The need for skilled healthcare administrators and managers has never been greater, and according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics the future job prospects for graduates of top BHA and MHA programs is expected to be excellent. In other words, there is no better time than now to seriously consider a degree in healthcare administration. That’s why we’ve put together our first ever Smart Choice ranking of the best schools for online healthcare administration programs.
How We Chose the Smart Choice Schools
Our Smart Choice online health administration rankings are based on several factors. To start, only regionally accredited colleges and universities listed in the National Center for Education Statistics database and offering online bachelor’s or online master’s degrees in healthcare administration were considered. Qualifying schools were then evaluated based on publicly available data related to market reputation, academic quality, student satisfaction, and cost. The resulting list represents the top twenty-five online healthcare administration schools offering accredited degrees we could find, and a great place to begin your search for the online BHA or MHA program that is right for you.
#1. Ohio University
Ohio University is a research university located in Athens, Ohio. Founded in 1804, Ohio University is one of the oldest public universities in the US and the first university in the Northwest Territory. OU has the distinction of being the highest producer of Fulbright scholars and has been acclaimed by US New and World Report, the Princeton Review, and Forbes.
Program Details: Ohio University offers an accredited online Master of Health Administration degree. Developed for mid-career professionals, this two-year, fully online program provides students with the business expertise and strategic leadership skills needed in today’s healthcare industry.
Accreditation: Ohio University is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
[Click here to request information about this program from Ohio University]
#2. Northeastern University
Founded in 1898, Northeastern University is a private, secular, co-ed university is known for originating the cooperative education program. This unique approach mixes conventional university education with paid full-time work for reputable companies and businesses, allowing students to not only receive more intensive real-world experience than traditional internships, but to make valuable business contacts that will benefit them after graduation.
Program Details: Northeastern University offers an accredited Master of Business Administration degree in Healthcare Management. This 50 credit-hour program provides students with knowledge about the history of institutionalized healthcare, policies for healthcare reform, and the regulatory policies associated with healthcare institutions. Students will be prepared for administrative and managerial positions in the healthcare industry.
Accreditation: Northeastern University is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. NU’s online MBA is accredited by the AACSB.
[Click here to request more information about this program from Northeastern University]
#3. New England College School of Graduate Studies
New England College is a private liberal arts college located in Henniker, New Hampshire. Founded in 1946 to educate returning WWII veterans using the GI Bill, New England College is ranked as a top tier college by US News and World Report.
Program Details: New England College offers an accredited online Master of Science in Management with a concentration in Healthcare Administration. This 39 credit-hour program provides students with the knowledge they need to enter managerial and administrative fields in the healthcare industry. The program is concluded by a 6 credit capstone research project.
Accreditation: New England College is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
[Click here to request more information from New England College School of Graduate Studies]
#4. Walden University
Originally proposed in a paper by Harold Hodgkinson, Walden University was founded in 1970 as an experiment. Walden’s mission is to provide working adults an opportunity to complete their higher degrees while also working toward positive social change. Eventually moving from Florida to Minnesota, Walden was accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, and grew into a unique and acclaimed online university.
Program Details: Walden University offers a number of accredited online degrees in healthcare management. The Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management; the Master of Healthcare Administration; the Master of Business Administration with specialization in Healthcare Management; and the PhD in Health Services with specialization in Healthcare Administration. All of these programs are available fully online and prepare students for managerial and administrative careers in the healthcare industry.
Accreditation: Walden University is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
[Click here to request more information about these programs from Walden University]
#5. Grand Canyon University
Grand Canyon University is a private Christian university located in Phoenix, AZ. Originally founded by Arizona Southern Baptists in 1949, as a school that would provide Baptist education to students in Arizona, Grand Canyon has expanded its reach and improved its reputation, leading to acclaim from Forbes magazine and others for it online degree programs.
Program Details: Grand Canyon University offers an accredited online Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration; a Master of Science in Healthcare Administration; and a Master of Business Administration with an emphasis in Health Systems Management. Each of these programs prepares students for careers in healthcare management with coursework in accounting, finances, leadership, and other aspects of the healthcare industry.
Accreditation: Grand Canyon University is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
[Click here to request more information about these programs from Grand Canyon University]
#6. Boston University
Founded by the Methodist Church in 1839, Boston University is now a nonsectarian, private research university in Boston Massachusetts. Boston University has the distinction of being open to all sexes, races, and religions from its classification as a university in 1869. Boston University ranks in the top 50 universities nationally according to US News and World Report.
Program Details: Boston University offers an accredited online Master of Science degree in Health Communication. This program provides students with communications theory and practice with a specific emphasis on using communication skills to inform and persuade individuals, civic organizations, and institutions of the importance of health awareness.
Accreditation: Boston University is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
[Click here to request more information about this program from Boston University]
#7. The George Washington University
George Washington University is a private, non-denominational, co-ed university located in the heart of Washington DC. Founded in 1821 by an act of congress to provide a college for the District of Columbia, today it is mere blocks from the White House and the National Mall. The Business School was founded with a $1 million gift from the The Supreme Council of Scottish Rite Freemasonry Southern Jurisdiction, and Freemason influence, as in Washington DC itself, is reflected in the architecture of the campus
Program Details: George Washington University offers an accredited online Master of Business Administration degree in Healthcare Management. This 24 month long program prepares students for managerial and administrative positions in the healthcare industry, ranging from private practice to non-profit.
Accreditation: GWU is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
[Click here to request more information about this program from The George Washington University]
#8. Quinnipiac University
Quinnipiac University was founded as a small commuter college in 1929 in New Haven, CT. Today, in Hamden, Quinnipiac University has grown in the last twenty years into a highly respected private university, known for the Quinnipiac Polling Center, a source of public opinion frequently cited by major news outlets. QU is consistently ranked at the top of its category by US News and World Report.
Program Details: QUinnipiac offers an accredited online Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Management. This 46 credit-hour program prepares students for management positions in the health care industry, particularly focused on working collaboratively with professionals from a variety of disciplines. Students may choose to take a 6 credit residency or consulting practicum.
Accreditation: Quinnipiac University is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
[Click here to request more information about this program from Quinnipiac University]
#9. Champlain College
Champlain College is a private, co-educational college located in Burlington, Vermont. Founded in 1878 as Burlington Collegiate Institute, Champlain College has an interdisciplinary undergraduate curriculum and a professional focus. Champlain is ranked 12 in Northern colleges by US News and World Report.
Program Details: Champlain College offers an accredited online Master of Science in Health Management. This 36 credit-hour program provides students with knowledge, skills, and expertise to take on managerial and administrative positions in the healthcare industry. Students will take a two-day residency course and can finish in as little as two years.
Accreditation: Champlain College is accredited by New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
[Click here to request more information about this program from Champlain College]
#10. University of Illinois Chicago
The University of Illinois, Chicago, founded in 1867, is the largest university in the Chicago area and the second university in the University of Illinois system. While the Chicago campus was originally a technical branch of the Champaign-Urbana main campus, it became a university in its own right in 1935. Today UIC is considered one of the top 100 regional universities by US News and World Report, and in the top 200 by The Times Higher Education World University Rankings.
Program Details: University of Illinois Chicago offers an accredited online Master of Science in Patient Safety Leadership. This 36 credit-hour program prepares students for careers in patient safety, learning the communication and organizational skills to identify dangers to patients and prevent unnecessary medical errors. This program partners with the UIC Institute for Patient Safety Excellence and includes an internship.
Accreditation:The University of Illinois at Chicago is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
[Click here to request more information about this program from the University of Illinois Chicago]
#11. Drexel University
Drexel University is a private research university founded in Philadelphia PA by financier and philanthropist Anthony J. Drexel. Drexel is best known for its exceptional cooperative education program, in which students follow a unique 5-year track. Including 18 months of real corporate internship, this program provides an exceptional degree of experience and a wide network of business contacts upon graduation.
Program Details: Drexel offers an accredited online Master of Science degree in Clinical Research Organization and Management. This 36 credit-hour program is designed for working physician assistants, nurses, and other medical professionals who wish to enter a career managing and overseeing clinical research. Students may choose concentrations in New Product Research, Regulatory Compliance and Law, Biostatistics and Data Management, Clinical Research Management Safety and Surveillance, or Business and Strategic Planning of New Product Development.
Accreditation: Drexel is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
[Click here to request more information about this program from Drexel University]
#12. Immaculata University
Immaculata University is a private Roman Catholic university located in Immaculata, Pennsylvania. Founded as a women’s college by the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, in 1920, Immaculata became coeducational in 2005. Today Immaculata stands as a values-defined institution, dedicated truth, service, justice and peace.
Program Details: Immaculate University offers an accredited online Bachelor of Arts degree in Healthcare Management. This accelerated, fully online program is designed for practicing healthcare professionals with an associates degree, managers who do not have a complete bachelor’s degree, and managers who wish to move into the healthcare industry.
Accreditation:Immaculata University is accredited by the Commission of Higher Education Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
[Click here to request more information about this program from Immaculata University]
#13. Robert Morris University
Not to be confused with Robert Morris University in Illinois, Robert Morris University in Pittsburgh,PA is likewise named for the financier of the American Revolution. This private, co-ed university is located in Moon Township, a suburb of Pittsburgh, though it has had in a number of unusual homes, including the William Penn Hotel, the Rust Engineering Building, and the mansion of Oliver Kaufmann.
Program Details: Robert Morris University offers an accredited online Bachelor of Science degree in Health Services Administration. This full, online-only program prepares students for administrative and management positions in hospitals, clinics, care facilities, and other health institutions. Students learn communication, management, and budgeting skills, as well as learning to meet regulations and fashion productive work environments.
Accreditation: Robert Morris University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
[Click here to request more information about this program from Robert Morris University]
#14. University of Cincinnati
Part of the University of Ohio system, The University of Cincinnati is a Tier 1 public research university located in Cincinnati, OH. UC consistently ranks as one of the top universities in the nation by US News and World Report.
Program Details: University of Cincinnati offers an accredited online Masters in Health Administration degree. This intensive 48 credit-hour program prepares students for management and administration careers in the healthcare field, building on previous knowledge with business and leadership theory and practice. This program is designed for experienced clinicians, nurses, physicians, and administrators.
Accreditation: University of Cincinnati is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
[Click here to request more information about this program from the University of Cincinnati]
#15. Regis University
Founded in 1877 by Jesuit missionaries in Denver, CO, Regis University was and remains a private, co-ed Jesuit university. Instruction is guided by Ignatius Loyola’s Spiritual Exercises and the Jesuit principles of intellectual, spiritual, and social development and responsibility.
Program Details: Regis University offers an accredited online Master of Business Administration degree in Health Systems Management. This 36 credit-hour program prepares students for management positions in the healthcare industry with courses in leadership, human resources management, strategy development, and economics.
Accreditation:Regis University is accredited by North Central Association of The Higher Learning Commission.
#16. Saint Joseph’s College of Maine
Saint Joseph’s College of Maine is a Catholic liberal arts university located in Standish, Maine. Founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1912 as a women’s college, Saint Joseph’s became coeducational in 1970. Saint Joseph’s has maintained a distance education program since 1976, and now reaches some 2,400 students through its online education program.
Program Details: Saint Joseph’s offers an accredited online Master of Health Administration degree. This 42 credit-hour program can be completed in less than two years through summer courses. Designed for working professionals, the program is flexible and affordable, offering students a knowledge of professional and ethical conduct and preparing them for managerial positions in the healthcare industry.
Accreditation: Saint Joseph’s College is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
#17. Salem International University
Salem International University is a private, for-profit university located in Salem, west Virginia. Founded in 1888 by the Seventh Day Baptist Church as Salem College, SIU became a for-profit university in 2005. Today Salem offers many degrees through its well-known online program.
Program Details: Salem International University offers an accredited online Master of Business Administration degree with a concentration in Healthcare Management. This 36 credit-hour program prepares students for careers as business leaders and managers in the healthcare industry. This program is geared toward preparing students for success in a global business economy.
Accreditation: Salem International University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association.
#18. University of Minnesota Crookston
While small (its motto is “Small Campus. Big Degree”), the University of Minnesota, Crookston (one of five campuses of the University of Minnesota system). has been a leader in technology in education. UM Crookston was the first university to issue laptops to all of its students (in 1993) and continues to lead with its top online education programs.
Program Details: UM Crookston offers an accredited online Bachelor of Science degree in Health Management. This online degree requires 57 credit hours beyond the basic college curriculum, which may be transferred from another college or university. Students will learn skills necessary to take on management positions in the healthcare industry, including resource management, customer satisfaction, marketing and advertising, and market research.
Accreditation:University of Minnesota, Crookston is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
#19. University of Incarnate Word
A private Catholic university located in San Antonio, Texas, Founded in 1991 by the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, The University of the Incarnate Word is the largest Catholic university in Texas. This private university in San Antonio maintains a commitment to its original mission With campus extensions in China and Mexico, 93 sister schools throughout the world, and an unparalleled study-abroad program.
Program Details: UIW offers an accredited online Master of Arts in Administration degree with concentration in Healthcare Administration. This 36 credit-hour program prepares students for managerial and administrative service in hospital, clinic, insurance, and other healthcare fields. Students gain advanced knowledge of finance, organizational research, human resource management, and legal and ethical issues in healthcare.
Accreditation: UIW is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
#20. Southern New Hampshire University
Founded in 1932, Southern New Hampshire University is a private university with campuses in Manchester and Hooksett, New Hampshire. Originally an accounting school, SNHU was chartered by the state of New Hampshire as a non-profit institution. SNHU, with its acclaimed business school, is ranked highly by US News and World Report as a regional university.
Program Details: SNHU offers an accredited online Master of Science Management in Healthcare Administration, and a Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Management. Each of these 36 credit-hour master’s programs prepares students for management positions in the healthcare industry, with the MSM more directed toward research and the MBA more directed toward business skills.
Accreditation: SNHU is accredited by the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education (CIHE) of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
#21. Western Governors University
Based in Salt Lake City, Utah, Western Governors University is a private, nonprofit, accredited online university. The winner of numerous awards as an online university, WGU is a competency-based school and has no academic requirements for admission beyond an admissions exam. WGU sustains on tuition and corporate and non- profit grants, accepting no federal or state funding. WGU’s mission is to provide high-caliber online education for motivated students, and all academic operations are online.
Program Details: WGU offers an accredited online Master of Business Administration degree in Healthcare Management. This 36 competency-unit program is designed for healthcare professionals and other experienced managers who wish to enter management or administrative positions in the healthcare industry. Students will learn skills in leadership, management, business strategy, and customer relationships.
Accreditation:WGU is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
#22. Sullivan University
Sullivan University is a private, for-profit university located in Louisville, Kentucky. Founded in 1962 as a business college, Sullivan grew to a university by 2000. Sullivan uses a unique “stairstep” approach to degrees, granting a certificate at one year, an associate’s degree in 18 months, and bachelor and master degrees each subsequent 18 months, allowing students to seek entry level employment while completing their desired level of education.
Program Details: Sullivan University offers an accredited online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a Healthcare Management concentration, as well as a Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Management. The BS is a degree completion program, requiring an associate’s degree for enrollment; students learn to apply broad business skills to the specific needs of the healthcare industry. The MBA emphasizes day to day managerial skills over theory and is designed for working healthcare professionals.
Accreditation: Sullivan University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
#23. Ottawa University
Ottawa University is a private, non-profit liberal arts university located in Ottawa, Kansas. Originally founded by the Baptist church in 1865 to provide education for the dislocated Ottawa Indians, this small university has adult education campuses in several locations in Kansas. Ottawa University still offers tuition-free undergraduate education for members of the Ottawa Tribe.
Program Details: Ottawa University offers an accredited online Bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Management. Students may choose from two tracks: a clinical track for licensed clinicians, and a non-clinical track for students who wish to enter non-medical professions in the healthcare industry. Ottawa also offers a 42 credit-hour Master of Business Administration degree with a concentration in Healthcare Management for students who wish to take on leadership roles in the business of healthcare.
Accreditation: Ottawa University is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
#24. Bellevue University
Bellevue University is a private university located in Bellevue, Nebraska. Located near Offutt Air Force Base, Bellevue was founded in 1965 to provide an educational option for students, especially servicemen and women, who could not travel to the University of Omaha from the growing Bellevue. This commitment to convenient, high-quality education led Bellevue to establish a well-regarded online education program.
Program Details: Bellevue University offers an accredited online Master of Healthcare Administration degree. This 36 credit-hour program follows the values of the Healthcare Leadership Alliance and prepares students to take on management positions in the healthcare industry, such as clinical manager, patient care coordinator, or healthcare administrator.
Accreditation: Bellevue University is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
#25. Marylhurst University
Marylhurst University is a private Catholic liberal arts university located in Marylhurst, Oregon. Founded in 1893, by members of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary, Marylhurst University is one of the oldest colleges in Oregon.
Program Details: Marylhurst University offers an accredited online Master of Business Administration degree with a concentration in Healthcare Management. This 48 credit-hour accelerated program is designed for working adults with at least five years of work experience who wish to take on careers in healthcare management, marketing, or finance.
Accreditation:Marylhurst University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
That concludes SuperScholar’s Smart Choice rankings for the top 25 accredited healthcare administration schools. We believe that each of these programs offers the student a great education and the best chances at a successful career in health care management and administration.