Best Online Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration Programs of 2024
Written by Kristen Scatton
Updated: October 19, 2023
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Best Online Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration Programs of 2024
Best Online Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration Programs of 2024
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Healthcare administration is an important field that involves the management of hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities, keeping them operating smoothly daily. Healthcare administration experts take care of the business aspects of running such facilities, letting doctors, nurses, and specialists focus on their jobs.
It’s also a rapidly growing, lucrative field. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that employment of medical and health services managers will increase 28% by 2032, and the current median annual salary is $104,830.
An online bachelor’s in healthcare administration prepares students for entry- and mid-level healthcare administration jobs. To help students find the best program, we compiled this list of top online bachelor’s in healthcare administration degrees. Students can also learn more about the career outlook for healthcare administration, what to expect in a bachelor’s in healthcare administration program, and how to find the healthcare administration degree that’s right for them.
What Can I Expect from an Online Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration Program?
A degree in healthcare administration combines concepts and skills related to providing healthcare and managing administrative tasks. Students interested in behind-the-scenes tasks that keep hospitals and other medical facilities operating smoothly, such as management, billing, marketing, and health informatics, may be well-suited to a career in healthcare administration.
Students seeking a bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration have a few options, including a Bachelor of Science (BS), Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Healthcare Administration (BHA). While each type of degree will cover foundational- and intermediate-level skills and principles in healthcare administration, the applied and pedagogical approaches to the curriculum will differ. For example, a BBA will have more emphasis on general business skills, while a BS degree tends to have a more technical, applied focus.
The core curriculum for a bachelor’s in healthcare administration typically consists of classes related to healthcare management principles, U.S. healthcare systems, organizational leadership, strategic planning, HR management, ethical policies and regulations, communication, and more.
Hands-on learning experience, like an internship, is a common requirement for bachelor’s in healthcare administration programs. Students enrolling in an online program should find out if they can complete internship requirements remotely or if in-person attendance is required.
While most bachelor’s in healthcare administration programs focus on a general curriculum, some allow students to choose a specialty. Common specializations within healthcare administration include healthcare informatics, project management, healthcare and law policy, patient safety and quality, accounts, and strategic communications.
The type of online program a student enrolls in will also influence what they can expect. Students attending a synchronous program will participate in live virtual classes, allowing for discussions with professors and classmates and interactive learning activities. However, they must be available at pre-scheduled times. If students select an asynchronous program, they’ll have maximum flexibility in when and where they complete assignments and lessons. This learning format best suits highly motivated, organized students with strong time management skills.
The Top 50 Online Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration Programs
This list features some of the best online bachelor’s in healthcare administration programs in the U.S. The schools on this list are non-profit, accredited institutions, either public or private, with high-quality standards for post-secondary education.
We evaluated each degree program on tuition costs, faculty, reputation, student resources, and admission, retention, and graduation rates. We also compared our picks to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications like the U.S. News & World Report, among others. Using this data, we calculated an Intelligent Score for each program on a scale of 0 to 100. Read more about our ranking methodology.
Still Looking for the Right Fit? Discover Similar Programs
Healthcare administration is just one avenue students can pursue if they want to work in the healthcare industry. For more information on related areas of study, check out the following degrees:
What Can I Do With an Online Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration Degree?
Career outlook
Individuals with a bachelor’s in healthcare administration typically enter the field with jobs classified as medical and health services managers. Also known as healthcare administrators or healthcare executives, these individuals are responsible for the day-to-day and long-term tasks that ensure the delivery of care in medical facilities.
According to the BLS, a rapidly aging population and an increasing reliance on electronic health records will drive growth for healthcare administrators through 2032. The agency predicts employment in the field will grow 28% within the next decade, with roughly 54,700 new job openings per year.
Healthcare administrators earn a median annual salary of $104,830. The bottom half of earners make less than $64,100, while top earners can expect upwards of $209,900 annually.
Positions for healthcare administrators are available in a variety of settings, including hospitals, outpatient medical facilities, community health clinics, urgent care centers, private practices, assisted living and nursing home facilities, rehabilitation centers, and more.
Depending on a student’s interests, there are specialized positions available within the sphere of healthcare administration. These include:
Medical billing manager
Medical records and health information technician
Healthcare consultant
Human resources manager
Medical reimbursement specialist
Marketing manager
How to Choose the Online Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration Program That’s Right for You
Before embarking on a search for an online bachelor’s in healthcare administration program, take some time to reflect on why you’re pursuing this degree and what you hope to gain from it. Think about what type of skills you want to learn and what job opportunities you’re interested in post-graduation. This will help you set parameters for the type of degree program you seek, such as curriculum emphasis, specialization options, and hands-on learning opportunities.
This is also a good time to review practical considerations, like course delivery format, schedule, and budget. Decide if you have a preference between synchronous and asynchronous programs, and if you need to enroll on a full- or part-time basis. Review finances to get a general idea of how much you can pay out of pocket for your degree and how much you’ll need in financial aid.
Step 2: Research schools and programs
Visit the school’s admissions page or contact the admissions office to find out the specific requirements and process for applying. Each school sets its own admissions procedures, so if you’re applying to multiple schools, you may want to use a spreadsheet or checklist to keep track of submissions and deadlines.
A standard application for a bachelor’s degree typically consists of:
Completed application and required fees
Official transcripts for all schools previously attended
Letter(s) of recommendation
Personal statement or essay
Resume or CV
Some schools may require SAT or ACT scores, although schools are increasingly implementing test-optional or test-blind policies. There may also be additional eligibility requirements, such as a minimum high school GPA, or specific coursework related to healthcare administration.
Students who previously earned college credits at another school are considered transfer applicants, and must submit official transcripts from any schools they previously attended.
Step 3: Prepare for applications and tests
Determine how many programs you want to apply to, based on how many fit your needs and preferences. There’s no right or wrong number of schools to apply to, but students should keep in mind that most schools charge application fees, which can add up quickly.
If you apply to and are accepted by multiple schools, compare them according to your priorities. This can include curriculum, faculty, financial aid, cost, completion time, and internship opportunities. Make a pros and cons list if necessary to select the program that best meets your needs.
Step 4: Select your program
Determine how many programs you want to apply to, based on how many fit your needs and preferences. There’s no right or wrong number of schools to apply to, but students should keep in mind that most schools charge application fees, which can add up quickly.
If you apply to and are accepted by multiple schools, compare them according to your priorities. This can include curriculum, faculty, financial aid, cost, completion time, and internship opportunities. Make a pros and cons list if necessary to select the program that best meets your needs.
Step 5: Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
If you haven’t already, contact the school’s financial aid office to get information about the total program cost and what financial aid options are available to you.
Financial aid comes in two forms — need-based and merit-based. To be considered for need-based aid, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Need-based aid includes federal student loans, grants, scholarships, work-study, and assistantships.
Institutions and external organizations also offer merit-based aid to students who demonstrate specific achievements and aptitudes. Merit-based aid includes scholarships, grants, and fellowships.
Students who are working while completing an online bachelor’s in healthcare administration should find out if their employer offers tuition assistance benefits. Another option is to inquire about payment plans, in which students pay tuition in installments instead of a lump sum. Active-duty military members and veterans may be able to get discounted tuition or use GI Bill benefits to pay for their degrees.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration Programs
Should I get a bachelor's in healthcare administration in person or online?
Earning a bachelor’s in healthcare administration online is a popular way for students to complete their education, but that doesn’t mean it’s right for everyone. How a student earns their degree depends on learning preferences and logistical needs.
Flexibility and accessibility are two key advantages of online learning. Because students don’t have to be in a specific place for classes, they can learn from whatever location best fits their needs. Students can more easily integrate lessons and assignments into their life if they don’t need to attend classes at pre-scheduled times. Learning remotely can also be more affordable, since students don’t have to pay for transportation, room and board, or on-campus fees.
However, online learning is best suited for individuals who are comfortable working autonomously and can hold themselves accountable for completing lessons and assignments on time.
Students who learn better through interaction and hands-on activities may prefer a traditional in-person program. This may also be the right path for students who want a more robust college experience, with on-campus social activities and networking opportunities.
How do I apply to an online bachelor's in healthcare administration program?
Talk to an admissions counselor to clarify all admissions requirements and procedures. Verify if the school has hard-and-fast application deadlines or if students can apply on a rolling basis. Ensure that you meet all the basic eligibility requirements, such as a minimum high school GPA.
Most schools accept applications and supporting materials through an admissions portal on their website. Students may also have the option to use the Common Application, and submit to multiple schools at once. Find out if there are any application materials that must be sent directly from the source, such as official transcripts from a previously attended college.
What is the average cost of an online bachelor's in healthcare administration degree?
In the 2021-22 academic year, the average annual tuition for undergraduate programs was $9,596 at public institutions, and $37,222 at private colleges, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).
However, the cost of an online bachelor’s in healthcare administration can vary widely based on several factors. Students at public universities may pay different tuition rates based on where they live. Also, many universities charge additional fees for things like virtual classroom technology, labs, and online student resources. Online students also need to be sure they have reliable internet access and up-to-date hardware and software.
Meanwhile, scholarships, grants, and other financial aid can help offset the total students will pay for their healthcare administration degree. Because of the flexibility of online programs, students may be able to maintain a full- or part-time job while enrolled, which can also help with costs.
To get the most accurate information about how much a program will cost, students should speak with a financial aid counselor.
How long does it take to complete an online bachelor's in healthcare administration program?
Most online bachelor’s in healthcare administration programs are 120 credits, which translates to four years of full-time study or five years of part-time study.
However, some schools offer accelerated programs for students who already have an associate degree, related coursework or professional experience. These programs typically require anywhere from 30-90 credits, and can be completed in 1-2 years.
Is an online bachelor's in healthcare administration worth it?
There are a number of advantages to earning a bachelor’s in healthcare administration online.
Most entry- and mid-level healthcare administration jobs require a bachelor’s degree. Attending an online program is a convenient, flexible way to learn the necessary skills and principles for a career in this field. The online format allows students to schedule their learning around other responsibilities like work or caregiving.
Now is a good time to consider a career in healthcare administration, with a strong job outlook for medical and health services managers. Overall employment in healthcare and management is expected to grow at a faster-than-average pace over the next decade, meaning students should have a range of employment opportunities.After earning a bachelor’s degree, students have the option to continue their education with an MS or MBA in healthcare administration. These advanced degrees can prepare students for high-level management positions within healthcare, such as chief executive officer, chief financial officer, or chief operating officer of a hospital, healthcare system, or other medical practice.
