In the coming years, the American healthcare industry will require hundreds of thousands of new employees to keep up with the demands of an aging population. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing estimates that 641,800 new nurses will be needed by 2032. Approximately 122,000 new doctors will be needed by 2032, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges.
Hospitals and healthcare systems will need new administrators to oversee this personnel influx. Prospective healthcare leaders can prepare for this challenging field by pursuing one of the five best bachelor’s in healthcare administration.
Related Article: 25 Best Online Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration
Last update: February 14, 2025
We do the research, so you don’t have to!
That’s right, we get the hard work out of the way. We know that you have educational goals that you’re itching to pursue, but you may not know where to start. We’ve crafted a unique and proven ranking methodology that sets us apart. Our ranking score is based on the following three aspects:
- 40% Potential salary after graduation
- 30% Individual program accreditation
- 30% Overall affordability
In addition, to supply you with the best of the best in Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration degree programs, we considered the following points when compiling this list, such as:
- Prepares graduates for career placement in Healthcare Administration,
- The school’s ability to provide a quality Bachelor’s degree program in the field of Healthcare Administration,
- Offering various learning degree formats, such as online, on-campus, or hybrid coursework,
- Taught by professionals in the field of Healthcare Administration,
- Offers financial aid opportunities, such as federal loans, scholarships, and grants.
Want to learn more about how we gather that information? Feel free to visit our dedicated methodology page for a step-by-step breakdown. We’re an open book!
If you’re interested in healthcare administration, be sure to check our list of the 5 Best Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration!
Regis University
Regis University is considered one of the best schools for healthcare administration due to its location and faculty reputation. The school’s Denver campus provides easy access to internships and employment with organizations like Centura Health and HealthONE.
U.S. News & World Report recognized Regis with a No. 76 rank for Best Undergraduate Teaching and No. 202 among National Universities.
The Rueckert-Hartman College for Health Professions sets a 2.5 GPA minimum before a student can pursue the online Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration. This GPA is calculated based on at least 12 undergraduate credits, including a required composition course. Regis University estimates completion of this degree in as little as 24 months, with full-time study.
Eleven required courses, such as Health Care Informatics, Policy, and Project Management, can be finished without setting foot in a classroom. Each course is offered in an accelerated 8-week format to accommodate working students.
A senior capstone project demonstrates a student’s familiarity with healthcare trends and best practices. Regis University prepares seniors for future careers with an internship requirement and resources through its Center for Career and Professional Development.
University of Mary
The University of Mary is the youngest institution on this list, with its first classes held in 1959. This Catholic university is based in Bismarck, ND, but it maintains campuses in five states and two other countries.
Niche’s 2020 grades ranked the University of Mary No. 93 among the Best Catholic Colleges in America and No. 463 among the Top Private Universities in America.
The Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration emphasizes flexibility and efficiency for working students. Admitted students can complete courses during the day, in the evening, or entirely online. This program can be finished in as little as four semesters when students study full-time. Eager applicants can get started quickly, thanks to 5-week terms scheduled throughout the year.
In-person students complete 25 required courses, while online students complete 22. Foundational courses in accounting, communications, and statistics prepare every student for complex management concepts. Day and evening students combine internships with upper-level courses, though the internship requirement is waived for online students.
Advanced courses explore subjects like human resources management and financial management in health care. The University of Mary maintains a senior competency testing requirement for all students seeking graduation.
California State University-Long Beach
California State University, Long Beach was founded in 1949 to provide an affordable college education for people in the Los Angeles suburbs. Forbes confirmed the school’s reputation for value with a No. 37 rank among America’s Best Value Colleges 2019.
Programs like its Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration have contributed to a No. 7 rank among the Top Performers on Social Mobility from U.S. News & World Report in 2019-2020.
Undergraduates at California State University, Long Beach are eligible to enter the program after completing 14 credits of prerequisites, and the program requires an undergraduate GPA of at least 2.6. The Department of Health Care Administration requires 12 core courses on topics such as Medical Terminology and Management and Information Systems.
Juniors and seniors in the program select three electives in subjects from Global Issues in Health Services to Medical Group Practice Management. The curriculum also features two required courses of field experience, which must total at least 240 hours.
Seniors select from 300 approved internship options in Southern California. Graduates of the program can further their studies with the university’s traditional or accelerated Master of Science in Health Care Administration.
Stonehill College
Stonehill College held its first classes in 1948 on a quaint campus in North Eaton, MA. This Catholic university maintains a degree partnership with the University of Notre Dame, in Indiana. Niche’s 2020 grades placed Stonehill College at No. 42 among the Best Catholic Colleges in America and No. 116 in Best Value Colleges in America.
College Factual identified the Bachelor’s in Health Care Administration at Stonehill College as the No. 1 program in the nation for Health & Medical Administrative Services. Stonehill College creates strong foundations with lower-level courses in American Sign Language, Health Care Foundations, and AIDS and Emerging Infections. The curriculum challenges upper-level students with advanced lessons in Health Care Finance, Supply Chain Management, and Leadership.
Faculty members test student competencies with real-world cases through the required senior seminar. A 400-hour internship, completed between the junior and senior years, prepares each student for a healthcare job.
Stonehill College has connected interns with organizations like the American Cancer Society and Yale-New Haven Hospital. The BS in Health Care Administration has led to alumni careers with organizations such as Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee provides a good launching pad for graduates of its Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration program. U.S. News & World Report promotes the school’s academic reputation with a No. 293 rank among National Universities for 2019-2020. The Milwaukee metro area features major healthcare employers like Aurora Health Care, Froedtert Health, and Ascension.
The College of Health Sciences requires a 2.5 GPA in general education courses as a prerequisite for the major. Prospective majors also need to complete six required courses ranging from Public Speaking to Health Care Delivery in the United States. Upper-level students advance to courses on Health Care Process Measurement, Principles of Marketing, and Reimbursement Systems.
Every student must complete an internship in health care administration prior to graduation. The College of Health Sciences sets a 120-hour minimum for all internships. The UWM Career Planning & Resource Center connects seniors with internships throughout the region, including the Wisconsin Heart Hospital and Northwestern Mutual. Alumni of the program typically receive job offers within six months of their final courses.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can increase your career potential with a bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration. This means when you graduate from college, it won’t be difficult to qualify for jobs because you’ll have the knowledge and skills employers look for in candidates. Your job prospects should be favorable because the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 29% growth in jobs through 2033 for medical and health services managers.
Good pay and a stable career. These are the main reasons people get degrees in healthcare administration. Having a degree can help you qualify for jobs, and with a 29% job growth expected through 2033, there are plenty of jobs out there. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 61,400 openings for health managers each year for the next 10 years.
The cost of a Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration varies by institution, location, and program duration. On average, tuition for such programs can range from $30,000 to $50,000, but you should check specific universities for accurate and up-to-date cost information.
The average pay for medical and health services managers, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, is $110,680/year. The top 10% make over $216,750/year. But where you work can impact your pay. The 3 top-paying industries for healthcare administrators and managers include:
• Hospitals: $128,740/year
• Government: $125,590/year
• Outpatient care centers: $104,710/year
A Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration takes full-time students four years to complete, on average. Most programs require 120 credits, which means students must complete between 12 and 15 credits each semester to graduate in four years.
With a healthcare administration degree, you can pursue various roles in healthcare management and administration. Some common job options include:
• Clinic Manager
• Healthcare Administrator/Manager
• Healthcare Consultant
• Healthcare Operations Manager
• Healthcare Policy Analyst
• Health Information Manager
• Health Services Manager
• Hospital Administrator
• Medical and Health Services Manager
• Nursing Home Administrator
Healthcare administration programs cover a blend of business, management, and healthcare-related courses. While the material can involve complex concepts, it’s manageable for those with a strong interest in healthcare and organizational management. With good study habits and a strong interest in the field, you should do well.
Healthcare administrators need strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills. You should also understand healthcare regulations, finance, and technology. Effective decision-making, organizational management, and the ability to work collaboratively are crucial. But most important is your commitment to improving healthcare delivery and creating a safe environment for patients.
Not a ton. Healthcare administration programs include some quantitative aspects, such as healthcare finance or statistical analysis, but the level of math required isn’t tremendous. The emphasis is on managerial and organizational skills, policy analysis, and understanding healthcare systems rather than advanced mathematical calculations.
For the right person, it can be fulfilling and rewarding. It offers the opportunity to contribute to the improvement of healthcare delivery, manage organizational challenges, and impact patient care indirectly. Success in this field often brings a sense of accomplishment in supporting efficient healthcare systems.
Be sure to check out: 5 Best Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Health Informatics
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