[hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The ever-changing healthcare industry needs highly competent administrators. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), these middle managers can expect a whopping 29% annual job growth projected for 2023-2033. That’s more than seven times the 4% national average.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurse managers’ blend of clinical and administrative experience enhance [hen-ui-link href=”https://bmchealthservres.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12913-021-06288-5″ target=”_blank”]patient care and outcomes[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/healthcare/healthcare-administration/is-an-mha-degree-worth-it/”]master of health administration (MHA)[/hen-ui-link] provides specialized training that can make you a sought-after administrator.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Explore our ranking of the nation’s best MHA programs.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular Online Healthcare Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]The Best Master of Health Administration Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”strokeLight” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-primary-900″][hen-ui-icon icon=”badge-check” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /] How We Rank Schools[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]We use a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/methodology/”]data-driven methodology[/hen-ui-link] to rank the best MHA programs, making it easier for you to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings. This list was created prior to 2025.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How Do Master of Health Administration Programs Work?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An MHA can pave the way for administrative and managerial careers in one of the nation’s largest job sectors. The return on your investment could include career advancement and a higher earnings potential. Schools design many programs for working professionals, including MHA degrees for [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/registered-nursing/”]registered nurses (RN)[/hen-ui-link]. Executive MHA programs attract students with at least three years of healthcare experience.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Earning a master of health administration typically takes 1-3 years. Full-time, part-time, and accelerated tracks are available, and you can earn your degree online, on campus, or in a hybrid format.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You’ll complete 45-57 credits, covering topics such healthcare financial management, healthcare leadership, data analytics, and quality improvement strategies. Electives can include healthcare marketing, project management, and legal issues in healthcare.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many programs incorporate real-world experience through an internship or capstone project. In short, the right MHA program will make you a stronger leader, a more effective problem-solver, and a better decision-maker.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Applying to a Master of Health Administration Program[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many RNs already meet the admission requirements for a master of health administration. Often, a bachelor’s degree plus healthcare experience is enough to gain admission. You can also strengthen your application by explaining how your background in nursing has prepared you for graduate school. While specific eligibility requirements and admission materials vary, many include the following requirements:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Admission Materials: [/hen-ui-text]Bachelor’s degree and transcripts; resume or CV; letter(s) of recommendation; statement of purpose[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]GPA Requirement: [/hen-ui-text]Minimum 3.0 GPA[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Other Requirements: [/hen-ui-text]Professional healthcare experience; standardized test scores (optional in many instances)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Why Is MHA Program Accreditation Important?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Accreditation is a hallmark of excellence. That’s because [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/what-is-accreditation/”]accredited programs[/hen-ui-link] undergo a rigorous review process that ensures they meet high standards of academic quality.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Independent accrediting agencies evaluate programs based on curriculum materials, faculty qualifications, and graduate outcomes. The [hen-ui-link href=”https://cahme.org/” target=”_blank”]Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education[/hen-ui-link] (CAHME) is the accrediting agency for MHA programs. However, some programs may hold accreditation through a business accrediting agency or institutional accrediting agency.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Accreditation pays off. According to the commission, graduates from CAHME-accredited programs earn about $10,000 more in their first year than graduates from non-accredited programs.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Master of Health Administration Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is a master’s in health administration worth it?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Earning an MHA can pay off! Healthcare administrators report above-average salaries and strong demand. As of May 2024, medical and health services managers earned a median annual salary of $117,960, with a 29% projected job growth from 2023-2033, according to BLS data.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is an average MHA salary?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Medical and health services managers earned an [hen-ui-link href=”https://data.bls.gov/oes/#/industry/000000″ target=”_blank”]average annual salary[/hen-ui-link] of $137,730, as of May 2024, BLS data show. Factors such as your role, years of experience, and geographic location will help determine your salary.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How long is an MHA program?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Earning an MHA typically takes 1-3 years, depending on the program and your schedule. Some programs offer accelerated one-year tracks, while working students may prefer a two- or three-year track.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What can you do with a master’s of health administration?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An MHA qualifies you for positions that require expertise in areas such as operations, budgeting, data analysis, and compliance. For instance, nurse managers blend their clinical and administrative experience to assume roles as [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Clinical_Nurse_Leader/Salary” target=”_blank”]clinical nurse leaders[/hen-ui-link], hospital administrators, nurse managers, and chief operations officers.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion]