Are there One-Year Online MHA Programs? 15-18 Month Programs?

The short answer is yes!

While many online master’s degree programs require two years to complete, there are fully online master’s of health administration (MHA) programs that can be completed in 12 to 18 months. As well, graduate certificates can be completed in one year (12 months) or less. Online MHA programs are designed for current working professionals wanting to begin or advance their careers in leadership roles in the healthcare industry.

The online MHA degree and certificate programs featured here are open to individuals with no prior experience in the healthcare industry. Many universities are offering MHA degree programs in response to the rapidly growing need for educated and experienced administrative healthcare professionals.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics (2025) has projected a 23 percent growth rate for medical and health services managers in the decade preceding 2034—a much faster rate than the national average. The increased need for healthcare professionals can be attributed to the implementation of the Affordable Care Act and the growing healthcare needs of the large aging population in the United States, among other factors.

In response to these economic trends, universities have tailored their online degree and certificate programs to meet the needs of working professionals and their families. Two of the most attractive features of the online degree and certificate options are that students can complete their degrees online and remain in their current jobs without relocating to attend a face-to-face degree program.

Online MHA programs use web-based platforms and tools to deliver course content and facilitate interaction between students and professors. For example, some courses may meet in person via video- or chat-based platforms once a week, while others require weekly written contributions in online discussion forums. In addition, courses can blend synchronous real-time meetings and asynchronous tasks with specific due dates. The types of interaction in online classes are at the discretion of the instructor and the program faculty.

While every online MHA program is unique in its delivery format and curricular requirements, there are some commonalities. For example, in addition to online coursework, several programs require a final capstone project or an issue-based research project informed by observations made during students’ hands-on practicum. Additionally, some online programs require hybrid campus immersions in which students must meet on campus for many consecutive days.

On the other hand, fully online programs often have “virtual residencies,” enabling students and professors to have face-to-face interactions from the convenience of their off-campus locations.

Course requirements for most online MHA degree and certificate programs include a combination of core and elective classes, allowing students to focus on an area of professional interest in healthcare. Typical specialization tracks in this industry include long-term care, health informatics, and public administration.

Read on to learn about online MHA degree programs that take one year (or up to one and a half years) to complete.

Featured One-Year Online MHA Programs
Texas State University	Master of Healthcare Administration - Executive Track	Request Info
Texas State University	Master of Long-Term Care Administration (incl. TX LTCA Certification)	Request Info
Arizona State University	Healthcare Innovation (MHI)	Request Info
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Arizona State University, Online Master of Healthcare Innovation (MHI)

The master of healthcare innovation at ASU is designed to be completed in two years; however, students can complete the program in as little as one year if they attend full-time. The entirely online program has multiple start dates throughout the year and is designed to prepare graduates to be leaders in innovation and transformative roles in healthcare. Graduates find work in various healthcare careers, including data analysts, educators, consultants, and project managers.

The U.S. News and World Report ranked ASU’s College of Nursing and Health Innovation in the top 11 percent in the country for its master’s programs, and the school has partnerships with several major health care institutions, such as Mayo Clinic. The 34-credit MHA in health care innovation program includes 26 core credits, one three-credit elective, and a five-credit capstone final project. Students can also complete an optional internship. Courses include study leadership, change theory, application technology, entrepreneurship, and systems design programs.

While ASU accepts students with various academic backgrounds, applicants must have a U.S. bachelor’s degree or higher to enroll. Work experience and GMAT or GRE scores are not required for admission.

• Location: Tempe, AZ
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Program length: length: One year full-time, two years part-time

Arizona State University, Online Master of Science in Health Care Administration and Policy

The 30-credit online MS in healthcare administration and policy program at ASU has multiple enrollment dates. It’s designed for individuals who want to make a significant impact within the system. For students contemplating medical school, it provides a gap year that offers insight into healthcare delivery and policy.

The curriculum is divided into eleven classes, each lasting 7.5 weeks. Coursework features three optional focus areas: health policy and advocacy; health systems management; and performance improvement in healthcare. The coursework can be tailored to fit individual goals and career plans. A selection of topics includes foundation of U.S. health systems and design; healthcare transformation and leadership; health policy and equity; and patient-centered care. Students also complete a capstone project and a practicum.

Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, a 3.0 GPA (although a lower GPA may be considered with GRE/GMAT scores), proof of English proficiency for non-native English speakers, personal statement, transcripts, current CV or resume, letter of recommendation, and a letter of reference.

• Location: Tempe, AZ
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• Program length: One year full-time, two to two and a half years part-time

Southern New Hampshire University, Online Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA)

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) offers a 36-credit fully online master’s degree in healthcare administration. An ideal option for professionals aspiring to work in the healthcare industry in non-clinical administrative roles, this program provides students with a rigorous curriculum focusing on its business standards, principles, concepts, systems, and current best practices. A variety of subject areas, including finance and economics, law, policy, informatics, and strategic planning, are taught to ensure equitable quality and access to healthcare for all. Students can complete the program in as little as 15 months.

SNHU’s program curriculum is reviewed regularly by a wide range of healthcare professionals in the industry. In response to the rapid expansion of healthcare administration, SNHU is committed to continuously assessing the validity and practicality of its curriculum by aligning it with standards set forth by the Association of University Programs in Health Administration (AUPHA) and the Healthcare Leadership Alliance (HLA).

Graduates of this online MHA program are equipped with the expertise needed for top healthcare administration positions. Skills emphasized in this program include communication, computational abilities, critical thinking, societal and cultural context, leadership, and relationship management in healthcare environments.

• Location: Manchester, NH
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
• Program length: 15 months

Southern New Hampshire University, Online Master of Health Information Management

Individuals interested in healthcare technology may find that the MS of health information management (HIM) at SNHU will meet their career goals. The 36-credit program is available fully online. Although no campus visits are required, each student is assigned an advisor to answer questions and to provide help in accessing resources such as tutoring and career services.

The curriculum includes 12 courses of ten weeks each. The coursework may include HIM applications and systems, leading as an HIM professional, information protection and security in HIM, health information governance, data management and data quality, HIM informatics and technology infrastructure, managing compliance, HIM strategic planning and financial management, and research methods and evaluation, among others. A capstone completes the coursework.

Graduates are prepared for positions in hospitals, insurance companies, nursing homes, outpatient clinics, and primary care offices. Admission to the HIM program does not require test scores or work experience. Applicants are expected to have an undergraduate degree, and may transfer credits for other schools.

• Location: Manchester, NH
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
• Program length: 15 months

Purdue Global, Online Master of Health Informatics (MHI)

The twelve courses in Purdue Global’s online master of health informatics ((MHI) can be completed in as little as 18 months if students put in 15 hours of study each week. Health informatics combine computer science and information science with healthcare. The MHI degree has been created for healthcare professionals who want new opportunities and IT professionals who want to join the healthcare industry.

The core curriculum consists of ten courses, among which are leadership and management in healthcare, health informatics, database design and SQL, healthcare data analytics, information systems design and implementation, and legal and ethical issues in health information. The optional concentration in health information management adds healthcare compliance, organizational development and management for health information, revenue cycle management, and protection of health information. Students preferring the general program select from electives that best meet their career goals. The total credits needed, including a capstone, range from 48 to 56.

Dedicated advisors are available to help students with admission requirements. Only a bachelor’s degree and a GPA of at least 2.5 are necessary. Work experience and GRE/GMAT scores are not required.

• Location: West Lafayette, IN
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• Program length: One year

Purdue Global, Online Master of Health Care Administration

The master of health care administration (MHCA) program at Purdue Global is fully online, with no on-site requirements. The focus of the program is preparation of students for management, administration, and leadership roles across the spectrum of healthcare. The program was recently granted Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME) accreditation.

The curriculum includes 52 credit-hours of core coursework, a capstone project, and eight credit hours of electives. Core coursework includes organization development in healthcare, leadership and management in healthcare, healthcare financial management, human resources for healthcare managers, data analytics for healthcare managers, healthcare operations and quality assessment, health policy, healthcare law and ethics, leading healthcare transformation with strategy integration, and health information applications and systems.

Graduates will have increased their professional competencies in communication, teamwork, leadership, personal presentation, cultural competence, and problem-solving and critical thinking. Applicants to the program must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, transcripts, and a minimum GPA of 2.5. GRE/GMAT scores and work experience are not required.

• Location: West Lafayette, IN
• Accreditation: CAHME; Higher Learning Commission
• Program length: One year

Texas A&M International University, Online MBA Healthcare Administration

The MBA in healthcare administration at Texas A&M International University prepares individuals for positions as healthcare administrators, hospital business office directors, clinical research managers, health information directors, and nursing home administrators.

Students without an undergraduate degree in business or have a limited business background will need to take “prep-modules” in foundational concepts in finance, economics, accounting, information systems, management, and marketing. Students will work with advisors to determine which of the prep-modules are required. Each one is two credits, and are graded on a pass/fail basis.

The 30-credit MBA program includes coursework such as business research methods, strategic management, financial statement analysis, managerial economics, financial management, management concepts (seminar), organizational behavior, transformational leadership, and healthcare informatics. The coursework is 100 percent online and no campus visits are required.

Applicants who have an undergraduate or graduate degree, official transcripts, an upper-level 3.0 GPA, resume, and three references are automatically admitted. Applicants who don’t meet these criteria will need to submit a GRE or GMAT score, a personal statement, and two references.

• Location: Laredo, TX
• Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
• Program length: 12 to 15 months if accelerated courses are taken

University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Executive Master of Healthcare Administration (EMHA)

The University of Nevada, Las Vegas offers the executive master of healthcare administration (EMHA) on-campus and fully online. The 34-credit program is designed for healthcare managers and administrators who advance into executive positions. The coursework builds on existing knowledge to increase skills in team leadership, communication, and innovation that puts patients first.

The curriculum includes survey of U.S. healthcare systems: programs, policies, and politics; management of health services organizations and systems; public health fundamentals for healthcare leaders; healthcare financial management/healthcare accounting; human resources management of healthcare organizations; and information systems in healthcare service management, and others. A capstone in healthcare administration is required.

Admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree or recognized equivalent, a 3.0 GPA (although applicants with a lower GPA may request special consideration), personal essay, resume, official transcripts, three letters of recommendation, and specified work experience.

• Location: Las Vegas, NV
• Accreditation: Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH)
• Program length: 18 months if attending full-time

Friends University, Online Master of Health Care Leadership

Friends University offers an online master of health care leadership (MHCL) program that prepares graduates for professional administrative and leadership roles in the modern healthcare environment. The program is available on-campus or online. The coursework is taught by practicing professionals and academic faculty and encompasses all aspects of healthcare leadership.

Most classes are offered in 3-credit hour eight-week terms. The core curriculum (15 credit hours) includes leadership as a calling, strategic marketing management, business diversity and cross-cultural communication, managerial finance domestic and global perspectives, and a capstone portfolio. The MHCL coursework includes quality management in healthcare organizations, risk management and decision-making, strategic planning and performance analytics in healthcare, contemporary issues in aging services, and managing complex healthcare systems. Students with a bachelor’s degree in business will need to take foundations of business, bringing the total credit hours up to 33.

Admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, transcripts, GPA of 2.75 or better, letter of recommendation, and participation in a program director interview and receiving acceptance approval. GRE/GMAT scores and work experience are not required.

• Location: Wichita, KS
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• Program length: One year

The George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences, Graduate Certificate in Clinical Operations and Healthcare Management

The graduate certificate in clinical operations and healthcare management at GWU is an excellent option for those wishing to learn more about clinical procedures without dedicating themselves to a full master’s program. Students can complete the program in 18 months.

The 18-credit program teaches students how to improve the quality of care across healthcare operations and communicate effectively within this context. Furthermore, students can apply their certificate to the master of health sciences (MSHS) in clinical operations and healthcare management to deepen their expertise.

This post-bachelor’s certificate can be completed in the spring, summer, or fall terms and is 100 percent online. Campus visits are not required. However, applicants must have previous clinical research or healthcare experience to gain admission.

• Location: Washington DC
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
• Program length: 18 months

The University of Scranton, Executive Certificate in Health Administration

The executive certificate in health administration at the University of Scranton provides students with the business and administration skills to enter the healthcare administration field. Taught by the same faculty from the master of healthcare administration (MHA) degree, the 15-credit certificate can later be applied to the master’s program for those who wish to further their studies. Students can complete the program in 10 months.

The CAHME-aligned executive certificate includes healthcare organization and administration courses, healthcare financial management, and health services and systems. Students also take two health administration electives. They can complete the program in just ten months, and they graduate with a strategic set of skills that can make an immediate impact on the job. Applicants must have at least three years of professional or supervisory work experience and a bachelor’s degree or higher.

• Location: Scranton, PA
• Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME)
• Program length: Ten months

The University of Cincinnati, Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Administration

The healthcare administration graduate certificate at the University of Cincinnati was created for professionals who wish to be at the helm of healthcare facilities. They learn about the financial, economic, and managerial components of leading an organization, whether they are in hospitals, clinics, or networks of healthcare facilities.

An attractive feature of this certificate is its reasonable tuition for both in-state and out-of-state students. Students complete 12 credits, divided evenly between elective and core courses. Coursework includes the organization and delivery of health systems administration, the healthcare marketplace, health economics, the principles of leadership, healthcare finance, and health policy, among others.

With three start dates, the program is designed to be completed in 18 months, minimum. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree or higher but are not required to have previous work experience.

• Location: Cincinnati, OH
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• Program length: 18 months

The University of Cincinnati, Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Operations

The graduate certificate in healthcare operations takes a more focused approach to healthcare administration through the lens of policy and regulation. This program is designed for those who wish to learn more about how the law applies to the industry and organize and manage healthcare delivery.

The 12-credit program includes eight to nine core credits and three to four elective credits. The core coursework covers the organization and delivery of health systems administration, healthcare operations management, health quality, and healthcare quality management. In addition, students can choose electives in healthcare finance, systems management, the healthcare marketplace, health policy, health information and technology, and global health systems.

With three start dates, the affordable program is designed to be completed in 18 months. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree or higher but are not required to have previous work experience.

• Location: Cincinnati, OH
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• Program length: 18 months

The University of Cincinnati, Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Finance

The University of Cincinnati designed a graduate certificate in healthcare finance for those wishing to be more involved in the financial side of healthcare, specifically the affordability of care. The focus is on helping patients know how to pay for medical care in the short term and long term.

The interdisciplinary program is delivered jointly by the university’s College of Allied Health and the Lindner College of Business to provide a rigorous business education. Students can complete the 13-credit post-bachelor’s certificate in 18 months by completing three core courses and one elective. The core courses cover the organization and delivery of health systems administration and two courses in healthcare finance: one on analysis, the other on decision making.

The affordable program has three start dates throughout the year. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree or higher but are not required to have previous work experience.

• Location: Cincinnati, OH
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• Program length: 18 months

The University of Cincinnati, Graduate Certificate in Health Care Policy and Regulation

Recognizing that the healthcare environment is becoming increasingly complex, the University of Cincinnati designed its post-graduate certificate in healthcare policy to meet the demand for individuals trained in evaluating the impact of policies and regulations on patient populations.

Students can enroll three times a year. The coursework is fully online and no campus visits are necessary. The 12-credit curriculum includes health systems management: organization and delivery; health policy and regulation; and legal and ethical issues. Students then select one elective from an extensive list to customize the curriculum to meet their individual goals. Graduates gain an understanding of how the law applies to healthcare systems while gaining skills needed in organizing and managing healthcare services.

Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree, a minimum 3.0 GPA, one reference, resume/CV, and letter of intent.

• Location: Cincinnati, OH
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• Program length: 12 months

Arizona State University, Graduate Certificate in Health Care Innovation

The graduate certificate in health care innovation at Arizona State University was designed for individuals who want to be leaders in initiating, creating, and facilitating change in diverse health care settings. The 15-credit curriculum is fully online.

The coursework has one 3-credit core course, innovation and the individual. Electives for the remaining 12 credits allow students to tailor their coursework to meet their career goals. A sampling of electives includes understanding and applying principles of evidence-based practice, systems thinking in a complex environment, information technology for healthcare innovation, advanced principles and concepts of innovation, healthcare policy and innovation, and financing for innovation.

Admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree, 3.0 GPA, official transcripts, and proof of English proficiency. GRE/GMAT scores and work experience are not required.

• Location: Tempe, AZ
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• Program length: 18 months