Is a doctorate in healthcare management worth it?

A doctorate in healthcare management can be beneficial if you are aiming for top leadership roles in the healthcare sector. It provides in-depth knowledge to tackle complex healthcare issues and may lead to high-profile, well-compensated positions, such as roles in the C-suite. A doctorate can be a key credential for those with experience in healthcare looking to advance their careers.

What degree is best for healthcare management?

To advance your career in healthcare management, you'll often need at least a master's degree in the field. If you already have a related degree, you could benefit from a professional certificate. You can also go on to earn your doctorate in healthcare management. Your choice should align with your career aspirations, financial resources, preferred learning environment, and time available for education.

Are online doctoral degrees respected?

Online doctoral degrees are just as respected as traditional ones, provided they come from accredited institutions with strong reputations. The academic quality is often on par with in-person programs, and most employers recognize and value online degrees.

What is the difference between healthcare management and healthcare administration?

The main difference between healthcare management and healthcare administration lies in their focus and responsibilities. Healthcare management is concerned with the overall business efficiency and financial strategy of healthcare organizations. It may also include defining the organization's mission and designing emergency protocols. Healthcare administration, on the other hand, deals with the day-to-day operations within healthcare organizations. Typical duties for healthcare administrators include creating employee schedules, managing medical facilities or specific departments, and ensuring compliance with regulations like HIPAA.

Best Online Doctorate in Healthcare Management Programs

Updated on April 30, 2024

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Learn about the top online doctorate in healthcare management programs, the unique curriculum, and top career paths.

Portions of the following article were drafted using an in-house natural language generation platform. The article was then reviewed, fact-checked, and edited by multiple members of our editorial team prior to publishing.

Jobs for medical and health services managers are projected to grow substantially in the next decade. With a doctorate in healthcare management, you can pursue nearly any business or administration-related role in the healthcare field, along with academic and research positions.

Read on to learn more about healthcare management doctorate programs, including common coursework, career paths for graduates, and admission requirements.

Featured Online Healthcare Management Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

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Best Accredited Online Doctorate in Healthcare Management Programs

#1 Best Online Doctorate in Healthcare Management Programs

Central Michigan University

Mount Pleasant, MI
4 year
Campus + Online

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State$12,383
Out-of-state$22,881

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State$16,700
Out-of-state$16,700

Retention Rate74%
Acceptance Rate70%
Students Enrolled19,362
Institution TypePublic
Percent Online Enrollment40%
AccreditationYes

#2 Best Online Doctorate in Healthcare Management Programs

Franklin University

Columbus, OH
4 year
Campus + Online

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State$9,552
Out-of-state$9,552

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State$16,080
Out-of-state$16,080

Retention Rate47%
Acceptance RateN/A
Students Enrolled6,031
Institution TypePrivate
Percent Online Enrollment80%
AccreditationYes

#3 Best Online Doctorate in Healthcare Management Programs

Liberty University

Lynchburg, VA
4 year
Campus + Online

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State$15,417
Out-of-state$15,417

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State$7,980
Out-of-state$7,980

Retention Rate81%
Acceptance Rate51%
Students Enrolled85,586
Institution TypePrivate
Percent Online Enrollment92%
AccreditationYes

What to Expect From an Online Doctorate in Healthcare Management Program

An online doctorate in healthcare management program is designed for working professionals seeking leadership roles in healthcare administration. The program aims to prepare you with the necessary skills to tackle technical and administrative challenges in healthcare settings.

You will also learn about both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. You’ll take a series of doctoral research seminars and symposium classes, which will help you write and later defend your dissertation. A doctorate takes 3-7 years to complete, but some institutions offer accelerated degrees online.

What Courses Will I Take in an Online Doctorate in Healthcare Management Program?

A typical program in healthcare management includes core subjects, research methodology classes, specialization courses, and a capstone research project. Some courses you take may include the following:

Dynamics of Health Care Markets
This course is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the technical and administrative aspects of healthcare markets.
Healthcare Public Policy
Healthcare public policy dives into the creation, implementation, and evaluation of policies in relation to the healthcare system. The course also explores areas such as ethical issues in health policy, comparative studies of health systems, and the roles of both government and private sectors in providing health services.
Advanced Healthcare Law
This course teaches you about legal matters concerning medical professionals, health insurance companies, patients, and government bodies, tackling subjects like medical malpractice, Medicare, Medicaid, and estate planning documents.

What Career Can I Have with an Online Doctorate in Healthcare Management Degree?

Between 2022 and 2032, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 28% job growth for medical and health services managers. That rate translates to 144,700 new positions during that period.

The following roles in healthcare management could allow you to make a profound impact on healthcare delivery and policy while earning an above-average salary.

Hospital CEO

As a hospital CEO, you’ll have the ultimate authority on strategic planning, budget organization, staff training and growth, and policy implementation in the hospital.

You’ll collaborate closely with other top executives to make informed decisions. Your primary aim will be to create an environment that functions smoothly, provides superior patient care, answers the needs of the staff, and is beneficial to the community.

Director of Operations

As a director of operations in a healthcare setting, like a medical clinic or hospital, you’ll be responsible for managing day-to-day operations, strategizing for growth, orchestrating the use of resources, and overseeing both personnel and policy-related matters.

Typically, this position requires a degree in business administration, finance, marketing, or healthcare management at the bachelor’s or master’s level.

Professors

With a doctorate in healthcare management, you can leverage your advanced education to take on roles as health specialties educators, instructing a range of courses at a postsecondary level in places like universities, colleges, and professional schools.

You could teach courses from lab technology to public health. You can also make significant contributions to the field of scientific research and development.

Hospital Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

As a hospital CFO, you’ll oversee the financial workings of the hospital, manage budgetary elements, set financial guidelines, make fiscal decisions, control the balance of profit and debt, and look after the hospital’s resources and assets. You’ll have the responsibility for the creation and execution of financial strategies aimed at enhancing business performance and identifying methods to reduce procedure costs.

Is a Doctorate in Healthcare Management Right for Me?

Pursuing a doctorate in healthcare management can lead to a fulfilling and impactful career in the growing healthcare industry. With a faster-than-average projected job growth in the next decade, a doctorate in this field is a valuable investment.

Through a flexible online program, you can develop the necessary skills in this field while continuing to work and earn money. Whether you aspire to be a hospital CEO, a healthcare management professor, or work for a government agency, a doctorate in healthcare management can open doors to a variety of rewarding and influential career paths.

Frequently Asked Questions About Doctorate in Healthcare Management Programs

Yes, the BLS predicts a 28% job growth in this field from 2022-2032, outpacing the average growth rate for all professions. This growth is driven by an aging population, advancements in healthcare technology, evolving regulations, and increased patient care expectations.

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