When you want to get an advanced degree in the medical administration field, there are a number of different routes you can take. Along with a master’s degree in health administration (MHA), you can also opt for a master’s degree in healthcare or MBA with healthcare concentration. What are the differences between these programs? Learning this can help you decide which program is best for your career and educational goals.

Healthcare MBA

A MBA degree with a concentration in healthcare can be called many things – Healthcare MBA, MBA in Healthcare, or just plain MBA with healthcare concentration are just a few of the titles of programs found throughout the country. With this kind of program, you’ll have mainly general business classes, which you’ll take with many other MBA candidates, many who may not be pursuing a career in the healthcare industry. The emphasis here is on business-related matters, and you’ll have a few classes that focus specifically on healthcare to round out your education.

Masters in Healthcare

In the United States, another type of master’s degree you can pursue is a master’s in health science, sometimes called a master of healthcare. This is an alternative to a master of public health (MPH) degree. You’ll still focus on public healthcare with this type of degree, but you’ll be able to focus more closely on a simple specialty with a master of health science. However, the focus here is less on administration and more on public healthcare.

Masters in Health Administration

The best kind of degree program for those who want strong skills in healthcare management is the masters of health administration (MHA). Unlike an MBA, you’ll receive a much more specialized education with this type of degree, with every class focusing on what it is like to work in administration in a healthcare setting. You’ll learn many of the same skills as you would with an MBA, but the real-life applications you’ll learn are completely geared toward preparing you to help run a hospital, private practice, consulting firm, or other type of healthcare organization. Most MHA programs will include both classroom learning or online classes, as well as a hands-on programs at a real healthcare organization, such as a hospital.

These three types of master’s degrees are not the only types of advanced education you can pursue when it comes to health-related administration. Along with a master of public health (MPH), you can also master of health care informatics or a master of science in management. In addition, you can get a doctorate degree, not to be a medical doctor, but instead to pursue higher education in health sciences, public health, health systems, or service administration.

So which program is right for you? That depends on your career path in the future, as well as your educational needs. Some programs are available online, for example, which allows your to have a higher level of flexibility in getting your degree. Other programs are available only through campus-based classes, which is better for students who want a more hands-on type of learning. The time you’ll need to dedicate to the program, program costs, and other considerations should also be kept in mind when you’re making your final decision regarding which type of degree to pursue.

Master of Health Admin MHA - Gerontology MHA - Health Education MHA - Health Informatics	University of Phoenix - Obtain your associate, bachelor's or master's degree in Health Administration and management from this online university. Students learn to critically examine and evaluate issues and trends and incorporate the latest theories and contemporary practice applications through their studies. Phoenix also offers MHA specializations in gerontology, health education, and health informatics.
Master of Health Admin Master of Public Health MPA in Health Policy	Walden University - 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.
Master of Health Admin	Ohio University - Ohio University's online Master of Health Administration degree program can prepare you for leadership positions in health care organizations and systems within the U.S. Course highlights include issues of leadership, finance, health system structures and managed care, ethics and law, maximizing human resources, information and systems use, health policy, and strategic planning and marketing.
MS - Health Admin Master of Public Health MPH - Health Mgmt MS in Gerontology	Capella University - 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.
MBA - Healthcare Mgmt	Northeastern University - Northeastern University is a world leader in practice-based education, so their online MBA program in Healthcare Management may be the resource you need to begin a career in health administration. With this program, you can gain a solid foundation in all areas of business enterprise and deepen your knowledge within the healthcare specialization.
MS in Healthcare Mgmt MBA - Healthcare Mgmt MPH - Development MPH - Health Education	Kaplan University - 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 savvy and proficiencies you need to find solutions in real-life business situations. Kaplan also offers an MBA in healthcare management as well as Master of Public Health (MPH) degrees in public health program development and health education.
MBA in Healthcare	George Washington University - The George Washington University MBA in Healthcare program is based on the concepts of ethics, global business, and leadership. Within two years, the core program can provide you with the fundamentals of business and management while the electives provide flexibility to craft a program that fits your personal and professional goals and objectives.
MS in Health Admin MS in Health Ethics MS in Health Informatics	Saint Joseph's University - Saint Joseph's University offers master's degrees in healthcare administration, health administration ethics, and health administration informatics. These three programs are specifically tailored to prepare individuals for careers in the management and administrative aspects of healthcare.
MS in Health Admin MSM in Health Admin MS in Health Informatics	University of Maryland University College - The University of Maryland University College offers three master's-level degrees that specialize in healthcare administration: the MS in healthcare administration, the MS in Management (MSM) with a healthcare administration specialization, and the MS in healthcare administration informatics. Each of the three programs is accredited by the MSACS and prepares students for careers in hospital management and healthcare administration.
MS in Health Communication	Boston University - Boston University's MS in health communications degree program is a graduate-level online track that emphasizes communication and marketing within the healthcare field. Students of this program will learn the skills necessary to perform all public relations, marketing, and other communications-related duties as they pertain to a healthcare organization.
MBA - Healthcare Mgmt	American InterContinental University - 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.
MA in Health Admin	Bellevue University - The MA in Healthcare Administration degree program at Bellevue University features a curriculum that prepare students to seek a career in the management of health care systems. Coursework in healthcare delivery, finance, ethical and legal issues in healthcare administration, and management makes Bellevue a top choice for students in the field.
MS in Health Admin	New England College - New England College offers an MS in Healthcare Administration that can be completed within two years by taking one course per seven weeks. The program is designed to prepare the next generation of healthcare industry leaders and administrators. This degree program is ideal for any individual who is looking to advance his/her medical career and undertake a more managerial role.
MBA in Health Admin Accelerated MBA	Benedictine University - The MBA in Health Administration at Benedictine University prepares students to excel in the business management of the healthcare field. Successful applicants are required to apply and be accepted into both the MPH and MBA programs. The 96 unit credits includes courses in Health Behavior, Epidemiology, and Environmental Health. The program also has an accelerated option.
MBA in Health Mgmt	Colorado Technical University - The Master of Business Administration degree in healthcare management from Colorado Technical University helps students develop the skills required to work within the constraints of ethical, legal, and regulatory guidelines as a health care manager.
MBA Health Mgmt BBA/MBA Health Mgmt	Jones International University - Jones International University offers an MBA in healthcare management (also available as a BBA/MBA dual degree) that helps prepare students for a dynamic leadership role within the healthcare industry. Graduates of this program will be skilled in the areas of strategic management, telemedicine, medical ethics, and more.
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