10 Fastest Online Healthcare Degree Programs 2025

There are many healthcare career paths to choose from, and many require at least a bachelor's or master's degree. If you're interested in pursuing a career in healthcare administration or management, public health, or a related allied health profession, you may be wondering about earning an online healthcare degree quickly. Are there any schools that offer accelerated healthcare degree programs for online students?

Keep reading as we explore some top schools for you to consider. We'll also look at some commonly asked questions you may be curious about.

Accelerated Online Degrees in Healthcare

Students can earn their health education online at many colleges and universities. Aspiring healthcare professionals looking for accelerated degree options should consider the following schools with high-quality online programs.

1. Western Governors University

Western Governors University is a private online-only school serving nearly 157,000 students. It provides various degree and certificate programs in several career-focused disciplines. Both bachelor's and master's degrees are available in several healthcare fields, including the following:

• health science
• public health
• healthcare administration
• health information management
• healthcare management

This school uses a competency-based learning model, meaning students can test out of classes, take heavy courseloads, and progress through classes at their own pace. Depending on the number of credits they transfer and how many courses they complete, it is possible for learners to complete even a bachelor's degree in a year or less.

2. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University is another private school with a large enrollment. Though it has a physical campus, many students obtain their degrees online. Several online bachelor's and master's degrees are available to prepare students to work in various healthcare settings. Options include:

• community health education
• public health
• healthcare administration
• health sciences
• healthcare informatics

This school offers flexible eight-week online courses and the ability to transfer up to 90 credits from another institution. These options make it possible for students to graduate in as little as a year.

3. Old Dominion University

Old Dominion University is a public college in Norfolk, VA. It offers both online and on-campus degrees for more than 23,000 students � one of the online degrees available is a Bachelor of Science in public health with a concentration in health services administration. This degree is a great option for aspiring professionals, as well as those already working in the healthcare system.

This online bachelor's degree program offers a generous transfer credit policy allowing students to transfer all but their final 30 credits into the program. It is possible for students to finish the degree program within a year.

4. Winona State University

Winona State University is a public school in Winona, MN. The school provides an online Bachelor of Science in healthcare leadership designed specifically for those who already have an associate degree. In addition to this degree completion program, a flexible master's degree in healthcare leadership is also available.

These programs prepare students for various leadership roles in healthcare organizations. Flexible coursework can help students progress through the course at their own pace, which may help them save time. Those with the proper transfer credits can earn a bachelor's degree in one to two years.

5. Saint Joseph's College of Maine

Saint Joseph's College of Maine is a small private school with under 2,000 students. It provides a transfer-friendly Bachelor of Science in health administration. Additionally, a master's degree in the same field is also available. These healthcare administration programs help students gain the critical thinking and decision-making skills necessary to thrive in real-world healthcare settings.

The school provides highly flexible online coursework that you can complete on your own time and permits up to 90 transfer credits. Students can complete the bachelor's degree program in as little as a year.

6. Mercy College of Health Sciences

Mercy College of Health Sciences is a private special-focus institution located in Des Moines, IA. It provides both online and in-person degree programs. One of the online degrees includes a Bachelor of Healthcare Administration and a Bachelor of Science in public health. Students who complete these programs will have numerous entry-level career opportunities, fulfilling leadership roles in health informatics, human resources, and medical billing.

Students can complete these programs at their own pace online and take advantage of a generous transfer policy. It is possible for students to graduate with their bachelor's degree in as little as one year.

7. Seton Hill University

Seton Hill University is a private Catholic school located in Greensburg, PA. It offers a Bachelor of Science in healthcare administration and a Bachelor of Science in allied health leadership. Both programs provide a blend of flexible general education, core, and elective courses covering various topics in healthcare.

It provides a generous transfer policy, accelerated online classes, and the ability to earn a second bachelor's degree or master's degree in a faster-than-average timeframe. Those with the proper transfer credits can graduate in as little as a year.

8. George Washington University

George Washington University is a private school enrolling more than 26,000 students. It provides a high-ranking and affordable online Master of Public Health degree with flexible coursework covering epidemiology, health policy, and global health. Students learn methodologies relative to patient care, mental health issues, and community wellness.

This master's degree program offers an accelerated timeframe for highly motivated students. The degree can be completed in 12 months, 18 months, or a custom timeframe ranging between two and five years.

Our Selection Criteria

Each of the programs discussed in this article has been vetted for quality and school reputation. We have used the following selection criteria to choose top online learning opportunities:

• Accreditation: All of the schools have been regionally or nationally accredited by organizations recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, like the Higher Learning Commission and the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
• Flexible or accelerated coursework: The programs discussed above are great options for both full-time and part-time students, as they allow you to study on your own schedule or take accelerated courses to finish sooner.
• Generous transfer policy: Many of the schools above have generous transfer policies, allowing students to bring up to 90 previously earned credit hours into the program. Some also accept test and life experience credit.

FAQs About Healthcare Online Programs

If you are still wondering about pursuing online education as you enter the healthcare field, you're not alone. Keep reading as we answer some frequently asked questions.

Can I Get a Healthcare Management Degree Online?

Yes, it is possible to earn a healthcare management degree online. Many schools offer these types of programs for distance education students. Among the schools discussed above, Western Governors University and Southern New Hampshire University offer healthcare management degree programs. Students interested in healthcare management can also pursue a healthcare administration degree, which is available at several of the schools featured in this article.

Is an Online Bachelor's Degree in Healthcare Administration Worth It?

Many students find that getting an online degree in healthcare administration is well worth the time and effort they put in. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), medical and health services managers earn lucrative salaries and are in high demand. With the job outlook expected to grow at a much faster than average rate over the next decade, those who earn their healthcare administration degree can expect to enjoy a high level of job security throughout their career.

What Can You Expect from an Online Healthcare Degree?

Different healthcare programs offer different coursework and specializations depending on the type of degree program you pursue. That said, in an online healthcare degree program, you can expect flexible online courses, many of which can be completed on your own time.

Classes may come in the form of video lectures, online reading assignments, and exams. You will be a part of a class and will likely have opportunities to connect with peers and professors via online forums or virtual meetings.

Explore Healthcare Administration Online Programs Today

If you're ready to complete your higher education program and enter the healthcare industry, check out the schools featured here on Learn.org. Contact the admissions office at any of the schools to learn more about their available degree programs and to find out which one is right for you.