25 Top 1 Year MHA Programs Online
Most Affordable

The top 1 year MHA programs online offer a flexible path for working professionals to earn a graduate degree and advance their careers. An accelerated online MHA degree is designed for healthcare professionals who are considering leadership and managerial roles within the field.

Most often times the degree is housed within the business department at a school and provides a solid business and healthcare core. And with all of the emerging changes, the time is now for ethical and practical leaders in the rapidly changing field of healthcare administration.

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Methodology for Ranking 1 Year MHA Programs Online

In order to rank the easiest online Master’s in Healthcare Administration programs, we evaluated the schools based on their Student to Faculty ratio, the school’s graduate in-state graduate tuition, and the duration of the program. We used the school’s website for information, as well as the National Center for Education Statistics. In the case of a tie, the school with the lower tuition pulled the higher rank.

25. Bellevue University 

  • Degree: MHA Online
  • Graduate Tuition: $649 per credit
  • More: Website

At Bellevue University, students can earn an online MHA accelerated degree. Among the 36-credit hours include classes like Organizational Design and Delivery System, Health Information Technology and Administration, Healthcare Finance, and also Strategic Management for Healthcare Organizations.

Graduates of the program can pursue leadership roles in settings like hospitals, medical group practices, long-term care organizations, home health, and also in public health administration. Additionally, BU has accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.

24. Colorado State University-Global Campus

  • Degree: Online MHA
  • Graduate Tuition: $9,000
  • More: Website

The online MHA program at Colorado State University’s Global Campus offers a fast-track. This program features 24 required core credits and also a multitude of specialization options. Some of the most popular choices include Organizational Leadership and Change Management, Project Management, Strategic Innovation and Change Management, Human Resource Management, and also Finance.

Benefits of this healthcare administration program include monthly start dates, accelerated courses, and no set login times. Additionally, CSU Global has accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.

23. Clarkson College

  • Degree: Online MHA
  • Graduate Tuition: $11,178
  • More: Website

Clarkson College touts a flexible, accelerated online MHA designed for working professionals. Students will take just one course every six weeks, a format that will help students focus and juggle other life responsibilities. The culminating element is a capstone project where students utilize their knowledge and experiences to create a business plan. Courses include Financial Management in Healthcare, Healthcare Leadership, and also Healthcare Data Analytics. The program can be completed in 4-7 semesters, depending on your enrollment status. There are part-time and full-time tracks available. 

22. Tennessee Technological University 

  • Degree: MHA online
  • Graduate Tuition: $10,280
  • More: Website

The fast-track MHA online offering at Tennessee Tech University is an online Master of Professional Study with a concentration in Healthcare Administration. The 30-credit hour curriculum is broken down into 12 credit hours of core courses, 15 credit hours of HA concentration courses, and also 3 credit hours of electives.

Students will simultaneously earn a graduate certificate in Healthcare Informatics. Graduates will be ready for careers in facilities like hospitals, nursing homes, group medical practices, personal care homes, retirement centers, health maintenance organizations, medical sales, and also insurance companies.

21. Grand Canyon University

  • Degree: MHA
  • Graduate Tuition: $10,175
  • More: Website

At Grand Canyon University, students can earn an accelerated online MHA degree. Among the 48-credits include sample courses like:

  • Essential Health Care Business Analysis
  • Human Resource Management and Marketing Communication Strategies
  • Analysis of Contemporary Health Care Delivery
  • Health Care Policies and Economics
  • Legal and Ethical Principles in Health Care
  • Health Care Research Methods, Analysis, and Utilization
  • Healthcare Management Education

The ending component is a capstone course and project, including the Evidence-Based Research Project. Online students can complete their degrees anytime, anywhere. Classes are presented in an 8-week format.

20. University of Southern Indiana

  • Degree: Online MHA
  • Graduate Tuition: $9,486
  • More: Website

The University of Southern Indiana offers an accelerated online MHA for working adults that can be completed in just two years. And with 6 start times per year, students can begin the program at a time that works best for them. While the coursework can be completed online, students will get to engage in an in-person leadership conference. Study abroad opportunities is available, pending. Classes are presented in 7-week increments. Note that students must maintain a 3.0 GPA to remain in good standing.

19. Ohio University

  • Degree: Online MHA
  • Graduate Tuition: $9,444
  • More: Website

At Ohio University, students can earn their fast track MHA in just two years. Classes include Human Resource Management in Health Care, Epidemiology in Health Administration, Strategic Planning and Marketing in Health Services, and Introduction to the U.S. Health Care Delivery System. Graduates will be ready for careers as clinical managers, medical services managers, healthcare executives, healthcare administrators, and more! No GRE is required for admission.

18. East Tennessee State University

  • Degree: MHA
  • Graduate Tuition: $8,640
  • More: Website

East Tennessee State University offers an accelerated MHA that results in a Master of Public Health Administration. The multi-disciplinary program will focus on aspects of the field like access to healthcare, financing, and organization and administration of health care services. This program is unique because it has a public health component and will also teach students how to develop and implement public health practices. Students will have opportunities for both fieldwork and research.

17. Minnesota State University Moorhead

  • Degree: Online MHA
  • Graduate Tuition: $8,550
  • More; Website

Minnesota State University at Moorhead offers an accelerated online Master of Healthcare Administration. The 43-credit program is designed for professionals early in their careers and will help create healthcare leaders of tomorrow.

Core requirements include classes like Healthcare Economics, Marketing Management, Healthcare Quality, and Regulatory Management, Healthcare Law and Ethical Decision Making, and Healthcare Policy and Reimbursement. Two capstone courses are required. An MS in Nursing dual-degree option is available as well.

16. Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences

  • Degree: MSHA Online
  • Graduate Tuition: $5,530
  • More: Website

The quick online MHA offering at the Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences is an online Master of Science in Healthcare Administration. The 32-credit program will help students obtain leadership positions in the field of healthcare administration. One benefit of the program is that no prior experience is needed, so it’s a great fit for recent graduates. Concentrations are available in Leadership/Entrepreneurship or Administration. The online MHA program at OSUCHS is nationally ranked by many publications. 

15. City University of Seattle

  • Degree: MHA
  • Graduate Tuition: $11,436
  • More: Website

If you’re looking for a practical, applicable online MHA program that you can afford, then check out the City University of Seattle. Students can expect a project-based program, as well as data-driven business analysis and interventions. Among the 45-credits are classes like Healthcare Strategic Planning and Implementation, Operations Analysis in Healthcare, Healthcare Informatics and Technology, and Healthcare Law and Ethics. Graduates will be ready for careers as Hospital administrators, Healthcare consultants, Health services managers, Nursing directors, and more.

14. University of North Carolina Chapel Hill

  • Degree: MHA
  • Graduate Tuition: $10,552
  • More: Website

The University of North Carolina Chapel Hill offers an accelerated MHA online that can be completed in two years. While the coursework can be taken fully online, students are required to participate in an on-campus residency each semester (fall, spring, and summer). No thesis is required, but students will engage in a practicum and capstone course. The online MHA program at UNC-Chapel Hill is CAHME-accredited.

13. Saint Joseph’s College of Maine

  • Degree: Master of Health Administration (MHA)
  • Graduate Tuition: $9,470
  • More: Website

Saint Joseph’s College of Maine offers an accelerated healthcare administration degree online. If taken on a full-time basis, the degree can be completed in just 1 year and 9 months. Part-time students can finish in 3.5 years. Classes will be presented in a 12-week format. The curriculum will consist of 30-credit hours of core coursework, 9-credit hours in electives, and a 3 credit capstone course. Additionally, a specialization in Catholic Health Leadership is available. The online MHA program at Saint Joseph’s College of Maine is the only online program accredited by the National Association of Long-Term Care Administrator Boards (NAB).

12. Mount Vernon Nazarene University

  • Degree: online MBA with a specialization in Healthcare Admin
  • Graduate Tuition: $8,964
  • More: Website

The fast online MHA offering at Mount Vernon Nazarene University is an online MBA with a specialization in Healthcare Admin. Offered through the School of Graduate & Professional Studies, students can earn this 36-credit degree fully online. Its 12-course curriculum is in two parts: 6 core business courses and 6 healthcare admin courses. The classes are presented in a 6-week format, so students can complete the degree in just 19 months.

11. California State University East Bay

  • Degree: MHA
  • Graduate Tuition: $7,176
  • More: Website

California State University East Bay offers a fast-track MHA online. Required core classes include Evolution of the US Health Care System, Health Disparities and Policy, Health Care Program Development and Grant Writing, Health Care Financial Management and Third-Party Reimbursement, and Health Care Legal, Diversity and Ethical Issues. A capstone project is also required. CSU-EB is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

10. Liberty University

  • Degree: MS in Health Administration
  • Graduate Tuition: $7,980
  • More: Website

Liberty University offers a fully online Master of Science in Healthcare Administration. The program is for working professionals and focuses on practical skills for managers who need healthcare expertise.

What’s most impressive about this degree is that students can choose from 10 areas of concentration. Choices include a general track, accounting, finance, human resources, leadership, marketing, non-profit management, project management, public administration, public relations, strategic management, and also supply chain management and logistics. Classes are presented in an 8-week format, and the program takes an average of 2 years to complete. Additionally, Liberty University has accreditation from SACSCOC.

9. Concordia University at Irvine

  • Degree: Online MHA
  • Graduate Tuition: $7,953
  • More: Website

If a leadership role in the healthcare industry is your goal, then you’ll want to take a good look at Concordia University at Irvine’s accelerated online healthcare administration degree. In fact, the program will focus on three areas: leadership, practical application, and professional development. The 40-credit program can be completed in just 24 months and the curriculum ends with a capstone project. Sample courses include Healthcare Law, Financial Management of Healthcare Organizations, and also Healthcare Quality Assurance.

8. University of Arkansas at Fort Smith

  • Degree: Online MSHA
  • Graduate Tuition: $7,092
  • More: Website

If you’re a healthcare professional looking to be in leadership, then take a look at the University of Arkansas Fort Smith’s online MS in Healthcare Administration. Select courses include Healthcare Law and Ethics, Research in Healthcare Administration, Fundamentals of Financial Management, Information Systems Management in Healthcare, and also Healthcare Quality Improvement.

All work culminates in a 4-credit hour graduate project. Graduates will be ready for careers in areas like hospitals, assisted living centers, community and home health clinics, primary care, mental healthcare providers, physician’s clinics, and also pediatric centers.

7. Park University

  • Degree: Online MHA
  • Graduate Tuition: $6,012
  • More: Website

Offered through the business school’s College of Management, Park University offers a fully online MHA degree program. The program offers ten areas of concentration, all of which are 36 credit hours in length. Options include the following: general track, disaster emergency management, finance, homeland security, human resource management, global business, management accounting, management information health systems, population health, project management, and quality and innovation management. Additionally, the online accelerated MHA degree at PU has accreditation from the ACBSP.

6. Montana State University at Billings

  • Degree: Online MH
  • Graduate Tuition: $5,598
  • More: Website

If you are a professional in the healthcare field looking to further your knowledge and your career in information health systems, then check out Montana State University at Billing’s affordable online MHA option. In fact, with a focus on rural healthcare settings, this program is unique and a good fit for those desiring careers in this area. A two-day on-campus professional seminar is required each semester. Work will culminate in a capstone project and an internship. Students can complete the degree in 20-24 months.

5. Dartmouth College

  • Degree: Master of Health Care Delivery Science (MHCDS)
  • Graduate Tuition: $9,800
  • More: Website

The Geisel School of Medicine and the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth offer a Master of Health Care Delivery Science (MHCDS). This 12-month MHCDS program focuses on strategy, operations, finance, health policy, economics, and also data analytics. Students attend two brief residential sessions at the Dartmouth campus, but complete the remainder of the coursework online.

4. Salve Regina University

  • Degree: Online MSHA
  • Graduate Tuition: $10,890
  • More: Website

Salve Regina University offers a fast online Master of Healthcare Administration. The fully online program includes rolling admission and takes as little as 18 months to complete. Classes include Health Care Marketing, Ethics for Health Professionals, Public Health Administration, and also Health Law. An internship is required. Students can pursue a specialization in cybersecurity if desired. Additionally, SRU’s fast-track online MHA degree has accreditation from the International Accreditation Council for Business Education.

3. Texas Woman’s University

  • Degree: Online MBA in Healthcare Administration
  • Graduate Tuition: $4,973
  • More: Website

Texas Woman’s University has an accelerated online MHA degree that results in an MBA in Healthcare Administration online. This program is full of benefits including low tuition, an accelerated pace, and also no standardized testing for admission. In fact, students can complete this degree in just 15 months. The program highlights an experiential learning model and presents classes in 7-week increments.

2. Briar Cliff University

  • Degree: online MHA degree
  • Graduate Tuition: $9,450
  • More: Website

If you want a 1-year online MHA degree program, Briar Cliff University is your option! Designed to be completed in just one calendar year, students will take 36-credit hours. Classes include:

  • Health Information Management Systems Applications
  • Ethics of Health Care
  • Financial Management for Health Care Organizations
  • Legal and Regulatory Issues in Health Care

One unique feature is this program’s peer group framework, which allows students to work with students in other areas of administration (like nursing and kinesiology).

1. Saint Leo University

  • Degree: Online MBA in Healthcare Management Education
  • Graduate Tuition: $7,296
  • More: Website

Students wanting a strong knowledge in both business and healthcare administration should check out Saint Leo University’s option. The degree offering is an online MBA with a concentration in Healthcare Administration, a program that will focus on leadership skills in an ever-changing field. When taken at an accelerated pace, students can complete this degree in just 1 year. Classes are in an 8-week format. Additionally, the program has accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools & Programs (ACBSP).

What Types of Degrees are in Healthcare Administration?

Health Administration focuses on the skills and qualities necessary for success as hospital administrators, healthcare consultants, and other roles in the healthcare industry. When researching an online degree in Healthcare Administration, you might see the following degrees:

Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA)

Probably the most common of the healthcare graduate degrees is the MHA and is suited for students who want to focus solely on healthcare administration to become healthcare administrators.

Master of Science in Healthcare Administration (MSHA)

Similar to an online MHA, an MSHA degree is equivalent as well. The main difference between the two degrees is just the department/school that offers the degree and possibly a few varying courses.

Master of Public Health (MPH) in Healthcare Administration

An MPH degree focuses on the collective health of a population. So this degree is ideal for those who want to pursue leadership roles in that field.

Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in Healthcare Administration

An MBA-HA degree is housed in the business department. These degrees give students advanced knowledge of business, with electives in the HA field.

What is the Coursework for Healthcare Administration Graduate Degree Programs?

Students in online MHA programs can expect to take classes that address advanced principles of the HA field. Classes in online programs include topics like:

  • Ethics and law
  • Health policy
  • Research methods for the health professions
  • Public health, epidemiology, and community health
  • Healthcare informatics
  • Risk management/quality management
  • Accounting/financial management for healthcare organizations

Specific courses explored in this ranking include:

  • Health Information Management Systems Applications
  • Financial Management for Health Care Organizations
  • Legal and Regulatory Issues in Health Care
  • Health Care Marketing
  • Ethics for Health Professionals
  • Public Health Administration
  • Principles of Management & Leadership in Healthcare
  • Health Informatics & Data Analytics
  • Health Law and Ethics
  • Healthcare Operations & Supply Chain Management
  • Strategic Planning & Marketing in Healthcare
  • Healthcare Economics
  • Marketing Management
  • Healthcare Quality and Regulatory Management
  • Healthcare Policy and Reimbursement

What are Concentration in Healthcare Administration?

An area of concentration helps to focus your studies even more and can give you additional expertise in your given field. Concentration options with a health administration degree could include any of the below areas of focus.

  • Disaster Emergency Management
  • Finance
  • Human Resource Management
  • Global Business
  • Management Accounting
  • Project Management
  • Management Information Systems
  • Quality and Innovation Management
  • Health Leadership
  • Entrepreneurship

What Degrees are Related to Healthcare Administration?

  • Master’s in Healthcare Leadership (MHL)
  • Master’s in Business Administration (MBA)
  • Master of Public Health (MPH)

How Long Does it Take to Finish an Online Master’s in Healthcare Administration?

The length of your Master’s in Healthcare Admin program will depend on two things: (1) the program’s details and (2) personal factors like:

  • prerequisites
  • whether you are a full-time or part-time student
  • whether or not you are working full-time, too
  • family, personal, work obligations
  • extracurricular life

Many online MHA programs are 36-45 credits in length and students can complete them in two years. However, there are a few programs on this rankings list that only take 12 to 15 months to complete.

What is Culminating Work for a MHA?

Here’s the good news. Most online MHA programs do not require a thesis, but a capstone project instead. Because the career path is a management field, programs require a practice-based culminating.

What are the Admissions Requirements for a Healthcare Administration Program?

Before getting admitted to a fast online Healthcare Administration Master’s degree, you’ll need a background in a related field. When applying for a fast online Master’s in Healthcare Administration, you might need some or all of the following components:

  • a Bachelor’s degree in a business-related field
  • a minimum GPA requirement (most programs require a 3.0 GPA or higher)
  • standardized test scores, if required
  • letters of recommendation 
  • entrance essay
  • resume highlighting professional experience

What Can You Expect as an Online Graduate Student?

Classes:

Online classes will be presented in one of two ways:

  • synchronously (at a specific day/time) 
  • asynchronously (on your own time/schedule)

This might be one of the most important aspects of the program, so you’ll want to decide which path will work best with your obligations and your personality.

Length of Classes:

The length of your online classes will vary based on your program. Online classes will generally last 8-10 weeks. Some programs will follow an even more accelerated pace (like monthly classes) or a traditional 15-week semester course. Other courses last 6 weeks.

Student Services:

You might be taking your classes online alone in your apartment or home, but you certainly won’t be alone. You could have access to online libraries, online tutoring, online mentorship, online advising, online career help, and more! Many programs on this list even have a cohort-style program that allows you to connect with peers along the way.

Is an Online Master’s in Healthcare Administration Worth it?

A: Ultimately, when you choose a career, you want to know that you’re entering a thriving field. And that you’re going to love what you do. So first, take a look at the healthcare admin industry and its trajectory. According to the US News and World Report, the industry is growing, with some careers projected to increase by 18% by the year 2028.

Next, take a look at the careers/job duties associated with the field. Do any of them spark your interest? With this degree specifically, you will be in a leadership position. Make sure that is what you want and where your skillset is before you proceed!

Does My Program Need Special Accreditation?

A: It’s not absolutely necessary for your program to have special accreditation, but you definitely want to earn your degree from a program that has at least a school-wide accreditation that is reputable. However, it’s certainly more beneficial if you can find a school with specific accreditation in the field. If this is important to you, look for schools that have accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME).

Is the Field of Healthcare Administration a Good Fit for you?

Only you can truly answer this question. But to help, research the skills necessary for the careers you are considering. Do these skills come naturally to you? Maybe you want a leadership role? Do you work well with people and under pressure? This list isn’t exhaustive, but it’s a place to start.

What Skills Do you Need to be Successful in the Field of Healthcare Administration?

You’ll need strong leadership skills, communication skills, interpersonal skills, and analytical skills. You’ll also need to be a quick thinker, as well as be able to think and act strategically. You might need to lead people through a crisis, so being confident in policies and procedures will be a must.

Can You Earn a PhD in Healthcare Administration?

Yes, you can. A Doctor of Healthcare Administration, or DHA, the degree is available for students pursuing even larger leadership roles or a PhD in HA for this seeking careers in education and research.

Fast Online Masters in Healthcare Administration Career Information

Graduates of online MHA programs can work in settings like Hospitals, Doctors’ offices, Nursing homes, Home health care organizations, and Outpatient care centers, and will be able to pursue many different types of leadership roles in these settings.

Professionals in this field should be ready to engage in:

  • developing a strategic vision
  • managing relevant information
  • creating/implementing marketing strategies
  • managing interpersonal workplace relationships
  • ensuring facility compliance
  • overseeing human resource, business, and financial management

Sample careers include:

  • Hospital administrator
  • Healthcare consultant
  • Medical records manager
  • Health services manager
  • Clinic manager
  • Mental health program manager
  • Nursing director

How Much Can You Make with an MHA?

Career and salary data is compiled from the US Bureau of Labor and Statistics and Payscale.com.

  • Hospital Administrator: $86,682 per year
  • Healthcare Consultant: $77,514 per year
  • Health Services Manager: $100,980 per year 
  • Clinic Manager: $70,994 per year
  • Nursing Director: $88,784 per year

Healthcare Administration Professional Organizations

If you’re thinking about joining a healthcare professional organization, you should! Professional organizations help you connect with your peers, stay up to date on research or news in your field, and can help guide your future career or endeavors. It’s a wise investment of your time and your energy. A few healthcare administration-related professional organizations to browse include:

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