Resource Articles
Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA)
Request InformationTransform the future of healthcare—and your career—with Walden’s Master of Healthcare Administration program.
Next start dates
- Tempo Learning® Go at your own pace December 06, 2021
Transfer Credits
- Up to 25 Credits
Walden is one of the top granters of healthcare administration master’s degrees in the U.S.¹
In a rapidly changing U.S. healthcare climate, healthcare administration graduates are in demand. Walden’s MHA program prepares you with the industry insights and leadership skills to drive the transition to value-based healthcare and prevention.
Why Choose Walden?
Trust a leader
Walden is one of the top granters of healthcare administration master’s degrees in the U.S.1
A degree on your terms
Choose our flexible, competency-based format designed to work around your busy schedule.
Aligned with NCHL
Aligned with the National Center for Healthcare Leadership (NCHL) model, this MHA combines industry knowledge with practical competencies for outstanding healthcare leadership.
Pioneer in Online Learning
We’ve harnessed the power of educational innovation to give students the flexibility, support, and top-level education they need to thrive.
Program Savings
Course-Based: Receive up to a $3,000 Grant if you reside in the U.S. and start this program on November 29, 2021. Contact one of our Enrollment Specialists to learn more.
Tempo Learning®: Receive up to a $2,000 Grant if you reside in the U.S. and start this program on November 1, 2021. Contact one of our Enrollment Specialists to learn more.
Get Started NowDegree Completion Requirements
- 53 quarter credits
- Foundations course (3 credits)
- Core courses (50 credits)
Transfer of Credit
You may be eligible to receive 25 transfer credits for prior master's-level coursework when enrolling in Walden's MHA program, which can save you time and money. Call an Enrollment Specialist at 1-866-492-5336 to determine eligibility and learn more.
This sequence represents the minimum time to completion. Time to completion will vary by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 855-646-5286.
Courses
| Course Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
CORE COURSES |
||
| MMHA 6000 |
Foundations of Healthcare AdministrationIn this course, students work toward increasing their knowledge of key contextual and environmental factors affecting the practice of healthcare administration, including the importance of culture, communication, and diversity. This course is an introduction for students to healthcare stakeholders in a variety of settings within the field of healthcare as well as key health and medical terms, including basic health, wellness, and disease information. They consider professional behaviors, such as setting goals and managing time, as well as the attitudes and motivation required for success as a healthcare manager. In addition, students work toward developing the competencies needed for success within an online environment as well as critical thinking, written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills. |
(3 cr.) |
| MMHA 6050 |
Contemporary Topics in the U.S. Healthcare Delivery SystemStudents in this course assess the causes and consequences of historical events on health and medical care in the United States. They appraise the impact of barriers related to cost, quality, and access to health and medical care. Students analyze unique and complex aspects of subsystems and differentiate vertical and horizontal integrated health care delivery systems. They compare characteristics of health care and medical care in the United States with health care and medical care systems in other countries. Students also evaluate current and future issues, trends, and forces in health care and medical care reform. |
(5 cr.) |
| MMHA 6200 |
Principles of Population Health in Healthcare AdministrationAn increasing need exists for healthcare administrators to address population-wide health issues. Developing evidence-based health programs enables healthcare to be addressed on a preventive basis at the community or service area level. In this course, students utilize clinical data sets and combine this knowledge with public health data sets concerning socioeconomic and behavioral influencers of health. Students analyze these influencers to determine effective and appropriate services, programs, and solutions to benefit the population as a whole. They discover health issues facing special populations, respond to case studies, and create program plans to improve population disease outcomes. Prerequisites
|
(5 cr.) |
| MMHA 6300 |
Law, Ethics, and Policy in Healthcare AdministrationThe rapidly evolving healthcare system presents the healthcare administrator with complex challenges and risks. Healthcare administrators must possess the skills needed to assess external and internal healthcare polices to influence organizational design and delivery of healthcare services. Students assess and discuss key policy initiatives from the diverse perspectives of policymakers, interest groups, and other stakeholders. In their coursework, students focus on required knowledge of laws and regulations developed by policymakers that impact the healthcare organizations, and students will review key laws that govern patient care delivery, employee relations, contracts, and fraud. Emphasis will be placed on legal and regulatory failure points that administrators must avoid in designing and implementing policies and practices within the healthcare organization. To help frame these concepts, students examine the ethical underpinnings and principles that healthcare organizations and administrators follow in the delivery of services to patients. Prerequisites
|
(5 cr.) |
| MMHA 6400 |
Healthcare Financial Management and EconomicsIn this course, students gain knowledge of economics principles such as cost, quality, and access as it relates to the healthcare world. The principles of healthcare financial management including accounting and finance are vitally important to the viability and ongoing operations of a healthcare business. Students have the opportunity to interpret and analyze the financial statements of a business, use and analyze financial ratios, utilize variance analysis, understand and implement operating and capital budgeting, and develop knowledge of the business planning process. Students create portions of a business/financial plan using these techniques and analyze the viability of their plan using accepted financial management tools. Prerequisites
|
(5 cr.) |
| MMHA 6500 |
Human Resource Management and Organizational Development and Leadership for Healthcare AdministratorsStudents in this course examine organizational behavior as well as the roles and responsibilities of management and leadership within healthcare organizations through the macro (organization-wide) and micro (individual and team performance) perspectives. Students also focus on understanding organizational values, mission, and vision; management and leadership principles to help manage change; and effective delivery of services in an increasingly global environment. They also learn and apply theories of organizational design, governance, and alternative organizational structures, and they consider the theory and practice of managing individuals and groups through motivation, communication, teamwork, leadership, organizational change, coalition building, negotiation, and conflict management and resolution. Through group assignments and personal assessments, students work toward developing self-awareness and effective management styles and strategies. Prerequisites
|
(5 cr.) |
| MMHA 6600 |
Healthcare Informatics and Technology ManagementStudents in this course have the opportunity to learn how sustainable health information technologies and applications inform organizational strategies and transformation in the healthcare environment. They can also learn how these complex systems help organizational decision makers to improve patient care outcomes and organizational behaviors. Topics include evolving technologies such as data analytics, eHealth, and social media; using technology applications to manage population health; and personalized medicine. Students are challenged by scenario-based discussions that analyze best information technology practices across multiple industries. Prerequisites
|
(5 cr.) |
| MMHA 6700 |
Healthcare Operations ManagementIn this course, students examine the factors that affect performance outcomes within healthcare organizations; methods to monitor, adjust, and improve performance; and techniques and tools of quantitative analysis of operations and decision support that assist in management of capacity issues, reengineering, staffing, scheduling, productivity, and supply chain. Other important concepts that students examine include understanding operational assessment; understanding patient care and related support-care processes through creating flowcharts of steps in the process; taking a systems perspective on the organization and delivery of services; identifying problems and improvement opportunities using analytical techniques; and monitoring performance data to identify trends and variation based on current operations and those resulting from changes and improvements. Prerequisites
|
(5 cr.) |
| MMHA 6800 |
Marketing Management and Business Communication for Healthcare AdministratorsStudents in this course apply principles, theories, and relevant contemporary concepts of healthcare marketing. They evaluate the effectiveness of healthcare marketing tools, such as advertisement campaigns and social media, develop data collection tools for marketing research, and create a marketing plan for a healthcare organization. The interrelationship of a healthcare organization's strategic plan, business plan, marketing plan, and healthcare consumerism is analyzed. Students will apply best practices of business communications as they practice effective oral and written business communication skills. Prerequisites
|
(5 cr.) |
| MMHA 6900 |
Healthcare Quality ManagementStudents in this course are introduced to the basis for quality and patient safety and are provided an overview of healthcare quality, methods of assessing quality, and techniques for improving quality. They can learn key terminology and concepts, including defining quality care; measuring quality in terms of the structure-process-outcomes model; distinguishing between clinical and customer service quality; identifying techniques to avoid adverse clinical events; and exploring customer service quality in terms of defining, measuring, and improving patient satisfaction. Students also explore and discuss the roles of governmental agencies in promoting and reporting quality information regarding hospitals and other health organizations, accrediting bodies, and recent performance initiatives of government and private payers. They apply course concepts to current issues of improving clinical and service quality in healthcare organizations, with special consideration of the 5 Million Lives Campaign—a national effort initiated by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement designed to improve medical care in the United States. Prerequisites
|
(5 cr.) |
| MMHA 6999 |
Strategic Planning in Healthcare AdministrationThroughout this course, students review and apply the phases of strategic planning, integrating the principles and practices presented throughout the Master of Healthcare Administration program. They examine the role of strategic planning in achieving organizational performance excellence, as well as the notion of planning as a cyclical process within the healthcare organization. Students submit a comprehensive strategic plan and recommend courses of action that help healthcare organizations address their strategic and tactical needs and the needs of their communities. Prerequisites
|
(5 cr.) |
| VIEW ALL COURSES | ||
Flexible Learning
Two Ways to Learn
Choose the learning path that fits your life and experience. Here are the two ways to earn your degree:
| Course-based learning |
Tempo Learning® |
|
|---|---|---|
| The standard, guided pace to earn your degree |
The flexible pace, ideal for some students |
|
| Time | Structured schedule |
Flexible schedule |
| Pace | Deadlines to make steady progress |
Set your own pace, and speed up or slow down when needed |
| Tuition | Pay by the course |
All-you-can-learn subscription fee |
| Support | Faculty guide you through your courses as you earn your degree |
Faculty support when you need it and a personal academic coach |
| Expert Walden Faculty |
✔ |
✔ |
| Payment Plans and Scholarships* |
✔ |
✔ |
*May not be available for all programs
Admission Requirements
Program Admission Considerations: A bachelor's degree or higher.
General Admission Requirements: Completed online application and transcripts. Please note that the materials you are required to submit may vary depending on the academic program to which you apply. More information for international applicants.
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Curriculum Component Requirements Cost AMOUNT Tuition 53 quarter credit hours $490 per quarter hour $25,970 Technology Fee Per quarter $160 $960
$26,930*
*Tuition reflects the minimum time to completion. Time to completion varies by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. Tuition and time to complete may be reduced if transfer credits are accepted, or if you receive grants, scholarships or other tuition reductions. Walden may accept up to 25 transfer credits. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 855-646-5286.
Tuition and fees are subject to change. Books and materials are not included and may cost between $1,000 and $1,400.
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Progress at Your Pace. Control Your Cost.
Walden’s Tempo Learning® programs follow a subscription-based pricing format. Students are billed a flat-rate for each 3-month subscription term. All pricing is represented in U.S. dollars and is subject to change.
Program Subscription Period Tuition Subscription Period Technology Fee Subscription Period Time Frame Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) $2,700 $75 3-month subscription period
Financial Aid
Financial aid is available for this program. Our financial aid advisors can help you identify funding opportunities to help you pay for your education.
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Curriculum Component Requirements Cost AMOUNT Tuition 68 quarter credit hours $490 per quarter hour $33,320 Technology Fee Per quarter $160 $1,280
$34,600*
*Tuition reflects the minimum time to completion. Time to completion varies by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. Tuition and time to complete may be reduced if transfer credits are accepted, or if you receive grants, scholarships or other tuition reductions. Walden may accept up to 25 transfer credits. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 855-646-5286.
Tuition and fees are subject to change. Books and materials are not included and may cost between $1,000 and $1,400.
FINANCIAL AID
Many Walden degree-seeking students—67%—receive some form of financial aid.* Create a customized plan that makes sense for you.
*Source: Walden University’s Office of Financial Aid. Data reports as of 2018.
Find Ways to SaveProgram Savings
Course-Based: Receive up to a $3,000 Grant if you reside in the U.S. and start this program on November 29, 2021. Contact one of our Enrollment Specialists to learn more.
Tempo Learning®: Receive up to a $2,000 Grant if you reside in the U.S. and start this program on November 1, 2021. Contact one of our Enrollment Specialists to learn more.
Get Started NowLeadership and Organizational Development
In the Leadership and Organizational Development specialization, you will explore leadership and organizational theories, concepts, and trends in the healthcare setting.
Population Health
Build the core competencies and specialized professional and career skills you need to lead and manage complex, population-based healthcare initiatives and programs and drive healthcare innovations that can produce measurable clinical and economic values.
Social Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Designed for entrepreneurial professionals and students across all disciplines, coursework in this Walden MHA specialization covers a range of organizational activities and structures, including public, private, and nonprofit sector responses.
Systems and Policy
The Systems and Policy specialization gives you a solid understanding of systems and policy theories—and the ability to think critically and creatively about the big picture, a requirement of tomorrow’s healthcare leaders and managers.
Be a Healthcare Change-Maker
Opportunities in healthcare management and administration are growing. Seize a leadership position with an MHA from Walden. Coursework in this online program explores the trends, regulations, laws, and health policies that impact health systems. Examine the latest technologies and best practices in the field while developing the advanced business skills that today’s healthcare employers need.
What’s the Career Impact of Earning an MHA?
Unlock Your Leadership Potential
In today’s healthcare climate, employers want innovative leaders who can respond to community needs while elevating organizational performance. Jobs for medical and health services managers are expected to grow 32% through 2029, much faster than the national average for all occupations.2
As a healthcare professional with vision, you want to broaden your impact—and brighten your future. Trust Walden to help you achieve it. No other school graduates more MHA students.1
What Can I Do With an MHA?
A master’s in healthcare administration can prepare you to take on new responsibilities and advance to leadership roles. Depending on your specialization, you can pursue career options such as:
- Ambulatory surgery center director
- Compliance or business operations director
- Group practice administrator
- Academic program or departmental administrator
- Hospital or health services administrator
- Assistant administrator
- Materials management director
- Director of business functions such as marketing, operations, and planning
- Health information manager
- Director of managed care
- Director of managed care business development
- Director of patient access
- Medical and health services manager
Career options may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of this MHA online program.
Increase Your Earning Potential
A Walden master’s in healthcare administration degree can potentially lead to higher earnings. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for medical and health services managers was $100,980 in May 2019.3 The median annual wages for medical and health services managers in the top industries in which they worked were as follows in May 2019:3
- Hospitals; state, local, and private: $110,430
- Government: $111,520
- Outpatient care centers: $95,320
- Offices of physicians: $91,600
- Nursing and residential care facilities $86,820
Learning Outcomes
Graduates of Walden’s online Master of Healthcare Administration program will be prepared to:
- Communicate effectively with colleagues, stakeholders, and service recipients.
- Assess the components of the healthcare delivery system in the United States.
- Appraise delivery of healthcare strategies and solutions.
- Analyze environmental factors impacting the management of healthcare organizations.
- Analyze decisions that impact the healthcare delivery system such as laws, mandates, court decisions, and policies.
- Utilize professional ethics in managing and leading healthcare organizations.
- Analyze the responsibility and operations of a healthcare organization in patient care outcomes and business performance.
- Apply critical thinking skills in financial management, human resourcing, operational improvement, and strategic planning.
- Analyze managerial and leadership challenges in healthcare.
- Analyze healthcare marketing used to improve consumer experience and competitive advantage.
- Utilize evidence-based healthcare strategies that are culturally appropriate to improve population health outcomes.
Testimonials
Pursuing a degree from Walden is a commitment to efficiency and quality in healthcare.
Perry Ishmael Peralta MHA Graduate
Being a student at Walden University is one of the best things that has happened to me in my life. As a father, husband, and worker, I was able to navigate this triangular responsibility alongside my academic challenges.
Ogbeide Elijah MHA Graduate
I chose Walden University because many of my colleagues were alumni. They highly recommended Walden for the working professional who seeks outstanding professor engagement throughout all courses.
Jimmy Watson MHA Graduate
Resource Articles
The Benefits of Earning Your MHA Degree
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How to Break Into Healthcare Administration With No Experience
FAQ About Walden’s Online Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) Program
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Healthcare administrators have a wide range of duties that require skills and experience across many disciplines, including:
- Finance: Healthcare administrators manage facility budgets, including payroll, the purchase of new medical devices, and even budgeting for expanded locations. They are responsible for controlling labor costs and ensuring all areas of need are met within the allocated budget.
- Human Resources: A critical component of any healthcare organization is having solid human resources practices. This includes hiring the right people, evaluating staffing needs, and making sure all roles are filled to provide necessary patient care.
- Compliance: Maintaining compliance with federal, state, and local laws is essential for all healthcare organizations—otherwise, they risk significant financial penalties. Compliance for billing, occupational safety and health, and privacy and security can all fall within the duties of a healthcare administrator.
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As a leader of a healthcare organization, you can make a meaningful impact on the lives of patients, doctors, and other staff members every day. With a master’s in healthcare administration, you can help guide lifesaving research, improve hospital safety, and lead public health policy.
In terms of what you will learn, coursework covers topics such as health policy, population health, marketing management, business communications, healthcare quality management, and much more. Once you complete your degree, you’ll have the knowledge and leadership skills that you need to excel as a healthcare administrator.
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The job outlook for Medical and Health Services Mangers is strong, and joining the field could be a positive career move. According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Medical and Health Services Mangers have an expected 32% growth rate of employment from 2019 to 2029. As of May 2019, national estimates show both employment and wages on the rise. People in this field earn a mean hourly wage of $48.55. The median annual wage is $100,980, and people in the top 10% are earning $189,000.1
1Source: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/medical-and-health-services-managers.htm
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There are plenty of job options for people who have earned an MHA degree, and having an advanced healthcare administration degree could be a job requirement for some positions. In-demand jobs include those in government as well as positions in general medical and surgical hospitals, physicians’ offices, outpatient care centers, nursing care facilities, medical and diagnostic laboratories, scientific research facilities, and more.
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