Careers in healthcare management offer above-average salaries, strong job growth, and opportunities for career advancement. By blending business and healthcare, health managers help healthcare organizations improve their quality, comply with regulations, and manage their expenses. A bachelor's degree in health management prepares graduates for roles like healthcare administrator, health information manager, and healthcare financial analyst.
Healthcare managers are in high demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects jobs for healthcare managers will increase 32% between 2019 and 2029, significantly faster than projected growth for all other jobs. The field also reports high salaries, with a median annual wage of over $100,000.
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Average Yearly Mean Wage for Healthcare Managers
Top 25 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's in Health Management Programs for 2021
Our list ranks the most affordable health management programs to help prospective students balance their career goals with their budget. This article also explores career paths with a health management degree, common courses in the major, and scholarships for health management students.
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Mississippi University for WomenLocation
Columbus, MS
Tuition$11152
Founded in 1884 as the nation's first public women's college, Mississippi University for Women (MUW) has admitted students of all genders since 1982. The Columbus-based school offers one of the most affordable health management programs in the Southeast.
Accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs, MUW's bachelor of business administration with a concentration in healthcare management features online course delivery for the final two years of the program. The 120-credit curriculum examines subjects such as statistical analysis, economics, marketing, and leadership from a healthcare perspective.
Distance learners enjoy access to library resources, tutoring, and other services. MUW allows students to transfer in up to 75% of their degree requirements. All online students pay the same tuition rate regardless of residency. MUW is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
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Peirce CollegeLocation
Philadelphia, PA
Tuition$6395
Located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Peirce College is a private, nonprofit school that serves working students. Available fully online, Peirce's 121-credit bachelor of science in healthcare administration helps graduates build the skills and knowledge necessary to launch health management careers.
The program balances general education requirements with training in business and healthcare fundamentals. Lower-division requirements in communication, mathematics, and anatomy develop students' interpersonal skills, medical knowledge, and quantitative reasoning skills. Upper-division courses cover topics like health information technology, reimbursement practices, research methods, and electronic health records.
Peirce allows students to move freely between online and in-person course delivery, even within a single class. Transfer students can apply up to 90 credits toward the health management degree. Peirce is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
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Drury UniversityLocation
Springfield, MO
Tuition$19150
A private university based in Springfield, Missouri, Drury University (DU) maintains affiliations with the Disciples of Christ and United Church of Christ. The school's online bachelor of science in health services management ranks among the most affordable programs of its kind.
Health management students can choose from two tracks. The 45-credit degree-completion track is designed for current healthcare professionals pursuing career advancement, including allied health personnel and registered nurses. The 117-credit dual health degree cohort track allows learners to earn their health management degree concurrently with a bachelor of science in nursing from Cox College. Degree-seekers in both tracks take courses in leadership, psychology, communication, finance, and behavioral science.
DU awards a $500 scholarship to all incoming students. Military students and spouses pay a discounted tuition rate. DU is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
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Gardner-Webb UniversityLocation
Boiling Springs, NC
Tuition$19197
Gardner-Webb University's bachelor of science degree-completion program in healthcare management provides career training with a Christian perspective. The 60-credit program admits applicants who have completed general education requirements.
Students learn to apply principles of human relations management, operational management, and organizational behavior to healthcare settings. Guided by a faculty advisor and professional preceptor, candidates culminate their degree with an internship experience.
Incoming students may transfer up to 96 credits toward the degree. Articulation agreements with North Carolina community colleges facilitate a seamless transition for local learners. Health management degree-seekers may qualify for a variety of institutional scholarships reserved for business students.
Gardner-Webb's business programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
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Lindenwood UniversityLocation
Saint Charles, MO
Tuition$18654
A private, nonprofit university, Lindenwood enrolls about 8,000 students annually across its St. Charles, Missouri, campus and online division. With asynchronous course delivery and multiple yearly start dates, Lindenwood's online bachelor's in business administration with an emphasis in health management offers a convenient degree path for working professionals.
Lindenwood's program provides instruction in core business subjects such as finance, accounting, management, and business law. The curriculum includes 51-53 credits of upper-division coursework in addition to general education requirements. The health management emphasis encompasses 12 credits of healthcare-related electives.
All students pay the same tuition regardless of residency. A designated military-friendly school, Lindenwood supports military members through its Veterans Affairs Center. Lindenwood is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Its business programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.
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Viterbo UniversityLocation
La Crosse, WI
Tuition$20721
A small, private university, Viterbo is located in La Crosse, Wisconsin. The Catholic school offers an online bachelor of business administration in healthcare management through its Dahl School of Business. Catering to students with prior academic experience in business or healthcare, this degree-completion program accepts applicants with bachelor's or associate degrees, as well as those with college credits but no degree.
Accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs, Viterbo's health management program features general business courses in subjects such as statistics, accounting, marketing, and economics. Students also explore the business side of healthcare through industry-specific classes addressing healthcare informatics, policy, management, and legal and ethical issues. Required courses in theology and servant leadership reflect the school's Franciscan affiliation.
In addition to other institutional scholarships, Viterbo reserves several scholarships for business students and transfer students. Viterbo is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
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Misericordia UniversityLocation
Dallas, PA
Tuition$24669
Misericordia University students can earn a degree in health management online in as little as 2.5 years. Based in Dallas, Pennsylvania, the private Catholic university offers an accelerated bachelor of science in healthcare management designed for business and healthcare professionals. Online learners pay a lower tuition rate than on-campus students.
The program features general business coursework that develops management and leadership skills. Learners study topics like healthcare-specific finance and reimbursement practices, marketing, and strategic planning. Additional classes examine healthcare law, global healthcare, and current trends in the field.
Students may receive transfer credit for vocational experience through prior learning assessments or exams. The program is accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education. Misericordia is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
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Concordia University-ChicagoLocation
River Forest, IL
Tuition$16775
Part of the Lutheran-affiliated Concordia University System, Concordia University Chicago (CUC) offers a fully online bachelor of arts in healthcare management. Accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs, the program prepares graduates for leadership positions in diverse health services settings. Students take one class per accelerated eight-week term, and they can transfer up to 67 credits toward the degree.
The 128-credit curriculum includes general education courses in the humanities, science, and theology. Organizational management classes provide a background in management principles and practices. Healthcare management coursework familiarizes learners with the field and provides industry-specific training. Students culminate the degree with an independent study project.
All newly enrolled CUC students receive a merit-based scholarship or admission award. Additional institutional awards are available to transfer students, Lutheran students, and military service members. CUC is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
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Maryville University of Saint LouisLocation
Saint Louis, MO
Tuition$26540
Maryville University's health management programs equip students with the practical skills and theoretical background they need to succeed in the field. The private, nonprofit school's fully online bachelor of science in healthcare management caters to current healthcare and business professionals. Tuition is the same for all distance learners regardless of residency.
Accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs, the 128-credit curriculum emphasizes ethical practice, professionalism, technical competencies, and communication. Students learn to manage revenue cycles, communicate with patients and colleagues, and navigate healthcare informatics. They culminate the degree with a hands-on practicum and an independent capstone project.
Asynchronous course delivery, rolling application deadlines, and three yearly start dates offer flexibility for students balancing their education with work and personal obligations. Transfer applicants can apply up to 98 credits from previous college experience or professional certifications toward the degree. Maryville is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
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Concordia University-Saint PaulLocation
Saint Paul, MN
Tuition$18591
A nonprofit, Lutheran-affiliated school, Concordia University, Saint Paul (CSP) ranks as one of Minnesota's most affordable private colleges. CSP's bachelor of arts in healthcare administration prepares learners for a variety of in-demand health management careers. The 40-credit, upper-division program accepts applicants who have completed general education requirements with a minimum 2.0 GPA.
Admitted students follow a 10-course sequence to earn their health management degree. Classes address leadership, communication, finance, economics, and decision-making in a healthcare context. Students gain familiarity with healthcare systems and compliance and regulatory requirements. Additional courses examine diversity and global issues in healthcare.
Online students enjoy access to a variety of services, including career development resources and a collective of alumni mentors who can help them achieve their educational and career goals. Active-duty military students receive a tuition discount. CSP is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
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Southwestern CollegeLocation
Winfield, KS
Tuition$22966
Southwestern College (SC) is a Methodist-affiliated school located in Winfield, Kansas. The private college offers an online bachelor's degree in healthcare administration through its professional studies division. Multiple start dates, asynchronous course delivery, and accelerated six-week sessions help working students earn their degree. All SC students receive institutional grants.
Health management degree-seekers study strategic, quality, and financial management; contemporary leadership theories and practices; and strategies for communication and collaboration. Using simulations and case studies, they learn to apply these principles to the healthcare workplace.
Enrollees in the 124-credit program can transfer up to 94 credits earned through previous college courses, military service, or work experience. Students who transfer in about half of the required credits typically graduate in about two years. Military students and spouses pay a discounted tuition rate. SC is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
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Saint Peter's UniversityLocation
Jersey City, NJ
Tuition$13246
A private Jesuit school based in Jersey City, New Jersey, Saint Peter's University offers an online bachelor of science in business administration with a healthcare management concentration. Online bachelor's candidates pay the lowest per-credit tuition available at Saint Peter's.
The 45-credit curriculum comprises 27 credits of business core courses and 18 credits in the healthcare management concentration. Core courses provide a background in marketing, management, accounting, and economics. Concentration courses examine organizational, financial, legal, ethical, and strategic issues in healthcare.
Incoming students need 48 prior credits of general education courses in subjects including humanities, languages, art, music, sciences, and religious studies. They can fulfill these requirements at Saint Peter's; through work, volunteer or military experience; or by transferring credits from another institution. Saint Peter's is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
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College of Our Lady of the ElmsLocation
Chicopee, MA
Tuition$22702
The College of Our Lady of the Elms is a Catholic institution that enrolls students of all faith backgrounds. The school's online bachelor's degree-completion program in healthcare management trains students to take on leadership roles in health services organizations.
The program accepts applicants with an associate degree in a health science discipline and at least two years of healthcare work experience. The program features a cohort-based structure and a mixture of synchronous and asynchronous course delivery.
Candidates take 40 credits of business core courses and 21 credits in healthcare management. General business courses cover principles of management, marketing, and finance. Healthcare management coursework covers organizational, legal, ethical, and sociological perspectives pertaining to healthcare administration.
The business program is accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education. The school is regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
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Mercy College of Health SciencesLocation
Des Moines, IA
Tuition$19095
Located in Des Moines, Iowa, Mercy College of Health Sciences (MCHS) is a private Catholic college dedicated to healthcare education. MCHS students can earn a degree in health management through the school's accelerated, fully online bachelor of science in healthcare administration program. Enrollees who have fulfilled prerequisite requirements can complete major courses in as little as one year.
Featuring one of the nation's lowest tuition rates for health management programs, this program prepares graduates for managerial roles. Candidates learn to apply principles of economics, marketing, information management, and leadership to healthcare environments. In their final quarter, learners complete a hands-on practicum at local facilities.
Students may qualify for scholarships based on financial need, academic merit, or other criteria. The school is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
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Drexel UniversityLocation
Philadelphia, PA
Tuition$36727
A large private research university based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Drexel University offers a fully online bachelor of science in health services administration. Many Drexel students gain professional experience before graduation by pursuing paid work opportunities through the school's cooperative education program.
Comprising 180 quarter credits, the interdisciplinary curriculum aligns with standards set by the National Center for Healthcare Leadership. Transfer students can apply up to 135 credits toward the degree. Students must complete general education requirements in English, humanities, mathematics, science, and computing. Business courses cover accounting, statistics, economics, and organizational behavior. Health services coursework explores healthcare law, ethics, policy, and management.
Enrollees gain online access to Drexel's library, writing tutors, career center, and health services. The school is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
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City College-Fort LauderdaleLocation
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Tuition$22420
A private, vocationally focused college, City College offers associate and bachelor's programs that prepare students for business, law, health science, and health management careers. The school's fully online bachelor of science in healthcare administration is designed for students pursuing entry-level managerial positions in the healthcare industry. Applicants need a health-related associate degree or equivalent transfer credits.
The 184-credit program develops communication skills, healthcare-specific knowledge, and broad business competencies. Learners examine the U.S. healthcare system through economic, social, legal, ethical, and political perspectives. They also explore organizational strategy, information management systems, and community health issues. In a capstone project, students develop a case study or research paper addressing contemporary healthcare issues.
Students may be eligible for institutional aid, including an automatic grant for veterans. City College is nationally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools.
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University of Minnesota-CrookstonLocation
Crookston, MN
Tuition$12135
Part of the University of Minnesota System, the University of Minnesota Crookston (UMC) serves over 1,800 students annually, about half of whom study online. The public university offers an online bachelor of science in health management that emphasizes communication, teamwork, and leadership. The 120-credit program includes general education requirements, electives, and major coursework. Transfer students can apply up to 90 credits toward the degree.
Enrollees build competencies in key business areas such as human resource management, accounting, and marketing. Learners study topics like legal, ethical, and regulatory issues in health services; medical terminology; and industry-specific information systems. Students can participate in optional internship and study-abroad programs.
All online students pay the same tuition regardless of residency. Students may qualify for institutional scholarships, including some reserved for distance learners. UMC is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
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University of Louisiana at LafayetteLocation
Lafayette, LA
Tuition$11190
A public research university, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette (UL Lafayette) is one of nine institutions that make up the University of Louisiana System. Ranked among Louisiana's most affordable online health management programs, UL Lafayette's bachelor of science in health services administration offers accelerated eight-week sessions. All distance learners pay the same flat tuition rate regardless of residency.
Freshmen take general education classes in subjects such as communication, mathematics, and social science. Beginning in the second year, major courses integrate business and healthcare content. A capstone internship enables students to demonstrate their skills in a real-world setting.
Distance learners can access library resources and meet with academic advisors, tutors, and career counselors online. Free membership to the Louisiana Medical Group Management Association gives students access to a professional organization's networking opportunities. UL Lafayette is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
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Mercy College of OhioLocation
Toledo, OH
Tuition$19275
A private college specializing in health sciences, Mercy College of Ohio operates under the sponsorship of Mercy Health, a regional Catholic healthcare system. Students can earn a degree in health management in as little as five semesters through Mercy's online bachelor of science in healthcare administration.
Designed for working professionals, this degree-completion program enrolls students with an associate degree or at least 60 college credits. Asynchronous course delivery helps students balance the demands of the program with work and personal obligations.
Admitted students can transfer up to 84 credits toward the 120-credit degree. Core courses cover financial, organizational, and human resources management for healthcare organizations. Learners explore special topics in the field through a variety of electives. Students without prior healthcare work experience must complete a practicum.
Mercy is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
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Baker CollegeLocation
Flint, MI
Tuition$12877
Based in Flint, Michigan, Baker College offers one of the state's lowest tuition rates. The private school offers a fully online bachelor of science in healthcare administration program. Students can transfer up to 90 credits toward the degree.
The 120-credit degree in health management integrates business courses with healthcare content. Enrollees study subjects such as accounting, marketing, and healthcare law. Students culminate the degree with an externship. Online learners enjoy remote access to a variety of resources, including library services and real-time tutoring.
Students may qualify for institutional scholarships, including merit-based, need-based, and transfer-specific awards. Military service members pay a discounted tuition rate. Baker is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
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Charter Oak State CollegeLocation
New Britain, CT
Tuition$8301
A public college based in New Britain, Connecticut, Charter Oak State College exclusively offers online degree-completion programs. Geared toward working healthcare professionals, the school's bachelor of science in healthcare administration features low residency requirements, affordable tuition rates, and multiple annual start dates.
The 120-credit curriculum emphasizes historical and sociological perspectives of healthcare delivery systems. Students build competencies in financial analysis, clinical informatics, management, and research methods. A practicum and an analytical capstone project allow candidates to demonstrate practical and conceptual proficiencies.
Applicants can earn transfer credit through prior coursework, professional certifications, exams, military experience, and workforce training. Charter Oak is regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
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Belhaven UniversityLocation
Jackson, MS
Tuition$18734
Located in Jackson, Mississippi, Belhaven University is a private university affiliated with the Presbyterian Church. The school's bachelor of health administration program appeals to students looking for health management programs with a Christian emphasis. Belhaven features competitive tuition rates. Military students and first responders receive a tuition discount.
Students can complete the 124-credit degree in under four years. Health management degree-seekers take classes in key business subjects such as economics, human resources, marketing, computer applications, and operations management. Additional courses explore quality management, financial administration, and ethical and legal issues in the healthcare industry. General education requirements include courses in history, literature, and biblical studies.
Learners take flexible, asynchronous courses. The program is accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education. Belhaven is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
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Oregon Institute of TechnologyLocation
Klamath Falls, OR
Tuition$16670
Specializing in technical fields and applied sciences, Oregon Institute of Technology is a public polytechnic university based in Klamath Falls. With the same low tuition rate for both in-state and out-of-state students, the school's online bachelor of science in healthcare management offers an affordable degree path.
The program features three tracks. Enrollees without a clinical background may pursue the administrative option, which prepares them for diverse health management careers and graduate study. These students can specialize their degree in health data analytics or psychology. A clinical option enrolls candidates with professional licensure in a healthcare field. The radiologic science option caters to practicing radiologic technologists.
Distance learners enjoy access to academic advising, peer consulting, library resources, and institutional scholarships. Oregon Tech is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
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Saint Leo UniversityLocation
Saint Leo, FL
Tuition$20036
A Catholic university based in Saint Leo, Florida, Saint Leo University offers an online bachelor of science in healthcare administration through its Donald R. Tapia College of Business. Accredited by the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education and the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs, the program prepares students for managerial careers in the healthcare industry.
The healthcare management program features general education requirements in the arts, sciences, and humanities. Business core courses cover subjects such as finance, marketing, and business law. Learners hone skills in accounting, decision-making, and statistical analysis. Candidates without healthcare work experience participate in a culminating internship.
Distance learners benefit from online advising and career coaching. They can also connect with peers through virtual student associations. Saint Leo is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
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University of St FrancisLocation
Joliet, IL
Tuition$19418
Located in Joliet, Illinois, University of St. Francis (USF) is a small, private Catholic university. The school's degree-completion bachelor of science in healthcare management program is among the nation's most affordable online health management programs.
The program accepts students with a minimum of 64 transfer credits, which they can earn through prior college coursework, professional training, or military experience. Candidates can complete their degree entirely online or attend weekly evening classes on campus. Emphasizing communication and collaboration, the 120-credit degree cultivates managerial and administrative skills. Learners study topics such as healthcare regulation, public health issues, and industry-specific information management.
USF is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Programs offered through its College of Business and Health Administration are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.
Methodology: Here’s How We Rank Schools
We source unbiased data from government and educational databases like the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics for 6,374 schools across the U.S. We organize that data into five weighted categories to compile our school rankings.
Metric | Data Used | Percentage |
Academic Quality | Full-time faculty percentage, student-to-faculty ratio, student retention and graduation rates | 25% |
Affordability | Tuition rates, median student debt, and financial aid | 35% |
Reputation | Admission and enrollment rates | 15% |
Program Offerings | Number of program options | 10% |
Online Enrollment Score | Portion of learners taking at least one online course | 15% |
What do healthcare managers do?
Healthcare managers oversee the administrative side of the healthcare system. They coordinate the delivery of services, manage the budget, and improve patient care.
Is there a high demand for healthcare administration?
The BLS reports a strong need for healthcare management professionals, with a projected 32% job growth between 2019 and 2029.
What is the highest degree in health management?
A doctorate in health management is the field's terminal degree. Many healthcare administrators hold a master's degree in health administration or business.
How long is a master's in health management?
A master's degree in health management generally takes two years for full-time students. Some programs offer an accelerated option to earn the degree sooner.
Similar Industries
Medical and health services managers coordinate healthcare in clinical departments, healthcare facilities, and medical practices. They analyze data to improve patient care, create goals for their organization, and implement strategic plans. Health managers also supervise staff members and manage finances.
Within the health management field, professionals specialize in many areas. For example, nursing home administrators oversee the staff, operations, and finances at long-term care facilities. Clinical managers set policies and goals for a specific department within a healthcare organization. Healthcare finance managers specialize in budgeting and financial management. Health information managers maintain and secure patient data.
A bachelor's degree meets the typical entry-level requirement for health management careers. However, some employers prefer candidates with work experience or a master's degree. After earning a health management degree, students can consider a master's in healthcare administration, health management, or business administration to advance their career.
Accreditation for a Health Management Degree
Prospective health management majors should research accreditation before submitting applications. Accredited schools meet high standards for educating students and granting degrees. To earn accreditation, colleges and universities undergo a rigorous review from an independent accrediting agency. These agencies evaluate schools on their student learning outcomes, graduation requirements, and faculty qualifications.
Attending an accredited school can influence a health manager's career opportunities and options for graduate-level training. Many employers look for candidates with an accredited degree, and applicants with an unaccredited degree do not qualify for most master's programs. When reviewing a school's accreditation, health management majors should look for a regionally accredited school. Students can check a school's accreditation status using the U.S. Department of Education database.
In addition to institutional accreditation, programs may hold accreditation from a specialized accrediting agency. For example, many business schools hold programmatic accreditation. At the undergraduate level, health management programs often do not hold programmatic accreditation. The Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education accredits graduate-level health management programs.
Prospective students interested in a health management degree must first gain admission to a college or university. At most schools, applicants need a high school or GED diploma and must provide standardized test scores. Applicants may also need to submit recommendation letters, a resume, or an essay.
After gaining admission, some health management programs require prerequisite courses in business or healthcare management. Majors must meet graduation requirements to earn their degree. Depending on the program, they may need to complete a capstone project or thesis, general education requirements, and electives to graduate.
Courses in a Health Management Program
Health management majors examine the intersection of business and healthcare. They strengthen management techniques while also learning about the healthcare system. Unlike clinical healthcare training, health management focuses on the business side of healthcare.
During a health management program, undergrads study healthcare quality management, health informatics, and healthcare finance. These courses build strong research and analytical skills, which majors demonstrate in a capstone project or thesis. The degree prepares graduates for decision-making roles in healthcare organizations.
This section introduces courses offered in health management programs. While the exact classes vary depending on the program, our sample curriculum lists common courses.
- Introduction to Healthcare Management
- Many health management programs begin with an introductory course on healthcare management. Majors study management theories, the healthcare system, and factors that shape healthcare organizations. Through readings, discussions, and assignments, learners explore key aspects of healthcare management. The class may also include practical activities like comparing strategic plans or interviewing a healthcare administrator. The course provides an overview of the healthcare management field, preparing majors for upper-division coursework.
- Healthcare Quality Management
- Healthcare administrators implement policies to improve quality and patient safety. Healthcare quality management classes introduce learners to the methods to assess quality and practices that improve quality. Students examine patient satisfaction and customer service in the healthcare sector. By studying healthcare quality management and examining case studies, health management majors learn how to develop, implement, and evaluate quality improvement plans.
- Health Informatics
- Healthcare increasingly relies on information technology to provide care and improve quality. Courses on health informatics look at the role of data in managerial decision-making, including the collection and communication of health data. Students learn about privacy rules and information systems security, ethical issues in health informatics, and information management. The course builds skills in information technology, data management, and healthcare databases, providing foundational skills for a health management career.
- Healthcare Policy
- Health management majors often take classes in healthcare policy to learn about the relationship between politics, the healthcare system, and the government. Learners explore factors like access to healthcare, affordability, and quality. They also examine the impact of policy on healthcare facilities, major issues in long-term healthcare policy, and the regulatory context for providing healthcare. The class may incorporate case studies to understand the relationship between policy and practice. Students gain an appreciation for the wider context of healthcare and prepare for leadership roles in shaping healthcare policy.
- Healthcare Finance
- This course examines the healthcare delivery system from a financial perspective. Topics covered include financial reporting, operational budgeting, and financial risk management. Students also learn about creating financial statements, managing capital budgets, and the relationship between the healthcare system and the insurance system. The course blends business, finance, and healthcare. Coursework prepares graduates for roles like healthcare financial analyst or manager.
Certifications and Licensure for Health Management Majors
Professional certifications can help healthcare management majors stand out in the job market. While health management careers generally do not require a license, certifications recognize experienced professionals with specialized skills. For example, finance specialists can earn the certified healthcare financial professional credential. By researching certifications, graduates can prepare for careers in their field.
Certified Healthcare Administrative Professional
The Association for Healthcare Administrative Professionals awards the cHAP credential to healthcare administrators. Candidates with a bachelor's degree in health management and administrative experience can pursue the fast-track option to complete the certification sooner. Applicants must pass an examination that covers healthcare regulations, governance, and administrative skills.
Certified Medical Manager
The Professional Association of Health Care Office Management credentials certified medical managers. The certification recognizes healthcare office managers with at least two years of experience. A bachelor's in health management degree meets the educational requirement. Candidates also take a three-hour, multiple-choice exam.
Certified Healthcare Financial Professional
The Healthcare Financial Management Association offers the CHFP credential for experienced financial professionals. Candidates complete two testing modules. The first focuses on the business of healthcare, while the second emphasizes operational excellence. In total, the two exams take 4.5 hours, with case studies and multiple-choice questions.
Professional Organizations for Health Management Majors
Professional organizations help health management majors transition from their program into the workforce. These organizations offer career development resources, including self-assessment tools and job boards. They also provide networking opportunities through annual conferences, local events, and chapters. Some professional organizations also offer scholarships for students pursuing a health management degree.
AAHAM specializes in healthcare administrative management. The association shares best administrative practices in healthcare, hosts conferences to connect healthcare management specialists, and offers professional certifications. Members can also connect with other healthcare administrators at local events or strengthen their skills by attending webinars.
ACHE serves more than 48,000 healthcare executives. The professional association promotes leadership, lifelong learning, and networking. Members can participate in 77 local chapters, pursue board certification in healthcare management, or attend the annual Congress on Healthcare Leadership to engage with other professionals. ACHE also offers a learning center with professional development resources and a career resource center.
AHIMA advocates for specialists in health information management. The association offers several professional certifications, including the registered health information technician and registered health information administrator credentials. In addition, AHIMA provides educational tools, various publications, news to stay current in the field, and local events.
HFMA represents over 56,000 specialists in healthcare finance. The association offers educational resources, industry research, and strategic guidance to manage healthcare finance issues. Members benefit from career self-assessment resources, certifications, and a job bank to find career opportunities. HFMA also hosts events with networking opportunities.
Students earning a degree in health management can explore various scholarships. Professional organizations, government agencies, and private foundations offer scholarships to undergrads studying healthcare management or healthcare administration. In addition to the following opportunities, students can research scholarships at their school or in their state.
Richard Stull Essay Competition
Who Can Apply: Offered by the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE), the essay competition supports undergraduates earning a healthcare management degree. Applicants submit an essay on a topic in health management, such as financial management, government relations, or strategic planning. Recipients must attend a health management program that participates in the ACHE Higher Education Network.
Amount: $3,000
NIH Undergraduate Scholarship
Who Can Apply: The National Institutes of Health offers an undergraduate scholarship to students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Full-time students at an accredited school pursuing a career in a health-related field, including health management, may apply. The scholarship requires a minimum 3.3 GPA and evidence of exceptional financial need.
Amount: Up to $20,000
TxHIMA Evelyn L. Cockrell Memorial Scholarship
Who Can Apply: The scholarship supports undergraduates pursuing a degree in healthcare, nursing, or a related field. Applicants must enroll in at least 12 credits per semester. The scholarship also requires two recommendation letters. The committee may interview some applicants as part of the process.
Amount: Varies
Union Health Foundation Health Career Scholarships
Who Can Apply: Union Health Foundation offers multiple scholarships for students attending accredited healthcare programs, including health management programs. Applicants must live in certain Illinois or Indiana counties, be enrolled full time, and demonstrate a minimum 3.0 GPA. The committee also evaluates applicants based on financial need.
Amount: Varies
Bill and Mary Russell Health Care Scholarship
Who Can Apply: The scholarship supports undergraduates pursuing a degree in healthcare, nursing, or a related field. Applicants must enroll in at least 12 credits per semester. The scholarship also requires two recommendation letters. The committee may interview some applicants as part of the process.
Amount: Varies
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