What Is an MBA in Healthcare Management Degree?
Students who wish to become leaders in the healthcare field and gain additional managerial skills can pursue a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Healthcare Management. These master's programs give students a solid background and skills in business and management that are geared specifically to the unique needs of healthcare. Graduates understand how the healthcare system works and are prepared to lead their specific segment or area of their healthcare organization. Some of these programs are available in online formats or have evening or weekend courses for flexibility and allow students to work full-time while earning their degree. Explore details of these MBA programs below.
The Best MBA Programs in Healthcare Management
| School | Tuition* | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | $12522 | 23% | 91% | 65% | No | Yes | AP Credits |
| 2 | University of Pennsylvania | $40182 | 8% | 96% | 59% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 3 | Harvard University | $49214 | 5% | 97% | 73% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 4 | University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | $24218 | 23% | 93% | 65% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 5 | CUNY Bernard M Baruch College | $11450 | 43% | 70% | 77% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 6 | Stony Brook University | $13558 | 44% | 76% | 79% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 7 | University of Minnesota-Twin Cities | $9992 | 60% | 82% | 65% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 8 | University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus | $8069 | 67% | 52% | 82% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 9 | University of Alabama at Birmingham | $8100 | 74% | 63% | 95% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE / NCCRS Credits |
| 10 | University of Utah | $8396 | 62% | 70% | 85% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 11 | Clarkson University | $34212 | 75% | 78% | 100% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 12 | The University of Texas at Dallas | $13874 | 79% | 70% | 78% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 13 | Ohio State University-Main Campus | $12425 | 54% | 86% | 79% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 14 | Cornell University | $30022 | 11% | 95% | 62% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 15 | University of California-Irvine | $13349 | 27% | 84% | 63% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 16 | Northwestern University | $56567 | 9% | 94% | 64% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 17 | Ohio University-Main Campus | $9720 | 82% | 65% | 94% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 18 | Florida Atlantic University | $6693 | 63% | 50% | 82% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 19 | Saint Joseph's University | $17334 | 75% | 81% | 98% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 20 | University of Connecticut | $19056 | 49% | 84% | 75% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 21 | California State University-Los Angeles | $8202 | 48% | 52% | 94% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 22 | Florida International University | $11106 | 58% | 63% | 90% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 23 | University of Cincinnati-Main Campus | $14468 | 77% | 71% | 75% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 24 | The University of Texas at Arlington | $10248 | 83% | 51% | 90% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 25 | Carnegie Mellon University | $45909 | 15% | 90% | 58% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 26 | University of Kentucky | $13404 | 96% | 66% | 94% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 27 | University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus | $24480 | 57% | 83% | 77% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE Credits |
| 28 | University of Toledo | $15809 | 96% | 50% | 95% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE Credits |
| 29 | University of St Francis | $13839 | 46% | 62% | 100% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
To get a more in-depth look at our school ranking methodology, please visit our ranking methodology page.
*Tuition information is based on published tuition and required fees, per data by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).
Common Undergraduate Degrees for an MBA in Healthcare Management
There is not usually a required major for students applying to MBA in Healthcare Management programs. However, it is most common for applicants to have a background in business or the healthcare field. Many students who pursue their MBA in Healthcare Management are already working full-time in the healthcare field in either clinical or administrative positions. Students may also come with a degree in various areas of business, such as business administration, finance, or management, and want to learn more about and prepare to work in the healthcare system.
Admissions Requirements for Healthcare Management MBA Programs
The admissions criteria and process vary from school to school, so students should carefully examine the requirements for their school(s) of interest. Some schools admit students on a rolling basis, so students should be sure to check deadlines for applying. Applicants to these MBA programs typically need to hold at least a bachelor's degree and some programs require so many years of work experience. Depending on the program, students could be required to submit GRE or GMAT scores. Several MBA in Healthcare Management programs require students to undergo an interview process after submitting their completed application. A completed application for these programs commonly includes school transcripts, letters of recommendation, a resume, and a statement of purpose.
How to Choose an MBA in Healthcare Management Program
When choosing an MBA in Healthcare Management that is a good fit, students need to consider several factors. Students first need to ensure that a program specifically in healthcare management is what they are wanting. For example, a master's in healthcare administration vs. management is a difference of overseeing day-to-day operations vs. managing big picture tasks for the organization. After choosing the right type of program, students should compare formats to find one that best fits their needs and preferences. Students should compare programs that offer cohorts, online formats, or full- and part-time formats. Unique learning experiences can also help students decide between programs, such as those that have alumni mentor programs, internships, or international immersions.
MBA in Healthcare Management Program Accreditation
Program accreditation for MBA programs in healthcare management can also play a role in students choosing a school. Regional accreditation generally covers a college or university and indicates that all of the organization's degree programs have met general standards for academic quality. Program-level accreditation is generally given by subject area by organizations tied to the field. For instance, several MBA in Healthcare Management programs, as well as other business-related programs, hold accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) or the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). This means that these programs have met stricter business-related standards for quality for their programs, which may stand out to employers. There are also several MBA in Healthcare Management programs that hold dual accreditation from both the AACSB and the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME). This dual accreditation means that the program has met standards for both the business- and healthcare-related courses.
MBA in Healthcare Management Degree Courses
MBA in Healthcare Management programs may require between 40 and 48 credits of coursework. Generally, these programs can be completed in full- or part-time formats and take between 1 and 2 years to finish. Many programs are set up with core MBA courses and then more focused courses in the healthcare management major. Some programs also include a few elective courses. Overall, the coursework for these degree programs aims to prepare students for advanced leadership roles in various areas of the healthcare system. Learn more about the curriculum here.
MBA in Healthcare Management Foundational Courses
Typically, students in MBA in Healthcare Management programs complete some core MBA courses that consist of general business classes. However, there are some programs that gear these core business courses specifically toward the field of healthcare. In general, these courses are designed to equip students with the foundational knowledge and skills needed in business for managers of any kind. Students further develop their leadership, communication, and decision-making skills in these classes, while also gaining advanced knowledge of different areas of business. Some programs conclude with a unique hands-on learning experience of some kind. Other core courses include:
- Leadership
- Marketing management
- Managerial economics
- Managerial statistics
- Financial management
- Management communication
- Strategic opportunity management
MBA in Healthcare Management Specialist & Elective Courses
After these more general business courses, students then take courses in the healthcare management major and may round out their degree with a couple of elective courses. The healthcare management major courses provide students with specific knowledge and skills to work in the field of healthcare. These courses focus on the healthcare system and how it works, the various processes, and the laws and regulations involved. Electives typically give students the chance to explore different areas of interest in more detail. Depending on the school, students may take core healthcare management courses in areas such as:
- Health services system
- Health informatics
- Social and organizational issues in healthcare
- Healthcare business ethics
- Policy and law
- Healthcare reform
- Managing healthcare organizations
Licensure & Certification in Healthcare Management
Licensure and certification requirements vary greatly in the field of healthcare management and are primarily based on position, state requirements, and/or employer preferences. Some positions always require licensure, such as nursing home administrators who need to pass a national licensing exam and obtain state licensure. However, licensure requirements for nursing home administrators vary by state and may require an additional exam and/or other educational requirements. Positions related to nursing and social work may also require licensure in the respective field. Other positions, such as office managers or health information managers, may choose to earn professional certification to demonstrate their expertise. This certification is usually offered by a professional organization related to the specialty, such as a medical management certification from the Professional Association of Health Care Office Management.
Internships in MBA in Healthcare Management Programs
Some MBA in Healthcare Management programs provide students with additional hands-on learning experiences to try and further prepare them for their future careers. These experiences may take the form of internships or immersions. Internships may be required for students who do not have enough work experience in the field of healthcare and could be waived for students who work full-time in the field. Internships give students the chance to work with a real healthcare organization and receive practical training, usually, on a part-time basis. Some programs offer an international immersion experience that gives students the chance to explore issues and practices of healthcare from a global perspective.
Post-Graduate Options After an MBA in Healthcare Management
Students who want to continue studying in the field of healthcare management beyond a master's degree can choose from several different kinds of doctoral degree programs. For instance, there are Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in Healthcare Management, Doctor of Healthcare Administration (DHA), and Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) in Healthcare Management and Leadership programs available. Some of these programs are available online, but most take place on-campus. Students typically complete a dissertation and take at least 3 years to finish their degree.
What Can I Do with an MBA in Healthcare Management Degree?
There are many different careers for a master's in healthcare management available. Some of these healthcare management jobs require certificates or other specific requirements, but usually, those with a master's degree will be well prepared to set into these leadership roles. Graduates with their MBA in Healthcare Management can pursue careers as administrators, managers, directors, and other executive positions in various areas of healthcare. They may oversee entire facilities, departments, offices, or other organizations in the field. Usually, they help keep the organization moving toward big-picture goals and often oversee the activities of different staff members. Graduates of healthcare management programs can work in an array of settings, including:
- Hospitals
- Outpatient centers
- Nursing and residential care facilities
- Consulting firms
- Health insurance companies
- Health systems
- Medical practices
Job Outlook for an MBA in Healthcare Management
The flexibility that an MBA in Healthcare Management provides in allowing students to pursue a wide range of business- and/or healthcare-related positions greatly increases job prospects for graduates. In addition, the field of healthcare is growing, and the need for skilled managers and administrators is increasing. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job outlook for medical and health services managers is 32% from 2019 to 2029. This is much faster than the national average, and the BLS stated that those with a master's degree will have some of the best prospects. Other advanced positions within an organization could also have positive job outlooks. For example, the BLS also reported that top executives have a job outlook of 4% over the same decade. This outlook is as fast as the average.
How to Become a Medical and Health Services Manager
Students wanting to become a healthcare manager, healthcare administrator, or other healthcare executive generally need to have at least a bachelor's degree. Employers may prefer those with a master's degree, and many of these managers do have a graduate degree in the field. Work experience is the other main requirement for these managers. Typically, they need to have at least some experience working in a healthcare setting, but this experience can be in an administrative type role or a clinical role. Professional certifications are available for different types of positions in healthcare management and help demonstrate students' expertise.
The various job duties for medical and health services managers vary by a range of factors, such as employer, the size of an organization, position, and more. Usually, they help set the goals of the department or clinical area, and then implement policies that not only help reach these goals, but comply with current laws and regulations. These managers could also be responsible for hiring and training staff, developing work schedules, meeting with other department heads and managers, finding ways to improve efficiency, and managing budgets. As of 2020, the BLS reported that medical and health services managers made a median annual salary of $104,280.
How to Become a Top Executive
Top executives is a general term used by the BLS that includes a variety of positions, including chief financial officers (CFOs), general and operations managers, executive directors, chief human resources officers, presidents, and more. Top executives usually hold a bachelor's or master's degree in the area in which they work. An MBA may be a preferred degree for these professionals. Top executives also need to have several years of work experience and may work their way up from lower-level management positions within their organization. Typically, this experience also needs to be in the same area in which they work. Some of these top positions could require professional licensure or certification that coincides with the specific area of management.
The job duties of top executives also vary based on position, employer, an organization's size, and more. Similar to medical and health services managers, top executives set big-picture goals for their organization and help develop policies and procedures to reach these goals. This may mean helping improve the efficiency of an organization, cutting costs, or adjusting other performance indicators. These executives usually work with board members and other executives to keep the organization running smoothly. Per the BLS, the median annual salary for top executives was $106,180 as of 2020.
MBA in Healthcare Management Program Financial Aid & Scholarship Resources
Many students utilize scholarships and other financial aid resources to help cover the cost of tuition, fees, books, materials, and other expenses associated with earning their MBA. These resources are available from a wide range of sources. For example, some of these resources are available from the government, such as the loans or grants from the federal and state governments that students can find by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students can also find scholarships and grants from colleges, universities, professional organizations, and other outside organizations. Some schools even offer special tuition discounts, such as reduced tuition for military members. A couple of examples of schools that offer scholarships for MBA in Healthcare Management students include:
- Clarkson University- Clarkson University considers all students for merit-based scholarships upon entry into the Reh School of Business graduate programs, including those in the MBA in Healthcare Management program. Factors such as GMAT scores and GPA are considered and awards are given in levels, with higher-achieving students receiving more funding for tuition.
- Minnesota State University Moorehead- Minnesota State University Moorehead also has an MBA in Healthcare Management and students in the program are eligible to apply for the school's Accounting and Finance scholarships. Students must be currently enrolled and demonstrate high performance in their program.
