A Master of Health Administration degree is ideal for anyone who wishes to advance their career in the medical field. Healthcare in the United States is a billion dollar industry. As the current population ages, the need for these types of services continues to grow at a dynamic rate. By 2020, the demand for Health Services Managers will outpace all other management careers by 15 percent. There are few other occupations that provide the opportunity to earn high salaries and possess plentiful employment openings.
While pursuing a Master of Health Administration, students learn to become organizational leaders in the medical industry. From policy development that benefits both people and business to human resource management, these professionals are responsible for how well services are delivered within in a medical facility. Successful applicants come from a variety of different backgrounds. Some may already be in lower administrative positions, while others may have little management experience.
Candidates for a Master of Health Administration degree must hold a bachelors degree, preferably in a healthcare related area. In addition, experience in the clinical field is required. Nursing and other care giving duties will satisfy this criteria. Applicants will need to show that they meet the program’s prerequisite requirements when applying for acceptance.
How To Find The Top Master of Health Administration Degree Programs
The best online Master of Health Administration programs offer applicants the ability to continue working in their current position while earning a degree. The highest ranking institution is one whose name is recognizable and lends credibility to the quality of the program. George Washington University online is one such school. The Master of Health Administration coursework at GWU includes 52 credit hours completed over two years.
Saint Joseph’s University is also a top provider appealing to those who prefer small classes and a reputation of providing rigorous coursework. Also a two year program, Saint Joseph’s tuition is both reasonable and attainable. Both universities are fully accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
The best Master of Administration degrees include focused areas of study including developing leadership skills, finance, ethics, law, and marketing. Learning in an online platform allows for an individual to fast track themselves to an advanced career position.
Careers and Salaries For Individuals With Master of Health Administration Degrees
Master of Health Administration careers offer a variety of employment opportunities. Medical and Health Service Administrators manage facilities such as hospitals, physician groups or nursing homes. Often referred to as Healthcare Executives, they work closely with professional staff to facilitate the delivery of medical care. The occupational outlook is above average, growing at an annual rate of 22 percent.
Master of Health Administration salaries are equivalent to that of physicians. The average is $40 per hour, or in the $80,000 range annually. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that there are currently 303,000 Medical and Health Administrators jobs available. Private, state and local hospitals are the largest group of employers, supplying 39 percent of jobs. Physician groups, nursing home facilities, outpatient service supplies and home health care services comprise the remainder of employment opportunities for those with a Master of Health Administration degree.
Resources for Health Administrators
Health Administration (Wikipedia)
BLS Medical and Health Services Managers Outlook
Health Care Administrators Association
The Association of University Programs in Health Administration
