It can be really inspiring to reading success stories of others who have gone through MHA degree programs. Persons who have gotten anything from a general masters in health administration degree, to a specialized MHA in health informatics degree have benefited greatly from their education. Here are five extremely accomplished executives who owe at least some of their success to the fact that they have MHA degrees:
Mike Boyd
A University of Washington alumnus, Mike Boyd got his MHA in 1979 and is now the CEO and founder of BP Consulting. He started out as an assistant administrator for St. Luke’s Regional Medical Center, located in Boise, Idaho and advanced in his career to hold a number of administrative positions, including one as Vice President at Kootenai Medical Center under another UW MHA alum, Joe Morris. In 1999, he decided to start BP Consulting, a rural health care consulting firm that helps hospitals and practices with low budgets in rural areas improve their business and patient care. Boyd has said that his MHA degree changed his entire view of the medical industry, allowing him to meet challenges and make the best decisions for his company and those with whom he’s working. You can see more of his profile at the University of Washington website.
Christopher Durrer
Chris Durrer is currently the Director of the Office of Licensure and Certification for the Virginia Department of Health. He got his MHA degree from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1977, and has held positions such as CEO of Moore Memorial Regional Hospital in Pinehurst, North Carolina and President and CEO of Wilson Medical Center and Wilmed Healthcare in Wilson, North Carolina. In his current position, Durrer oversees several state licensing programs, as well as regulatory functions in state healthcare. The VA Department of Health works with all hospitals and health care organizations that receive federal or state funding, so he has a high level of responsibility for programs across the state in his current role. You can read more about him at the VCU website.
Vincent Caponi
With an MHA from Central Michigan University, Vincent Caponi has been able to advance in the health care field for more than thirty years in executive positions such as president and CEO of St. Joseph Hospital in Georgia, CEO of United Memorial Hospital in Michigan, and president and CEO of St. Vincent’s Hospital in Alabama. Today, he is the CEO of St. Vincent Health, a position in which he has served since 1998. In 2007, Ascension Health also named him one of nine Ministry Market Leaders for the state of Indiana. You can read more about him at the SVH website.
Brian Steines
Brian Steines has a joint MBA/MHA from the University of Phoenix, and this degree has helped him get hired in the finance department of Scottsdal Healthcare, where he’s worke since 2007. Previously, he also held positions as Regional CFO for Iasis Healthcare, CEO of Tempe St. Luke’s Hospital, and CFO of Maryvale Hospital in Phoenix. His complete profile is available at the SHC website.
Joy Sennett
Joy Sennett is the Director of the Office of Communicable Diseases for the state of Mississippi. She has a joint MS/MHA degree from Mississippi College and has served with the Mississippi Department of Health for over a decade, holding such roles as Director of the Immunization Program. You can see her profile on the Mississippi State website.
Top Master of Health Administration Degree Programs
To become a health administrator or manager, a master's degree is usually required. Some of the most popular types of health degrees include the Master of Health Administration (MHA), the Master of Public Health (MPH), and the MBA in healthcare management. Below is a carefully compiled list of accredited institutions offering such programs to help you meet your career goals.
Obtain your Master of Health Administration degree from the University of Phoenix. Students of this accredited degree program learn to critically examine and evaluate issues, and incorporate the latest theories and contemporary practice applications through their studies. Phoenix also offers MHA specializations in gerontology, health education, and health informatics.
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The MBA in healthcare management degree program offered by American InterContinental University is geared toward preparing students for upper managerial positions in hospitals, health insurance providers, consulting firms, care facilities, and more. With AIU's flexible scheduling, students are able to earn this degree in a little as 12 months.
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Kaplan graduates who specialize in a master's degree in Health Care Management can pursue positions in doctors' offices, medical and surgical hospitals, home health care, and outpatient centers. You will receive rigorous online training, including assignments, reports, presentations, and group projects all designed to help you develop the proficiencies you need to find solutions in real-life healthcare situations. Kaplan also offers an MBA in healthcare management as well as a Master of Science in health education.
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The MA in Healthcare Administration degree program from Grand Canyon University is an advanced graduate degree that prepares students for careers as hospital administrators or other types of healthcare managers. Grand Canyon University is a nondenominational Christian university based in Arizona.
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The MS in business administration with a specialization in healthcare from Virginia College is designed for those already working in the healthcare field who desire to advance their career. Focusing on the business side of healthcare, this degree from Virginia College is useful in hundreds of job types throughout hospital and clinic settings.
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Walden's Master of Health Administration (MHA) degree program is a graduate-level online track that emphasizes cutting edge technology and techniques. Numerous health careers should be available to graduates of this program, including jobs available in healthcare supplies, health insurance, health policy, and much more. Walden also offers two other similar degrees: the Master of Public Health (MPH) and the Master of Public Administration (MPA) in health policy.
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The MS in Health Care Administration degree program offered by Capella is taught entirely online, making it possible for students of the program to continue their work in the healthcare field as they earn credits toward their master's degrees. Topics covered by this program include healthcare policy, finance, law, quality improvement, and more. Capella also offers a Master of Public Health degree, with an option to specialize in health management, as well as an MS in gerontology.
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Ashford University has several programs available for health administration, two being an MBA and MA while the last program is a bachelor's degree. These programs are designed for students who want to advance their careers with in the healthcare system and thoroughly explore biostatistics, finance, and strategic planning. Ashford has become a major providers of online education, with programs spanning multiple industries and education levels.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Health Administration
What exactly is a Master in Health Administration?
Someone who obtains a masters of health administration is positioning themselves to be a leader in the healthcare industry. With a master of healthcare administration, one can pursue a career in a variety of health management positions. A master of health administration will give students a solid foundation of skills in business, management, and healthcare.
What are the different types of degrees in this field?
The first thing to keep in mind is that in order to pursue this degree, you should have at least an associates or bachelors degree. Previous experience in the health care field is also a plus. Once you meet that requirement, there are many different program options for health administration career tracks.
MA Administration Degrees
MBA and Management Degrees
MHA Degrees
MS Administration Degrees
What is the average salary of a Health Care Administrator?
Health Care Administrators are able to command very competitive salaries because of their advanced education and skills in their field. Depending on the organization with which one gains employment, there can be slight variations in figures, with larger health organizations often offering higher wages. Salaries for persons with an MHA degree generally fall between $62,170 and $104,120 yearly. The median salary for a medical and health service manager around $80,000. More info.
What schools offer degrees for a Master in Health Administration?
There are a plethora of academic institutions that offer both high quality masters of health administration degrees. Some schools offer specific specializations, while others have comprehensive general degree programs. Some of these schools include:
- University of Phoenix: The University of Phoenix offers several accredited programs for aspiring health administrators such as; General MHA, MHA - Gerontology, MHA - Health Edication, and MHA - Health Informatics.
- Boston University: This traditional brick and mortar institution has an excellent online programs for healthcare professionals pursuing their masters. The MS in Health Communication is emphasizes both communication and marketing within the healthcare field.
- Walden University: Walden offers students two excellent choices for masters degrees in health care. Walden students can become degree candidates for a General MHA, which is an excellent choice for anyone unsure of choosing a specialization in the field. Additionally, Walden offers a high-quality Master of Public Health degree program.
- Kaplan University: Kaplan is one of the premier online institutions in existence today. Prospective students can benefit from a wide variety of degrees in the field including; Master of Healthcare Administration, Master of Public Health - Public Health Program Development, MBA in Health Care Management, MS in Management - Health Care,and an MS in Nursing - Nurse Administration.
- University of Missouri: You can become a Mizzou Tiger while pursuing your health administration degree. The University of Missouri offers programs in Medical and Health Administration with a focus on Administration Services.
- University of North Texas: Located in sunny Denton, Texas, this university offers two exceptional medical and health administration programs; Health Care Administrative Services, and Health Care Facilities Administration.
- Golden Gate University: San Fransisco is home to this great academic institution. Students interested in earning an MHA would benefit from considering this schools Health Care Administration Services specialization.
- Ohio University: The online MHA program offered by Ohio University is well regarded by many. OU's program focuses on achieving the goal of allowing students to continue to work in their career, while furthering their education for potential occupational advancement.
- The University of Washington: UW offers many accredited and respected programs in health services administration. Students can work towards earning their MHA, Executive Master's, or even a Certificate.
What kinds of financial aid are available for schools offering MHA degrees?
Financial aid is generally available in the form of loans and grants for those who demonstrate need and qualify. Additionally, since the healthcare field is so important, and continually growing, there are many scholarship applications available specifically for this field. For example, The Association of University Programs in Health Administration (AUPHA) offers a variety of scholarships including; the Corris Boyd Scholars Program, Bugbee Book Award, ACHE-Sponsered Scholarships, MGMA-Sponsored Scholarships, and HIMSS-Spondered Scholarships. There are also a variety of Minority Health scholarships for medical and public health degrees available to qualified candidates. Research is the best way to learn more about financial aid options. More info about MHA scholarships and grants.
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