Masters Degree in Health Administration

The first degree program for healthcare systems management was established by the University of Chicago in 1934. The program consisted of one year of graduate studies following the successful completion of a four year business degree and one year of internship in a hospital. In 1958 Cornell University expanded the master´s degree in health administration program to two years of course study and one year of applied experience and most MHA programs still follow this model. While many colleges and universities now offer a four year degree in healthcare systems management, most employers in this field prefer that job candidates for management positions have at least a master´s degree in health administration.

Masters Degree in Health Administration – Facts

While health administration degree programs have many of the same financial and management courses as business degrees, classroom studies also include courses in health policy, healthcare economics, human resource management and public health. In addition to course work, students in health administration are required to have applied experience, usually as interns in hospitals. Although many colleges offer MHA programs, only a few are accredited through the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education which is the only accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education.

Top Schools Offering a Masters Degree in Health Administration

There are 160 colleges and universities accredited by CAHME in Canada and in the United States and its territories. The names of the accredited schools may be viewed on the CAHME website. Many state universities are accredited as well as prestigious institutions like Cornell, Yale, Tulane, Baylor, Marymount and John Hopkins. Although other colleges and universities offer masters degrees in health administration, the top schools for this field are the ones which have earned accreditation. AUPHA is an organization of universities that can provide information on universities seeking accreditation for MHA programs.

Work Possible with a Masters Degree in Health Administration

A master´s degree in health administration is the minimum requirement for most jobs in healthcare management. Profit hospitals, non-profit organizations, health insurance companies and public health agencies all need qualified administrators to oversee their operations. Healthcare administrators handle finances and human resources, insure regulatory and legal compliance, oversee equipment and technology and promote public relations. New government regulations have increased the need for records management and information technology administrators in the healthcare industry. In public health agencies, health insurance companies and hospitals, administrators are responsible for making policy decisions.

Salary and Outlook in Health Administration

The job outlook for health administrators is excellent with job growth expected to continue at a rate of about 16% over the next decade. The median salary for health services managers was $80,240 in 2008. Entry level positions for individuals with an MHA paid $45,000 to $50,000 per year and top level positions had salaries of about $140,000 per year. Salaries are affected by geographical location and by an individual's career experience. Job seekers with an MHA from an accredited institution and experience in a hospital or healthcare facility will have the best opportunities.