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Master's in Healthcare Administration Online Accredited MHA Program

Peter Forcelli, a 2015 master's in healthcare administration alum, viewing charts on a computer while holding a baby.

Cost per credit $637

Total courses 12

Term length 10 weeks

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Program Overview Why get a master's in healthcare administration online?

The healthcare industry needs more than just clinicians — it needs leaders like you who can help people of all kinds gain access to the best care. Southern New Hampshire University's online Master of Science (MS) in Healthcare Administration will teach you how to effectively oversee the operations of departments, floors, units or even entire facilities. Beyond healthcare education, you'll explore finance, law, policy, informatics and strategic planning, so you can feel confident in every aspect of your future career.

Skills you'll learn:

  • Interpersonal abilities and applications
  • Organizational development and operation tactics
  • Data interpretation and analysis methods
  • Information management system proficiencies
  • Company-wide planning strategies 
  • Applications of best business practices  
Peter Forcelli, who earned his master's in healthcare administration in 2015, sitting at a kitchen table in a buttondown dress shirt.

Courses & Curriculum Career-focused online healthcare administration classes

Our rigorous curriculum was developed by well-respected practitioners and aligns with standards from both the Association of University Programs in Health Administration (AUPHA) and Healthcare Leadership Alliance (HLA). It's regularly reviewed by an advisory board comprised of healthcare professionals across the industry to reflect the industry's latest developments. 

Degree Courses

Gain knowledge and skills in Healthcare Administration courses

This program requires you to take classes within 3 critical disciplines – integrated health profession, organizational leadership and health information management.

Courses may include:

Course ID: HIM 500
Students will learn the history and current state of healthcare and how the industry uses information systems. Throughout the course students will discuss types of information systems, such as the electronic medical record (EMR), laboratory and radiology systems and more. Students will also study trends in new practices, such as telemedicine and home healthcare, and how they function in various healthcare settings. Finally, students will explore how these and other industry trends, with the use of technology, can improve patient care.
Course ID: HCM 700
This capstone course will integrate previous coursework and practical experience with a focus on authentic demonstration of competencies outlined by the program. Rather than introducing new concepts, students will synthesize and integrate prior learning to design, develop, and execute a capstone as a culmination of their studies. The course will be structured to support student success in fulfilling program requirements and developing a well-thought-out, comprehensive project.
Course ID: IHP 501
In this interprofessional course, learners will explore major global health challenges and their impact on healthcare delivery systems. Topics explored include determinants of health, multiple approaches to advance health, social justice principles, and strategies to advocate for social justice. Learners will gain knowledge to apply social justice and human rights principles to address global health and wellness.
Course ID: IHP 525
This course provides students with a basic foundation of biostatistics and its role in public health and health sciences. The course covers the statistical principles that govern the analysis of data in public health and health sciences. Included in this course are exploratory data analysis, probability theory, confidence interval testing, hypotheses testing, power and sample size determination, and multivariable methods.
Course ID: IHP 604
This interprofessional course will take learners through the process of healthcare delivery from a quality and safety lens. Learners will gain a deeper understanding of how quality is measured, tracked, and improved in healthcare. They will focus on organizational assessments, commonly used tools, and the application of analytical frameworks to identify the root cause of an event. Learners will gain knowledge of healthcare data relevance, use of change management principles and tools, and evaluation methods.
Course ID: IHP 610
In this interprofessional course, students will examine the ways that stakeholders and interest groups can influence health law and policies. Students will examine ways to articulate the needs of individuals, communities, and vulnerable populations based on cultural, socioeconomic, and political factors to key decision makers. They will explore concepts and principles of public health, health law, health policy, finance, and risk management in healthcare. Students will gain knowledge regarding health law and policy to inform decision-making.
Course ID: IHP 620
This course provides the student with a rigorous introduction to the micro- and macroeconomic theory to understand the healthcare landscape both from a financing and policy perspective. Topics explored include market behavior; demand theory; production and cost theory; decision-making in competitive and non-competitive markets, Gross Domestic Product determination; unemployment and inflation; and fiscal and monetary policy.
Course ID: IHP 630
In this interprofessional course, students will explore healthcare reimbursement systems and financial principles relevant to strategic planning for healthcare organizations. Topics explored include revenue cycle management, governmental and non-governmental payment methodologies, and financial accounting principles. Students will gain knowledge of reimbursement methods and models, regulatory compliance requirements, and collaborative teamwork principles related to revenue cycle management.
Course ID: IHP 670
In this interprofessional course, students will explore program planning, design, and evaluation. Topics explored include needs assessment, cultural competency, ethics, and data analytics. Students will utilize project, financial, and resource management skills to achieve the outcomes of the proposed program. They will gain an understanding of how community needs assessments and resource allocation are used in program proposals. Students will also apply leadership skills that facilitate the program planning process.
Course ID: OL 600
Examine key regulatory procedures and human resource requirements as they relate to applications in organizations. Analyze the strategic role of the human resource manager in performing functions of recruitment, hiring, training, career development and other contemporary processes within the organizational setting. Study concepts aligned with the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Body of Competency and Knowledge (BoCK).
Course ID: OL 665
This course is a study of planning, budgeting, control and other management activities in the context of the not-for-profit institution.
Visit the course catalog to view the full MS Healthcare Administration curriculum.

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Upcoming term starts: October 14, 2024 | January 06, 2024

Next term starts:
July 29, 2024

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Online Student Experience What’s it like going to SNHU?

Attending college online at SNHU can be a life-changing experience. In fact, 93.2% of online students would recommend SNHU according to a 2023 survey with 21,000+ respondents.

What to expect:

10-week terms

Learn around your schedule

24/7 online support

Online Classroom

What does an online course look like?

You’ll take your courses within SNHU’s Brightspace platform. This is where you’ll find your:

  • Schedule of weekly assignments
  • Discussion boards
  • Grades
  • Instructor announcements
How to Take an Online Class at SNHU
5 ways SNHU makes the admission process "easy-peasy" #shorts

Admission Applying to SNHU is fast and free

No application fee. No test scores. And no college essay. Just a simple form with basic information. It’s another way SNHU helps you reach your goals sooner.

All it takes is 3 simple steps

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You’ll fill out one form to verify your high school completion or GED. Then, if you’ve attended college before, you’ll submit a form for each school so we can request your transcripts for you. (Also for free!)

After reviewing your official evaluation, you can decide if SNHU is right for you! If you choose to enroll, just pick your start date and get ready for classes to begin.

Talk to an admission counselor: 888.327.SNHU | enroll@snhu.edu

Accreditations

SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), which means we meet certain standards of academic quality, and have the tools and resources necessary for students to be successful. The university also carries specialized accreditations for some programs.

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Tuition Cost & Savings College can be more affordable than you think

As a nonprofit university, SNHU offers some of the lowest online tuition rates in the country. And when you work with our Financial Services team, we'll explore ways to help you save even more on your education – and customize a payment plan that works for you.

Online graduate programs

Student
Cost per credit
Cost per course
Cost for 36-credit degree*
Full- and part-time students
$637
$1,911
$22,932
Active-duty military and spouses | Full- and part-time students**
$470
$1,410
$16,920

*before previously earned credits are applied

Tuition rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually.

**Note: Students receiving this rate are not eligible for additional discounts.

Additional costs: Course materials vary by course.

Transfer credits and lower your cost by:

$1,911 $3,822 $5,733 $7,644
Transfer credits and lower your cost by:

If 3 of your prior learning credits ($637/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $17,199

If 6 of your prior learning credits ($637/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $15,288

If 9 of your prior learning credits ($637/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $13,377

If 12 of your prior learning credits ($637/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $11,466

How we estimate your tuition cost:

We look at the cost per credit multiplied by the number of credits you need to earn for a master's degree. Most master's degrees require 36 credits. SNHU allows you to transfer in up to 12 credits, requiring a minimum of 24 credits to be taken at SNHU. This is only a tuition estimator and doesn't account for other fees that may be associated with your program of choice.

Career Outlook What can I do with a master's in healthcare administration online degree?

The demand for qualified healthcare administrators only continues to grow as medical technology advances and each generation continues to lead longer lives. Once in this role, you'll be responsible for managing growth in human capital, leading strategic planning efforts and navigating the U.S. healthcare system, which is heavily influenced by public policy, government leadership and legislation.

Industries

According to the Association of University Programs in Health Administration (AUPHA), healthcare executives have the opportunity to make a significant contribution to improving the health of the citizens in the communities they serve.2 They also have the opportunity to work in thousands of health services organizations throughout the U.S. and the world, including:

Offer strategic recommendations to healthcare organizations to improve care and efficiency.

Provide medical equipment, office supplies and other items to hospitals and healthcare organizations.

Help people get access to healthcare through federal and state-funded programs, like Medicare and Medicaid.

Work within communities to provide greater access to medical care and assistance.

Help ensure hospital departments, staffing, equipment and more are functioning at optimal levels.

Work with hospitals, federal agencies and other organizations to provide insurance coverage and process claims.

28%

Increase in roles for medical and health service managers through 2032, projected by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).1

$110,680

Median annual pay for medical and health service managers as of May 2023, according to the BLS.1

Understanding the numbers
When reviewing job growth and salary information, it’s important to remember that actual numbers can vary due to many different factors—like years of experience in the role, industry of employment, geographic location, worker skill and economic conditions. Cited projections do not guarantee actual salary or job growth.

What SNHU students are saying

Stacey Marrazo '20 '22G
Stacey Marrazo '20 '22G
The professors were all professionals with experience in the field they were teaching. It was almost like being able to follow them through their work and understand the inner workings of the job.
Stacey Marrazo '20 '22G

Frequently Asked Questions

Deciding to earn your master's in healthcare administration could be a wise choice if you want to take your career to the next level. While it is possible to get a job in healthcare administration with a bachelor's degree, requirements vary by employer, job function and position title.

Bambi Dixon with the text Bambi DixonAt SNHU, we believe learning is a lifelong journey. The MS in Healthcare Administration is a great degree option for those who have been working in healthcare and are on the leadership trajectory or for those looking to enter the field. It provides students with a breadth of knowledge in critical assets of healthcare including reimbursement, quality improvement, strategic planning and marketing for nonprofits.

Many prospective students worry about having to leave work or reduce working hours to earn their graduate degrees. SNHU's online programs have been carefully designed with the lives of busy working adults in mind. A great number of our students find that the online nature of our programs gives them the ability to enroll as part-time students while continuing to work full-time jobs.

"SNHU offered the program and flexibility that I needed as an adult student that allowed me to complete coursework on my time and schedule and at my own pace," said Bambi Dixon, Class of 2022 and full-time healthcare professional. "Once I started the courses and realized that I could set my schedule, it was easier to develop a routine and schedule to ensure that I didn’t ever miss a deadline for projects and assignments."

When you earn your master's degree in healthcare administration, you take a step in readying yourself for job roles such as healthcare administrator, healthcare executive and medical and health services manager – and could eventually lead to C-suite positions.

Healthcare administrator jobs go by many titles, so you’ll want to consider the area of expertise and type of facility you’re interested in working in throughout your job search. At this level in your career, you could find yourself managing and directing in spaces such as government, hospitals, nursing homes, doctors' offices and nonprofit organizations.

As a healthcare administrator, you could find yourself working with doctors, nurses, technicians, organization leadership and other healthcare workers. As a leader in your organization, you'll be responsible for ensuring the quality and efficiency of services offered and advocating for patients. Depending on the environment you work in, you could also find yourself interacting with patients and insurance agents regularly.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical and health service managers made a median annual salary of $104,830 in May 2022 –  higher than the median annual wages in all other management occupations.1

The BLS also reported the highest median annual wages for medical and health services managers in these top industries:

  • Government. Work in government-funded positions at branches of the military, Veterans Health Administration, federal prisons and more.
  • Hospitals. State, local and private hospital settings provide plenty of opportunities for healthcare administrators in a specific unit or wing – or manage the entire organization.
  • Nursing and residential care facilities. With the baby boomer generation advancing in age, there's an increasing need for assisted-living facilities – meaning an increasing demand for administrators. Be aware, all 50 states require nursing home administrators to obtain licensure.
  • Offices of physicians. Private physicians' offices of all disciplines rely on healthcare administrators. This includes primary care, dentists, walk-in clinics and more.
  • Outpatient care centers. Look for opportunities at organizations offering outpatient services such as minor surgeries, rehabilitation treatments, mental health services and substance abuse treatments.

Most students can expect to earn their master's in healthcare administration in about 2 years.

At SNHU, the length of your degree program is dependent on how many courses you choose to take each term. Though our online graduate healthcare administration program was designed to fit the lives of busy learners, and many of our students opt to study part time while maintaining full-time jobs, SNHU affords students flexibility by allowing students to take one or two courses per term. This means you can complete your degree in as few as 15 months as a full-time student.

To enroll in a master's in healthcare administration program, you will need to have already earned your undergraduate degree.

While your bachelor's degree does not have to be in healthcare for admission into SNHU's MS in Healthcare Administration, we want to ensure that students come equipped with the foundational knowledge to be successful in the program. After review of your undergraduate transcripts, you may need to take 1-2 courses prior to beginning the MS in Healthcare Administration program.

Our master's in healthcare administration curriculum requires you to take courses in integrated health, organizational leadership and health information management. These 3 areas of study will expose you to the healthcare knowledge and leadership skills necessary to succeed in a healthcare administration role.

After completing the master’s in healthcare administration program, you’ll have been given the knowledge and skills to demonstrate 4 competencies that the Association of University Programs in Health Administration (AUPHA) has identified as critical to succeeding in the field:

  • Communication
  • Computational skills
  • Critical thinking
  • Societal and cultural context

SNHU does not require GMAT or GRE scores for admission into our graduate programs. You can apply at any time and receive an admission decision within days of submitting the required documents. And since we have 5 graduate terms per year, a new term start is always right around the corner – meaning you don't have to wait to start your degree program.

The cost of a master's in healthcare administration varies depending on a few factors including where you decide to earn your degree and whether or not you have credits to transfer in.

Choosing to earn your degree online at SNHU is a great choice if you're looking for an affordable, quality program. We accept up to 12 transfer credits for our graduate programs, which could save you time and money.

Barring any transfer credits you might have, SNHU's 36-credit master's in healthcare administration program has a tuition cost of $22,572. This figure is not inclusive of additional costs such as fees and course materials.

But that number also doesn't include financial aid that you might apply and qualify for. Our Student Financial Services team is on hand to help you create a customized payment plan that makes SNHU's already-low tuition even more affordable.

Starting the application process can be an integral part of your research in finding the right degree, so you can understand exactly how much your specific program will cost you.

"Over several months, I researched different schools, but I kept coming back to SNHU," said Caitlin Regan '21G. "I liked that it is a nonprofit, and I loved that tuition rates were lower than most."

Educational requirements for landing a position as an administrator, chief executive officer, chief operating officer, president or vice president of a hospital vary.

Because hospital administrators are in charge of large organizations with multifunctional teams, many years of prior experience in the healthcare field is often required by employers hiring for upper-level healthcare administration positions. A master's program – such as a master's in health administration or MBA degree – is also emphasized by employers at this level because it provides both the leadership skills and technical healthcare knowledge one needs to run a hospital or healthcare system. This is often in addition to a medical degree at the doctorate level.

Suzanne Rapoza with the text Suzanne RapozaMany people in high-level healthcare roles come from clinical backgrounds such as nursing. Take Suzanne Rapoza ’15G, a graduate of SNHU's master's in healthcare administration program. She spent well over a decade as a nurse at a senior living facility before moving into roles like VP of health resources and executive director of a memory care community. As her career and responsibilities grew, she realized she had extensive experience as a nurse but little knowledge of the business side of the facility.

With the encouragement of the president and CEO, she pursued a master's degree in healthcare administration, which Rapoza said encompassed a lot of what she had lacked previously in her education – the management piece, the leadership, the finance, the marketing. "That whole other component was really covered in every part of the program," she said.

Related Articles

Sources & Citations

1Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the internet, at:
  • https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/medical-and-health-services-managers.htm (viewed Apr. 19, 2024)

Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.

2Association of University Programs in Health Administration, Future Students, on the internet, at: https://www.aupha.org/main-site/resourcecenter/futurestudents (viewed February 16, 2024)