Top Online Schools for Healthcare Administration
Find out what you should look for when choosing a school with a strong online program in healthcare administration. Explore three well-regarded schools with online programs in this field, and check their national rankings. Read about the healthcare administration degree programs that each school offers.
How to Choose a Top Online Healthcare Administration School
Consider schools that are ranked for their healthcare administration programs by U.S. News & World Report. Learn all you can about a program's instructors; important factors might include experience in the field or professional recognition through awards and publications. If the program is not fully online, consider any in-person requirements you'll need to meet in order to earn your certificate or degree.
<h2 id="section---ThreeTopSchoolsInHealthcareAdministration">Three Top Schools in Healthcare Administration</h2><h3 id="section---UniversityOfAlabamaInBirminghamUAB">University of Alabama in Birmingham (UAB)</h3><p>The Department of Health Services Administration at UAB offers online degrees in healthcare administration. In 2019, <i>U.S. News & World Report</i> ranked UAB #1 among schools with graduate healthcare management programs. During the same year, <i>U.S. News & World Report</i> tied the school at 149th among national universities. Online students at UAB may benefit from continuous communication with faculty, cutting-edge course management software and access to UAB's electronic library. Many of the university's online programs require completion of clinical practicums or internships at a school-approved healthcare facility. The executive master's and doctoral programs are designed for mid- or senior-level managers and require occasional attendance on campus. Degrees available via distance learning include:
</p><ul><li>Bachelor of Science in Health Care Management
</li><li>Master of Science in Health Informatics
</li><li>Master of Science in Healthcare Quality and Safety
</li><li>Executive Master of Science in Health Administration
</li><li>Executive Doctor of Science in Administration - Health Services
</li></ul><h3 id="section---UniversityOfMissouriUMInColumbia">University of Missouri (UM) in Columbia</h3><p>In 2019, <i>U.S. News & World Report</i> ranked UM 28th among schools offering graduate healthcare management programs. In 2019, <i>U.S. News & World Report</i> tied UM for 129th among national universities. The school's online healthcare administration programs require regular weekend attendance on campus. You'll need at least three years of clinical or administrative experience in order to apply. Qualified students can pursue a dual master's degree in health administration and health informatics. Available online programs include:
</p><ul><li>Executive Graduate Certificate in Health Informatics
</li><li>Executive Master of Health Administration (MHA)
</li><li>Executive Master of Science in Health Informatics (MSHI)
</li><li>MHA/MSHI
</li></ul><h3 id="section---VirginiaCommonwealthUniversityVCUInRichmond">Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) in Richmond</h3><p>VCU's online healthcare administration program is offered through the School of Allied Health Professions. In 2019, according to <i>U.S. News & World Report</i>, the school was tied at fifth for its graduate healthcare management program. <i>U.S. News & World Report</i> tied VCU for 157th among national universities in 2019. A partially online Master of Science in Healthcare Administration program is available. Students in this program are expected to attend six campus-based learning sessions. You might explore topics like healthcare information systems, politics in the healthcare industry and decision models for healthcare managers. Prerequisites for admission include five years of professional experience with a healthcare organization. Online programs at this school will include:
</p><ul><li>Master of Science in Healthcare Administration
</li></ul><h2 id="section---MoreSchoolsOfferingOnlineProgramsInHealthcareAdministration">More Schools Offering Online Programs in Healthcare Administration</h2><p></p><table border="1"><tr><th>College/University</th><th>Institution Type </th><th> Location</th><th>Estimated Graduate In-State Tuition and Fees*</th></tr>
<tr><td>Baker College</td><td>4-year, Private</td><td> Flint, MI</td><td>$13,000</td></tr>
<tr><td>East Carolina University</td><td> 4-year, Public</td><td> Greenville, NC</td><td>$7,000</td></tr>
<tr><td>Central Michigan University</td><td>4-year, Public </td><td>Mount Pleasant, MI</td><td>$14,000</td></tr>
<tr><td>Columbus State Community College</td><td> 2-year, Public</td><td> Columbus, OH</td><td>N/A</td></tr>
<tr><td>Metropolitan State University at Denver</td><td>4-year, Public </td><td> Denver, CO</td><td>$9,000</td></tr>
<tr><td>University of Cincinnati</td><td>4-year, Public</td><td> Cincinnati, OH</td><td>$14,000</td></tr>
<tr><td>Ohio University</td><td>4-year, Public </td><td>Athens, OH</td><td>$10,000</td></tr>
<tr><td>University of Oklahoma</td><td>4-year, Public </td><td> Norman, OK</td><td>$9,000</td></tr>
<tr><td> University of South Carolina </td><td> 4-year, Public</td><td> Columbia, SC</td><td>$14,000</td></tr>
<tr><td>Weber State University</td><td>4-year, Public </td><td> Ogden, UT</td><td>$8,000</td></tr>
</table><p><i>*Source: NCES, U.S. Department of Education</i></p>