Degree Overview: Master of Business Administration (MBA) Degree in Health Care Administration
Majors Overview May 17, 2015Get information about Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) degree programs in Health Care Administration and their education requirements, coursework, career choices, job and wage outlook, and continuing education choices.
Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) Programs in Health Care Administration
Those in current occupations and those seeking jobs in various healthcare institutions including hospitals may benefit from enrolling in a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) in Health Administration program. Schools offer these flexible 2-year degree programs in online formats apart from the traditional classroom format. Students gain the knowledge necessary for managing health care delivery systems, facility operations and personnel. They can expect to gain expertise in health care laws and administration. Graduates may develop the administrative and leadership skills to gain management positions within health care facilities and hospitals.
Education Requirements
Admission criteria typically require incoming students to hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited school. Prior work experience may also be a requirement in some programs. They may also require graduate test scores, such as GRE or GMAT, a statement of the applicant’s personal goals, letters of recommendation and a resume.
Coursework
Coursework includes classes in quality, financial management, and health care payment systems. Capstone courses may be required to be completed by master’s students. Core coursework may cover:
•Organizational management
•Health care ethics
•Leadership development
•Financial reporting
•Global perspectives
Career Choices
Graduates can expect to become adept at administering fiscal operations, directing work activities, implementing programs, establishing schedules and monitoring diagnostic services. Program graduates may seek various career options in residential care facilities, community care facilities, hospitals and physicians’ offices. They may choose from popular career options such as:
•Health care administrator
•Medical practice manager
•Health services manager
Job and Wage Outlook
Over the 2012 – 2022 decade, a job growth of 23% has been predicted for medical and health services managers (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). In 2012, these managers brought in an average annual wage of $88,580 (BLS).
Continuing Education Choices
Program graduates can seek continued education by earning a doctoral degree program in Health Services Administration or Health Policy and Administration and thereby seek careers in academia or research. Licensure is mandatory for health care administrators working at nursing care facilities (BLS).