Best Online Doctorate in Healthcare Administration Programs of 2024

Are you interested in working at the highest levels of healthcare administration, organization, and management? A doctorate in healthcare administration might be a good fit. Earning a doctorate in healthcare administration can prepare you for leadership positions in academia and research.

Healthcare administrators set policies for medical facilities, manage complex budgets, and analyze health records. And professionals with a doctorate can work in the top healthcare administrator jobs.

If that sounds like the kind of career you want, an online doctorate in healthcare administration might be the best fit. Here’s how to get started:

Earning a doctorate in healthcare administration provides the skills and credentials you need to progress in your career. These programs prepare you to take on advanced roles in healthcare administration and contribute to scholarship and research in the field.

A Ph.D. in healthcare administration enables you to work in hospitals, outpatient care facilities, physicians’ offices, and residential care facilities. You may also work in local, state, and federal government agencies or take on teaching and research roles in academia.

As the highest degree in healthcare administration, a doctorate prepares you for leadership roles. You’ll also gain an advanced understanding of healthcare practices and policies. Plus, earning a doctorate in healthcare administration online can help you reach your academic and career goals on your time.

Many career paths with a doctorate in healthcare administration degree report median salaries in the six figures as of 2023. And some healthcare administration jobs report salaries of over $200,000 per year. Salaries vary depending on the job title, with academic roles typically reporting lower salaries than management roles.

Your salary and earning potential depend on a variety of factors. Experience and the amount of time spent working in the field often have the biggest impact on salary. However, your education level and location also have an effect on earnings.

On average, doctoral programs cost about $20,000 per year in tuition and fees, not including other personal expenses. When researching programs, check the credit requirement to estimate the total tuition cost. As a doctoral student, you may also qualify for financial aid, grants, and stipends to help offset costs.

Your enrollment status and degree requirements can impact a program’s length. Many programs require 50-80 credits and can take anywhere from 4-8 years to complete. Some online programs may offer accelerated formats that can shorten the overall program length.

Professionals with a healthcare administration degree work in multiple healthcare management roles. With a doctorate in healthcare administration, you can pursue director-level positions in hospitals, doctor’s offices, and other healthcare facilities. Large healthcare systems, like the Veterans Administration and major integrated delivery systems, are also viable workplaces, in addition to federal health research agencies.

The degree also leads to opportunities in academia and research. For example, college professors typically hold a doctorate. By specializing in an area like financial management or healthcare policy, you can prepare for focused career paths after completing your degree.