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Is a degree in healthcare administration worth it?

Written by: James Young, Edited by: Vanessa Wolf

Published: February 13, 2025

If you're a great communicator, possess strong analytical skills, and want to improve the health and lives of others, a degree in healthcare administration may be a perfect major for you.

To help you decide, learn about healthcare administration curricula, potential careers, salary ranges, and labor market outlook.

What is a bachelor's degree in healthcare administration?

A bachelor's degree in healthcare administration can prepare you for various roles in healthcare companies and teach you about healthcare systems, critical thinking skills, and the use of technology.

These programs typically take four years to complete and cover both general education and healthcare-specific coursework. After graduation, you can pursue leadership roles in many healthcare settings, including universities, clinics, and hospitals.

Core courses may include:

  • Health policy
  • Regulatory compliance
  • Patient care
  • Legal and ethical practice

Benefits of a bachelor's degree in healthcare administration

Earning a bachelor's degree in healthcare administration could open many doors, and help you:

How much money can you make with a bachelor's degree in healthcare administration?

Bachelor's in healthcare administration can qualify for higher-than-average salaries in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and public health organizations.

Here are some common jobs and their median salaries in 2023, as reported by the BLS:

Jobs you can get with a bachelor's in healthcare administration
JobMedian annual salary
Medical records specialists$48,780
Health information technologists and medical registrars$62,990
Medical and health services manager$110,680

Exact salary depends on your location, experience, work setting, industry, and certification status.

Frequently asked questions about a bachelor's in healthcare administration degree

Are graduates of a bachelor's degree in healthcare administration in demand?

Yes, the BLS predicts that employment for medical and health services managers will grow by 29% from 2023-33, far above the 4% growth for all occupations.

How much can you earn with a bachelor's in healthcare administration?

The median annual salary for medical and health services managers — some of which may require a bachelor of healthcare administration — was $110,680 in 2023 according to BLS.

Your earning potential may depend on your location, experience, industry, or certifications.

What is the difference between healthcare administration and public health administration degrees?

Degrees in public and healthcare administration both focus on improving community health. However, healthcare administration focuses on the operation of healthcare institutions, whereas public health administration focuses more on programs that enhance the health and wellness of people and communities.

Career
Healthcare

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