How Long Does It Take to Get a Bachelor's Degree in Healthcare Administration?

If you're pursuing a leadership role in the healthcare industry, a bachelor's degree in healthcare administration can help you get started. But perhaps you'd like to know how much time you'll need to spend getting your education. How long does it take to finish a healthcare administration program?

Many factors affect the length of time it takes to get your degree. For example, you may be able to finish an online program more quickly than an on-campus program, especially if you have a lot of transfer credits. On average, it usually takes about four years to complete your bachelor's degree.

Keep reading to find out more.

What Is a Bachelor's Degree in Healthcare Administration?

A bachelor's degree in healthcare administration is an undergraduate program that prepares students to work in entry-level healthcare leadership roles. You can pursue numerous career paths in various healthcare settings with this type of degree.

Students can complete healthcare administration degrees online, in person, or via a hybrid format. These programs are typically offered as Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Business Administration degrees.

Healthcare administration programs cover many topics relative to healthcare management and operations. Coursework may include financial management, healthcare policies and regulations, and human relations.

Learn more: What Is a Healthcare Administration Degree?

Typical Duration of a Healthcare Administration Degree

Healthcare administration degrees typically consist of at least 120 credit hours, which often equates to 40 courses. It takes time and effort to work through each of these courses and meet all the requirements for graduation.

On average, it usually takes four years to complete an accredited bachelor's degree in healthcare administration, assuming you study full-time without taking time off.

That said, many variables can influence the time it takes to graduate from your program. It's possible to graduate in as little as one to two years, but some students may take six years or longer to complete their degree.

Learn more: How Fast Can I Become a Healthcare Administrator?

Factors Influencing the Duration of a Healthcare Administration Degree Program

Not all students have the same higher education experience. Let's look at some factors that can affect how quickly you can get through your degree and move on with your career goals.

Full-time vs. Part-time Enrollment

Full-time students usually take about 12 to 15 credits per semester. At this rate of study, they can complete their program within four years. Some students, especially those pursuing online degrees, may take a larger courseload each semester to graduate sooner.

Part-time students take smaller courseloads each semester and sometimes take time off. It may take them six years or longer to graduate, but the time it takes will depend on how quickly they complete the credits necessary to graduate.

Accelerated Programs

Some schools offer accelerated degree programs in healthcare administration. These are often offered as online bachelor's and master's degrees, but they may also be available in person.

Accelerated programs often feature intensive coursework available in eight-week or shorter course sessions. Students may take extra courses at a time, or additional summer and winter courses between normal semesters, to finish their degree more quickly.

How To Earn Your Bachelor's in Healthcare Administration Faster

If you're ready to begin your management role at a healthcare organization, you may be wondering how you can get your degree as quickly as possible. Follow the tips below.

Apply Transfer Credits

Transfer students who already have an associate degree or a significant number of transfer credits may graduate quickly even if they study part-time. This is because their transfer credit is applied to their degree program, so they don't have to spend extra time repeating courses they've already taken in the past.

If you haven't previously attended college, you can obtain transfer credits by taking college courses in high school, passing credit-by-examination tests, or gaining credit for prior learning experiences.

Choose an Accelerated Program

Accelerated programs can be intensive, but they are beneficial in that they can help you start working sooner. Since you'll be taking heavier courseloads, you may be eligible for more financial aid than you would receive if you studied on a part-time or full-time basis.

Many accelerated programs can be finished in three years. You may be able to finish even sooner if you combine your accelerated program with transfer credits.

Earn Your Degree Online

As noted, online programs can often be completed more quickly than in-person programs. This is because most online programs are flexible and self-paced, enabling highly motivated students to work through their general education, elective, and core courses at an accelerated rate.

Many online programs also offer specializations, allowing you to tailor your degree to your career goals and interests. Finally, studying on your own as part of an online program can help you develop organizational, critical-thinking, and decision-making skills that will benefit you throughout your career.

FAQs About Healthcare Administration Degrees

If you're still wondering about becoming a healthcare administrator, keep reading as we provide some answers to frequently asked questions you may have.

Is a Healthcare Administration Degree Worth It?

A degree in health service administration qualifies you to work for many different healthcare facilities and other health organizations in a non-patient care role. If this sounds like a rewarding career to you, then it can be well worth the time and money you put into your education.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), medical and health services managers earn a median salary of $110,670. This field is projected to grow 29% over the next several years, much faster than the national average for all careers.

What Is the Highest Degree in Healthcare Administration?

The highest degree available in healthcare administration is the doctoral degree. Students can pursue a Doctor of Healthcare Administration (DHA) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in healthcare administration.

Professionals holding these degrees typically work as professors, researchers, or high-level executives in healthcare systems. To pursue one of these degrees, you typically need to complete a Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) first.

What Can I Do with a Bachelor's Degree in Health Administration?

You can pursue various career paths with a bachelor's degree in healthcare administration. Some of the potential healthcare settings and specializations you can choose include:

• hospitals and public health facilities
• nursing homes and long-term care facilities
• healthcare delivery services
• insurance companies
• outpatient healthcare providers

Earn Your Degree in Healthcare Administration

If you're ready to get your degree so you can start gaining real-world healthcare administration experience, consider reaching out to one of the schools listed here on Learn.org. With a bit of research, you should be able to find the program that's right for you.