MHA vs. Bachelor's in Healthcare Management
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Healthcare administrators run hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities. They manage staffing, regulation compliance, insurance billing systems, and everything that maintains a smooth running facility. Since administrators work for both small and large healthcare organizations, some administrators specialize in specific areas while others juggle multiple roles.
The median salary for medical and health services managers is around $96,540, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS Jan. 2018). However, salaries for the highest paying healthcare management roles range from $72,000 to $386,000 annually, depending on the administrator’s area of expertise.
Of course, a healthcare administrator’s annual salary depends on their career path and academic qualifications. For example, someone with a graduate degree working as a healthcare consultant generally earns more than someone with a bachelor’s degree who works for a not-for-profit hospital.
Those seeking a career in healthcare administration have several options. They can choose to pursue a bachelor’s or master’s degree, depending on their current career path and professional aspirations. A bachelor’s degree in healthcare management can open doors to entry-level positions, while a master of healthcare administration (MHA) can open doors for working professionals like nurses, EMTs, phlebologists, or pharmacists who are seeking a career change out of clinical practice and into management or administration.
A master’s degree is typically required for those seeking executive and upper-level management positions. Some professionals with healthcare backgrounds choose to supplement their practical experience and undergraduate degrees with an MHA. For example an experienced nurse may choose to pursue an MHA to move into an administration position within nursing.
In addition to a traditional healthcare administration degree, some universities offer dual programs such as a combined MHA and MBA program. Others offer specialized programs that concentrate on subjects like insurance management, public policy, or healthcare information management. With all of these different options, it is crucial for prospective students to do the proper research before enrolling in a healthcare management administration program.
Side-by-Side Comparison: Master of Healthcare Administration vs. Bachelor’s in Healthcare Management
This side-by-side comparison summarizes key information about the similarities and differences between a bachelor’s in healthcare management and an MHA program.
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Typical Admissions Requirements |
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Accreditation |
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Specializations |
At the bachelor’s degree level, much of the coursework is at an introductory level and therefore the opportunities to specialize are limited. That said, some programs focus more on informatics, leadership, occupational therapy, nursing home management, or other subfields. Some programs offer an abbreviated “ancillary health management” degree program for people who already hold an associate degree in a healthcare field. Additionally, some schools like Cornell offer a fast-track BS-to-MHA program completing both degrees in five years. |
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Curriculum Overview |
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Typical Duration |
A bachelor’s of science (BS) program varies but it usually requires four years of full-time attendance, or two years for degree-completion options for associate degree graduates. The former often requires 120-126 credit-hours. Some BS in healthcare management programs offer an accelerated program or options to complete both a bachelor’s and master’s degree. |
A full-time MHA degree program typically takes 16 months with full-time attendance. This usually equates to around 48 credits. |
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Tuition Range (See individual programs as this varies widely by college, degree specialization, and whether you have resident status) |
Tuition varies depending on the college and residency status (in-state or out-of-state). Drawing from the programs below, tuition ranges from $320-$596 per credit. |
Tuition varies depending on the college and residency status (in-state or out-of-state). Drawing from the programs below, tuition ranges from $788 to $930 per credit-hour. |
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Examples of On-Campus Programs in Healthcare Management and Administration |
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Examples of Online Programs in Healthcare Management and Administration |
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Career Opportunities for Graduates |
Entry-level jobs in the healthcare management field, including opportunities in hospitals, nursing homes, community clinics, public health organizations, and more. |
Advanced leadership roles in clinical, nonprofit, government, and corporate environments, including opportunities in healthcare organizations, the insurance industry, or consulting |
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The Bottom Line |
Bachelor’s degrees in healthcare management can prepare students to enter the healthcare management and administration field working for healthcare facilities, insurance companies, and related organizations. Some programs build on an existing associate’s degree in a healthcare field like nursing, while others prepare students for entry-level positions. |
Master of health administration (MHA) programs can prepare candidates for senior-level management and leadership roles in the healthcare industry. Graduates can find work in healthcare organizations, consulting firms, non-government organizations, insurance companies, and government agencies. Some build on previous professional experience and a bachelor’s degree in health or business related fields. |
In sum, healthcare professionals are in demand, and opportunities aren’t limited to doctors, pharmacists, or nurses. Every medical or healthcare facility requires skilled management to operate in a dynamic, ever-changing environment.
Professional Associations and Other Resources
- The American Health Information Management Association
- Association of University Programs in Health Administration (AUPHA)
- American College of Health Care Administrators (ACHCA)
