary”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Healthcare_Consultant/Salary/” target=”_blank”]$86,450 (average)[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job Growth Rate (2022-2032)”]N/A[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job”]Healthcare Administrator[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Salary”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Healthcare_Administrator/Salary/” target=”_blank”]$78,450 (average)[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job Growth Rate (2022-2032)”]N/A[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job”]Clinical Supervisor[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Salary”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Clinical_Supervisor/Salary/” target=”_blank”]$65,950 (average)[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job Growth Rate (2022-2032)”]N/A[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job”]Medical Billing Manager[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Salary”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Medical_Billing_Manager/Salary/” target=”_blank”]$60,670 (average)[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job Growth Rate (2022-2032)”]N/A[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job”]Health Information Technologist or Medical Registrar[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Salary”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/health-information-technologists-and-medical-registrars.htm” target=”_blank”]$62,990 (median)[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job Growth Rate (2022-2032)”]16%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table] Sources: BLS, Payscale [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How to Choose a Healthcare Administration Degree: 3 Tips[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Finding the right healthcare administration degree is critical so you can save money and get the most out of your education. Here are some tips to help you meet your academic and career goals and choose the best hospital administration degree for you.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]1. Define Your Goals[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Finding a healthcare administration degree that aligns with your skills, interests, and goals is vital.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Begin your college search by writing down your goals. For example, do you want to manage an entire hospital or just a department? Do you want to work in academia?[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You’ll also want to review the academic requirements for various careers to ensure that your academic path will lead to your intended professional goals.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]2. Compare Programs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]No two programs are identical, and health administration degree options can vary significantly by school and degree level. Be sure to consider factors like cost, curriculum, and location.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You should also verify that prospective schools offer specializations that match your goals.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Remember to take a close look at how schools deliver their programs, too. Do you want an in-person, online, or hybrid program? Some online health administration degrees offer only asynchronous classes, while others require you to attend live virtual classes.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]3. Confirm Accreditation[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/resources/accreditation/”]Accreditation indicates[/hen-ui-link] that a school or program meets rigorous standards for educational quality set by an independent accrediting agency. Legitimate institutional accreditors are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Choosing an accredited school ensures that you receive a quality education and that you qualify for federal financial aid.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You can check a college or university’s accreditation status by going to its website and looking for information on its accreditations. Often, schools list accreditation details on their “About Us” pages.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Is a Degree in Healthcare Administration Worth It?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Like any academic field, a degree in healthcare administration could be a great fit for one student and a complete mismatch for another.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The best candidates for a healthcare administration degree typically aim to work in healthcare and boast strong problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication skills.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Here are some reasons why a healthcare administration degree may or may not be worth it for you.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-secondary-700″]A Health Admin Major May Be Worth It If …[/hen-ui-heading]
You want to be part of an in-demand field that’s rapidly expanding.
You’re looking for a degree that provides you with opportunities to pursue a variety of healthcare careers.
You want to work in a field where you can make a difference.
[/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-secondary-700″]A Health Admin Major May Not Be Worth It If …[/hen-ui-heading]
You’re happy and satisfied with your current career.
You want to work directly with patients in a clinical setting.
Overseeing and managing healthcare operations sounds overwhelmingly stressful to you.
[/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [/hen-ui-grid] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Healthcare Administration Degree Programs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What degree is best for healthcare administration?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The best degree in healthcare administration for you will depend on your academic and career goals, as well as on your skills and interests.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]For business-minded individuals and budding entrepreneurs, an [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/mba/mba-specializations/mba-specializations/mba-specializations/”]MBA with a health administration specialization[/hen-ui-link] or an MHA could be solid choices. If you’d prefer to teach at the university level, you might want to pursue a DHA instead.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Take time to ensure that any prospective health admin degrees align with your future career.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is the role of a healthcare administrator?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Healthcare administrators do not provide direct patient care; rather, they work behind the scenes, overseeing the operations of a hospital, clinic, or other health organization. They may be involved in finance, human resources, communication, or legal and regulatory issues.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is being a healthcare administrator hard?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Healthcare administrators often assume leadership roles. They are typically responsible for guiding an organization’s strategic direction, developing policies, and overseeing overall operations.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This job requires excellent communication, analytical, and decision-making skills. Although it can be challenging and even stressful at times, many administrators find it personally rewarding.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is the difference between healthcare administration and healthcare management?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Healthcare administration and management are extremely similar, but academic requirements and professional responsibilities can differ considerably.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Healthcare administration traditionally refers to the operational and business side of the field, whereas healthcare management involves both the clinical and business elements of the field.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is a career in healthcare administration worth it?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you’re interested in a growing field where you can make a meaningful impact, a career in healthcare administration could be an excellent fit.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Whether you’re interested in an associate degree or a DHA, numerous flexible and affordable healthcare administration programs can help you achieve your goals.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Page last reviewed on May 16, 2024[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-section-header title=”Popular with our students.” /] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”2-col” ids=”970,1538,905″][/hen-ui-article-row]