Online Masters Degree in Healthcare Administration

The U.S. health care industry is in the midst of historic change, as providers face unprecedented patient demand, rising costs and evolving federal regulations. A master's degree in health care administration equips you to lead a medical clinic, hospital or insurance company into a new era of efficient and affordable patient care.

A look at master's degrees in health care administration

Master's degrees in health care administration build on the bachelor's degree curriculum and generally take two years to complete. Core studies in business function areas include accounting, economics, finance, management and marketing. In addition, instruction covers targeted topics like these:

1. Epidemiology
2. Health information systems and electronic records
3. Health law and regulations
4. Human resources management
5. Program evaluation
6. Public policy
7. Strategic planning

Health care management programs are available online and on campus, and studies lead either to the professional Master of Health Administration or a traditional academic degree, the Master of Science in health care administration. The two degrees are often very similar, but the MHA may emphasize internships and applied coursework.

Career prospects for health care administration graduates

Demand is high for skilled administrators, who work closely with medical staff in settings such as hospitals, nursing homes or group medical practices. You may choose to specialize further in an area such as health finance, health informatics or program analysis.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts a 22 percent increase in employment for medical and health services managers in the 2010 to 2020 period, with faster growth than average, resulting in about 68,000 new openings. The BLS estimates that these managers earned a median annual wage of $84,270 in 2010.

Education for health care administration

With a master's degree, you could also proceed to a doctoral degree, either a Doctor of Health Administration or a Ph.D. in health administration. The doctorate may lead to senior leadership roles, such as hospital director, or an academic research and teaching career. The BLS estimates that a professor in a business-related specialty like health administration would earn an average salary above $86,000.

Managing health services in the 21st century presents unique and exciting challenges. Demand for medical services should continue to rise as the baby boomer generation ages. An online degree in health care administration can prepare you for a rewarding leadership role in this growing field.

The U.S. health care industry is in the midst of historic change, as providers face unprecedented patient demand, rising costs and evolving federal regulations. A master's degree in health care administration equips you to lead a medical clinic, hospital or insurance company into a new era of efficient and affordable patient care.

A look at master's degrees in health care administration

Master's degrees in health care administration build on the bachelor's degree curriculum and generally take two years to complete. Core studies in business function areas include accounting, economics, finance, management and marketing. In addition, instruction covers targeted topics like these:

1. Epidemiology
2. Health information systems and electronic records
3. Health law and regulations
4. Human resources management
5. Program evaluation
6. Public policy
7. Strategic planning

Health care management programs are available online and on campus, and studies lead either …