Healthcare administration involves managing finances, operations, policies, strategy, and more within healthcare organizations. Enrollment in a degree program typically prepares students for careers as health services managers and healthcare administrators.
If you want to pursue a degree but have a busy schedule—or you want to start your career as quickly as possible—an accelerated online healthcare administration degree is a good choice. Schools like Capella University, ECPI University, and Lindenwood University offer great programs for students interested in this field.
Below, we’ll look at 10 accelerated healthcare administration programs you can complete online. We’ll also discuss characteristics to look for in a degree program.
10 Accelerated Healthcare Administration Degrees Online
An accelerated online program is a great option for completing your studies faster and without commuting to on-campus classes. Keep reading to discover 10 schools offering these programs in healthcare administration.
1. Capella University
Capella University offers an online Bachelor of Science in healthcare administration. This flexible program teaches the fundamentals of healthcare systems and details how to manage healthcare organizations. Students can choose from health care administration leadership and health information management specializations.
The university offers FlexPath, which lets learners set deadlines for course completion and take as many classes as they want within one 12-week billing session. Students can finish their programs in as little as 16 months.
2. The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
At the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, students can enroll in a Master of Science in health science with a concentration in healthcare administration. This 100% online accelerated program helps students complete 36 credit hours in 12 months.
Enrollees learn to develop budgets, manage resources, and analyze healthcare policy. How to effectively communicate with healthcare professionals and patients is also explored.
3. ECPI University
ECPI University offers a BS in health science with a concentration in healthcare administration. Students learn how to improve efficiency in delivering healthcare services and develop departmental goals. Coursework also explores public health issues, how to prepare budgets, and ethics in healthcare.
Graduates will be ready to work in hospitals, medical units, and outpatient centers. This 100% online degree lets students finish their studies in two and a half years.
4. Lindenwood University
Lindenwood University offers a master’s degree in healthcare administration for students interested in leadership roles in medical and healthcare settings. This 100% online program has earned high rankings as a top online healthcare administration degree.
Courses prepare learners to communicate effectively with doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. They also teach data analysis, leadership, and management. Students can complete this 36-credit program in as few as 14 months.
5. Herzing University
Herzing University’s BS in healthcare administration is a 120-credit online degree for students who want healthcare administrator careers. This program offers a flexible schedule with day and evening classes for non-traditional students.
Coursework explores healthcare management, U.S. healthcare systems, healthcare information systems, and more. Students must complete at least 35 credit hours in electives and can choose between a capstone or an internship. This program can be completed in just 32 months.
6. Medical University of South Carolina
The Medical University of South Carolina offers online BS in healthcare studies (HCS) enrollees the chance to enroll in its Accelerated Executive Master in Health Administration (A-EMHA) pathway. Eligible online students can fulfill bachelor’s requirements and complete graduate-level courses in three years (eight semesters).
Enrollment is granted to students with a 3.5 overall GPA and one year of healthcare work experience. They should also complete prerequisites in accounting and statistics.
7. Mercy College of Health Sciences
Mercy College of Health Sciences offers a 100% online BS in healthcare administration for students interested in leadership roles in healthcare settings. Coursework covers healthcare economics, healthcare financial management, and long-term care. Learners also get 45 hours of real-world experience via an internship.
Students with busy lives can benefit from three program start dates per year. This 120-credit degree can be completed in one year.
8. Colorado State University
Colorado State University Global offers an online accelerated BS in healthcare administration and management program available 100% online. This degree has earned high rankings among online healthcare administration bachelor’s degree programs.
Students learn about risk management, strategic planning, quality assurance, and healthcare policy as they prepare to work in healthcare settings. Specializations are available in business administration, marketing, public and non-profit management, and more.
9. Oral Roberts University
Oral Roberts University attendees can enroll in a 100% online BS in healthcare administration that prepares students to manage health services in agencies, clinics, and hospitals. Graduates can pursue careers as medical and dental office managers, nursing home administrators, and hospital department managers.
Courses explore human resource management, design in healthcare delivery, and more. Full-time students can complete this 120-credit program in as little as 45 months.
10. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville offers a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a healthcare administration specialization. Enrollees develop organizational decision-making skills while learning corporate finance, government policy, and health services management.
Courses are taught by the same faculty who teach on campus. Students can complete this 36-credit program in just one year.
What To Look for in an Accelerated Healthcare Administration Program
You might be eager to start an accelerated healthcare administration degree. But don’t enroll before learning the steps to choosing a program.
Accreditation
Accreditation is an evaluation conducted by a third party to confirm that an institution or program aligns with the criteria for quality education. Traditional degree programs are typically regionally accredited, while vocational and trade programs are usually nationally accredited.
When searching for online accelerated healthcare administration programs, look for schools with regional accreditation. The U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) offer directories to help you verify that an online program is regionally accredited.
Transfer Credit Policy
Many online schools allow students to transfer credits from another degree program — sometimes up to 90 credits for undergraduate degrees. You might also find a school that awards credit for prior learning. In this case, college credits are granted for workplace training, military training, certifications, CLEP exams, and more.
Curriculum and Specializations
You should always pick a program offering curriculum and specializations that align with your career interests. For example, if you want a career in public health, consider a program that explores public or community health. If you’re interested in health informatics, look for programs offering information management and data analytics courses.
Program Length and Flexibility
When searching for schools with online learning opportunities, confirm that their programs help students graduate in your preferred timeframe. Also, look for schools with flexible class schedules. Some courses are asynchronous with no set class times. You could also find self-paced programs that let you navigate all online courses within a degree program on your own.
Cost and Financial Aid
You can find affordable online healthcare administration degrees that keep your tuition rates and other school costs low. Look for programs that charge students per term or billing session instead of by credit hour or class. This lets you fit several courses into one term and save on tuition. Also, look into financial aid options like grants, scholarships, and work-study jobs.
After completing your studies, you can find great career opportunities in healthcare administration. For instance, medical and health services manager roles have a promising employment outlook. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), job growth for this position is expected to jump 29% from 2023 to 2033.
Pursue Your Online Bachelor’s Degree
If you’re ready to take steps toward an exciting career in healthcare administration, explore the accredited degree programs offered by schools on Learn.org. Contact one of these colleges today to learn how their online programs can help you achieve your goals.