Key Takeaways
- Accelerated programs allow students to finish a Bachelor’s in Healthcare Management in about 18 months.
- These programs are flexible and ideal for working professionals aiming to advance their careers quickly.
- Practical skills, cost-effectiveness, and rapid entry into the field are major benefits of these programs.
- Arizona State University is highlighted as the top choice for an online accelerated Bachelor’s in Healthcare Management.
An accelerated Healthcare Management Bachelor’s degree gives graduates the chance to enter one of the largest business sectors in the U.S. Over 16 million people work in the industry and more than $3.6 trillion was spent on healthcare services in 2018 (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services). Healthcare managers/administrators are critical in the operation of any facility offering healthcare services and are responsible for the coordination of clinical and nonclinical aspects in the field.
Key Takeaways:
- Arizona State University is the #1 top school for a fast online bachelor’s in healthcare management.
- Accelerated online Healthcare Management Bachelor’s programs allow students to complete their degree in as little as 18 months.
- These programs offer flexibility with online courses, making them suitable for working professionals seeking career advancement.
- Key benefits include a focus on practical skills, lower costs compared to traditional programs, and opportunities for fast-tracked entry into the healthcare management field.
Entry-level positions as healthcare administrators or managers require applicants to have a minimum of an undergraduate degree. Best Health Degrees has researched online Bachelor of Science (BS) and Bachelor of Arts (BA) degrees in healthcare administration and management to help you find a program to suit your needs. All the schools listed hold accreditation and financial aid is available with the submission of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for qualified students.
Note: Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, some schools have waived the SAT/ACT test score requirements and you’ll want to be sure to check with the admission office.
Our Method: Ranking the 10 Fastest Online Health Care Management Bachelor’s Programs
To rank the 10 Fastest Online Health Care Management Bachelor’s Programs, Best Degrees editors researched accredited, trusted programs of all kinds. From our initial pool, we ranked programs according to price, accreditation, reputation, and salary potential, using data from IPEDS and Niche, U.S. News and World Report, and other higher education rating publications.
1. Arizona State University
Arizona State University has a long history of quality distance education and the online B.S. in Health Care Coordination upholds that tradition.
You’ll take a total of 40 classes (120-credit hours) from a solid curriculum which is designed to prepare you to collaborate and lead in a healthcare setting. Among the topics included in this program are evidence-based practices, healthcare finance and statistics, ethics in healthcare, healthcare technology, communication for managers, and more. General education courses are also required in humanities, communications, social and behavioral sciences, natural sciences, mathematics, computer/statistics/quantitative applications, etc.
If you’re a first year student, ASU requires you be in the top 25% of your graduating high school class, SAT/ACT test scores, complete an online application and submit a $70 nonrefundable application fee, and file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) Additional documents may be requested such as academic transcripts. Transfer students will submit an application and $70 fee, academic transcripts from all schools attended, and the FAFSA form.
Fast Fact: Listed as one of the top 10 Best Online Bachelor’s Programs by U.S. News and World Report
Estimated Tuition Cost: $561–$661/per credit hour
Click here for more information about the accelerated healthcare management program!
2. Southern New Hampshire University
SNHU awards an online B.S. in Healthcare Administration with two concentrations in Health Information Management (HIM) or Patient Safety and Quality.
The degree requires 120-credit hours which includes general education coursework in areas such as the humanities, math, English, social and behavioral sciences, etc., before turning your attention to your major concentration. With both concentrations, you’ll study economics, marketing, policy and strategy, delivery systems, Human Resources, ethics, and complete a senior capstone project along with others. With the HIM concentration, you’ll also study healthcare technologies, IT infrastructure, communication, and data management. The Patient Safety and Quality focus will include studies in patient safety strategies and systems, healthcare regulations and compliance, etc.
As a freshman, you’ll be required to submit an admission application (no fee required), complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid®, and academic transcript from any school or GED program you attended. SNHU encourages transfer students to talk with an online admission counselor to determine courses which will transfer. The university accepts up to 90 hours in transfer credits.
Fast Fact: Niche ranks SNHU #59/308 in its Best Online Colleges in America
Estimated Tuition Cost: $320/per credit hour
Click here for more information about the accelerated healthcare management program!
3. Grand Canyon University
This private, Christian university also has a long history of distance education experience. GCU has an online B.S. Health Care Administration which involves 120-credit hours in general education and healthcare-specific studies.
Your core coursework with this degree offers studies in health policy, legal and ethical issues in health care, accounting and billing, health care quality, administration and management, health care information and management, and a capstone project (design of a digital portfolio integrating what you’ve learned and its application to a real-world health care issue. On completion, the capstone project will be presented to a health care professional). General education studies are in liberal arts and sciences subjects such as humanities, arts, and sciences, etc.
GCU has a 73% acceptance rate and admission requirements for online students are simple. You’ll submit an online application form, academic transcripts, and Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) if you’re seeking financial assistance. Once the material is received, you’ll be contacted by a GCU Admission Counselor to help you proceed. Transfer students should submit their academic transcripts for evaluation and you’ll discuss your application with a Transfer Specialist.
Fast Fact: Grand Canyon University was founded in 1949
Estimated Tuition Cost: $470/per credit hour
Click here for more information about the accelerated healthcare management program!
4. Old Dominion University
The Health Sciences: Healthcare Administration bachelor’s degree at Old Dominion is a degree completion program developed for students who have some college credits.
You’ll complete a minimum of 30 credit hours from ODU online to graduate from this program. The curriculum provides a variety of courses in the areas of healthcare ethics, marketing, finance and public health, budgeting, informatics systems, U.S. healthcare delivery, epidemiology, etc. Classes in written communication, research and math skills are also required. General Education courses are required for the awarding of this undergraduate degree. Some coursework may be waived if you currently work in the healthcare field and you’ll want to discuss with an admission counselor what experience may apply to you.
You’ll want to contact an ODU Enrollment Coach to discuss your academic goals and any previous college/university experience as well as courses completed. Following a discussion with the coach, you’ll be walked through admission requirements.
Fast Fact: Niche ranks ODU Online #54/308 in its Best Online Colleges in America
Estimated Tuition Cost: $360/per credit (VA resident); $407/per credit (Non-resident)
Click here for more information about the accelerated healthcare management program!
5. Columbia Southern University
Columbia Southern University provides a cost-effective, online B.S. in Health Care Administration degree requiring 120-credit hours.
With this curriculum, you’ll study Health Care Management, Critical Issues in Health Care, Leadership, Health Care Law, Human Resource Management, Health Information Principles and Practice, Research Methods for Health Professionals, and more. History, English, philosophy, art, math, and algebra, biology, chemistry, psychology, geography, etc., are among the general education classes available. The degree prepares you for entry-level health administration careers and is suitable for students wishing to enter healthcare management or who are currently working in the field.
The admission requirements call for a Columbia Southern University application, high school transcript or GED documentation (for first-time students), SAT/ACT scores may be requested. Transfer students will need to supply academic transcripts from all schools attended.
Fast Fact: Has provided online degrees since 1996
Estimated Tuition Cost: $235/per credit hour
Click here for more information about the accelerated healthcare management program!
6. Liberty University
Established in 1971 as a private, nonprofit school, Liberty University is a Christian-based university. The B.S. in Healthcare Administration is an accelerated healthcare management degree that can be completed in 3.5 years.
This program is offered completely online and is designed with general business courses and healthcare-specific studies in the 120-credit hour curriculum. You’ll study courses in human resource issues in healthcare organizations, administration, legalities and ethics in healthcare, as well as public and community health for business. Other classes may include studies in quality management, finance and accounting, healthcare informatics, grant writing, and operations management. You’ll complete a capstone project and, while not mandated, an internship is recommended.
Admissions to Liberty University request an application, academic transcripts, and a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application. Liberty University also offers this program as a degree completion degree and will accept up to 75% of the total hours for this degree.
Fast Fact: U.S. News and World Report rates LU #223 in its Best Online Bachelor’s Programs ranking
Estimated Tuition Cost: $390/per credit hour
Click here for more information about the accelerated healthcare management program!
7. Concordia University Chicago
This B.A. in Healthcare Management degree from Concordia can be completed in 128 credit hours and concentrates on the management and professional skills for effective healthcare leadership in an accelerated healthcare management degree.
As with all undergraduate bachelor’s programs, you’ll take general education classes in math, humanities, social and behavioral sciences, as well as natural sciences. Among the healthcare foundational courses are studies in issues and trends in healthcare, healthcare law, ethics, human resources, management of organizational change, research and design, as well as a senior capstone project. If you have previous college/university credit, Concordia will accept up to 67 credit hours toward this degree, or roughly, half of the hours required for this B.A. All classes are 100% online.
An online application is required for consideration for this Accelerated Degree program, along with academic transcripts. If you have fewer than 15 semester hours of college credit, a high school or GED diploma and transcript will be needed.
Fast Fact: Concordia University Chicago is considered in the top 50 of U.S. News and World Report’s Best Value Schools
Estimated Tuition Cost: $505/per credit hour
Click here for more information about the accelerated healthcare management program!
8. Champlain College Online
This is an online bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Administration with a curriculum designed for the working professional.
Among the courses you’ll take for this degree are credit hours in Financial Systems for Management, Navigating the U.S. Health System, Information Systems in Healthcare Organizations, Organization Development, Healthcare Communication, Clinical Systems Management, as well as an Integrative Capstone in Healthcare Management. A total of 30 hours in general education studies round out the program. You can earn a certificate in Healthcare Administration as you proceed through this degree.
You’ll submit an online admission application, academic transcripts from high school or colleges you’ve attended, answer three written questions, and provide a resume. You can transfer up to 90 transfer hours for any previous college coursework you may have taken. Champlain College will also evaluate prior learning experiences (professional credit/training, military training, etc.) and apply to your degree credits.
Fast Fact: Niche ranks Champlain College #58/308 in its Best Online Colleges in America ranking
Estimated Tuition Cost: $318/per credit hour
Click here for more information about the accelerated healthcare management program!
9. Bryan University
You can choose from two concentrations in the B.S. in Healthcare Administration degree at Bryan University in either Health Information Management Systems (HIMS) or a Public Health Concentration. Both accelerated healthcare management degree concentrations will prepare you for certification.
The broader curriculum includes studies in records policy and management, process and quality measures, leadership, research and writing, HIMS principles, statistics, and others. Additionally, classes in psychology, communication, and clinical data management. Courses in the HIMS concentration will include HIMS Management, Revenue Cycle Management, and an HIM Independent Study. Public Health concentration classes offer Public Health Planning, Principles of Epidemiology, Public Health Advocacy and Policy, as well as Public Health Capstone project.
You can request additional information, including admission requirements, by completing a simple online form.
Fast Fact: Bryan University was founded in 1940
Estimated Tuition Cost: $$10,111/per year
Click here for more information about the accelerated healthcare management program!
10. Regent University
Regent University was founded in 1977 by Reverend Pat Robertson. Through its College of Healthcare Sciences, Regent offers an online B.S. in Healthcare Management.
This 120-credit hour curriculum includes general education courses that includes science, math, humanities studies as well as biblical studies. Core requirements for the healthcare management degree involves classes in Healthcare Ethical/Legal Issues, Organizational Dynamics, Business Statistics, Healthcare Operational Management, Healthcare Informatics, Macroeconomics, as well as a Healthcare Practicum. You’ll also study marketing, Human Resources, and current healthcare trends and issues.
Admission for online students requests an application and a $50 nonrefundable fee, submission of academic transcripts, completion of a school questionnaire, and a copy of a government-issued ID. Transfer students can transfer up to 90 credit hours and you’ll need to submit the same admission requirements referenced above.
Fast Fact: Ranks #58 in Best Online Bachelor’s Programs by U.S. News and World Report
Estimated Tuition Cost: $395/per credit hour
Click here for more information about the accelerated healthcare management program!
What’s the Advantage of an Accelerated Healthcare Administration Degree?
Why get an accelerated degree in healthcare administration? The most obvious answer would be that the sooner you finish your degree, the sooner you can enter the red hot job market for healthcare administrators. But, there are other advantages to an accelerated healthcare management degree, too.
Accelerated programs typically attract motivated students who are able to focus on the same number of courses but in a truncated amount of time (18-24 months on average). Online, an accelerated healthcare management degree will frequently offer shorter terms or fewer required classes.
You may also find that an accelerated healthcare management degree will let you quickly go through classes in which you’re proficient. For example, if you’re currently working in healthcare, you may have experience that might allow you to receive academic credit for your prior knowledge. Military veterans may also receive academic credit for training programs completed during their service.
Along the same lines, if you have completed an associate degree from an accredited community college or technical school, accelerated bachelor completion degrees will require less time in general education coursework. Additionally, many accelerated healthcare management degree programs offer you the option to earn a bachelor’s degree while also taking graduate degree courses.
Finally, cost. Online, accelerated bachelor’s programs are attractive in that most schools don’t charge out of state tuition charges, but have a basic, online tuition cost. Obviously, the less time you spend in school, the less you’ll pay in tuition, fees, books, etc. Finishing your degree sooner will allow you to enter the healthcare field in a shorter amount of time.
In short, if you’re a disciplined, focused student who wants to begin your career as quickly as possible, an accelerated program is worth a look.
How Much Can I Make with an Accelerated Healthcare Management Degree?
Healthcare careers are among the fastest-growing areas in the U.S. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that between 2019-2029, the growth rate for this position is 32%, which is remarkably faster than average.
Few entry-level careers offer salaries as robust as healthcare administrators. Requiring a bachelor’s to start, graduates entering the healthcare administrative field can expect to earn from $86,820-$111,520 in an annual salary (BLS). PayScale estimates an average salary of $64,794 annually.
Salaries aren’t the only financial consideration in your earnings. You should also include compensation in the form of sign-on bonuses (which can average around $2,000), 401k retirement matching, paid time off and sick leave, child care, etc.
You can find administrative positions in long-term care facilities, hospitals and healthcare systems, private physician offices, and government agencies.
Will a Certification in Healthcare Management Help My Career?
The healthcare field is partial to licensing and certifications and management is no exception. An accelerated healthcare management degree is great, but so is a certification.
Several organizations certify healthcare administrators and managers. Depending on which state in which you work, licensure may be required and certification is key.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, some of the certifying organizations include the Professional Association of Health Care Office Management , American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), and the American College of Health Care Administrators (ACHCA). If your goal is to work in a long-term care or assisted living facility, you will need to be licensed and should check out the National Association of Long Term Care Administrator Boards.
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