Entering the world of healthcare administration with an online bachelor’s degree can open doors to a growing career. What’s great about healthcare is that it has something for everyone. Some folks want to be part of medicine but not work directly with patients. With an online healthcare management degree, you can tap into the expanding healthcare field while working in an office. There are also opportunities in nursing homes, where the most job growth is predicted. Healthcare administrators have knowledge and experience in areas like:
- healthcare finance
- human resource management
- medical practice management
This article explores the best online degrees in healthcare administration and management to help you get started on the path to a career in the healthcare industry.
Ranking Factors
Earning your healthcare administration degree online involves searching through many different factors. The following list of the 10 Best Online Healthcare Administration Degree Programs consists of the most credible online bachelor’s programs. All schools on this list are ranked by the PayScale College ROI Report: Best Value Colleges.
The ranking lists consist of factors such as value, graduation rates, student satisfaction, online tools, and accessibility. The best online healthcare degree in administration for you is here. Tuition rates were not considered. All healthcare administration schools in our ranking offer financial aid, including scholarships, grants, and loans. Financial aid packages can allow students to study for little to no cost, despite the price tag.
10. University of Toledo – Toledo, Ohio
Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration
Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Cost Per Credit: $428.53
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
The University of Toledo offers one of the top health administration degrees online with their Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration. This Health administration degree program is offered as a traditional online four-year program as well as a 2+2 year program. The four-year program can be completed entirely online. Graduates receive a Bachelor of Science Degree in Healthcare Administration and a General Minor in Business. The 2+2 health management degree online is designed for students who already have an associate’s degree in a health related field. The prepares students to work in a variety of settings including:
- hospitals
- long term care
- outpatient facilities
- physician offices
- mental health organizations
- insurance companies
Students have the opportunity to complete an internship to gain practical experience in a hospital or other health care facility. Online students receive full support with access to a support coach and advisor. Students also have access to programs such as eTutoring and the eLibrary.
Healthcare administration course offerings include:
- Quality Improvement in Health Care
- Problem Solving in Health Care Environment
- Health Care Finance
- Leadership and Management in Health Care
Reason for Ranking: The University of Toledo has a program that gives students an in-depth look into the industry. UToledo has created a program for both transfer students and freshman which is rather unique for this major. Aspiring health services managers have the opportunity to complete a summer internship. The university has a graduation rate of 55%.
9. Champlain College – Burlington, Vermont
Online Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration Degree Program
Student to Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Cost Per Credit: $335
Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
Champlain College is a top healthcare administration online school, offering a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration. The program benefits working adults. They learn from faculty who are experts in the field. Champlain’s Healthcare Administration program allows students to earn a certificate before graduation.
This 120-credit hour program is challenges students to think about the industry differently. Students develop an understanding of the challenges and opportunities they’ll encounter in the workplace. They’ll also gain the skills needed to address those complex problems. Healthcare administration courses include:
- Navigating the US Healthcare System
- Catalyzing Positive Organizational Behavior
- Foundations of Project Management
With the flexible online format, Champlain students can attend school whenever and wherever it is most convenient. The relevant coursework prepares students for success in their career. Students work closely with an academic advisor to meet their academic goals, one course at a time.
Reason for Ranking: Champlain College is a small institution that provides online students with the support they need to succeed. The expected completion time varies due to different students transferring credits. The actual Bachelor of Science program is 120 credits (transfer up to 90 credits). The program is 100% online with no scheduled class meeting times.
Students have 24/7 access to courses. With six start dates and the courses offered on seven-week terms, students experience full flexibility. Since students cannot complete all four years at once, it limits the number who can apply.
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8. Liberty University – Lynchburg, Virginia
Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration
Student to Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Cost Per Credit: $390
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
Liberty University offers a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration. Students have the option to choose a minor to expand their coursework. The program prepares students for careers in the fields of human resources, patient care services and medical staff relations, working in hospitals and doctors offices.
Liberty University states their healthcare management online degree program integrates faith with professional learning field. Students are adequately prepared to serve in the medical field. Featured courses include:
- Legal and Ethical Issues in Healthcare
- Introduction to Healthcare Administration
- Human Resource Management in Healthcare Administration
- Public and Community Health for Business
Students must complete 120 credit hours to graduate with 50% of major courses taken at Liberty University. Courses are offered in an eight-week format and there are eight different start dates throughout the year.
Reason for Ranking: Even though Liberty University is the youngest college on this list, they have risen to be a respectable university. Their online students receive the same opportunities as their on-campus students. Liberty recognizes the needs of working adults and credits students for life experience. Liberty’s curriculum is heavily centered on Christian principles, perhaps sacrificing preparation in the actual field of study. A graduation rate of 66% indicates significant student satisfaction, but the program may not fit everyone.
See Also: Best Bachelor’s in Healthcare Management
7. Western Governors University – Salt Lake City, Utah
Online BS Degree in Healthcare Administration Degree
Student to Faculty Ratio: 42:1
Total Cost of Program: $15,820
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
The online healthcare administration degree program from Western Governors University is accredited by the ACBSP. Students will gain the skills needed for entry-level positions in settings like:
- skilled nursing and residential care facilities
- large hospitals
- case management organizations
- community health organizations
The program consists of 40 relevant and timely courses. Students with previous college experience may be able to waive some of these classes. Course offerings include:
- Healthcare Delivery Systems, Regulations, and Compliance
- Financial Resource Management in Healthcare
- Technology Applications in Healthcare
- Healthcare Quality Improvement and Risk Management
All students complete a healthcare management capstone. Students integrate and synthesize their skills and knowledge while completing a final project.
Reason for Ranking: WGU offers a unique tuition structure where students pay a flat rate per six-month term. They take exams when they feel ready and access courses when it is most convenient. This flexibility is highly valued by working students. Most students can complete their degree in under three years.
6. Franklin University – Columbus, Ohio
Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management
Student to Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Cost Per Credit: $398
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Franklin offers a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management. The program is both as an initial and subsequent bachelor degree. This degree prepares students for management roles in facilities like acute care hospitals, long-term care facilities, and ambulatory centers. Students can also work in;
- insurance companies
- pharmaceutical companies
- consulting firms
Faculty are working professionals, so students benefit from their current experiences. Since Franklin specializing in reaching adult learners, their courses are offered on various flexible schedules. Students have the option of taking courses in 6, 12, or 15-week formats.
Students at Franklin can transfer up to 94 credits, more than most other colleges will accept. This is likely why more than 90% of Franklin students transfer courses. Students also have easy access to their academic advisor to get the support they need.
The curriculum gives students hands-on experience and case studies. The program also includes field experiences in hospitals and other healthcare facilities. The program is 100% online for the convenience of students. If students already have previous healthcare or technical credits, they may qualify for the Allied Healthcare Management Major, allowing them to finish their degree even faster.
Students must complete 124 credit hours to graduate. They can choose from many different courses to complete general education requirements. If transferring less than 30 credits, students have to take Basic Learning Strategies. They are also required to pass College Writing and a Communications course. Students also have the option to complete a minor to supplement their coursework.
Reason for Ranking: Franklin University is specializing in serving adult learners. Students returning to school will find a good support system at Franklin University. Franklin also allows students to transfer up to 94 credits, where many colleges only allow up to 90. The option to complete a minor gives students a chance to have an edge on their competitors in the workforce. Franklin’s graduation rate is 49%. They have a strong program which gives students a well-rounded exposure to the health management field.
5. Saint Leo University – Saint Leo, Florida
Bachelor’s Degree in Healthcare Administration Online
Student to Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Average Net Price: $26,240/year
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
Saint Leo offers a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration. The program is for students who want to work in places like hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, medical laboratories, and nursing care facilities. The program puts a large emphasis on leadership skills and mixes liberal arts courses with business courses.
Students in the Healthcare Administration program have to complete an internship, but they may request a waiver if they have significant health care management or administrative experience. Healthcare administration students can expect to take courses in areas like:
- Strategic Management of Health Care Systems
- Healthcare Financial Management
- Healthcare Policy Analysis
- Legal and ethical Challenges Facing the Industry
Students need to complete 120 credits to graduate.
Reason for Ranking: Saint Leo University has a curriculum that gives its students a well-rounded education beyond their academic major. Although a Catholic institution, students are not pressured to take on certain philosophies, making it open to anyone who wants to study. Even online students have access to the full collegiate environment with clubs and peer mentoring organizations. Tutoring and a library with over 290,000 ebooks and book delivery makes sure online learners have all the resources they need.
4. Tiffin University – Tiffin, Ohio
Bachelor of Business Administration in Healthcare Management
Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Cost Per Credit: $525
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Tiffin university offers the Bachelor of Business Administration in Healthcare Management. Anyone who has a high school diploma can apply for Tiffin’s online studies program. The program is set up so that each of the courses build on one another. The courses are on seven-week terms starting in January, March, May, July, August, and October.
Students have the option to waive Freshman Studies depending on their transfer credits. Tiffin University’s curriculum is liberal arts oriented, so students get a well-rounded education. The general coursework required ties in with the student’s major. Healthcare management majors take courses like:
- Organizational Behavior
- Healthcare Informatics
- Healthcare Operations
- Social Aspects of Aging
Students need to complete 121 credit hours to graduate.
Reason for Ranking: Tiffin University receives a high ranking because they are committed to helping online students succeed. Tiffin has a graduation rate of 45%. Surveys reveal a high student satisfaction. The healthcare administration online degree students have the option to complete elective coursework in a concentration such as acute care, long-term care, mental health or public health.
3. Drexel University – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Bachelor of Science in Health Services Administration
Student to Faculty Ratio: 9:1
Cost Per Credit: $459
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Drexel University Online offers a Bachelor of Science in Health Services Administration. The program is for working professionals. Employees of partnering companies receive reduced tuition. The program is available on a part-time basis. Graduating students can work in clinics, insurance companies, private practices, nursing homes and more.
Drexel University schedules courses on a quarter system. Students can transfer up to 135 quarter hours, which is the equivalent of 90 semester hours. The curriculum covers health care and business courses. Health services administration core requirements include:
- Healthcare Ethics
- Healthcare Marketing
- Leadership in Health Services Administration
Reason for Ranking: Drexel University Online awards students the same prestigious degree that on-campus students receive. Students are able to complete all credits online. Drexel is the only university on this list that offers online students a study abroad opportunity. Drexel supports working students as well as the military, with some students qualifying for reduced tuition rates.
Drexel University Online provides students with access to the Library, Writing Center, Career Center and 24/7 technical support. Students can also get a Medical Billing and Coding certificate before graduation, with credits applied to the major. A graduation rate of 78% indicates a high student satisfaction.
2. Florida Institute of Technology-Online – Melbourne, Florida
Bachelor in Business Administration/Healthcare Management
Student to Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Cost Per Credit: $510
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
Florida Tech offers a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with a specialization in Healthcare Management. The program gives students exposure to topics such as management, ethics, and managed care. There are no on-campus residency requirements, making this a great choice for working professionals. Students complete a high number of business courses in addition to healthcare management. The program is good for students who want to work right away as well as those considering graduate study.
- Students must complete 121 credits to graduate. Core courses include:
Quality Improvement Methods in Healthcare- Health Planning and Policy Management
- Continuous quality Management
Students receive support from an enrollment advisor and have access to online tutoring and the online library.
Reason for Ranking: Florida Institute of Technology is a top ranked university with doctorate level faculty. Students studying online receive full support including 24/7 support, MP3 lectures and MP4 video lectures available. The program allows for students to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration which gives them more marketability on their resumes.
Students are also prepared to study for an MBA if they choose. Florida Tech has a graduation rate of 66% and a diverse alumni network. Students across all fields have an average starting pay of $85,000.
1. Pennsylvania State University-World Campus – University Park, Pennsylvania
Bachelor of Science in Health Policy and Administration
Student to Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Price Per Semester: $7,602 over 12 credits per semester
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Penn State World Campus is the online equivalent to Penn State University. Calling the school Penn State-World Campus gives online students a sense of community. They are part of a college campus without having to be physically present.
Penn State offers the Online Bachelor of Science in Health Policy and Administration. They state that a bachelor’s degree in this field will help you “acquire the skills and knowledge you need to understand the issues involved in providing access to quality health care at a reasonable cost.” Students learn from a faculty with more than 50 years of experience teaching undergraduate healthcare. A network of 4,000 alumni shows the steady progress of the program.
Students have to complete a field experience which allows them to apply knowledge taught in the program. The field experience, also referred to as a practicum or internship, should be completed before the final semester. The field experience is two parts. The first is a three-credit course which covers resume and cover letters, interviewing skills, computer usage, and discussion on HIPPA laws. The second part is the internship in a health service organization for a minimum of 400 hours. Students complete a weekly log and participate in online discussions about their experiences. They are also required to complete a paper on their internship.
Reason for Ranking: A wide variety of courses and a required internship has earned Penn State the top spot on this ranking list. A two-part field experience gives students real-world experience that will help students to be sure if the field is something they want to do. The faculty is experienced in teaching online and offer a career-focused curriculum.
The tuition is surprisingly affordable. This university has a graduation rate of 36%. The best part, Penn State-World Campus students are Penn State graduates. They earn the same prestigious degree as students who study on-campus. They also become part of the largest alumni network in the nation.