Healthcare administration is one of the most stable and rewarding career paths in today’s job market. If you’re drawn to leadership, problem-solving, and helping others, without necessarily working on the clinical side, this field offers you a meaningful way to make an impact. Medical and health services managers earn a median annual salary of $117,960, and employment in this field is projected to grow 23 percent over the next decade, which is much faster than the average projected growth for all other occupations.1
Whether you’re just starting out or ready to move into executive leadership, a healthcare administration degree can open the door to hospitals, public health agencies, insurance networks, and beyond. This guide explains every degree level, from associate to doctorate, so you can find the best program for your goals and take the next step toward a future in healthcare management.
Key Takeaways
- Healthcare administration offers strong salaries and consistent demand across hospitals, clinics, and public health organizations.
- Students can start with an associate degree and advance through bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate levels depending on career goals.
- Online and hybrid programs make it easier for working professionals to earn accredited healthcare administration degrees.
- Specialized coursework now includes health informatics, telehealth, data analytics, and value-based care management.
- Certifications like FACHE and CPHQ enhance career advancement for degree holders in administrative and leadership roles.
- Comparing accreditation, cost, and career outcomes helps ensure a program delivers a strong return on investment.
Types of Healthcare Administration Degrees
There are numerous programs that can get you the healthcare administration degree you want. There are four degrees we’ll be discussing in this article: an associate degree, a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree, and a doctorate degree. We’ll cover everything from the best programs to courses and career paths involved in each one.
In 2025, students can combine traditional degrees with micro-credentials or certifications in health informatics, project management, or finance to build stackable career pathways. Some colleges now offer bridge options where an associate can transition seamlessly into a bachelor’s program and then a master’s. Adding a short certificate in data analytics or telehealth operations can also enhance employability at every level.
Healthcare Administration Associate Degree
An associate degree in healthcare administration offers foundational knowledge and qualifies graduates for entry-level administrative roles.
An associate degree in healthcare administration takes approximately two years to complete. Often containing 60 credit hours, this is the right path for anyone looking for entry-level employment in healthcare administration. An associate degree in this field will enable you to start working in several care facilities such as nursing homes and hospitals.
Many community colleges offer “2 + 2” agreements that allow students to transfer credits directly to partner universities offering bachelor’s degrees in health administration or business. Students can also earn industry certificates such as Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS) alongside their associate degree to improve employability.
Healthcare Administration Associate Degree Coursework You Can Expect
Coursework in a healthcare administration associate program now often includes health informatics, telehealth, and regulatory compliance modules.
Here are some courses you can expect: Business Administration, Introduction to Anatomy, Healthcare Management, Medical Coding, and Medical Law and Ethics.
Recent associate curricula in 2025 often include health informatics basics, telehealth operations, data security and privacy, and EHR software training. Schools also introduce modules on cybersecurity and HIPAA compliance to reflect the digital environment in modern care settings.
Top-Rated Associate Degree Programs for Healthcare Administration
Here are notable associate-level healthcare administration programs currently active and worth considering in 2025.
- University of Central Florida (Orlando, FL) — BS in Health Services Administration, affordable online option for Florida residents and nationwide students.
- University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) — Online BS in Health Care Management and CAHME-accredited MHA; known for hospital partnerships.
- Drexel University (Philadelphia, PA) — Doctor of Health Administration for mid-career leaders seeking policy and research roles.
| School | Degree | Delivery | Accreditation | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UCF | BS Health Services Administration | Online / Hybrid | SACSCOC | Affordable tuition |
| UAB | BS Health Care Management / MHA | Online / Hybrid | CAHME | Strong hospital network |
| Drexel | Doctor of Health Administration | Online | MSCHE | Research and policy focus |
Healthcare Administration Associate Degree Career Paths
With an associate degree in healthcare administration, you can pursue roles such as health information technician or telehealth coordinator.
Health information technicians maintain patient records using coding systems; medical assistants manage clinical and administrative tasks in clinics. New career options include Telehealth Coordinator and Health Data Analyst (Entry Level), with experience in medical office support helping graduates advance to assistant administrator roles.
Healthcare Administration Bachelor’s Degree
A bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration prepares graduates for mid-level management roles within health organizations.
This degree is typically four years long (about 120 credit hours) and builds skills in public health regulations, leadership, and quality improvement. Students gain theoretical and practical training to qualify for entry-level management and leadership positions across health facilities.
Most programs offer specializations such as Health Informatics, Policy and Regulation, Quality and Patient Safety, or Finance and Analytics. Nearly all accredited programs include an internship or practicum of 120–180 hours to connect students with health systems and boost employability.
Healthcare Administration Bachelor’s Degree Coursework You Can Expect
Modern bachelor’s curricula include courses in health data analytics, population health, AI, and compliance regulation.
Typical courses include Healthcare Administration, Medical Law and Ethics, Human Resource Management, Advanced Health Systems, and Organizational Leadership. By 2025, core curricula commonly add Health Data Analytics, Population Health, AI Applications in Operations, and Regulatory Compliance (HIPAA, HITECH).
Top-Rated Bachelor’s Degree Programs for Healthcare Administration
These bachelor’s programs in healthcare administration are recognized for flexibility, affordability, and outcome metrics.
Programs at Ashford University now operate under the University of Arizona Global Campus. Additional options include Western Governors University, Arizona State University Online, and University of Central Florida Online for affordable, flexible learning.
Healthcare Administration Bachelor’s Degree Career Paths
Graduates with a bachelor’s in health administration are qualified for roles like health information manager or operations supervisor.
Medical and health services managers earn a median annual salary of $117,960, and employment is projected to grow 23 percent from 2024 to 2034, which is much faster than average.1
Additional titles include Practice Manager and Outpatient Operations Supervisor, reflecting growing demand for leaders in multi-site and telehealth settings.
Healthcare Administration Master’s Degree
A master’s degree in healthcare administration enables leadership in hospital departments, policy, or health systems strategy.
This two-year program (32–60 credits) qualifies students for executive and senior management roles. Graduate students can choose among MHA, MBA with Healthcare Concentration or MPH in Health Policy and Management depending on career goals. Curricula increasingly emphasize value-based care, digital transformation, and health equity.
Healthcare Administration Master’s Degree Coursework You Can Expect
Core master’s coursework often covers healthcare quality, population health, informatics, and organizational performance metrics.
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Students commonly study Healthcare Marketing and Communication, Financial Analysis and Management, Global Health and Diversity, Business Research Analysis, and Healthcare Governance. Capstone projects with partner health systems are now standard.
Top-Rated Master’s Degree Programs for Healthcare Administration
Here are well-regarded master’s programs in health administration known for accreditation and student outcomes.
Top options include University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, University of Southern California, George Washington University, University of Minnesota, University of Alabama at Birmingham (CAHME accredited), Johns Hopkins University, and Drexel University.
Healthcare Administration Master’s Degree Career Paths
Master’s-level graduates often pursue executive roles like COO, Director of Quality, or Population Health Leader. These roles command some of the highest compensation in the sector, often including bonuses and profit-sharing.
Healthcare Administration Doctorate
A doctorate in healthcare administration (DHA, PhD, DBA) prepares leaders for top executive, research, and policy roles.
Doctoral programs (≈ 60 credits) typically take three to four years and train students in research and advanced systems leadership. Graduates often lead think tanks, direct health policy organizations, or advise government agencies.
Healthcare Administration Doctorate Coursework You Can Expect
Doctoral coursework typically includes advanced statistics, health systems modeling, leadership, and interdisciplinary electives.
Courses cover Health Policy, Healthcare Economics, Systems Thinking, and Practice-Based Research, with new modules in AI-driven data analysis and ethics of digital health.
Top-Rated Doctorate Programs for Healthcare Administration
Listed here are active doctoral programs in health administration, including online or hybrid options for professionals.
Programs include A.T. Still University of Health Sciences, Central Michigan University, Franklin University, Keiser University, University of Mississippi, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, and Drexel University.
Healthcare Administration Doctorate Career Paths
Doctorate holders in health administration often lead research, policy, or C-suite roles across public and private systems.
Beyond teaching, they serve as senior policy advisors, consultants, and executives overseeing entire health systems.
Things to Know Before Enrolling in Healthcare Administration
Verify regional and CAHME accreditation, ensure access to reliable technology, and compare tuition and fees. Review graduation and placement rates to gauge program performance. You can also explore related guidance in Healthcare Administration vs Healthcare Management to clarify program differences.
How to Choose a Healthcare Administration Program (Checklist)
Check accreditation and curriculum focus.
Compare cost and aid.
Ask about internship or capstone requirements.
Assess faculty experience and industry ties.
Confirm online/hybrid fit.
Investigate career services and alumni support.
Certifications & Professional Credentials That Complement Degrees
Professionals can strengthen credentials with certifications such as FACHE, CPHQ, or CMPE. For more details, see Career Karma’s guide on Best Certifications for Healthcare Administrators.
Return on Investment (ROI): Cost vs Salary Breakevens
A bachelor’s degree may cost $35k–$60k, while a master’s can reach $80k+. With average salary increases of ≈ $20k annually, the degree may pay for itself within four years.
Trends Shaping Healthcare Administration in 2025 and Beyond
Key trends include AI integration, telehealth growth, value-based care, and greater focus on equity and data governance.
Salary Outlook
| Role | Typical Education | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Medical & Health Services Manager | Bachelor’s | $117,960 |
| Clinical Director | Master’s | $100,120 |
| Health Information Manager | Bachelor’s | $80,890 |
| Hospital COO / Executive | Master’s / Doctorate | $151,205 |
| Policy Analyst / Researcher | Master’s / Doctorate | $139,380 |
FAQs About Healthcare Administration Programs
Here are answers to common questions about pursuing healthcare administration degrees and careers.
Is work experience required for master’s programs?
Many prefer 1–3 years of experience.
Can I work while studying?
Most online options support working adults.
What certifications complement my degree?
Consider FACHE, CPHQ, or CMPE.
What’s the difference between healthcare administration and health informatics?
Administration focuses on operations; informatics centers on data systems.
Are remote roles available?
Yes, telehealth operations, revenue cycle, and compliance roles are increasingly remote.
Conclusion
Healthcare administration remains a strategic, evolving field where leaders who grasp technology, data, and equity will thrive. As the healthcare landscape evolves, administrators who understand technology, equity, and efficiency will shape the next generation of care.
Sources
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/political-scientists.htm
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/medical-and-health-services-managers.htm
https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Clinical-Director-Salary
https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Health-Information-Manager-Salary
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