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Master’s of health administration

Earning an MHA degree online can prepare you for healthcare management roles that require leadership, organization, and strategic thinking skills. Discover how you can make a difference in a healthcare leadership role today.

Explore online MHA programs

Why earn an online master's in health administration?

Prepare for advanced healthcare leadership roles

Earning an online MHA can help you qualify for advanced healthcare roles, such as hospital or clinic administrator and health services manager.

Increase your earning potential

Healthcare roles that require a master's in health administration (or a related degree) tend to pay more than roles that only require an undergraduate degree and/or certification.

Build leadership, strategy, and administrative skills

An MHA can teach transferable skills that qualify you for various legal, public health, nonprofit, and government roles, such as finance, budgeting, informatics, and data analysis.


Browse MHA online programs

Online master's in health administration program overview

Online programs teach , cost analysis, and risk management skills. These programs can typically be completed within 1-2 years. Programs may offer various specialization tracks, with different curricula and costs.

MHA core courses

Most MHA programs consist of core courses with optional electives. Core courses often cover:

  • Healthcare policy and ethics
  • Leadership and organizational behavior
  • Healthcare finance
  • Information systems
  • Health law and compliance
  • Human resources management

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What jobs can you get with an online master's in health administration?

Common health administration jobs

MHA graduates are equipped to handle the complex operational, managerial, and ethical challenges found in modern healthcare settings. Some common job titles for MHA graduates include:

  • Healthcare administrator
  • Medical and health services manager
  • Practice administrator
  • Healthcare consultant
  • Quality and safety manager
  • Risk and compliance manager

Key responsibilities

Each role has distinct responsibilities that can vary widely, though they generally include improving quality and efficiency while innovating healthcare delivery. Graduates of MHA programs may:

  • Negotiate contracts.
  • Develop and implement policy changes.
  • Communicate policy changes.
  • Oversee financial operations.
  • Oversee the hiring and training of employees.
  • Oversee day-to-day operations of the facility.

More senior roles may require clinical licensure and experience, including department supervisor, chief medical officer, nursing home administrator, or chief nursing director.

Career outlook

$117,960
Median annual salary for medical and health services managers, 2024
23%
Projected job growth, 2024-34

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that medical and health services managers earned a median annual salary of $117,960 in 2024. The BLS projects positions in this field to grow by 23% from 2024 to 2034.

Graduates can find job opportunities in the private and public sectors, including long-term care facilities, hospitals, and insurance companies. Each setting demands a unique blend of skills.

In , MHA graduates play a critical role in crisis management during emergencies by designing and executing response strategies to protect public health.

Is a master's in healthcare administration right for you?

Whether an MHA is right for you depends on your professional interests, goals, and strengths. This degree may be a good fit if you:

  • Aspire to improve healthcare systems, facilities, and patient outcomes.
  • Want to lead a healthcare organization like a hospital, clinic, or long-term care facility.
  • Have an interest in organizational problem solving, public health policy, finance, and/or ethics.
  • Prefer behind-the-scenes work over direct patient care.
  • Work/have worked as a medical professional with a foundational understanding of healthcare.
  • Can dedicate 2-3 years to earning a degree.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to get an MHA online?

Typically, it takes two years of full-time study or three years of part-time study to earn an online master's in health administration. A part-time program can help you balance your personal and professional life, while an accelerated program may allow you to graduate more quickly.

What is the demand for healthcare administrators?

Healthcare administrators are in at hospitals, public health agencies, and other healthcare facilities. The BLS projects that jobs for these professionals will grow by 23% between 2024 and 2034, which is much faster than average.

Who earns more: someone with an MBA or an MHA?

According to the BLS, medical and health service managers earned a median annual salary of $117,960 in 2024. By contrast, jobs often held by professionals with MBAs paid slightly higher median annual salaries. Per the BLS, finance managers earned $161,700, and sales managers earned $138,060.

How hard is it to get an MHA?

An MHA program can be challenging because of the rigorous curriculum that blends healthcare management, policy, and economics. Students must master theoretical knowledge and practical skills in leadership and operations. The degree also demands strong analytical skills and the ability to solve complex problems.

Not ready to start a full Master's program yet?

Earn a MicroMasters® Program certificate instead! MicroMasters Programs are a series of graduate-level courses from top universities designed to advance your career. MicroMasters Program certificates showcase deep learning and in-demand skills to employers and can help you get started on a path toward completing an advanced degree.

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Last updated October 23, 2025