Get Matched With Healthcare Administration Colleges

An online or traditional healthcare administration bachelor's degree prepares a student to work in the front office of a hospital, clinic, nursing home, or similar healthcare facility. A healthcare administrator works with all staff in order to plan, manage, and coordinate the staff, budgets and funding, insurance, policies and procedures, and health records at a facility or a department within a healthcare facility. They also must ensure that their facility or department meets the current changing legal, regulatory, and technological needs of their patients. Thus, the healthcare executive ensures that all aspects of providing for patients come together to ensure a quality healthcare experience. Online programs offer all the courses you need to understand your role in healthcare, though some programs might require that you attend some courses in person, making a hybrid program easier to find than a 100% online program.

An online bachelor's degree in healthcare administration was not offered a few decades ago. At that time, students who graduated from business school would go on to employment as healthcare administrators. Today, with so many laws that specifically regulate the healthcare industry, rapidly changing with the conversion at facilities from paper to electronic billing and patient care information, students can now attend an online healthcare administration program that provides both the grounding in business issues, such as accounting, economics, and business writing as well as the necessary education in the healthcare industry: specific issues of healthcare organization, finance, management, administration, and legal issues. And, with the move toward online education over the last 20 years, there are now many more options for students who are looking for online education options.

Bachelor's candidates in healthcare administration need to be aware that they will also be required by their university and by future employers to do at least one internship during their bachelor's program. Colleges often grant credit for the internship. Students are usually required to secure the internship on their own and online learners will need to find a facility near them where they can gain experience while completing their online courses.

One other issue for candidates of healthcare administration degree programs in healthcare administration is that they will often be required by their college to choose a concentration. Concentrations offered include public health, family care, emergency management, health informatics, and long-term care.

Compare Popular Online Healthcare Administration Programs

PROS

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there is expected to be a 20% increase in demand for healthcare administrators through 2024. This is a demand that is far greater than most professions. Because of this, most people will be able to land entry-level employment in the field with just a bachelor's in healthcare administration and an internship.

    Also, with an online bachelor's in healthcare and an internship, students can earn one of a few certifications in the field, which can help their employment prospects. A bachelor of science in health information management or bachelor of science in health care administration programs is an entry level for professionals in the field. Certifications are also often available through online learning.

CONS

    According to the University of Villanova, some healthcare facilities require that health administration candidates possess a graduate degree in the field, such as a Master's of Public Health, a Master's of Public Administration, or a Master's in Healthcare Administration. There are also master's degrees that are for very specific concentrations in the field, such as a Master's degree in Long-Term Care Administration. These are less likely to be available through online education options.

    Also, candidates for nursing home administration positions will not be able to land a position without licensure within their state. According to the National Association of Long-Term Care Administrator Boards, state guidelines for licensure of nursing home administrators vary. Generally, the candidate will need to have earned their healthcare administration bachelor's degree, complete their state's training regimen, and pass the national examination. There are also states that have their own licensing examination.

Top 25 Best Online Bachelors in Healthcare Administration Programs


1

Clarkson College

Score: 83.64

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $14,880
    • Out-of-State: $14,880
  • Net Price: $14,506
  • Acceptance Rate: 56%
  • Retention Rate: 73%
  • Graduation Rate: 72%
  • Total Enrollment: 1,133
  • Undergrad Students: 631
  • Graduate Students: 502
  • Grads Salary: $88,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 15:1
  • Clarkson College
2

Northeastern University

Score: 82.48

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $60,192
    • Out-of-State: $60,192
  • Net Price: $35,827
  • Acceptance Rate: 7%
  • Retention Rate: 97%
  • Graduation Rate: 91%
  • Total Enrollment: 30,013
  • Undergrad Students: 16,302
  • Graduate Students: 13,711
  • Grads Salary: $82,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 16:1
  • Northeastern University
3

Stanbridge University

Score: 79.09

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $33,565
    • Out-of-State: $33,565
  • Net Price: $21,416
  • Acceptance Rate: 10%
  • Retention Rate: 90%
  • Graduation Rate: 62%
  • Total Enrollment: 2,259
  • Undergrad Students: 2,035
  • Graduate Students: 224
  • Grads Salary: $81,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 15:1
  • Stanbridge University
4

University of Central Florida

Score: 78.52

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $6,368
    • Out-of-State: $22,467
  • Net Price: $13,108
  • Acceptance Rate: 41%
  • Retention Rate: 93%
  • Graduation Rate: 76%
  • Total Enrollment: 68,346
  • Undergrad Students: 58,662
  • Graduate Students: 9,684
  • Grads Salary: $69,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 29:1
  • University of Central Florida
5

Florida International University

Score: 76.35

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $6,565
    • Out-of-State: $18,963
  • Net Price: $9,881
  • Acceptance Rate: 64%
  • Retention Rate: 91%
  • Graduation Rate: 69%
  • Total Enrollment: 55,609
  • Undergrad Students: 45,688
  • Graduate Students: 9,921
  • Grads Salary: $68,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 24:1
  • Florida International University
6

Regis University

Score: 75.79

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $42,220
    • Out-of-State: $42,220
  • Net Price: $26,377
  • Acceptance Rate: 76%
  • Retention Rate: 72%
  • Graduation Rate: 67%
  • Total Enrollment: 4,668
  • Undergrad Students: 2,398
  • Graduate Students: 2,270
  • Grads Salary: $86,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 9:1
  • Regis University
7

Charter Oak State College

Score: 75.29

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $8,254
    • Out-of-State: $10,796
  • Net Price: $10,191
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 72%
  • Graduation Rate: 57%
  • Total Enrollment: 1,602
  • Undergrad Students: 1,501
  • Graduate Students: 101
  • Grads Salary: $80,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 13:1
  • Charter Oak State College
8

Mercy College of Ohio

Score: 74.73

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $18,950
    • Out-of-State: $18,950
  • Net Price: $14,564
  • Acceptance Rate: 46%
  • Retention Rate: 77%
  • Graduation Rate: 52%
  • Total Enrollment: 1,261
  • Undergrad Students: 1,120
  • Graduate Students: 141
  • Grads Salary: $77,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 5:1
  • Mercy College of Ohio
9

Colorado State University-Fort Collins

Score: 74.21

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $12,874
    • Out-of-State: $32,734
  • Net Price: $16,926
  • Acceptance Rate: 91%
  • Retention Rate: 86%
  • Graduation Rate: 67%
  • Total Enrollment: 33,403
  • Undergrad Students: 25,777
  • Graduate Students: 7,626
  • Grads Salary: $74,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 17:1
  • Colorado State University-Fort Collins
10

American Public University System

Score: 73.58

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $7,360
    • Out-of-State: $7,360
  • Net Price: $11,172
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 90%
  • Graduation Rate: 55%
  • Total Enrollment: 48,668
  • Undergrad Students: 39,206
  • Graduate Students: 9,462
  • Grads Salary: $76,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 24:1
  • American Public University System
11

West Coast University-Orange County

Score: 73.48

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $22,889
    • Out-of-State: $22,889
  • Net Price: $27,933
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 100%
  • Graduation Rate: 73%
  • Total Enrollment: 4,475
  • Undergrad Students: 3,023
  • Graduate Students: 1,452
  • Grads Salary: $77,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 20:1
  • West Coast University-Orange County
12

Drexel University

Score: 72.16

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $58,965
    • Out-of-State: $58,965
  • Net Price: $39,267
  • Acceptance Rate: 80%
  • Retention Rate: 87%
  • Graduation Rate: 78%
  • Total Enrollment: 22,344
  • Undergrad Students: 14,021
  • Graduate Students: 8,323
  • Grads Salary: $80,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 9:1
  • Drexel University
13

Indiana Wesleyan University

Score: 71.03

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $29,684
    • Out-of-State: $29,684
  • Net Price: $21,755
  • Acceptance Rate: 87%
  • Retention Rate: 78%
  • Graduation Rate: 67%
  • Total Enrollment: 2,603
  • Undergrad Students: 2,236
  • Graduate Students: 367
  • Grads Salary: $72,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 13:1
  • Indiana Wesleyan University
14

Saint Joseph's College of Maine

Score: 70.92

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $41,586
    • Out-of-State: $41,586
  • Net Price: $29,625
  • Acceptance Rate: 81%
  • Retention Rate: 77%
  • Graduation Rate: 70%
  • Total Enrollment: 1,478
  • Undergrad Students: 990
  • Graduate Students: 488
  • Grads Salary: $76,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 10:1
  • Saint Joseph's College of Maine
15

Mount Mercy University

Score: 70.77

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $37,606
    • Out-of-State: $37,606
  • Net Price: $24,078
  • Acceptance Rate: 75%
  • Retention Rate: 74%
  • Graduation Rate: 57%
  • Total Enrollment: 1,526
  • Undergrad Students: 1,271
  • Graduate Students: 255
  • Grads Salary: $79,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 13:1
  • Mount Mercy University
16

University of North Alabama

Score: 70.27

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $11,220
    • Out-of-State: $21,420
  • Net Price: $9,837
  • Acceptance Rate: 96%
  • Retention Rate: 76%
  • Graduation Rate: 62%
  • Total Enrollment: 9,830
  • Undergrad Students: 7,214
  • Graduate Students: 2,616
  • Grads Salary: $65,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 18:1
  • University of North Alabama
17

Herzing University-Minneapolis

Score: 70.11

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $12,750
    • Out-of-State: $12,750
  • Net Price: $19,527
  • Acceptance Rate: 94%
  • Retention Rate: 76%
  • Graduation Rate: 71%
  • Total Enrollment: 815
  • Undergrad Students: 808
  • Graduate Students: 7
  • Grads Salary: $67,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 14:1
  • Herzing University-Minneapolis
18

Monroe College

Score: 69.91

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $17,442
    • Out-of-State: $17,442
  • Net Price: $9,157
  • Acceptance Rate: 60%
  • Retention Rate: 70%
  • Graduation Rate: 56%
  • Total Enrollment: 7,011
  • Undergrad Students: 5,916
  • Graduate Students: 1,095
  • Grads Salary: $64,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 16:1
  • Monroe College
19

Elizabethtown College

Score: 69.79

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $35,670
    • Out-of-State: $35,670
  • Net Price: $26,723
  • Acceptance Rate: 81%
  • Retention Rate: 85%
  • Graduation Rate: 76%
  • Total Enrollment: 2,021
  • Undergrad Students: 1,737
  • Graduate Students: 284
  • Grads Salary: $66,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 13:1
  • Elizabethtown College
20

Concordia University-Saint Paul

Score: 69.33

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $24,400
    • Out-of-State: $24,400
  • Net Price: $17,776
  • Acceptance Rate: 69%
  • Retention Rate: 61%
  • Graduation Rate: 51%
  • Total Enrollment: 5,544
  • Undergrad Students: 3,071
  • Graduate Students: 2,473
  • Grads Salary: $76,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 13:1
  • Concordia University-Saint Paul
21

Trevecca Nazarene University

Score: 69.25

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $28,200
    • Out-of-State: $28,200
  • Net Price: $16,080
  • Acceptance Rate: 71%
  • Retention Rate: 74%
  • Graduation Rate: 61%
  • Total Enrollment: 3,327
  • Undergrad Students: 1,867
  • Graduate Students: 1,460
  • Grads Salary: $67,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 22:1
  • Trevecca Nazarene University
22

Trine University

Score: 68.99

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $34,890
    • Out-of-State: $34,890
  • Net Price: $24,276
  • Acceptance Rate: 92%
  • Retention Rate: 78%
  • Graduation Rate: 65%
  • Total Enrollment: 4,088
  • Undergrad Students: 3,819
  • Graduate Students: 269
  • Grads Salary: $72,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 16:1
  • Trine University
23

Middle Tennessee State University

Score: 68.87

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $9,232
    • Out-of-State: $28,264
  • Net Price: $13,062
  • Acceptance Rate: 73%
  • Retention Rate: 76%
  • Graduation Rate: 55%
  • Total Enrollment: 20,086
  • Undergrad Students: 17,438
  • Graduate Students: 2,648
  • Grads Salary: $66,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 16:1
  • Middle Tennessee State University
24

Eastern Kentucky University

Score: 68.71

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $9,844
    • Out-of-State: $20,222
  • Net Price: $10,806
  • Acceptance Rate: 64%
  • Retention Rate: 77%
  • Graduation Rate: 49%
  • Total Enrollment: 14,324
  • Undergrad Students: 12,072
  • Graduate Students: 2,252
  • Grads Salary: $66,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 16:1
  • Eastern Kentucky University
25

Portland State University

Score: 68.21

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $10,806
    • Out-of-State: $29,706
  • Net Price: $16,273
  • Acceptance Rate: 93%
  • Retention Rate: 72%
  • Graduation Rate: 53%
  • Total Enrollment: 21,609
  • Undergrad Students: 16,862
  • Graduate Students: 4,747
  • Grads Salary: $72,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 17:1
  • Portland State University

Associate vs. Bachelor's


In the field of healthcare administration or healthcare management, the certifications that one can earn require that you already have a healthcare administration degree or healthcare management degree. Graduates in healthcare administration with a bachelor's degree will earn more than a student with an associate degree in healthcare administration. In fact, most employers in this field typically require candidates to have a B.S. degree in order to apply. There are additional certifications graduates can obtain to gain an advantage over other candidates. Some of the certifications offered in the field for those with a bachelors of science in healthcare degree include:

  • Executive Certification (CRCE): This certification is completed via an examination that tests a candidate's business, healthcare, communication, and critical thinking skills.
  • Professional Certification: This certification deals more with the financial and billing issues in the industry.
  • Specialist Certification: This certification validates one's capacity to resolve accounts and deal with customer service and collections.
  • Certified Compliance Technician: This certification demonstrates mastery in compliance issues, such as HIPPA, regulatory sanctions, and abuse issues.

What Healthcare Administration B.S. Degrees are Available Online?


Regardless of the names listed below, the degree offered is basically an amalgamation between learning the business issues of finance, economics, accounting, and management with specific health care industry issues that include healthcare organization, finance, management, administration, policy, legal issues, and electronic health care records.

Students who simply complete a business degree with the hopes of employment as a healthcare administrator will find stiff competition from those who possess one of the hybrid business/healthcare degrees listed below:

  • Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration Degree
  • Bachelor of Science in Health Services Administration
  • Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management
  • Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences
  • Bachelor of Science in Public Health

Once one of the above healthcare administration programs has been completed by a student, the student can then pursue an online healthcare administration graduate program or a business and management designed program like an MBA in healthcare management. By achieving and completing both academic degree levels from an accredited college will increase the candidates opportunities for obtaining a position in the healthcare industry.

  • Master of Science in Health Care Administration
  • Master of Science in Health Services Administration
  • Master of Science in Healthcare Management
  • Master of Science in Health Sciences
  • Master of Science in Health Information Management
  • Master of Science in Public Health

Online Admission Requirements


There is a misconception that online programs have less strict requirements for admission. This is often untrue. In fact, online programs often have more strict requirements because they don't just field students right from college. Online programs often recruit students who have been employed in an industry and seek advancement.

Some requirements for admission to a Bachelor's in Healthcare Administration Degree include:

  • A 2.5 to 3.0 GPA
  • Letters of recommendation by teachers or employers
  • A letter of intent
  • Required SAT or ACT scores

Get Matched With Your Healthcare Administration School

How long does it take to earn a Healthcare Administration Degree Online?


How long your program will take mostly depends on how much time you can devote to your studies. Students who are able to focus upon school full-time will likely be able to complete their programs in around four years. Students who attend part-time will likely be able to complete their programs within 6-7 years. Students who have to work and attend school usually take longer than four years to complete their online health care bachelor's degree program. Some programs offer accelerated options and these programs can be completed in around three years.

Potential Careers in Healthcare Administration with a Bachelor’s


  • Nursing Home Administrators:
    Nursing home administrators are charged with the management of staff, finances of the facility, building upkeep, and more. They must ensure that residents at the facility are provided with quality care and meet state licensing requirements.
    Average yearly income: $91,400
  • Clinical Managers:
    Clinical managers are responsible for the management of one department of a facility, such as the surgery, physical therapy, or nursing department. They manage budgets, staff, and department goals and procedures.
    Average yearly income: $71,400
  • Health Information Managers:
    Health information managers ensure the acquisition, maintenance, and security of patient records and facility data. They have to stay abreast of changes in laws and technology. They also manage employees who enter data into medical records. This is a key field in health care administration that is growing. According to the University of Villanova, it is a great idea for health administration candidates to get as much training as possible in this rapidly changing field because candidates with skills in electronic health records are going to find more doors open for them than candidates with other strengths in health care administration.
    Average yearly income: $59,200
  • Insurance Underwriter:
    Insurance underwriters are the personnel who decide if a certain procedure is funded by insurance or not. They must evaluate risk in order to determine coverage amounts and limits.
    Yearly average income: $57,300
  • Social Services Manager:
    A social services manager or community services manager works in a healthcare facility to provide social service support to patients that have unique challenges and problems.
    Yearly average income: $54,100

Options to Advance


Candidates who finish a graduate program are able to find more employment in the field than those with online bachelor's degrees alone because some facilities require their candidates to possess a graduate degree. Graduate degree programs in health administration tend to be two or three years in duration, even online options. There may be a supervised internship required as a part of a traditional or online graduate program.

Also, as discussed above, there are certificate programs available in the field for candidates who have their online bachelor's degree in healthcare administration that will also help them secure better employment in the field. Still others in the field advance by taking on more responsibility. Some healthcare administrators become executives within their organization. Top-level executives within the healthcare industry tend to have both an online bachelor's in healthcare and a graduate degree in health administration or healthcare management.

Frequently Asked Questions


Is a bachelor’s in health administration hard?

Some people think that earning a bachelor’s in this field is quite difficult. After all, you have to learn the principles of business and then also have to learn how to apply those principles to the healthcare field. Thus, these programs are more difficult than most business-focused programs. However, you won’t be adding too much to the existing business program, so it may be no more difficult than earning a minor while completing your major in school. Choosing healthcare administration instead of regular business administration will not require you to take any extra hard science courses and it will not increase your mathematics requirements, so it’s up to you to decide if the change is worth the extra work. Check out your school’s course catalog to see what extra classes you will need for this major.

Are there cons to being a healthcare administrator?

One of the things you should be aware of in this field is that healthcare facilities and services are well regulated in the US. If you choose to work in healthcare administration, then you will need to be aware of these regulations and work hard to ensure that your facility meets all of them. Learning about these regulations is the main addition to business courses that you will need to finish a degree in healthcare administration. Those working in this field are also likely to see long hours. While this is true for many business administration roles, it can be extra stressful when the health of patients depends on your work and staffing levels. This can make healthcare administration a very stressful field for those who work long hours within it.

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