Grand Canyon University Online Master of Health Care Administration (MHA)

The College of Nursing and Health Care Professions at Grand Canyon University (GCU) offers an online MHA program for working professionals that that focuses on each student’s leadership style, and approaches topics from a Christian worldview.

In addition, GCU offers an online MHA in Health Care Quality and Patient Safety designed for those who wish to serve in administrative roles that focus on the quality of care and patient safety. The program focuses on health care policy, economics, leadership style, health care delivery models, and business analysis, along with patient safety and health care quality. In addition to the online coursework, a 16-week local practicum is required.

Students in the online MHA programs study modern health care and models of operation. Instruction covers business management, ethics, health care innovation and research, information management, communication, and evidence-based decision-making.

The online experience incorporates discussion boards and group projects to promote collaboration and relationship-building among faculty and students. The programs are designed for those who want to learn their own management style and advance into leadership positions on the business side of health care.

Graduates of MHA programs may go on to positions with nonprofit health organizations, government health agencies, medical device companies, hospitals, health care clinic systems, home health care organizations, long-term care facilities, pharmaceutical firms, or medical equipment companies. Health Care Quality and Patient Safety MHA graduates may go on to become patient safety officers, health information management directors, quality and patient safety coordinators, or healthcare administrators.

Grand Canyon University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and offers several online master’s programs. It is located in Phoenix, Arizona.

What to Expect from the Grand Canyon University Online MHA

Admission Requirements: Applicants to the online MHA programs must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution approved by GCU, with a GPA of 2.8 or higher. Those who do not meet the minimum GPA requirement may be eligible for admission through GMAT or GRE test scores. Candidates should submit an application and fee, official transcripts, letters of recommendation, and TOEFL test scores (if applicable). International students must be current residents of a U.S. state and have transcripts evaluated by an evaluation agency approved by GCU.

Study Plan: The Grand Canyon University online MHA consists of 13 courses, most of which last eight weeks. There are also two 2-credit courses that last four weeks each. The MHA in Health Care Quality and Patient Safety consists of 16 courses, most of which also last eight weeks. There is a practicum experience included in this program. Most students in the MHA program spend 20 to 25 hours per week on each class. Courses begin every eight weeks.

Curriculum: The Grand Canyon University MHA consists of 48 credits, including an evidence-based research project. Courses include an introduction to graduate studies in the college of business; an analysis of contemporary health care delivery models; health care policies and economics; legal and ethical principles in health care; health care research methods, analysis, and utilization; organizational structure, dynamics, and effectiveness; human resource management and marketing communication strategies; leadership styles and development; essential health care business analyses; networking and professional readiness; business/project plan evaluation and development; and health care innovation.

The MHA in Health Care Quality and Patient Safety comprises 60 credits including a 16-week practicum experience. Courses include introduction to graduate studies in the health care professions; foundations of quality improvement and patient safety; project management in healthcare; implementation and change management; and health care administration practicum. These courses are in addition to most of the courses listed for the MHA above.

Online Experience: Grand Canyon University uses its own innovative Learning Management System (LMS) that incorporates recorded videos and lectures, assignments, readings, group projects, and discussion boards. Students also have access to eBooks, calendar reminders, and forums through the LMS. Online courses are asynchronous to allow for greater flexibility for students to balance work, school, and family life. Online students can access academic advising, ACE tutoring, 24/7 technical support, library services, and career services.

On-Site Requirements: The GCU online MHA program coursework is delivered online; however, students are welcome to participate in graduation on campus. A practicum is included in the MHA in Health Care Quality and Patient Safety program.

Paying for the Grand Canyon University Online MHA

Applicants should contact the Grand Canyon University College of Nursing and Health Care Professions for tuition updates and cost clarifications. A special rate is available for active duty and active reserve military personnel. Prospective students may speak with a university counselor to learn more.

Graduate MHA students have access to graduate student loans per the FAFSA. They may also inquire with their employer regarding a tuition reimbursement program and seek funding in their community and through outside organizations.

Grand Canyon University MS - Health Care Administration (MSHCA)

  • Students study modern health care and models of operation
  • Focuses on each student's leadership style, servant leadership, and a Christian worldview
  • Topics covered include business management, ethics, information management, communication, and evidence-based decision-making
Program Essentials
Degree Level Master's Degree
Program Start Dates Courses begin every 8 weeks
Credits Needed to Graduate 48
Time to Complete? Please visit the Grand Canyon University program website for further detail
100% Online? Please see On-Site Requirements above
Program Accreditation None
Program Admissions
Level of Education Required?
GRE or GMAT Required? No, unless the applicant does not meet the minimum GPA requirement
Work Experience Required? None
Program Tuition
Credit Hours 48
Average Cost Per Credit Please use the 'tuition' link at the bottom of the page to view the latest program tuition details
Estimated Program Tuition * Please use the 'tuition' link at the bottom of the page to view the latest program tuition details

Grand Canyon University MSHCA - Health Care Quality and Patient Safety

  • An affordable program with online coursework
  • Designed for those who wish to serve in management roles focusing on health care quality and patient safety
  • Includes a 16-week practicum for hands-on experience
Program Essentials
Degree Level Master's Degree
Program Start Dates Courses begin every 8 weeks
Credits Needed to Graduate 60
Time to Complete? Please visit the Grand Canyon University program website for further detail
100% Online? Please see On-Site Requirements above
Program Accreditation None
Program Admissions
Level of Education Required? Bachelor's degree or higher
GRE or GMAT Required? No, unless the applicant does not meet the minimum GPA requirement
Work Experience Required? None
Program Tuition
Credit Hours 60
Average Cost Per Credit Please use the 'tuition' link at the bottom of the page to view the latest program tuition details
Estimated Program Tuition * Please use the 'tuition' link at the bottom of the page to view the latest program tuition details

* Please see the school website for the most up-to-date tuition costs.

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.