OVERVIEW
Shape the Business of Healthcare with a Strategic, Online MBA
A master's in healthcare administration is key in preparing you for executive leadership roles in your career. As the healthcare industry is rapidly changing with new regulatory requirements, standards, and expectations, credentialed leaders who are ready to help lead the charge are needed. This online healthcare MBA will prepare you for a lucrative, exciting, and rewarding career influencing decisions in healthcare, and changing the future of the industry. Take your career to the next level with a master's degree in healthcare administration. You can increase your salary potential, be eligible for promotions, or move into a position or industry that you're passionate about. Become a leader who influences decisions and directs the healthcare industry.
Compare degrees: The MBA in Healthcare Administration is not WGU's only accredited degree designed to create leaders in the field of healthcare. You may also be interested in our MHA or one of our M.S. Nursing – Leadership & Management programs (with options for nurses with or without a current BSN). Compare our health leadership degrees.
Graduates can finish within
12 Months*
WGU lets you set a schedule so you can finish your MBA in just one year. You are in control of the schedule and timing for your MBA program.
*WGU Internal Data
Tuition per six-month term is
$4,755
Tuition charged per term—rather than per credit—helps students control the ultimate cost of their degrees. Finish faster, pay less!
Average salary increase
$10,422*
MBA graduates report an impressive average salary increase of $10,422 after completing their WGU degree. Are you ready for a raise?
*WGU Internal Data
COURSES
Healthcare MBA Courses
Program consists of 11 courses
At WGU, we design our curriculum to be timely, relevant, and practical—all to help you show that you know your stuff.
This program is composed of the following courses. You will typically complete them one at a time as you make your way through your program, working with your Program Mentor each term to build your personalized Degree Plan. You’ll work through each course as quickly as you can study and master the material. As soon as you’re ready, you’ll pass the assessment, complete the course, and move on. This means you can finish as many courses as you're able in a term at no additional cost.
One year MBA students can complete all of their coursework in just two WGU terms. You will set a schedule with your Program Mentor to enable you to finish your program quickly. Learn more about the one year MBA program at WGU.
To ensure WGU graduates acquire the knowledge and skills sought by employers, our MBA in Healthcare Administration was developed with significant input from health experts and business leaders who serve on our Business Program Council. The master's in healthcare administration curriculum is designed to prepare you to lead, influence, and shape the future of healthcare.
11 Courses
Program consists of 11 courses
At WGU, we design our curriculum to be timely, relevant, and practical—all to help you show that you know your stuff.
Capstone Project
Special requirements for this program
At the end of your program, you’ll complete a final capstone project that allows you to show off everything you’ve learned by working through a simulated business problem. You’ll integrate and synthesize competencies learned throughout the program, putting your knowledge and skills to the test and preparing you to quickly apply your expertise to your current role or enhance your marketability for advanced roles in your field.
Skills For Your Résumé
As part of this program, you will develop a range of valuable skills that employers are looking for.
- Leadership: Developed and implemented group norms of performance and mutual accountability within a provided strategy, fostering a culture of excellence and collaboration
- Management: Applied effective supervision strategies and consultation practices in various situations, ensuring support and guidance.
- Interpersonal Communications: Interacted constructively with providers, pharmacy team, and hospital staff to facilitate a seamless transition of care, promoting patient safety and continuity through effective communication and coordination.
- Project Management: Successfully managed the resources allocated to a project.
- Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI): Evaluated the effectiveness of medical processes by systematically collecting and analyzing data, identifying areas for improvement.
- Data Analysis: Applied analytical and logical reasoning techniques to explore and uncover valuable insights, facilitating informed decision-making processes.
“I really wanted to find a university that would give me the most return on the investment in my degree. Because of my experience in healthcare, competency-based education helped me complete my degree sooner.”
—Janelle Shepard
WGU School of Business Graduate
WGU vs. Traditional Universities
Compare the Difference
Traditional Universities
TUITION STRUCTURE
Per credit hour
Flat rate per 6-month term
SUPPORT
Schedule and wait days or even weeks to meet with one of many counselors
Simply email or call to connect with your designated Program Mentor who supports you from day one
EXAMS
Scheduled time
Whenever you feel ready
SCHEDULE
Professor led lectures at a certain time and place
Courses available anytime, from anywhere
TIME TO FINISH
Approximately 2 years, minimal acceleration options
As quickly as you can master the material, can finish programs in 1 year
Traditional Universities
TUITION STRUCTURE
Per credit hour
TUITION STRUCTURE
Flat rate per 6-month term
SUPPORT
Schedule and wait days or even weeks to meet with one of many counselors
SUPPORT
Simply email or call to connect with your designated Program Mentor who supports you from day one
EXAMS
Scheduled time
EXAMS
Whenever you feel ready
SCHEDULE
Professor led lectures at a certain time and place
SCHEDULE
Courses available anytime, from anywhere
TIME TO FINISH
Approximately 2 years, minimal acceleration options
TIME TO FINISH
As quickly as you can master the material, can finish programs in 1 year
Why WGU?
Earning Potential
After graduation, WGU MBA master's degree graduates report earning $16,200* more per year. Are you ready to make more money?
*WGU Internal Data
On Your Schedule
Competency-based education means you can move as quickly through your degree as you can master the material. You don't have to log in to classes at a certain time—you are truly in the driver's seat of your education.
Entirely Online
The Master of Business Administration degree at WGU is 100% online, which means it works wherever you are. You can do your coursework at night after working at your full-time job, on weekends, while you're traveling the world or on vacation—it's entirely up to you.
Accredited, Respected,
Recognized™
One important measure of a degree’s value is the reputation of the university where it was earned. When employers, industry leaders, and academic experts hold your alma mater in high esteem, you reap the benefits of that respect. WGU is a pioneer in reinventing higher education for the 21st century, and our quality has been recognized.
COST & TIME
An MBA Program You Can Afford
By charging per term rather than per credit—and empowering students to accelerate through material they know well or learn quickly—WGU helps students control the ultimate cost of their degrees. The faster you complete your program, the less you pay for your degree.
A College Degree Within Reach
There is help available to make paying for school possible for you:
The average student loan debt of WGU graduates in 2022 (among those who borrowed) was less than half* the national average.
Most WGU students qualify for financial aid, and WGU is approved for federal financial aid and U.S. veterans benefits.
Many scholarship opportunities are available. Find out what you might be eligible for.
*WGU undergraduate students have approximately half the debt at graduation compared to the national average, according to the Institute for College Access and Success (2022).
FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE
A Different Way to Learn: Degree Programs Designed to Fit Your Life—and All the Demands on Your Time
Professional responsibilities. Family obligations. Personal commitments. At WGU, we understand schedules are tight and often unpredictable for adult students. That’s why we offer a flexible, personalized approach to how education should be. No rigid class schedules. Just a solid, career-focused teaching program that meshes with your current lifestyle. You'll be challenged. You'll work hard. But if you commit yourself and put in the hours needed, WGU makes it possible for you to earn a highly respected degree as a busy working adult.
"After I finished my degree, I was immediately employed in a better organization and doing a lot more with my interests and field of study.”
—Lauren Vagelakos
WGU School of Business Graduate
CAREER OUTLOOK
Healthcare Is a Booming Part of the U.S. Economy—Take the Lead and Build a Thriving Career
So many changes are taking place in the healthcare industry that forward-thinking organizations are looking for leaders who have updated their professional credentials with specialized knowledge and skills to successfully manage hospitals, medical offices, and government agencies. WGU’s online MBA Healthcare Administration program is designed for students pursuing a leadership role in the healthcare industry.
Healthcare is big business in today's complex economy. It takes smart leadership and administration to run today’s hospitals, medical offices, and government agencies. WGU's MBA in healthcare administration offers a focused curriculum that prepares you for executive-level positions by focusing on areas like decision-making, marketing, and financial resource management as they apply to the health and care industry. Prepare for an exciting and lucrative career with a healthcare MBA.
Return on Your Investment
On average, WGU graduates see an increase in income post-graduation
Average income increase from all degrees in annual salary vs. pre-enrollment salary. Source: 2023 Harris Poll Survey of 1,655 WGU graduates.
Survey was sent to a representative sample of WGU graduates from all colleges. Respondents received at least one WGU degree since 2017.
29%
The fast pace and changing regulations in the healthcare field are driving demand for medical and health services managers, with the industry predicted to grow 29% by 2033.
—U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Healthcare Administration Is a Field Rife with Career Opportunities for Outstanding Leaders
WGU's online MBA Healthcare Administration program is designed to prepare motivated individuals for mid- to upper-level management and administration positions in hospitals, health system management, consulting, physician practices, and government and non-government agencies.
Our 2,700-plus healthcare MBA alumni have great jobs and satisfying careers.
Job Titles
- President and CEO
- Vice president
- Administrative director
- Chief financial officer
- Chief operating officer
Diverse Industries
- Private companies
- Healthcare organizations
- Nonprofit organizations
- Government
- Colleges and universities
Major Employers
- Kaiser Permanente
- ARUP Laboratories
- Humana
- Healthcare Corp. of America
- U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs
WGU Grads Hold Positions With Top Employers
ADMISSIONS & TRANSFERS
Healthcare MBA Admission Requirements
To be considered for this MBA program, students must:
- Submit a all transcripts verifying receipt of your bachelor’s degree from a recognized, accredited institution.
NOTE: You do not need to take the GRE or GMAT to be admitted to this program. Learn why we don't require these tests.
Transfer Credits
Get Your Enrollment Checklist
Download your step-by-step guide to enrollment.
Get Your Questions Answered
Talk to an WGU Enrollment Counselor.
FINISH FASTER
The One-Year MBA
WGU's unique competency-based model allows you to move faster through your degree program. This online Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Administration degree gives you the flexibility you need to earn your degree on your terms. You don't have to leave your job to pursue a master's in business administration—something you and your employer will both appreciate. No logging in, no set class times—you are in the driver's seat of your education.
WGU's one-year* MBA allows you to finish your MBA in healthcare administration program in only 12 months for just $9,510.
* Program can be completed in as little as 12 months. Pricing is based on 12-month completion of the program. Students that do not complete in 12 months and need longer to complete the program will need to pay for additional terms.
Frequently Asked Questions About WGU's MBA in Healthcare Administration
Absolutely! An MBA in healthcare administration can help you enhance your credentials and boost your résumé, preparing you for exciting and lucrative opportunities. You may be able to earn more money, get a promotion, or move into a new field with the help of a healthcare MBA.
There are a variety of job opportunities for those with an MBA in healthcare administration, including:
- Hospital CEO
- Hospital COO
- Administrative director
- Healthcare manager
- Nursing home manager
- Community health manager
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that medical and health management careers are expected to grow 29% through 2033. This is much faster than the national average and means that students graduating with healthcare administration degrees will have many job opportunities open to them. Because the field is growing so quickly there will be numerous positions available to those who are qualified, making a degree in healthcare administration a wise investment.
The average salary for medical and health administrators is around $117,000 per year. And the more education and experience you have, the more money you can expect to earn. An MBA in healthcare administration can help you be qualified for raises and promotions that will enhance your career opportunities.
An MBA degree in healthcare administration is a degree that prepares you to be a healthcare leader. A master’s of business administration in healthcare administration could get you ready to positively affect patient outcomes through your leadership and healthcare expertise. Those with an MBA in healthcare administration may work in executive-level positions and be involved in decision-making, marketing, and financial resource management, all with a focus on improving patient outcomes.
The best healthcare MBA program for you depends on your goals. If you’re looking for a degree that fits with your schedule and that gives you a great return, there are some great options. These universities offer flexible online healthcare MBA degree programs with a great return on investment:
- Western Governors University
- University of South Dakota
- Mount Vernon Nazarene University
- IUPUI
- Ball State University
Ready to Start?
