Evaluating Online MHA Programs: 5 Features to Look For
Learn about 5 features the best online Master of Healthcare Administration programs offer.
The demand for skilled administrators is high in today’s rapidly evolving healthcare field. Professionals equipped with the knowledge and competencies to navigate complex healthcare systems are in prime position to make a substantial impact.
The key to unlocking these opportunities lies in selecting the right educational path. Many successful healthcare leaders choose to pursue a Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) degree to advance their career and fulfill their purpose. Those who want to do so without interfering with their personal and professional priorities find online MHA programs to be an ideal choice.
Key factors to consider when comparing online MHA programs
A comprehensive MHA program doesn’t just educate – it transforms. It prepares you to anticipate healthcare challenges and equips you with the leadership skills necessary to address them head-on.
For adult learners balancing career and personal commitments, finding a program that appreciates and caters to your unique needs is important. Here are five areas you should evaluate while researching online MHA programs:
1. Accreditation
Accreditation is your assurance of a program's quality and relevance. Having this stamp approval indicates the program aligns with the high standards of the respective industry, which evolve to meet current market demands.
Utica University, for example, is proud to be accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), a testament to our commitment to providing a top-tier education that meets stringent academic and industry standards. This means students who earn our online MHA degree can rest assured that they’ve been well prepared to make an immediate impact in the field. Utica University has also held continuous accreditation by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) since 1946.
2. Curriculum and specializations
Your MHA education should cover all critical facets of healthcare administration—from finance and legal principles to data analysis and ethical issues. In addition to these foundational courses, top online MHA programs will offer opportunities to cater your curriculum to align with your desired healthcare administration career goals.
Utica’s online MHA curriculum is rich with courses designed to arm you with the most current knowledge and innovative strategies. Our program also offers the flexibility to explore electives tailored to your personal interests and professional aspirations. For example, you can choose from diverse courses related to community health management, grant writing, nursing home administration, gerontology, evidence-based health care, and more.
3. Faculty expertise
Learning from those who’ve led on the frontline of healthcare is the best way to develop applicable leadership skills and knowledge. Experienced faculty can help bring lessons to life by providing practical examples and leading immersive learning activities.
Utica University’s online MHA program is led by faculty who are veterans in their fields and eager to nurture the next generation of healthcare leaders. Students benefit from their insights and experiences, which help bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. This experiential learning approach is designed to prepare leaders equipped to take on today’s challenges and tomorrow’s opportunities.
4. Flexibility and convenience
As a busy professional who’s motivated to increase your impact, the ideal online MHA program is both manageable and enriching. Look for a program that can fit into your schedule without having to make sacrifices.
Utica University’s MHA degree is delivered 100% online and provides students 24/7 access to course content. The curriculum, divided into manageable eight-week modules, allows for deep immersion into each subject, ensuring mastery before you transition to the next subject. This approach, along with the ability to complete the 36-credit program in two years or less, positions you to enhance your influence in the healthcare industry swiftly and effectively.
5. Affordability and value
Beyond the investment of time and energy that comes with pursuing an advanced degree, the financial investment cannot be ignored. But simply comparing the cost of online MHA programs doesn’t provide the full picture. Determining the return on investment is a better indicator of the value a degree will provide.
Consider Utica University as an example. On top of our already low private school tuition rates, our program provides substantial value through a career-focused curriculum, expert faculty, and comprehensive support services – value that is hard to overlook.
Find your ideal online MHA program
Your ambition for a brighter, more impactful career in healthcare administration can come to life with the solid foundation of a quality MHA program. For decades, Utica University has helped empower healthcare leaders to make a difference in their communities.
If you’re ready to join their ranks, learn more about our Online Master of Healthcare Administration Program today!
