Online MHA - Master of Health Administration Program

A Master's in Health Administration (MHA) is a graduate-level degree program designed to prepare individuals for leadership and management roles in the health industry. This program provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in health administration and management positions within hospitals, healthcare systems, clinics, and other healthcare organizations. An MHA degree program typically covers a range of topics related to health management, policy, and leadership.

Whether or not pursuing a Master's in Health Administration (MHA) degree is worth it depends on your career goals, interests, and the specific context of your situation. Here are some factors to consider when determining the value of an MHA degree:

1. Career Aspirations: If you are interested in pursuing a career in healthcare administration or management, an MHA degree can be highly beneficial. It is often considered the standard credential for leadership roles in healthcare organizations, especially in hospitals and larger healthcare systems.
2. Increased Earning Potential: Generally, individuals with an MHA degree tend to earn higher salaries than those with only a bachelor's degree or no advanced degree in the field. The exact increase in earning potential can vary depending on factors such as location, level of experience, and specific job roles.
3. Specialization and Career Advancement: An MHA program often allows you to specialize in areas of healthcare administration that align with your interests and career goals. This specialization can open up opportunities for advancement into specialized roles.
4. Networking Opportunities: MHA programs often provide valuable networking opportunities with faculty, classmates, and healthcare professionals through internships and networking events. These connections can be instrumental in finding job opportunities and advancing your career.
5. Skill Development: MHA programs equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in healthcare management and administration roles. This includes leadership, financial management, healthcare policy analysis, and problem-solving skills, which are highly valuable in the industry.
6. Job Stability: The healthcare industry is generally considered to have good job stability and growth prospects. Healthcare administrators are needed to manage and navigate the complexities of the healthcare system, making it a relatively secure career choice.

Personal Satisfaction: If you have a genuine interest in healthcare and a desire to contribute to the improvement of healthcare delivery and patient outcomes, an MHA degree can be personally fulfilling.

A Master's in Health Administration (MHA) opens up a wide range of career opportunities for healthcare administration jobs. Here are some of the key roles and positions you can pursue with an MHA degree:

1. Hospital Administrator/Health Service Manager: Hospital administrators or health service managers oversee the daily operations of hospitals and health systems. They manage budgets, personnel, and ensure the delivery of quality medical and health services as well as standout patient care.
2. Clinic Manager: Clinic managers are responsible for the administration and management of outpatient care centers, physician practices, and other ambulatory care settings. They coordinate services, manage staff, and ensure efficient operations.
3. Healthcare Consultant: Healthcare consultants work for consulting firms or independently to provide expertise and advice to health organizations on various issues, such as strategic planning, process improvement, and financial management.
4. Healthcare Policy Analyst: Policy analysts work in government agencies, research organizations, or advocacy groups to analyze healthcare law, policies, regulations, and their impact on healthcare delivery and outcomes.
5. Health Information Manager/Director: These professionals oversee the management and security of healthcare data and electronic health records (EHRs) to ensure compliance with regulations and efficient information flow within organizations.
6. Healthcare Quality Improvement Specialist: Quality improvement specialists focus on enhancing the quality and safety of patient care. They develop and implement quality improvement initiatives and monitor healthcare outcomes.
7. Long-Term Care Administrator: Long-term care administrators manage nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and other long-term healthcare settings. They ensure regulatory compliance, resident care, and facility operations.
8. Healthcare Finance Manager: Finance managers in healthcare organizations are responsible for budgeting, financial analysis, revenue cycle management, and financial planning to ensure the financial health of the organization.
9. Healthcare Operations Manager: Operations managers oversee the logistical and operational aspects of healthcare facilities, including supply chain management, facility maintenance, and process optimization.
10. Managed Care Executive: Managed care executives work for health insurance companies or managed care organizations, overseeing the development and management of healthcare plans and networks.
11. Healthcare IT Manager/Director: IT managers and directors in healthcare organizations are responsible for the implementation and maintenance of healthcare information systems and technologies.
12. Healthcare Marketing and Public Relations Manager: These professionals promote healthcare services, manage public relations, and develop marketing strategies for healthcare organizations.
13. Healthcare Researcher: Researchers in healthcare organizations or academic institutions conduct studies and research projects to inform healthcare policy and practice.
14. Academic/Teaching Roles: With an MHA, you can teach healthcare administration and management courses at universities and colleges.
15. Nonprofit Healthcare Leadership: Leadership positions in nonprofit healthcare organizations, such as foundations or charitable clinics, offer opportunities to make a positive impact on underserved communities.
16. Healthcare Entrepreneur: Some MHA graduates choose to start their healthcare-related businesses, such as healthcare consulting firms, medical billing companies, or telehealth startups.

Keep in mind that the specific roles and responsibilities may vary depending on the healthcare organization, location, and level of experience. Additionally, pursuing further certifications or specialized training can enhance your qualifications for specific roles within healthcare administration.

Our online MHA program takes seven terms or about 28 months to complete.

Taking the GRE or GMAT is optional for applying to our online MHA program. We encourage applicants to submit scores if they believe it will strengthen their applications or if their academic and professional records do not provide sufficient evidence of their quantitative, verbal, and reasoning abilities. Learn more about what you’ll need to apply.

Visit our How To Apply page to learn more about our admission requirements.

Students who are interested in obtaining the MHA have a strong passion to tackle the challenges of healthcare today. They are dedicated to achieving their career goals, and turning their areas of improvements into strengths as they launch their careers. NYU Wagner has a variety of resources to help students excel.