Overview of Master of Health Administration (MHA) Degree Program in Health Services
Majors Overview December 7, 2017This article talks about the Master of Health Administration (M.H.A.) degree program in Health Services and their education requirements, coursework, career options, job and wage outlook, and certification and continuing education options.
Master of Health Administration (MHA) Degree Program in Health Services
Students enrolled in the Master of Healthcare Administration (M.H.A.) or Master of Health Services Administration (M.H.S.A.) program gain expertise in satisfying regulatory requirements, providing cost-effective care and managing healthcare dollars. Students will also learn about performing leadership roles in healthcare facilities.
Program graduates may have to earn about 60 credits and complete an internship program working within a healthcare setting mentored by an experienced healthcare executive.
Education Requirements
Admission criteria typically require incoming students to hold an undergraduate degree along with meeting an undergraduate GPA standard. While schools don’t insist on a particular undergraduate major, they may often consider applicants with some background in the healthcare field.
Coursework
Program coursework may commonly cover courses aimed at developing the skills necessary for understanding and directing complex healthcare systems. Program coursework may emphasize learning to create healthcare services and programs with a focus on prevention. Core coursework may cover topic areas such as:
•Accounting & Finance
•Legal and ethical issues in healthcare
•Healthcare policy & economics
•Health information systems
•Health systems marketing
Career Options
Program graduates can seek roles managing a department or an entire facility, including operations, finances and the staff, often assisted by an associate or assistant manager. They could seek jobs in various healthcare environments such as nursing homes, hospitals, and physicians’ offices. They can choose from job positions such as:
•Nursing service administrator
•Clinical healthcare manager
•Health service manager
Job and Wage Outlook
The medical and health services management field is expected to see a 20% job growth, over the 2016 – 2026 decade (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). In May 2016, these professionals brought in an average annual wage of $96,540, within a mean range of $56,970 – $172,240 (BLS).
Certification and Continuing Education Options
The American Health Information Management Association offers certification as a Registered Health Information Administrator. Licensure is compulsory in all states for those who opt for a focus on management opportunities in a nursing home facility. Completion of a state-approved training program and maintenance of regular continuing education would also be necessary. Similar requirements exist in some states for managers in assisted-living facilities.
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