[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An online bachelor’s in healthcare administration program can prepare you for a challenging career at the intersection of healthcare and business. With the right degree, you can become a driving force in improving patient care, streamlining options, and shaping the future of healthcare.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Learn how to choose the right online program, concentration, and career path for your goals, and explore our rankings of the best online bachelor’s in healthcare administration degrees to guide your search.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]10 Best Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration Degrees Online[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How We Chose These Schools”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]At TheBestSchools, we pride ourselves on our proprietary ranking methodology to help prospective students like you find the best fit. Our ranking system uses official government data to present schools without bias, taking into account key factors like academic quality, online offerings, and affordability.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This list has been updated for 2024. Learn more about how our formula works on [hen-ui-link href=”https://thebestschools.org/rankings/ranking-methodology/”]our ranking methodology page[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Why Earn Your Healthcare Administration Degree Online?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Online bachelor’s in healthcare administration programs offer greater flexibility for students with jobs and families, with options for part- and full-time study.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Some of the top benefits of earning a bachelor’s in healthcare administration degree online include:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”check”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Same High-Quality Curriculum: Online programs typically cover the same topics as in-person healthcare administration programs, including coursework in accounting, communications, data analysis, human resources management, information management, and organizational leadership.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Specialization Options: You can search for programs across the country to find the right concentration for your career path, such as healthcare informatics, law and policy, project management, and strategic communications.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Complete At Your Own Pace: You can find a faster-paced format to launch your career sooner or a slower-paced program that lets you balance school with other commitments.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Can You Do with a Bachelor’s in Healthcare Management Degree?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]With a bachelor’s in healthcare management degree, you can qualify for a variety of leadership positions, including healthcare informatics managers, medical marketing managers, medical office managers, and nursing home administrators.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You are also eligible to apply to law school and become a healthcare attorney or enroll in a [hen-ui-link href=”https://thebestschools.org/rankings/masters/best-online-masters-healthcare-administration/”]healthcare administration master’s (MHA) program[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Job Growth[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-grid columns-lg=”2″ gap=”md”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-center”]29% Projected Job Growth for Medical and Health Services Managers[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-center”]61,400 Projected New Jobs Each Year for Medical and Health Services Managers[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-grid] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-sm text-right”]Source: [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/medical-and-health-services-managers.htm#tab-6″ target=”_blank”]BLS[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Salary[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The table below lists the average annual salaries some common healthcare administration career paths. Wages can vary according to [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes119111.htm#st” target=”_blank”]geographic location and type of workplace[/hen-ui-link], and healthcare managers can boost their earnings with higher degrees, skill-based certifications, and experience.[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-caption]Healthcare Administration Careers and Salary Outlook[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Career Title [/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Average Annual Salary [/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=”Career Title”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Healthcare_Administrator/Salary” target=”_blank”]Healthcare Administrator [/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Annual Salary”]$81,570[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career Title”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Human_Resources_(HR)_Manager/Salary” target=”_blank”]Human Resources Manager [/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Annual Salary”]$76,640[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career Title”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Medical_Marketing_Manager/Salary” target=”_blank”]Medical Marketing Manager[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Annual Salary”]$73,710[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career Title”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Program_Director%2C_Healthcare/Salary” target=”_blank”]Healthcare Program Director[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Annual Salary”]$93,290[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career Title”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Nursing_Home_Administrator/Salary” target=”_blank”]Nursing Home Administrator[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Annual Salary”]$101,850[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career Title”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Office_Manager%2C_Medical_Office/Hourly_Rate” target=”_blank”]Medical Office Manager[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Annual Salary”]$57,130[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Choosing an Online Healthcare Administration Degree Program: 5 Key Factors[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While researching online [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/healthcare-administration-degree/”]healthcare administration degrees[/hen-ui-link], consider whether you can afford the tuition, transfer college credits, and learn fully online or if you must travel to campus for classes.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-tertiary-700″]1. Program Cost[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]College can cost a lot of money. According to the [hen-ui-link href=”https://nces.ed.gov/datalab/” target=”_blank”]National Center for Education Statistics[/hen-ui-link], the median total cost of online bachelor’s in health administration programs is $22,370 per year.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]However, a smart shopper can find [hen-ui-link href=”https://thebestschools.org/rankings/bachelors/affordable/” target=”_blank”]affordable degree[/hen-ui-link] options. Some schools offer a reduced rate or in-state tuition for online courses or program-specific scholarships. Make sure to look at the total cost before committing to a school.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-tertiary-700″]2. Transfer Policies[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You can reduce the time and cost of earning an online degree through transfer credits. Some schools let you transfer credits from your previous associate degree or schooling, while others accept work or volunteer experience as credit.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Most schools have a limit for how many transfer credits and how much experience you can transfer into their program, but these transfer limits vary by program. Check with an admissions counselor before you apply.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-tertiary-700″]3. School Size and Type[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A school’s size determines how many students you share resources with — and how many you can network with. Larger schools may also have a greater student-to-teacher ratio, making one-on-one time with faculty harder.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Choosing between a private and public school proves important since, on average, public schools cost less than private schools, and only public schools offer in-state tuition.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-tertiary-700″]4. Program Length[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/accelerated/”]Accelerated online programs[/hen-ui-link] can take as little as 18 months. Full-time online bachelor’s degrees take four years. An online program can take up to six years of part-time study. Schools usually charge a flat rate per credit, semester, or year.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-tertiary-700″]5. On-Campus Requirements[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An online program may require an internship or an on-campus intensive, which could mean traveling to complete your education. Some schools even use a hybrid model, requiring some on-campus classes. If you cannot commute, you probably should not apply to that school.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Accreditation for Healthcare Administration Degrees[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Accreditation is one of the most important factors to consider when searching for an online school, as it can impact your federal financial aid. In addition, most graduate schools and employers will turn you away if your degree does not come from an accredited university.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/resources/accreditation/”]Accreditation is regulated[/hen-ui-link] through collaboration between the Department of Education (ED) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). The ED sets standards for accreditation, and CHEA oversees regulatory agencies. If a school does not hold accreditation from a CHEA-approved organization, it may not offer a legitimate degree.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Individual degree programs also hold programmatic accreditation in addition to the university’s accreditation. For healthcare administration, look for programmatic accreditation from the [hen-ui-link href=”https://cahme.org/” target=”_blank”]Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Healthcare Administration Concentrations[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]With so many career choices for graduates with a degree in healthcare administration, some schools offer concentrations to help students specialize. These concentrations can increase your chances of finding a job immediately after earning an online healthcare administration degree.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”shadow” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Healthcare Informatics[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This concentration emphasizes computer science. Students learn to operate commonly used healthcare software and take data analysis, digital security, and information management courses.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Careers This Concentration Prepares For: Informatics analyst, informatics manager[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”shadow” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Project Management[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Keeping projects on track and within budget is a skill that many employers seek. This concentration covers contract management, negotiation, budgeting, and scheduling. Students also learn to make decisions in complex situations.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Careers This Concentration Prepares For: Healthcare project manager, project coordinator[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”shadow” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Strategic Communications[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Healthcare professionals deal with complex topics and serve a variety of patients. Keeping messaging clear and in line with facility values is vital. A strategic communications concentration covers communicating internally and externally, resolving conflicts, and developing and building brands.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Careers This Concentration Prepares For: Human resources, health communications[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”shadow” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Healthcare Law and Policy[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Law and policy surrounding healthcare are complex and constantly changing. With a healthcare law and policy concentration, students learn to keep facilities compliant with regulations. This pathway also covers human resources and ethics policies.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Careers This Concentration Prepares For: Healthcare attorney, healthcare law executive[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”shadow” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Accounting[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Handling the finances of any healthcare facility can prove challenging. This concentration establishes a firm understanding of accounting principles related to healthcare, including taxes, financial management, and auditing. Students in this specialty also learn about payroll and departmental accounting.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Careers This Concentration Prepares For: Healthcare accounting, accounts payable specialist[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How Long Does It Take to Get a Degree in Healthcare Administration?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A bachelor’s in healthcare administration degree online usually takes four years. However, the length can vary depending on several factors. For example, if you have [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/transfer-credits-online-colleges/”]transfer or experience credits[/hen-ui-link], you can earn your degree in less time. Some schools offer year-round courses, allowing you to forge ahead during the summer.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Most bachelor’s degree programs require at least 120 credits. Working students often enjoy studying part time, depending on their schedules. If you work and need to study part time, find an online school that offers an affordable per-credit tuition rate.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Courses in an Online Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration Program[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While specific courses vary by program, most healthcare administration programs online cover similar topics. The list below includes a few sample classes to give you a feel for what you might encounter during one of these programs.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]U.S. Healthcare Systems: The U.S. healthcare system can be complicated, and healthcare administrators must know how to navigate it. This course covers the history of U.S. healthcare, the U.S. healthcare delivery system, and common U.S. healthcare facility styles. It also provides an overview of how health insurance billing works.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Principles of Healthcare Management: Principles of healthcare management teaches you how to plan and direct operations within your organization as a healthcare manager. This course blends management and learning about the structure of healthcare facilities.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Organizational Leadership: Most healthcare administrators take on leadership roles in their facilities. This course covers different leadership methods, including the best methods for individual workers and larger groups and the basics of psychology. This course sometimes emphasizes healthcare facilities.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Strategic Management: Healthcare administrators must take a strategic approach to management and delegation to get the most out of a facility. This course covers planning and implementing strategies to achieve short- and long-term goals.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Human Resources Management: Healthcare administration is often about human resource management, such as processing new hires and ensuring a safe and compliant work environment. This course covers evaluating, hiring, and training healthcare professionals while balancing against discrimination. It also covers how to structure and manage employee compensation.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is a healthcare administration degree hard?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Healthcare administration is a complex field, but as long as you understand that it requires knowledge and skills in both business and healthcare, you should not find it harder than other business, science, and technology majors. You can expect a learning curve and should prepare to be challenged.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is the difference between healthcare administration and healthcare management?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While there is overlap, the main difference between healthcare administration and healthcare management lies in the focus. Healthcare administrators oversee healthcare facility staff and services. Healthcare managers direct hospital and clinical operations, including finances and building maintenance.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is healthcare administration a stressful job?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Like most professionals, healthcare administrators experience stress and challenges. Healthcare administrators must handle staff issues and conflicts, stay informed about changing government regulations, and navigate rising healthcare costs while providing safe, high-quality patient care.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is healthcare a stable career?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Healthcare professionals are in demand, and medical and health services managers should see strong job growth. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 160,600 new jobs for medical and health services managers between 2023 and 2033. An aging U.S. population needing healthcare and a broad shift to electronic health records point to long-term stability in the healthcare industry.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is a degree in healthcare administration worth it?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Healthcare administration is a challenging and rewarding career with rising employment growth projections. Average annual salaries for careers in healthcare administration range from $57,000 to $102,000, with six-figure average wages in some healthcare workplaces, U.S. states, and metropolitan areas.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-section-header title=”Popular with our students.” /] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”2-col” ids=”970,1538,905″][/hen-ui-article-row]