One-Year MHA Programs Online

Some online master’s degrees require two years to complete.

But fully online MHA programs require 12 to 18 months while graduate certification can be completed within one year or less.

Online MHA programs are created for working professionals who want to start or advance their careers in managerial roles in healthcare.

The online MHA programs we have listed on this page are available for individuals with no experience in healthcare.

With the rapidly growing demand for educated and experienced healthcare administrators, many universities offer MHA degree programs.

According to the US BLS, the employment for these professionals is projected to grow by 18% through 2028, which is much faster than the national average for all occupations.

The increased demand for healthcare professionals is driven by the aging population as well as the implementation of the Affordable Healthcare Act.

To meet these economic trends, universities tailored their online programs to meet the needs of working professionals and their families.

Two of the most attractive features of these programs are that the degree can be completed online and students can keep their jobs while studying with no need to relocate for an on-campus program.

Online MHA programs use web-based tools and platforms to deliver the content and allow students and professors to interact.

Some courses require turning in written assignments in online discussion forums.

Others may have in-person meetings through chat- or video-based platforms once a week.

Courses can include asynchronous tasks with specific due dates with synchronous real-time meetings.

The type of interaction in the courses is up to the program faculty and the instructor.

Every online MHA program has a unique delivery format and curricular requirements, but there are some common features.

Besides online coursework, some programs require a final project or issue-based research informed by observations students make during their hands-on practicum.

Also, some programs require hybrid on-campus immersions when students meet on-campus for several consecutive days.

In fully online programs though, there are virtual residencies that allow students and professors to interact face-to-face from the off-campus locations.

Most MHA programs course requirements combine core and elective classes, so students can focus on a specific area in healthcare.

Specializations in this industry commonly include health informatics, long-term care, and public administration.

Fully Online MHA Degree Programs That Can Be Completed in 12 to 18 Months

Arizona State University, Online Master of Healthcare Innovation (MHI)

The ASU master of healthcare innovation takes two years to complete.

However, students can spend only one year to complete the program if they attend it full-time.

The program is fully online and has multiple start dates within a year.

It is designed to prepare students to become leaders in transformative and innovation roles in healthcare.

Upon graduation, they can start a variety of healthcare careers, such as consultants, educators, data analysts, and project managers.

ASU College of Nursing and Health Innovation is ranked in the top 11% in the country for its master’s programs by the U.S. News and World Report.

The school is partnered with several major healthcare centers, such as Mayo Clinic.

The MHA in healthcare innovation program includes 34 credits, 26 of which are core credits, a five-credit capstone final project, and one three-credit elective course.

Students can also take an internship, which is optional.

The courses cover leadership, entrepreneurship, change theory, systems design programs, and application technology.

ASU admits students with various educational backgrounds.

However, applicants should hold a US bachelor’s degree or higher.

The admission requirements do not include GMAT or GRE scores or work experience.

• Location: Tempe, AZ.
• Program length: One year full-time, two years part-time.
• Tuition: $818 per credit.
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Arizona State University, Online Master of International Health Management (MIHM) – Hospital Management Track

The hospital management track within the master of international health management (MIHM) offered by ASU is a program created with a partnership through the University of New South Wales (UNSW) in Sydney, Australia.

The program teachers healthcare management and leadership skills and prepares students for management roles in various facilities, such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, or nursing homes.

Similar to the MHI program, MIHM can be completed within one year if attended full-time.

The program is fully online with 30 credits.

Its focus is on patient-centered healthcare, finance, and economics in the hospital setting.

The curriculum is divided into 10 classes and covers both public and private healthcare systems.

In this program, students take courses in process engineering, high-value patient-centered care, healthcare leadership, healthcare economics and financial management, and workforce management.

The admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree or higher and a 3.0 GPA from an accredited US institution.

GMAT scores or work experience, though, are not required.

• Location: Tempe, AZ.
• Program length: One year full-time, two years part-time.
• Tuition: $804 per credit.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission.

Arizona State University, Online Master of International Health Management (MIHM) – Health Economics Track

A health economics track within the PLuS Alliance MIHM program is also offered by ASU.

The PLuS (Phoenix-London-Sydney) Alliance is a partnership between ASU, King’s College London, and UNSW.

With it, students can learn from institutions around the world.

They study global health, sustainability, technology, and innovation, as well as social justice.

The graduates gain a global understanding of healthcare management while having an option to complete the program within one year if taken full-time.

The program is 30 credits and covers two core courses in healthcare management and finance as well as comparative healthcare systems.

Students take four electives in healthcare systems and design, payment models, policy, health economics, economic evaluation in healthcare, and healthcare economics and financial management.

The healthcare economics and financial management and economic evaluation in healthcare courses are provided by UNSW.

The admission requirements include a 3.0 GPA from an accredited institution in the US as well as a bachelor’s (or higher) degree.

No GMAT scores or work experience are required.

• Location: Tempe, AZ.
• Program length: One year full-time, two years part-time.
• Tuition: $804 per credit.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission.

Arizona State University, Online Master of International Health Management (MIHM) – Health Informatics Track

The ASU’s health informatics track within the online MIHM program takes a data-driven approach to healthcare management.

Students gain healthcare management and leadership skills, so they are able to work in management in a variety of healthcare settings, such as private practices, hospitals, and more.

The program is 30 credits as well and offers students a look into top-notch research in health monitoring technology as well as big data analysis for the improvement of patient health.

The curriculum covers patient-centered healthcare, finance, and economics in hospital settings.

Students in this program can take classes in:

• Fundamentals of health informatics.
• Applied biostatistics in medicine and informatics.
• Healthcare systems and design.
• Health informatics database modeling and applications.

The program is entirely online and can be completed within a year with full-time attendance.

The requirements for admission include a bachelor’s degree or higher as well as a 3.0 GPA from an accredited institution in the US.

They do not include work experience and GMAT scores.

• Location: Tempe, AZ.
• Program length: One year full-time, two years part-time.
• Tuition: $804 per credit.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission.

Arizona State University, Online Master of International Health Management (MIHM) – Quality Improvement in Healthcare Track

The quality improvement in the healthcare track is a part of the online master of international health management (MIHM) program.

It’s aimed at improving patient outcomes.

The program is created through the partnership with the University of New South Wales (UNSW) in Sydney, Australia as a part of the PLuS Alliance.

This implies that students take classes designed by both ASU and UNSW.

All classes can be taken online, and, with full-time attendance, the program can be completed within a year.

The program includes 30 credits and ten classes, each of them lasts for 7.5 weeks and teaches students how to manage and lead healthcare organizations.

These courses teach skills in policy, finance, economics, development, and safety.

The four courses in the program include high-value patient-centered care, health leadership and workforce engagements, process engineering, and clinical governance and risk management.

To apply, potential students need a bachelor’s degree or higher with a 3.0 GPA from an accredited institution in the US.

GMAT scores and previous work experience are not required.

• Location: Tempe, AZ.
• Program length: One year full-time, two years part-time.
• Tuition: $804 per credit.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission.

Southern New Hampshire University, Online Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA)

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) has a fully online master’s degree in healthcare administration that includes 36 credits.

Professionals who wish to work in healthcare in non-clinical administrative roles may find this program a great fit.

The program provides students with a comprehensive curriculum that covers business standards, concepts, systems, and principles as well as current best practices in healthcare.

Subject areas include law, policy, finance and economics, strategic planning, informatics, which are taught to ensure equitable access and quality of healthcare for all.

The program can be completed within only 15 months.

The curriculum of this program is regularly reviewed by multiple healthcare professionals in the industry.

To meet the rapid expansion of the healthcare administration field, the university continuously assesses the practicality and validity of the curriculum by refining it to the standards of the Healthcare Leadership Alliance (HLA) and the Association of University Programs in Health Administration (AUPHA).

Graduates of the program gain the expertise necessary for the top healthcare administration position.

Skills taught in the program include communication, critical thinking, leadership, computational abilities, societal and cultural contacts, and relationship management in healthcare environments.

• Location: Manchester, NH.
• Program length: 15 months.
• Tuition: $1,881 per credit.
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education.

Liberty University, Online Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA)

Liberty University has an entirely online MHA program.

The program includes 48 credits and is aimed at providing students with an understanding of core disciplines of nursing, informatics, and public health.

The program is strongly focused on informed decision-making while students learn how to incorporate business management techniques, strategic planning, and financial principals and models in future management roles.

These courses equip students with the tools and knowledge needed to succeed in leadership roles in healthcare facilities.

Core courses cover legal compliance, quality assurance, and management of operations personnel.

The university has 12 different specialization tracks that meet the professional needs and interests of their students, including finance and accounting, human resources, marketing, leadership, general, non-profit management, public administration, project management, strategic management, public relations, and supply chain management and logistics.

• Location: Lynchburg, VA.
• Program length: 18 months.
• Tuition: $565 per credit.
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Fully Online Certificate Programs That Can Be Completed in 9 to 18 Months

The George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences, Graduate Certificate in Clinical Operations and Healthcare Management

GWU offers a graduate certificate in clinical operations and healthcare management, which is an excellent option for those who wish to learn more about clinical procedures without committing to a full master’s program.

This program can be completed in 18 months.

This program includes 18 credits and teaches students how to improve the quality of healthcare operations as well as effective communication within this context.

Additionally, students can apply their certificate to the MSHS (master of health sciences) in healthcare management and clinical operations if they wish to expand their expertise.

This is a post-bachelor’s certification that can be completed in the spring, summer, and fall terms completely online.

No campus visits are required.

Applicants need healthcare or clinical research experience to be admitted to the program.

• Location: Washington, D.C.
• Program length: 18 months.
• Tuition: $980 per credit.
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

The George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences, Graduate Certificate in Correctional Health Administration

This graduate certificate in correctional health administration is the first one of this type in the US.

It is designed to prepare students for careers in healthcare administration in correctional healthcare facilities.

Dr. Newton Kendig, a retired assistant surgeon general of the U.S. Public Health Service and former medical director of the Federal Bureau of Prisons designed the curriculum.

Its focus is on the unique challenge of providing quality care to incarcerated patients as well as creating healthcare plans for this population.

The program includes 15 credits and covers the fundamentals of correctional healthcare, correctional healthcare oversight, and correctional healthcare delivery.

The certificate can be applied to the MSHS in correctional health administration if they wish to continue their education.

The program has two start dates in spring and fall.

It can be completed fully online with a six-credit practicum in a correctional setting.

Applicants should be a bachelor’s degree (or higher) holders and have relevant correctional or healthcare work experience.

The program can be completed within one year.

• Location: Washington, D.C.
• Program length: 12 months.
• Tuition: $980 per credit.
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

The George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences, Graduate Certificate in Health Services and Outcome Research

By taking the graduate certificate in health services and outcome research students learn to make better decisions through advanced quantitative methods and research design.

The program is aimed at practicing physicians, nurses, medical students, clinicians, and other healthcare professionals and students who wish to start research activity.

The program includes 18 credits and is fully online with completion times of 18 months.

Students learn translational research, biostatistics, grantsmanship in translational research, decision making, and economic evaluation in healthcare.

Applicants have to hold a master’s degree or higher but aren’t required to have any work experience.

• Location: Washington, D.C.
• Program length: 18 months.
• Tuition: $980 per credit.
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

The University of Scranton, Executive Certificate in Health Administration

The University of Scranton offers the executive certificate in health administration, which teaches students the business and administration skills needed to enter the healthcare administration industry.

The program is taught by the same faculty as the full master of healthcare administration (MHA) degree.

The certificate includes 15 credits and can be applied to the master’s program if students wish to continue their studies.

The program can be completed within 10 months.

This certificate is aligned with CAHME and includes such courses as healthcare financial management, healthcare organization and administration, and health services and systems.

There are two health administration electives available too.

The program takes ten months to complete, in which students gain a strategic set of skills that can impact their job immediately.

Three years of professional or supervisory experience are required for admission as well as a bachelor’s degree or higher.

• Location: Scranton, PA.
• Program length: Ten months.
• Tuition: $940 per credit.
• Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME).

The University of Cincinnati, Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Administration

The University of Cincinnati offers a healthcare administration graduate certificate.

It was designed for professionals who wish to be behind the wheel of healthcare facilities.

They study economic, financial, and managerial aspects of leading an organization, whether it’s a clinic, hospital, or a network of healthcare facilities.

A great feature of this program is the tuition cost, which is the same for both in-state and out-of-state students – less than $800 per credit.

The program includes 12 credits, which are evenly divided between core and elective courses.

The courses cover the organization and delivery of health system administration, health economics, healthcare finance, the healthcare marketplace, principles of leadership, health policy, and more.

The program has three start dates and can be completed within 18 months.

To be admitted, applicants should have a bachelor’s degree or higher but aren’t required to have work experience.

• Location: Cincinnati, OH.
• Program length: 18 months.
• Tuition: $747 per credit.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission.

The University of Cincinnati, Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Operations

Certificate in healthcare operations is a graduate credential, which takes a more focused approach to healthcare administration through the lens of regulation and policy.

It is aimed at those who wish to learn how the law applies in the field and how to organize and manage the delivery of healthcare.

The program includes 12 credits with 8-9 credits in core courses and 3-4 in elective courses.

The core classes cover the healthcare quality management, organization and delivery of health systems administration, healthcare operations management, and health quality.

The electives are available in systems management, health policy, healthcare finance, health information and technology, the healthcare marketplace, and global health systems.

The program is affordable, has three start dates, and can be completed within 18 months.

For admission, a bachelor’s degree or higher is required but no work experience.

• Location: Cincinnati, OH.
• Program length: 18 months.
• Tuition: $747 per credit.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission.

The University of Cincinnati, Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Finance

The University of Cincinnati offers a graduate certificate in healthcare finance for those who wish to get more involved in healthcare finance, namely, the affordability of care.

The program focuses on helping patients know how to pay for medical services in the short- and long-term.

This is an interdisciplinary program and delivered through the partnership of the College of Allied Health and the Lindner College of Business to provide comprehensive business education.

Students complete 13 credits in 18 months by completing three core courses and one elective.

They cover courses in healthcare finance: one on analysis, the other on decision making as well as organization and delivery of health systems administration.

The program is affordable and has three start dates throughout the year.

The applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.

• Location: Cincinnati, OH.
• Program length: 18 months.
• Tuition: $747 per credit.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission.No work experience is required.

American University, Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Management

American University offers a graduate certificate in healthcare management.

The program is fully online and can be completed within 9-15 months.

The program includes 12 credits.

Four courses are designed by expert healthcare scientists to ensure that relevant industry trends, competencies, and standards are included in the curriculum.

The program is designed to teach students to make data-driven decisions in a value-based healthcare financial model.

Students take four required courses:

• Standards and systems in U.S. healthcare.
• Data-driven decision making.
• Evaluating new models of care delivery and payment.
• The principles of health information technology and innovation.

Current practitioners in healthcare management with decades of experience in the industry teach the courses.

One course features face-to-face experience at the campus in Washington D.C., which is optional.

The skills students gain through the program can be immediately applied to their careers.

Students can earn this certificate within 9 to 15 months.

Those who wish to pursue further education at American University can apply the 12 credits earned through the program to the online master’s of science in healthcare management degree program.

• Location: Washington, D.C.
• Program length: Nine to 15 months.
• Tuition: $1,759 per credit-hour.
• Accreditation: Middle Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools.