Online MHA Programs That Require Professional Experience

“I would advise gaining some work experience before pursuing a master’s degree. There is so much nuance in a master’s education that can be challenging to fully grasp without practical experience.”

Melissa Edwards, MD, MHA, Chief Executive of PeaceHealth Medical Group

According to the U.S. News and World Report (2024), healthcare is one of the fastest-growing industries in the United States. This is due to many factors, including a rapidly aging population, advances in healthcare technology, and healthcare legislation that has allowed more people to have health insurance.

Healthcare administration professionals oversee the daily operations of hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and other types of healthcare facilities. Graduates of online master’s programs in healthcare administration (MHA) can work for government agencies, for-profit organizations, and non-profit organizations.

A bachelor’s degree is the typical entry-level requirement for a role in healthcare administration, although most employers prefer a master’s degree. Not only can a master’s degree allow professionals to advance more quickly in their careers, but it can also help them transition into the field of healthcare administration from a different industry.

Most online master’s programs in healthcare administration (MHA) require the completion of 32 to 60 credits on the management and business side of healthcare. The average time to complete a program is two years, although a specific program could take longer or shorter depending on the student’s transferred credits and work experience and the program’s scope.

Many online MHA programs require between two and five years of previous work experience at the middle to senior management level. However, applicants may not be required to have experience in healthcare administration. Prospective MHA students should also expect to send letters of recommendation from their employers and college professors.

This guide explores several accredited online MHA programs that require previous work experience and the perspective of one accomplished professional and MHA graduate.

Online MHA Programs Requiring 2-4 Years of Experience
The George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health Online MHA (MHA@GW) View Full Profile
Texas State University Master of Healthcare Administration - Executive Track View Full Profile
The University of Scranton Executive Certificate in Health Administration View Full Profile
The University of Scranton Master of Health Administration View Full Profile
Ohio University Online Master of Health Administration (MHA) View Full Profile
Sacred Heart University Online Master of Health Administration (MHA) View Full Profile
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Meet the Expert: Melissa Edwards, MD, MHA

Melissa Edwards

Dr. Melissa Edwards is the chief executive of PeaceHealth Medical Group. An alumna of Oregon Health and Science University School of Medicine, she has a robust clinical practice and healthcare management background. In May 2020, she completed her master of healthcare administration (MHA) from the University of Scranton.

At PeaceHealth, Dr. Edwards has excelled as a leader, both in her support of the medical group and as the system Medical Director for Women’s Service Line. She is highly skilled in electronic medical record (EMR) implementation, strategic planning, and collaborating with physicians and clinicians. Her extensive knowledge and dedication to improving patient outcomes and operational efficiency make her an invaluable asset to PeaceHealth.

MHAOnline.com: What is something people don’t know about being a healthcare administration manager?

Dr. Edwards: The most surprising aspect of healthcare leadership is its highly matrixed nature. You’ll never find yourself in a position where you have only one boss, nor will the people who report to you have just one supervisor. Everything is deeply interconnected, meaning that while you may report directly to one individual, you must develop the ability to work effectively with people throughout the entire organization. These colleagues may possess skill sets completely different from your own and may even approach their work with a different sense of purpose.

As a physician leader, it’s crucial to understand that not everyone has a clinical background—some come from IT, finance, or marketing. Learning to lead teams made up of individuals from various walks of life and educational backgrounds is both exciting and challenging.

MHAOnline.com: What is one piece of advice you would give to a prospective MHA student?

Dr. Edwards: Having observed many of my colleagues throughout the program, I’ve noticed two distinct paths: some of us entered the master’s program after gaining healthcare experience and leadership roles, while others transitioned directly from a bachelor’s degree.

I would advise gaining some work experience before pursuing a master’s degree. There is so much nuance in a master’s education that can be challenging to fully grasp without practical experience. Therefore, I recommend obtaining your bachelor’s degree, securing your first job—perhaps even your second—and then returning for your master’s. This approach ensures you will benefit far more from the master’s program because you will have the necessary context to fully appreciate the didactic learning.

Career & Salary Outlook for Medical and Health Services Managers

The career outlook for edical and health services managers from 2022 to 2032 is highly favorable, reflecting the increasing complexity and expansion of healthcare services. According to the most recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS 2024), employment in this field is projected to grow by 28 percent, much faster than the average for all occupations (3 percent). This surge is driven by the need to manage and improve healthcare facilities, adapt to new regulations, and implement advanced technology.

The salary percentiles for medical and health services managers are as follows (BLS May 2023):

  • 10th percentile: $67,900
  • 25th percentile: $86,080
  • 50th percentile (median): $110,680
  • 75th percentile: $157,640
  • 90th percentile: $216,750

By comparison, in August 2024, PayScale.com reported that the median annual salary for medical and health services managers is approximately $73,689, with salaries varying based on experience, education, and location.

Farheen Gani
Farheen Gani
Writer

Farheen Gani has written many how-to career, online program, and scholarship guides related to master of healthcare administration degrees since 2018. Some guides she has written include online healthcare management programs, master's in regulatory science programs, and health administration scholarships. She writes about healthcare, technology, education, and marketing. Her work has appeared on websites such as Tech in Asia and Foundr, as well as top SaaS blogs such as Zapier and InVision. You can connect with her on LinkedIn and Twitter (@FarheenGani).

Rachel Drummond, MEd
Rachel Drummond, MEd
Writer

As a contributor on MHAOnline, Rachel Drummond has brought her expertise in education and mindfulness to the healthcare management field since 2019. She writes about integrating innovation into healthcare administration, emphasizing the importance of mental and physical well-being for effective leadership and decision-making in the fast-paced world of healthcare management.

Rachel is a writer, educator, and coach from Oregon. She has a master’s degree in education (MEd) and has over 15 years of experience teaching English, public speaking, and mindfulness to international audiences in the United States, Japan, and Spain. She writes about the mind-body benefits of contemplative movement practices like yoga on her blog, inviting people to prioritize their unique version of well-being and empowering everyone to live healthier and more balanced lives.

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