Posted by Mary Pat Whaley on February 22, 2011
Ohio University: Degree offered: Master in Health Administration
Sampling of classes offered: This two-year graduate degree is structured in eight “modules,” where a module is made up of two or so classes that cover a certain topic, like financial dimensions of healthcare leadership or healthcare law and ethics. Each module takes 10 weeks to finish.
Why it’s a cut above the rest: While Ohio University is an accredited, notable brick and mortar college, the program still offers the flexibility that online degrees are known for; students can apply and enter the program at four different points during the year. The program is also very affordable: total tuition is around $24,000 for the degree, for both in state and out of state students.
Northeastern University: Degree offered: Bachelor of Science in Health Management
Sampling of classes offered: Students in this online bachelor’s program take the general courses that come with any foundational degree, like English and mathematics, along with their healthcare coursework. The specialized major courses cover subjects like healthcare delivery systems, health regulations, and public health.
Why it’s a cut above the rest: There aren’t many bachelor’s degrees in health administration offered completely online by an accredited college, and thus, Northeastern’s degree stands out; the school has regional accreditation from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, a recognized accrediting body. Students who already have an associate’s degree have the option of transferring and finishing this bachelor’s in only 18 months. If you need to complete the entire four-year degree, it’s incredibly cost-effective, at just under $51,000 for the entire tuition.
Des Moines University: Degree Offered: Master of Health Care Administration
Sampling of classes offered: This degree is arranged into four “blocks,” with each block containing a series of related courses. Students learn an overview of the U.S. healthcare system, financial management in healthcare, healthcare decision making, and more.
Why it’s a cut above the rest: The Des Moines program is completely online, and students don’t have to worry about traveling for days or weeks of seminars during the year, like in some hybrid programs. All students must complete an administration internship in their local community, meaning you’ll leave your degree program with valuable, hands-on experience that can help you land a job.
Central Michigan University: Degree offered: Doctor of Health Administration
Sampling of classes offered: Students entering this doctoral program must already possess a master’s degree in a topic relevant to healthcare administration; the degree is aimed at upper-level health professionals, and takes 3-5 years to complete. The degree is module based, with eight modules covering 15 courses, in topics like quantitative analysis in healthcare and healthcare economics. Students are also required to attend six 2 ½ day seminars throughout the program, that are offered at locations around the country. Like any doctoral degree, students must complete a dissertation and oral defense, based on their own novel research.
Why it’s a cut above the rest: You won’t have to worry that you’ll be earning a doctoral degree that’s somehow less rigorous because it’s online, since applicants must have a master’s or professional degree and 5 years of health-related work experience to be accepted. And get this: students may choose to take travel seminars in place of their regular seminars, to destinations like Switzerland, Czech Republic, and Belize.
University of Minnesota: Degree offered: Executive Master of Healthcare Administration
Sampling of classes offered: U of Minnesota’s degree program takes two years to complete, and combines short in-person seminars with mostly online learning. Every August and May students spend a few days in face-to-face classroom settings, covering topics like healthcare delivery and managing healthcare organizations. Online classes cover topics geared at current health professionals, like legal considerations in health services and healthcare strategies in competitive markets.
Why it’s a cut above the rest: The curriculum in this degree is based on the criteria for competent healthcare administration, as defined by the non-profit National Center for Healthcare Leadership, ensuring that you’re learning the most important concepts in the field. And, Minnesota’s MHA has been ranked #2 in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, meaning you’ll be earning a recognized degree that can really open doors for your career.
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