American Public University System MS Healthcare Administration
American Public University (APU) offers an online MS in healthcare administration program that can be completed in two years full-time. Start dates land monthly and courses last eight weeks each.
The program is based on the Leadership Alliance domains and competencies of the American College for Healthcare Executives (ACHE). The five main domains include health and healthcare environment; business skills; leadership; communication and relationship management; and professional and social responsibility.
American Public University core values include accessibility, innovation, integrity, learning, and quality. APUs vision includes the advancement of social, economic, and environmental well-being through dynamic, high-quality learning experiences for career preparation.
The MS in healthcare administration program outcomes focus on effective Leadership and management skills; in-depth knowledge of healthcare policies and current issues; best practices in healthcare delivery; applying business concepts to the healthcare environment; application of professional and social responsibility; and effective relationship management and communication skills.
Healthcare administration courses cover topics such as healthcare systems, leadership and management, ethics in healthcare administration, human resource management, healthcare finance, operational management and quality, health policy, and organizational behavior. Asynchronous courses typically include readings, online discussion boards, research, written work, a research paper, and a final exam.
No work experience or graduate test scores are required, and applicants need a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale. Graduates may secure advanced healthcare administration and management positions within healthcare systems, long-term care facilities, transitional care facilities, hospitals, healthcare insurance organizations, pharmaceutical companies, public health departments, and home-health organizations.
American Public University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) . The MS in healthcare administration program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME). APU is part of the American Public University System.
What to Expect from the American Public University MS in Healthcare Administration
Admission Requirements: Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an institution recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). A cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher on a 4.0 scale. No work experience or GMAT/GRE test scores are required. Students may transfer up to 15 credits.
Application materials include an online application and fee, official transcripts, and a color copy of a government I.D. International students may need to provide proof of English language proficiency and have transcripts evaluated by an approved evaluation agency.
Study Plan: The online MS in healthcare administration begins monthly and courses last eight weeks each. The program can be completed in two years of full-time attendance.
Curriculum: The APU online MS in healthcare administration comprises 40 credits. Courses may include healthcare and healthcare systems; leadership and management in healthcare organizations; technology applications in healthcare organizations; operational management in healthcare; legal and ethical aspects of healthcare administration; the business of healthcare; human resource management in healthcare; operational quality in healthcare; situational experiences for healthcare administrators; organizational behavior; healthcare finance; and healthcare systems and health policy. A three-credit healthcare administration capstone is also required.
Online Experience: APU utilizes Brightspace by D2L as its online learning management system (LMS). Asynchronous coursework may include 1,200 to 1,500 pages of reading, online discussion boards, research, essays or other written work, book reviews, a research paper, and a final exam. Each week of courses run from Monday to the following Sunday at 11:59 p.m. and students should expect to spend 18 to 22 hours per week on coursework for an eight-week course.
Students can access the virtual classroom 24/7 through a computer or mobile device and complete assignments by the set deadlines. Course materials are mainly open source so that costs are significantly reduced. Online graduate students have access to the Richard G. Trefry Library, disability services, online tutoring, career services, mental health services, and technical support.
On-Site Requirements: No on-site requirements or local in-person experiences are required for the MS in healthcare administration program through APU. Simulation experiences are included in the situational experiences for healthcare administrators course.
Paying for the American Public University MS in Healthcare Administration
American Public University MS in healthcare administration tuition numbers are listed in the tables below. Applicants should verify current tuition and fees with the APU financial aid office.
Graduate students may be eligible for federal student aid and loans and should submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Military members and their families receive reduced tuition and do not pay for any course materials. There are also veteran benefits through APU. Employers may offer reduced tuition rates through partnerships or tuition reimbursement programs.
APU offers an opportunity grant, which is 10 percent off of tuition, and also provides a list of over 100 organizations to which students may apply for private scholarships. Students may also secure private loans. Prospective students should contact the American Public University financial aid office for more information.
American Public University System Online Master of Science in Healthcare Administration (MS)
| Degree Level | Master's Degree |
| Program Start Dates | Courses start monthly |
| Credits Needed to Graduate | 37 |
| Time to Complete? | Takes about 2 years to complete full time |
| 100% Online? | Yes |
| Program Accreditation | CAHME |
| Level of Education Required? | Bachelor's Degree or Higher |
| GRE or GMAT Required? | No GMAT/GRE Required |
| Work Experience Required? | No work experience required |
| Credit Hours | 37 |
| Average Cost Per Credit | $455.00 |
| Estimated Program Tuition * | $16,835.00 |
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.
