Best Online Healthcare MBA Programs Of 2024
Nurses, clinicians and doctors aim to deliver top-level care to all patients, but they must have the resources and support to do so. To meet patient needs, healthcare companies employ professionals to carefully manage each link in the chain, including business and operations.
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Many aspiring healthcare management and administration professionals pursue MBAs in healthcare management and other health-related fields to expand their knowledge and credentials. As online learning has grown in popularity, some schools have expanded their programs to offer online healthcare MBAs.
Pursuing an MBA in healthcare management online allows students to apply to schools that would otherwise be unavailable due to distance or scheduling requirements. This in-depth guide ranks the top 10 healthcare MBA programs available online, including information on tuition costs, accreditation, delivery methods and how to choose the right program for you.
Should You Enroll in an Online Healthcare MBA Program?
Before applying to an online healthcare MBA, consider your professional goals and your scheduling availability. Online learning can offer some benefits over traditional, in-person college, but it also requires you to carefully manage your time, stay motivated and keep organized.
For example, some online programs use asynchronous coursework delivery. Without set login times, this method provides the most scheduling freedom by allowing students to tackle coursework whenever they are free to do so. However, asynchronous learning involves much less oversight than in-person education or synchronous delivery, calling for strong self-discipline.
Synchronous online learning includes set class times. Though a synchronous course still allows you to complete coursework from anywhere with a WiFi connection, you and your classmates must come together for scheduled meetings in a virtual classroom to complete lectures, discussions and other activities. Schools may also use hybrid learning, which combines online classes with in-person courses on campus.
Always research your program’s delivery method. Your ideal program fits into your schedule and aligns with your learning style. As you look into available schools, take the following factors into consideration.
Accreditation for Online Healthcare MBA Programs
You should apply only to higher learning institutions that hold accreditation. During the accreditation process, schools undergo a voluntary evaluation from a third-party agency of their student outcomes, resources and curriculums. Individual programs and departments can also pursue subject-specific accreditation, though this is less important than institutional accreditation.
Institutional Accreditation
Attending an accredited college ensures your eligibility for federal student aid, credit transfers between schools and professional credentials. Employers and doctoral programs may not recognize degrees from unaccredited colleges and universities.
The following organizations are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) to provide schoolwide accreditation:
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Higher Learning Commission
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
- New England Commission of Higher Education
- WASC Senior College and University Commission
Most institutions clearly state their accreditation status on their websites. You can also use CHEA’s directory search to check on a school’s accreditation status.
Programmatic Accreditation
Programmatic accreditation applies to departments and programs within institutions. Business schools are primarily accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE), the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).
While programmatic accreditation is not necessary for MBA degrees, attending an accredited MBA program ensures you receive a high-quality education in business administration and adequate preparation to work in leadership roles. Use the following links to look up a program’s accreditation status:
How To Find the Right Online Healthcare MBA for You
Ready to choose an online healthcare MBA program? Here’s where to start.
Consider Your Future Goals
To find your ideal online healthcare MBA, start by examining your professional and personal ambitions. Deciding whether you plan to pursue employment in a leadership role or continue in academia can help guide you to the right program.
For example, if you want to perform business research in a doctoral program, prioritize MBA programs at universities with relevant Ph.D. or Psy.D. degrees that appeal to you. Some doctoral programs offer tuition discounts or smoother admissions processes to university alums.
If you plan to join the workforce right after earning your MBA, you can prioritize programs with experiential learning or networking opportunities that align with your goals. Even in a healthcare MBA with online coursework, many schools feature internships to provide real-world experience. MBAs can connect you with like-minded peers, instructors and employer networks, allowing you to make long-lasting business connections while still in school.
Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options
Though tuition rates for MBAs can vary significantly, attending graduate school is not cheap for most students. Reporting by the National Center for Education Statistics reveals that, as of the 2022–23 academic year, public graduate schools charged $11,554 per year in tuition and fees on average. Private graduate tuition and fees averaged $20,015 per year. Average total tuition for a two-year master’s degree ranges from around $23,000 to about $40,000.
Among the schools on this list, total tuition costs range from $15,000 to over $120,000, but most stay within about $25,000 to $30,000 in total tuition. On average, these institutions charge a tuition of roughly $43,000 for the entire program. Keep in mind that MBAs tend to cost more than other types of graduate degrees.
Fill out a FAFSA® to throw your hat in the ring for federal student aid, including grants and student loans. Loans from the government and independent providers require repayment with interest, making them less ideal than gift-based sources like grants and scholarships.
You can also search for scholarships and grants through your institution, nonprofits and private organizations. These providers may award aid based on identity, academic achievement or financial need. The American College of Healthcare Executives, for example, offers the $5,000 Albert W. Dent Graduate Student Scholarship for “ethnically diverse and LGBTQ+” students pursuing healthcare MBAs.
