Masters in Health Administration vs. Healthcare MBA or Masters in Healthcare

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

An MBA degree with a concentration in healthcare can be called many things — Healthcare MBA, MBA in Healthcare, or just plain MBA with healthcare concentration. 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 the specific business challenges within the healthcare industry.

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’s in 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 Master 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.

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. Click Here
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. Click Here
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. Click Here
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. Click Here
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. Click Here
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. Click Here
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. Click Here
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. Click Here

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