The healthcare industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the United States, and this demand means that pursuing a degree in healthcare administration could be a smart career move. Read on to discover the five leading healthcare administration programs in the U.S., then start a search to learn more and begin an application!
What Can a Healthcare Administration Degree Do For You?
A healthcare management degree can open up a wide range of career opportunities. This field is diverse, as it combines business skills with an understanding of healthcare systems and services. Here are some career paths that a healthcare management degree can lead to.
Hospital Administrator: This role involves overseeing the day-to-day operations of a hospital or healthcare facility. They may manage entire facilities, specific departments, or a group of physicians. They are responsible for ensuring that their facilities provide high-quality healthcare while staying current with applicable laws and regulations.
Healthcare Consultant: These professionals provide advice to a variety of organizations, including hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, and insurance companies. They may specialize in a specific area, such as information technology, finance, or operations, and help organizations improve efficiency and effectiveness.
Medical and Health Services Manager: These individuals are responsible for planning, directing, and coordinating healthcare services in various settings. They might manage an entire facility, a specific clinical area or department, or a medical practice for a group of physicians.
Nursing Home Administrator: They oversee the operations of nursing homes, including staffing, patient care, budgets, and relations with patients’ families. They need to ensure the facility is compliant with all relevant laws and regulations.
Health Information Manager: These professionals manage and secure patient records, ensuring they are complete, accurate, and protected. With the increase in electronic health records, this role is increasingly vital in the healthcare field.
Pharmaceutical Project Manager: Manage projects related to drug discovery and development, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget.
Policy Analyst: Individuals research and analyze healthcare policies implemented in hospitals and other healthcare organizations. They may work for government agencies, think tanks, or non-profit organizations.
Healthcare Human Resources Manager: They oversee recruiting, interviewing, and hiring of new staff in a hospital or other healthcare organizations. They also manage employee relations, payroll, benefits, and training.
1. University of Minnesota
Tuition: Approximately $32,000 per year for residents and $42,000 for non-residents
The University of Minnesota’s School of Public Health offers a highly competitive Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) program. This prestigious program, ranked first by the U.S. News and World Report, provides an excellent blend of theory and hands-on experience. The full-time, two-year program integrates a 12-month administrative residency, allowing students to gain practical experience in healthcare management.
2. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Tuition: Approximately $9,000 for in-state students and $24,000 for out-of-state students annually
UNC Chapel Hill’s Gillings School of Global Public Health offers a comprehensive residential Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) degree. This program is designed to equip students with the necessary skills to lead in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, health systems, and consulting firms. Ranked second in the nation, this program incorporates a blend of coursework and a required summer internship.
3. University of Michigan
Tuition: $32,182 per year for in-state students and $53,084 for out-of-state students
The University of Michigan’s School of Public Health offers a Master of Health Services Administration (MHSA) degree. The program focuses on policy and management, preparing students for leadership roles in health management and policy. The University of Michigan is known for its strong faculty and emphasis on research. The MHSA program also requires a 10-12 week summer internship in a health services organization.
4. University of Pennsylvania
Tuition: $87,370 per year
The University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School provides a Master’s in Health Care Management program. This program combines the best of both worlds by merging the Wharton MBA with a concentration in healthcare management. This unique curriculum prepares students for leadership positions in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, healthcare consultancies, and pharmaceutical companies.
5. Johns Hopkins University
Tuition: $63,408 per year
Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health offers a Master of Health Administration (MHA) program. This program is designed for early-career professionals who are looking to gain the skills and experience necessary to become leaders in the field of health management. The program consists of coursework, an applied learning experience, and a residency.