One-Year Online Healthcare MBA Programs (Accelerated)
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“Some people are skeptical about accelerated MBA programs in healthcare because they think such programs try to impart the necessary knowledge and skills in too short a time (12-18 months as opposed to two years in a traditional program). They think an accelerated program often takes shortcuts in preparing students for a career that deals with people’s health and lives. This is not necessarily true.”
Soumava Bandyopadhyay, PhD, Professor and the Associate Dean of Graduate Studies and Research, Lamar University’s College of Business
A master of business administration (MBA) focusing on healthcare is often referred to as a healthcare MBA. A healthcare MBA, like a traditional MBA, requires a significant investment of time, resources, and commitment, but can be career-altering for those who work in healthcare and are considering a move into management.
Often, healthcare professionals with backgrounds in science, medicine, engineering, and information technology are encouraged to move into managerial roles as they move up in their careers. A healthcare MBA program can expedite that transition by providing healthcare professionals with skills that align with the industry. The knowledge gained from a healthcare MBA aims to position graduates for leadership roles, higher salaries, and better opportunities in the healthcare industry.
However, healthcare MBA programs are not only beneficial to working healthcare professionals with years of experience in the industry. Many businessmen and women enroll in healthcare MBA programs so that they can learn about the business side of the healthcare industry and secure one of the many management jobs across a broad range of healthcare systems, medical centers, hospitals and hospital networks, clinics, rehabilitation centers, and public health organizations.
The foundational courses in healthcare MBA programs teach business management fundamentals while also challenging students to think strategically, and are similar regardless of the program students choose. In these courses, students explore fundamental business concepts in marketing, accounting, business ethics, finance, statistics, project management, and other business administration disciplines. Especially among AACSB-accredited schools (see below for more details about accreditation), only minor differences exist in these standardized core courses.
Outside of the core requirements, students take courses dedicated to management in healthcare settings. Different programs use different words for this set of classes (e.g., major, specialization, concentration). While the courses can vary widely from one school to another, they typically include topics like managed care, clinical management, healthcare information systems, and healthcare regulatory compliance.
Meet the Expert: Soumava Bandyopadhyay, PhD
Dr. Soumava Bandyopadhyay is a professor and the associate dean of graduate studies and research at Lamar University’s College of Business. He focuses on consumer behavior, online privacy, and student success in online courses. His research contributions have been widely published in prestigious journals like the ACM Digital Library and Clute Journals.
Driven by a passion for advancing marketing knowledge, Dr. Bandyopadhyay’s work enriches the academic community and provides valuable insights for industry professionals, showcasing his dedication to excellence in research and education. He holds a doctorate in marketing from the University of Alabama Manderson Graduate School of Business.
MHAOnline: What is something you wish the public understood about accelerated MBA programs in healthcare?
Dr. Bandyopadhyay: Some people are skeptical about accelerated MBA programs in healthcare because they think such programs try to impart the necessary knowledge and skills in too short a time (12-18 months as opposed to two years in a traditional program). They think an accelerated program often takes shortcuts in preparing students for a career that deals with people’s health and lives. This is not necessarily true.
In Lamar University’s accelerated MBA program, for example, every course has the same number of contact hours and the same level of rigor in an eight-week long course as in a traditional 16-week long course. No shortcuts are taken, and no excessive workload is imposed on the students because they take fewer courses in an eight-week term than they would in a traditional 16-week term. The accelerated program makes the supply chain for healthcare administrators more efficient with a shorter cycle time without sacrificing quality.
MHAOnline.com: What advice would you give to aspiring accelerated MBA students who want to focus on healthcare?
Dr. Bandyopadhyay: My advice would be to get some hands-on experience in healthcare administration while they pursue the MBA program. This could be volunteer work or a paid internship. For example, the intern could shadow the director/senior staff in several departments in a rotation, such as medical records, case management, environmental services, billing, and coding. At Lamar University, we encourage our MBA students to do internships (paid or unpaid) that could substitute for an elective course under the Healthcare Administration concentration.
I would also advise all MBA in healthcare students to become members of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE). ACHE has vast resources to set aspiring Healthcare Administrators on the right career path.
The Benefits of an Online Accelerated Healthcare MBA Program
Innovative and online healthcare MBA programs, like those profiled below, can offer students tremendous flexibility advantages. That is because recent instructional technology advances now provide an online educational experience equivalent to instruction on campus, yet unconstrained by distance or time.
As a result, these online MBA programs offer tremendous opportunities to students who cannot leave jobs to attend classes on campus, or who wish to graduate from more reputable out-of-state universities without the expense and hassle of relocation. Additionally, personalized online education provides an attractive alternative for students to learn at their own pace; motivated and gifted students, in particular, can thrive at the accelerated pace made possible by these online MBA programs.
Online programs can also save students money. Even when tuition rates are identical, online MBA programs typically present more cost-effective alternatives to on-campus programs because they offer savings on costs like relocation, childcare, and transportation.
The following guide presents ten accelerated healthcare MBA programs offered entirely online and three outstanding faculty members from universities offering these innovative programs. Please note that completion times vary according to prior academic experience.
Featured Online One-Year Healthcare MBA Programs
Lamar University’s online master of business administration program in healthcare administration provides students with core business knowledge, leadership skills, and specialized knowledge of healthcare-specific business topics. Graduates will learn about the principles of global business leadership and will understand how to manage the complexities of leading the business-related aspects of the healthcare sector.
This 30-credit program includes courses in managerial accounting, managerial decision-making, strategic management, healthcare economics, healthcare information systems, healthcare entrepreneurship, and healthcare policy and finance.
Applicants to the program must have a bachelor’s degree in a business-related field from an accredited university with a minimum GPA of 2.5. Students with non-business undergraduate degrees may be required to take two leveling courses. Candidates who have a GPA less than 2.5 will be required to submit GMAT or GRE scores.
Graduates can take up roles such as hospital administrators, medical and health services directors, healthcare services consultants, medical practice executives, and health system CEOs.
- Location: Beaumont, TX
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC); Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International)
- Expected Time to Completion: 12 months
Maryville University offers an online master of business administration program with twelve concentration options. Designed to be completed in a year, this program can be completed online and does not require campus visits. Maryville’s online MBA with a specialized focus in health administration consists of 39 credits, including 24 core MBA classes, 12 health administration courses, and a three-credit capstone course.
The core curriculum includes courses such as organizational behavior and development; legal environment of business; strategic marketing; accounting for managers; and corporate financial policies. Courses in the health administration concentration include healthcare operations; healthcare law, ethics, and risk management; population health management; and the healthcare industry and its impact on healthcare management.
Maryville does not require previous business experience, GMAT or GRE test scores, or application fees. However, students do need to complete coursework in financial accounting and economic statistics before enrolling.
The program opens up opportunities for graduates in administration, project management, finance, and even the executive suite in clinics, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, and more. They will be prepared for roles such as medical and health services managers, hospital administrators, pharmaceutical project managers, and practice managers.
- Location: St. Louis, MO
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC); Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
- Expected Time to Completion: 12 to 16 months
The George Washington University School of Business differentiates its online healthcare MBA from its on-campus program by allowing students to personalize their curriculum to align with their professional goals. This rigorous online healthcare MBA is designed to teach students business management basics while also challenging them to think strategically.
Students may also complete an additional certificate offered by the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences in disciplines like health care quality; integrative medicine; clinical research administration; clinical research practice; clinical & translational research; regulatory affairs; or health sciences.
The school requires the GMAT or GRE along with a bachelor’s degree and at least three years of professional work experience but offers waivers for applicants with at least five years of work experience.
This 46.5-credit program includes 31.5 credits of core MBA classes, 3 credits in technology selectives, and the remaining 12 credits of healthcare-focused electives. Core courses include financial accounting; business essentials for dynamic markets; decision-making & data analysis; marketing; business ethics and public policy; and strategic management. Healthcare courses include medicine development; patient safety systems; epidemiology; issues and trends in health systems; and regulatory strategy in developing drugs and biologics.
- Location: Washington, DC
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE); Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International)
- Expected Time to Completion: 12 to 21 months
Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville, offers an online MBA with a specialization in healthcare administration. This program provides students with the industry expertise and business knowledge required to navigate current healthcare challenges and advance into administrative roles successfully. Students in this program will study the complexities of healthcare and gain the skills required for effectively managing them.
The major admission requirements for the program include a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 2.50, academic transcripts, GRE or GMAT scores (waivers available), personal history information, and proof of English proficiency for international students.
The program consists of 36 credits and includes core courses such as decision-making in organizations; information systems and technology; managerial economics; quantitative analysis; corporate finance; and strategic management. The healthcare administration portion of the program includes courses in health economics and policy; managing organizational change and innovation; customer relationship management; healthcare financing; and topics in healthcare.
Graduates of the program will be ready for positions such as hospital administrators, pharmaceutical project managers, policy analysts, health services managers, and program directors.
- Location: Edwardsville, IL
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC); Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International)
- Expected Time to Completion: 12 months
The Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota offers an accelerated online MBA program that can be completed in a year. Additionally, students in this program can add a 12 to 15-credit graduate certificate and waive two courses to create a customized MBA experience for 36 credits. One such certificate is in healthcare administration.
For admission to the program, applicants must hold an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution, a minimum GPA of 2.75, a minimum of two years of work experience, and proof of English proficiency for international students. GRE scores are optional for admission, while GMAT scores will be required only if applicants have less than two years of work experience.
As part of the program, students will explore topics such as health and human service administration, advanced health policy and ethics, health and human service systems, financial practices in the health and human services sector, managerial economics, operations management, managerial accounting, and marketing strategy.
- Location: Minneapolis, MN
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Expected Time to Completion: 12 months
Southern New Hampshire University offers an online master of business administration program in healthcare management providing students with the knowledge and skills they’ll need for transitioning into or excelling in leadership roles in clinics, hospitals, healthcare corporations, medical offices, insurance, and pharmaceuticals. Through participation in scenario-based learning, students will get the hands-on and problem-solving experience they need to succeed in this industry.
Comprising 30 credits, the program’s core curriculum includes courses such as leading people and organizations, innovation and strategy for high-performance organizations, organizational strategy in a global environment, measuring success in an organization, optimizing brands, leading organizational change, and strategic opportunity management. The healthcare management concentration includes courses such as healthcare informatics, topics in health administration, and social & organizational issues in healthcare.
- Location: Manchester, NH
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE); Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
- Expected Time to Completion: 12 to 24 months
The University of North Carolina at Pembroke offers an online master of business administration program with a concentration in healthcare administration, preparing graduates for exciting management opportunities within this growing healthcare field. Students in this program explore complex problems that impact healthcare organizations.
To be eligible for admission, applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 and submit official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended. GMAT or GRE requirements are waived only for students with an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or have completed a master’s degree at a regionally accredited institution.
This 36-credit program includes courses in international business, organizational theory and behavior, health administration and organization, legal and ethical issues for healthcare professionals, health economics, managerial finance, and quantitative methods.
- Location: Pembroke, NC
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC); Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International)
- Expected Time to Completion: 12 to 24 months
University of Southern Indiana’s online MBA with a concentration in healthcare administration program is designed for working healthcare professionals who wish to develop the leadership skills and practical business knowledge needed for leading in the healthcare industry. Graduates will learn to identify and mitigate risks, make data-driven decisions, and set organizational strategies from the perspective of a healthcare organization.
Applicants to the program must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5. Submission of GMAT or GRE scores is optional and is not required for admission.
The program consists of 30 credits and includes courses such as information systems and technology, managerial economics, financial management and financial markets, risk management, data-driven decision-making, lean six sigma, and strategic and international management.
Graduates will be ready to take up roles such as healthcare executives, hospital administrators, pharmaceutical product managers, health services managers, and policy analysts.
- Location: Evansville, IN
- Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International)
- Expected Time to Completion: 11 months
University of West Alabama’s online MBA has more than ten concentration options. One such concentration is in healthcare administration. In addition to a strong academic foundation in business, this online MBA with a healthcare administration concentration helps students gain the leadership skills needed for this evolving healthcare industry.
The major admission requirements for the program include a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 2.75 or graduation from an accredited university or college with a master’s degree or higher with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
The program comprises 33 credits and includes core courses such as managerial accounting; comparative business law and ethics; research methods and design; emerging technologies; managerial economics; financial management; strategic management and business policy; and marketing management.
Courses in the healthcare administration concentration include current issues in healthcare administration, healthcare law, ethics, and policy, healthcare information systems, healthcare economics and finance, healthcare systems, insurance, and managed care, and healthcare management and professional behaviors in athletic training.
- Location: Livingston, AL
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC); Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
- Expected Time to Completion: 12 months
University of Cincinnati’s Carl H. Lindner College of Business offers a healthcare administration concentration within its accelerated online MBA program. This concentration can also be completed as a standalone graduate certificate program. The university also offers three similar online healthcare MBA programs with concentrations in operations, finance, and regulatory policy.
The curriculum includes 12 credits in one of these concentrations and 26 credits in core courses. The core curriculum includes courses such as accounting for managerial decisions; corporate legal and social responsibility; decision models; managerial economics; financial management; information and technology management; and strategic management. The healthcare administration concentration includes courses such as evidence-based decision-making for managers; total quality management; health informatics, information systems, and technology; global health systems; and health policy & regulation.
Admission requirements to the program include a Bachelor’s Degree program from a regionally accredited institution, official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work, a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, a current resume, a letter of intent, and TOEFL scores for international students.
- Location: Cincinnati, OH
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC); Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International)
- Expected Time to Completion: 12 months
Admission Requirements for Online One-Year Healthcare MBA Programs
Several standard application requirements exist for students wishing to enroll in one of the programs above. These include:
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Competitive GPA from an undergraduate programs
- GMAT or GRE scores; can be waived for students with several years of relevant work experience
- One or two years of professional experience in a healthcare, business, finance, or technology organization
- Completion of prerequisite courses for candidates without an undergraduate business degree or business experience
- A personal statement of objectives
- Letters of recommendation
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) for international students
Accreditation
Educational accreditation means that a university offers a curriculum that adheres to quality assurance standards in academic disciplines. In the United States, external private, non-profit organizations evaluate educational institutions and certify that the schools comply with applicable standards by awarding accreditation status. Below are several organizations that provide accreditation for business schools.
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
Formerly known as the American Association of Collegiate Schools of Business, AACSB has provided quality assurance services to accredited business schools since 1916. AACSB-accredited schools generally have high-quality faculties, deliver relevant and challenging curricula, and provide educational and career opportunities not found at other schools. The AACSB has awarded accreditations to over 950 schools in more than 100 countries—mainly those affiliated with major research universities.
Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
The newer ACBSP was founded in 1989 to accredit schools, including two-year institutions like community colleges, with an emphasis on teaching instead of the research emphasis common to the AACSB-accredited institutions. The ACBSP focuses on tangible learning outcomes and quality improvement, especially as the workforce demands change.
International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE)
This third agency, the IACBE, believes academic quality and excellence in business education should be measured regarding the educational outcomes of an academic business unit relative to its mission rather than by prescriptive standards relating to academic resources.
