What to Expect from the MBA Healthcare Administration Program

Whether you’re in a cubicle and hoping to advance to the C-suite or planning an entirely new career in an exciting field, a healthcare administration program could be the key ingredient in the recipe for your career success.

Many students are reluctant to return to school because of concerns about cost. But the cost of an MBA varies greatly from program to program, and the return on your investment is both immediate and immense. Your total compensation could increase by tens of thousands of dollars, potentially enabling you to repay your student loans almost immediately. 

In May 2021, the median annual wage for medical and health services managers was $101,340. And with projected growth of 28% between 2021 and 2031, that figure is likely to grow — and possibly even multiply. 

If you’re considering an MBA in Healthcare Administration, here’s everything you need to know to guide your choice. 

What You Need to Know About Returning to School Today

Here are the most frequently asked questions about our MBA in Healthcare Administration program and how returning to school as an adult can affect your life:

What is the best age to do an MBA in Healthcare Administration? 

It’s never too late to go back to school. But the sooner you return, the higher your earning potential will be since you’ll have more years left in your career. Even later in your career, an MBA lends significant value and can help you capitalize on the expertise and wisdom you’ve already accumulated. Learn why going back to school at any age can be a great decision. 

How hard is it to get into an MBA in Healthcare Administration program? 

MBA programs are competitive because they offer incredible value. It’s important to follow the application process and assess the requirements for getting into each school. 

Strong schools have program directors, advisors and enrollment counselors who can help you. And at SNU, we cater to adult learners, so we work to expedite the admission and enrollment timeline. We also understand that your grades or test scores might not be an accurate reflection of your potential, so we work with applicants to help them gain acceptance. 

Do I need work experience to get into an MBA in Healthcare Administration program?

You don’t need work experience in business or healthcare to pursue an MBA in Healthcare Administration. However, work experience can help in at least two ways. First, it may help you access more opportunities when you graduate. It may also make you a more attractive candidate, especially if you apply to a competitive program. 

What is the minimum GPA to get into an MBA in Healthcare Administration program? 

Every program is different. In most cases, there’s no specific minimum GPA, but the higher your GPA is, the better. At many schools, admissions counselors prefer applicants with a GPA above 3.0. At the most competitive schools, the requirements may be higher. Each application is different, though and work experience, volunteer work and other factors that make you stand out can help you gain admission. 

Are online MBA in Healthcare Administration programs worth it? 

Online degree programs are a great option for busy working professionals. In fact, some employers prefer them because they allow you to continue working full time while attending school. If you attend an accredited brick-and-mortar institution, you’ll get the same degree whether you attend online or in person. This means your degree will have the same value, and employers may not even realize you attended online. 

Do MBA in Healthcare Administration students have a good work-education-life balance?

This depends on your lifestyle and where you go to school! It’s no secret that juggling work, school and a family can be challenging. But if you choose a school that caters to working professionals and adults, you’ll have lots of options for preserving work-education-life balance. SNU offers flexible learning options and a campus culture that treats you as a whole person, not just a student. You can attend class online or in person and continue working, spending time with your kids or both. 

Will an MBA in Healthcare Administration retain value in the future?

Demand for MBA graduates generally is increasing, and demand for healthcare administrators is skyrocketing. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 28% growth in careers in healthcare administration between 2021 and 2031. This offers immense job security as well as the chance to rapidly increase your earnings. 

What are some MBA in Healthcare Administration degree alternatives? 

A number of degree paths may be good alternatives, depending on your career goals and plans. Some examples include: 

• MBA in another field
• Master of Science in Management
• Bachelor of Science in Business
• Master of Leadership
  
  

What is the difference between an MBA in Healthcare Administration and a Master’s in Health Administration? 

While both degree programs can help you climb the healthcare corporate ladder, the focus is slightly different. A Master’s of Health Administration focuses on the knowledge and skills necessary to serve as a healthcare administrator, while an MBA focuses specifically on business and management issues in healthcare. 

Benefits of a Healthcare Administration Master’s Degree Program 

Healthcare is a rapidly growing field, with numerous health systems reporting shortages of medical providers and administrators. Hospitals, medical clinics, teaching facilities and other health systems need innovative, creative administrators to lead their institutions through the challenges of the 21st century. A healthcare administration program equips you to improve healthcare, advocate for patients and doctors, and improve your own life. 

Some of the myriad benefits of this career path include: 

• The ability to change careers. If you’re not currently in healthcare, an MBA can help you capitalize on this growing field. 
• A chance to stay in your chosen field while growing. People already working in healthcare may hit career ceilings without more education. 
• A chance to improve your quality of life with higher earnings. Earn more so you can do more, whether it’s moving to a better neighborhood or saving faster for your kids’ college education. 
• Become an expert in your field. Do work you feel proud of and gain the respect you deserve. 
• Gain a competitive advantage over other applicants.
• Nurture a deep professional network. SNU uses its innovative cohort model to begin building your professional network from day one. 
• Gain more career flexibility. An MBA prepares you to work in healthcare, business, government, or nonprofits, or even start your own business or consulting firm. 

Potential Career Paths With a Healthcare Administration Program

A healthcare administration program opens access to a wide range of career paths. In fact, many graduates change careers several times throughout their working lives. Others enjoy a long tenure at a beloved company. There’s no right path except the right path for you. 

Here are some of the options you might consider: 

• Healthcare consultant: In this role, you might join an existing consulting firm working to improve healthcare. Or you could start your own company. 
• Chief operating officer: COOs at hospitals and other healthcare organizations work with department leaders to promote and maintain smooth facility operations. They may create and implement facility policies, meet with stakeholders, and ensure high levels of patient care.

• Nursing home administrator: Nursing home administrators perform a variety of roles to ensure residents receive high-quality care in a homelike setting. They supervise various departments, plan and manage budgets, meet with patients and families, and guide staff to ensure the facility operates within state and federal guidelines.
• Hospital CEO: The CEO is one of the highest-paid and sought-after positions in a healthcare organization. The CEO works with the board of directors, executives and stakeholders to make sure the hospital is run effectively and efficiently. Hospital CEOs work to create balance within their organizations while promoting measures to support long-term organizational success and improved patient outcomes.
• Chief financial officer: CFOs in hospitals and other healthcare systems oversee the business and financial aspects of a facility. This can help ensure the health facility remains profitable, makes good use of government grants, and continues to effectively serve patients. 

How SNU Helps You Succeed

SNU caters to busy working adults with complicated lives. We understand that you’re already juggling a lot. We see education as another piece of the puzzle — not something that should take up your entire life. That’s why we make applying, enrolling and taking classes easy. 

Some highlights of our MBA healthcare administration program include: 

• Rolling enrollment: Apply when it’s convenient for you. 
• Six-week course format: Take just one course at a time, so you can delve deeply into the material without getting overwhelmed. 
• 18-month program: Graduate in as few as 18 months so you can begin your next chapter sooner. 
• Flexible learning options: Take your classes online or in person just one night per week. 
• Affordable classes: Each credit hour is just $575, so you don’t have to graduate with excessive student debt. 

We’re here for you, and we know we can help you succeed. Ready to learn more? Check out our free guide, “What to Expect as an SNU Professional and Graduate Studies Student.”