Widener University Online MBA in Health Care Management

The Widener online MBA in health care management (MBA-HCM) trains students with the skills to succeed as effective healthcare leaders. Widener University, located in Chester, Pennsylvania, combines learning theory with real-world, hands-on activities as well as service-based projects to promote a broad scope of professional development. The program imparts skills in innovation, critical thinking, leadership, finance, the law, team-building, and ethics—all with a focus on health care management.

Anyone with a bachelor’s degree may apply to this program; however, those without a business background may be required to complete five foundational courses. Professionals with an MBA in health care management may qualify for positions in clinic systems, hospitals, long-term care facilities, pharmaceuticals, medical supply companies, and medical research organizations, among other settings.

What to Expect from the Widener University Online MBA in Health Care Management

Admission Requirements: Applicants to the Widener online MBA in health care management must have a bachelor’s degree or graduate degree with a 2.7 GPA or higher. GMAT/GRE test scores are not required, but may be submitted to strengthen an application.

Application materials include an application, resume, personal statement, one letter of recommendation, and official transcripts. International students must submit proof of English language proficiency with a score of 80 or higher on the TOEFL test.

Study Plan: The online MBA in health care management program consists of seven-week courses over six terms throughout the year with a two-week break between each. The degree can be completed in 18 to 24 months.

Students without a business background must complete foundation classes before beginning the MBA program unless waived due to prior academic experience. The program begins in fall, spring, or summer.

MBA Curriculum: The Widener online MBA in health care management consists of 36 credits, including 21 credits of core business courses, and 15 elective credits in health care management. Core courses include accounting and managerial decision making, leading organizations and people, information systems and data analytics, managerial economics in an innovative environment, marketing, managing business processes, and strategic financial management.

Health care management concentration courses include healthcare policy, community health management, and developing management skills. The student also completes four non-credit professional development workshops. Each workshop takes one to three hours to complete.

Students who do not have a business education background may need to take up to five foundation courses for the MBA program. Courses may be waived depending on academic background. The foundation courses include organizational behavior and management, applied quantitative analysis, principles of economics, financial foundations for managers, and accounting and legal environment of business.

Online Experience: The online MBA in health care management focuses on real-life issues in healthcare, using a variety of hands-on methods to practice and teach skills, including case studies, role playing, simulations, and group projects.

Students begin with an online New Student Orientation which prepares them to navigate the online system. The online experience includes lectures, group projects, discussion boards, video capabilities, email, chat, IM, reading assignments, individualized feedback, and professional workshop modules. Some synchronous activities are included; however, the majority of the online curriculum is asynchronous.

On-Site Requirements: Students complete an administrative residency in health care management as part of the MBA-HCM program, with a minimum of 360 practice hours. The university can assist with placements, and students employed at health care facilities can often complete this requirement on site. Students with significant professional health care experience may request a residency waiver.

Paying for the Widener University Online MBA in Health Care Management

Widener University online MBA in health care management tuition numbers are listed in the tables below, and do not include additional fees. Students should check with the admissions department for cost clarifications and updates.

As a final note, students may apply for federal graduate loans through the FAFSA. Widener University participates in military discount programs and may offer a limited number of university-endowed scholarships for the online MBA in healthcare management. Students may also seek out tuition reimbursement programs through their employer as well as outside resources for MBA funding. For more information, interested students can contact Widener University Financial Aid Services.

Widener University MBA - Health Care Management

Program Essentials
Degree Level Master's Degree
Program Start Dates 3 - Spring, Summer, Fall
Credits Needed to Graduate 36
Time to Complete? Complete in as little as 18-24 months
100% Online? Yes
Program Accreditation AACSB
Program Admissions
Level of Education Required? Bachelor's degree or higher
GRE or GMAT Required? No GMAT or GRE required, but either may be submitted to strengthen application
Work Experience Required? No
Program Tuition
Credit Hours 36
Average Cost Per Credit $1,160
Estimated Program Tuition * $41,760.00

Tuition is calculated based on credits, at the published tuition rate. For programs with variable tuition rates, we use the rates for part-time students. Tuition number represents the cost of tuition for the entire program, not per semester or year. Estimated total tuition does not include additional fees, unless otherwise specified. Please check here for any tuition updates.

Sara Navratil
Sara Navratil
Writer

Sara Navratil is a freelance writer and a Certified Canfield Success Principles Trainer. She's the owner of Sara Liza Life, a company dedicated to helping people rewrite their lives. She enjoys researching and writing about healthcare-related topics, including information on online MHA programs. When not working she likes to read, bake, and spend time with her family.