American College of Education Online MHA

American College of Education (ACE) offers a fully online MHA program that prepares graduates for advanced leadership in healthcare settings. The program can be completed in just 18 months with start dates in January, May, and August.

ACE seeks to deliver high-quality, affordable, and fully accessible online programs, preparing graduates to achieve their goals while learning to lead and serve others. The college takes social responsibility seriously and partners with nonprofit organizations around the country, including the Kids in Need Foundation, the American Heart Association, Treasures 4 Teachers, and Crayons to Computers.

MHA coursework focuses on healthcare administrative topics such as communication, management, critical thinking, IT, and professionalism. Students must complete a supervised practicum where theoretical application occurs in a healthcare setting. Coursework is application-based and leads to eligibility to earn a Lean Healthcare Badge.

Program outcomes focus on advanced leadership and management skills; effective leadership, collaboration, and communication within organizations; evidence-based ethical decision-making; healthcare economics and strategic financial analysis; public health and epidemiology; data management and information systems; and cultural competence. Professionals with a bachelor’s degree in any field may apply.

Graduates may enter careers in both urban and rural settings in various healthcare organizations, including hospitals, clinical organizations, long-term care facilities, and home health care organizations. Job titles may include hospital administrator, health services manager, clinical manager, nursing home administrator, chief nursing officer, or healthcare consultant.

American College of Education is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana.

What to Expect from the American College of Education Online MHA

Admission Requirements: Prospective students must have earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with an overall GPA of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale. No GMAT or GRE test scores are required for admission, and there are no prerequisites for the program.

Application materials include an online application, a non-refundable application fee, and official transcripts from an accredited institution. Proof of English language proficiency is required for English as a second language applicants.

Study Plan: The online MHA begins yearly in January, May, and Augus,t and courses are offered in a five-week or ten-week format for busy adults. The program can be completed in 18 months. Students typically spend 20 to 25 hours per week on coursework. The capstone experience includes a 120-hour practicum with a healthcare organization.

Curriculum: The American College of Education online MHA requires the completion of 36 credits. Courses include financial analysis and assessment in healthcare administration; health policy evaluation and development; leading and strategy development in healthcare organizations; legal and ethical decision making in healthcare administration; information systems management for healthcare administrators; advanced quality management for healthcare administrators; epidemiology and public health for healthcare administrators; marketing for healthcare organizations; project management for healthcare administrators; information systems management; human resources in healthcare organizations research methods and applied statistics; and capstone experience for healthcare administration.

Online Experience: American College of Education utilizes Canvas as its online learning management system (LMS). The asynchronous courses include online presentation-based lectures and video modules, readings, discussions and assessments and other assignments. Students should log in to the Canvas system several times a week to make sure all requirements are completed on time. Faculty and peers collaborate through online discussion boards, chat, and email.

Student services include a student success coach, technical support, online tutoring, a virtual library, a writing center, and disability support services (DSS).

On-Site Requirements: American College of Education does not require any on-site visits. MHA students complete an in-person practicum in conjunction with a healthcare organization near where they live and work.

Paying for the American College of Education Online MHA

American College of Education MHA tuition numbers are listed in the tables below. ACE partners with Scholarship America to keep tuition very low and is a transfer-credit-friendly institution. Applicants should verify current tuition and fees with the American College of Education Bursar’s office.

Prospective students should fill out and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). In addition to keeping tuition low, ACE awards over $1.2 million in grants and scholarships each year. Other funding options include employer tuition reimbursement programs, private loans, and outside grants and scholarships. Prospective students should contact the Bursar’s office for more information.

American College of Education Master of Healthcare Administration

Program Essentials
Degree Level Master's Degree
Program Start Dates 3 - January, May, August
Credits Needed to Graduate 36
Time to Complete? Complete in as few as 18 months
100% Online? Yes
Program Accreditation HLC
Program Admissions
Level of Education Required? Bachelor’s or Highest Post-Baccalaureate degree
GRE or GMAT Required? No GMAT or GRE Required
Work Experience Required? No work experience required
Program Tuition
Credit Hours 36
Average Cost Per Credit $235.00
Estimated Program Tuition * $8,460.00

Tuition is calculated based on credits, at the published tuition rate. For programs with variable tuition rates, we use the rates for part-time students. Tuition number represents the cost of tuition for the entire program, not per semester or year. Estimated total tuition does not include additional fees, unless otherwise specified. Please check here for any tuition updates.

Sara Navratil
Sara Navratil
Writer

Sara Navratil is a freelance writer and a Certified Canfield Success Principles Trainer. She's the owner of Sara Liza Life, a company dedicated to helping people rewrite their lives. She enjoys researching and writing about healthcare-related topics, including information on online MHA programs. When not working she likes to read, bake, and spend time with her family.