The program’s core courses allow you to draft possible capstone topics early, begin your research, and build your doctoral skill set.
BE SUPPORTED AT EACH STEP
Earning a doctorate isn’t easy. But we’re here to guide you toward the finish line with a robust suite of support resources.
GET CREDIT FOR EXPERIENCE
Your professional certifications and fellowships could translate into credits that can be applied toward Walden’s DHA program.
GAIN SPECIALIZED EXPERTISE
Focus your learning on the specific healthcare management skills that are integral to leading modern healthcare organizations.
Curriculum and Completion Requirements
If you already have a Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA), you will explore advanced topics in healthcare management theories, leadership, data-driven approaches, and research. Earn your DHA degree in as few as 24 months.
Featured DHA Courses
In this course, students analyze the important operations that take place in healthcare services organizations (HSOs). Students examine HSO performance improvement tools, criteria, and frameworks. Transitioning from volume-to-value-based healthcare will be examined as well as the impact on the HSO. Students select one HSO type on which to focus. Within this HSO type, students interview an administrator on leadership, analyze the impact of operational problems on various stakeholders, examine metrics and data to improve performance, and apply process improvement tools to operational problems. Students utilize doctoral research skills to complete a poster project that will examine a current issue in HSO operations. Students also engage in networking activities to build professional peer contacts and further career opportunities.
The focus of this course is on the analysis of quality and risk management trends, models, issues, and strategies. It begins with an examination of the differences between quality and risk in healthcare, as well as the interconnectedness of the two. Students will apply quality and risk management concepts to their selected HSO and use frameworks and models to perform critical analyses. The benefits of membership in professional healthcare associations are also discussed. Threaded throughout the course is the application of elements of an Integrative Review (IR), which is the basis of the DHA doctoral study. Through an analysis and appraisal of literature, students will evaluate quality and risk management issues and recommend strategies for improvement in a comprehensive final project.
To make informed decisions, healthcare administrators need to synthesize an abundant and wide variety of healthcare data. Students in this course are provided with techniques to transform healthcare data and analytical tools needed to make critical decisions. This course helps students understand healthcare analytics so they can make data-driven decision for the healthcare organization. Data mining, using operational data, methods for interpreting data, and the use of technology in the collection and application of data are explored. Students apply data-driven decision-making skills to practical application through the use of contemporary and practical case studies. They also apply techniques for presenting data to stakeholders.
Healthcare administrators, more than ever before, are facing challenges and opportunities, given the dynamic nature of the healthcare industry. In this seminar-style course, students address how executive-level managers leading complex health systems can use strategic planning, risk management, and innovative business practices to take advantage of healthcare trends, as well as the current social and economic forces that guide strategic planning of healthcare systems. Students explore ways to improve Board of Director relationships, address financial challenges, and implement healthcare reform measures. As a result of this course, healthcare leaders are better able to visualize and address the quickly changing landscape of healthcare delivery per the guidelines outlined in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010. Students also have the opportunity to address the cultural issues that are present in the healthcare environment.
In this Doctoral Project course, students will demonstrate their expertise by proposing strategies and recommendations to solve real-world healthcare administration problems. Throughout the program, students have studied and researched a health services organization that will serve as the basis of the DHA project. Using content and integrative review skills learned in previous coursework, students will select one organizational challenge to target for practical strategies and solutions. In this course, students will work with a project mentor to identify and justify a meaningful and significant organizational problem using the existing body of knowledge in the field. In addition, students will conduct an exhaustive literature review and use empirical and non-empirical quality appraisal tools to evaluate sources for use in answering the integrative review question.
Curriculum and Completion Requirements
If you have completed a master’s degree other than a Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA), you may be able to transfer up to 45 credits to Walden’s online DHA program, saving you time and money.
Featured DHA Courses
In this course, students gain contemporary knowledge of financial and economic principles such as efficiency and value as it relates to healthcare. The principles of healthcare financial management, including accounting and finance, are vitally important to the viability and ongoing operations of a healthcare entity. Students have the opportunity to interpret and analyze the financial statements, use and analyze financial ratios, utilize variance analysis, understand and implement operating and capital budgeting, and develop knowledge of the business planning process. Students create portions of a business/financial plan and assess the viability of their plan using accepted financial management tools.
Students in this course will find that technology creates influences and innovations that are limitless. Leaders in effective healthcare systems understand how these influences effect the delivery of healthcare and can manage the change and have the leadership skills to use the influence as an organizational strength. Innovations are quickly changing the delivery of healthcare. Leaders not only need to be open to innovations within their organization they also need to adapt innovations with are external but influencing the care within the organization. Innovations and influences examples are studied in case-studies and professional analysis.
In this course, students address the role people management in health care organizations, including the recruitment, retention, management, and development of these resources. Students gain an understanding of key roles that professionals play in planning for workforce needs and how management should be directly aligned with the strategic goals of the organization. Also in this course, students examine organizational behavior and dynamics, as well as the roles and responsibilities of management within health care organizations. Students focus on understanding management and leadership principles to help navigate change. Students consider the theory and practice of managing individuals and groups through motivation, communication, teamwork, collaboration, leadership, organizational change, negotiation, and conflict management and resolution. Students will also be exposed to the influence of physician and extenders in the system, mergers and acquisitions, and how these influence team management.
In this course, students analyze the important operations that take place in healthcare services organizations (HSOs). Students examine HSO performance improvement tools, criteria, and frameworks. Transitioning from volume-to-value-based healthcare will be examined as well as the impact on the HSO. Students select one HSO type on which to focus. Within this HSO type, students interview an administrator on leadership, analyze the impact of operational problems on various stakeholders, examine metrics and data to improve performance, and apply process improvement tools to operational problems. Students utilize doctoral research skills to complete a poster project that will examine a current issue in HSO operations. Students also engage in networking activities to build professional peer contacts and further career opportunities.
In this Doctoral Project course, students will demonstrate their expertise by proposing strategies and recommendations to solve real-world healthcare administration problems. Throughout the program, students have studied and researched a health services organization that will serve as the basis of the DHA project. Using content and integrative review skills learned in previous coursework, students will select one organizational challenge to target for practical strategies and solutions. In this course, students will work with a project mentor to identify and justify a meaningful and significant organizational problem using the existing body of knowledge in the field. In addition, students will conduct an exhaustive literature review and use empirical and non-empirical quality appraisal tools to evaluate sources for use in answering the integrative review question.
Admissions
Talk to a Walden Enrollment Specialist for help in exploring your options—from finding the right program to paying for your degree.
Streamlined Admissions Process
Once you decide to pursue your doctorate in healthcare administration online at Walden, take the next step with our simple and straightforward admission process. We’ve made it easy with:
No application fee
Easy credit transfer
No test scores or essay required
Program Admission Considerations: A master's degree or higher.
General Admission Requirements: Completed online application and transcripts. Please note that the materials you are required to submit may vary depending on the academic program to which you apply. More information for international applicants.
Doctoral Experience
How will I learn?
YOUR DOCTORAL JOURNEY
Earning an online DHA online is no easy feat—it takes drive, dedication, and perseverance. Knowing what to expect can help you make an informed decision.
Doctoral Degree Coach®
Map and track your doctoral program milestones, meet weekly targets, connect with faculty, and find support with this personalized digital resource.
Capstone Project
Create a real-world capstone project that demonstrates your ability to turn data into actionable plans that drive sustainable change.
STUDENT-CENTERED LEARNING
Walden’s learning model promotes a deeper level of student discussion and immersive conversations that engage everyone in your online classroom.
DOCTORAL CAPSTONE
Walden’s Capstone for Professional Doctorates
Instead of happening all at once at the end of your online DHA program, elements of the capstone project are integrated directly into your coursework. Get an early start exploring potential topics, researching, and building your doctoral skill set. Progress toward your final capstone project step by step as you move through your program.
Create a meaningful, purpose-driven capstone project that connects directly to the real work you do every day. Gain industry-relevant skills integral to leading modern healthcare organizations and generating actionable solutions.
As part of your final course, you’ll also create a scholarly article ready for submission to a professional conference, association newsletter, or peer-reviewed journal—an opportunity to contribute to the broader healthcare conversation and showcase your expertise.
You’re never on your own—as you progress in your online DHA program capstone project, you’ll be guided by a dedicated mentor who helps you stay on track to successfully complete your project. You’ll also have access to Walden’s robust doctoral support resources including 24/7 technical support, academic writing and research assistance, and our expansive digital library.
Tuition Breakdown
We know costs are a big consideration when you’re exploring online DHA degree programs. Walden offers several ways to reduce your total tuition through:
Transfer credit opportunities
Scholarships and federal/state grants for those who apply and qualify
Alumni tuition savings
Stay Inspired. Stay on Track. Save Money.
Discover progress-based savings that inspire you to stay on track to graduation.
| Curriculum Component | Requirements | Cost | AMOUNT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition - Coursework | 48 quarter credits | $835 per quarter credit | $40,080 |
| Tuition - Capstone | 10 quarter credits | $835 per quarter credit | $8,350 |
| Program Fee | $185 per quarter | $1,480 | |
$49,910* | |||
| BELIEVE & ACHIEVE® SCHOLARSHIP YOUR TUITION | -$4,175 | ||
*This assumes students successfully complete their coursework on the first attempt and reflects the minimum time to completion. Tuition and time to completion vary by student and may be reduced if transfer credits are accepted, or if you receive grants, scholarships or other tuition reductions. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 844-398-6138.
†Represents Doctor of Healthcare Administration minimum time to completion and Believe & Achieve® Scholarship. Your actual total program time and costs may vary. Believe & Achieve Scholarship® based on current tuition. See Scholarship Details for more information.
| Curriculum Component | Requirements | Cost | AMOUNT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition - Coursework | 83 quarter credits | $835 per quarter credit | $69,305 |
| Tuition - Capstone | 10 quarter credits | $835 per quarter credit | $8,350 |
| Program Fee | $185 per quarter | $2,035 | |
$79,690* | |||
| BELIEVE & ACHIEVE® SCHOLARSHIP YOUR TUITION | -$4,175 | ||
*This assumes students successfully complete their coursework on the first attempt and reflects the minimum time to completion. Tuition and time to completion vary by student and may be reduced if transfer credits are accepted, or if you receive grants, scholarships or other tuition reductions. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 844-398-6138.
†Represents Doctor of Healthcare Administration minimum time to completion and Believe & Achieve® Scholarship. Your actual total program time and costs may vary. Believe & Achieve Scholarship® based on current tuition. See Scholarship Details for more information.
Career Opportunities
Medical and Health Services Managers
These professionals coordinate medical and health services in hospitals, public health agencies, and similar organizations.
Expected growth: 23%1
Estimated annual wage: $69,680–$162,4201
1Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Job outlook | Estimated wage
Bureau of Labor Statistics (as of May 2024). Percentile wage estimates are based on the 10th–75th percentiles. The 10th percentile figure reasonably represents entry-level wages. BLS wages are national estimates and are not specific to graduates of Walden University. Wages may vary by state or region. No guarantee is made that a person who enrolls at Walden will obtain a job or earn the estimated salaries.
Learning Outcomes
As a graduate of Walden’s online DHA program, you will be academically prepared to:
Assess evidence-based leadership approaches in changing healthcare environments.
Evaluate data-driven decision making in healthcare settings within the domains of financial management, strategic planning, economic analysis, and quality assessment.
Analyzing the relationship of ethical and legal principles to healthcare administration practice and communication.
Evaluate qualitative and quantitative research methods for healthcare administration practice.
Apply appropriate statistical analysis skills to healthcare administration research.
Evaluate theoretical and conceptual frameworks for healthcare administration.
Assess culturally responsive healthcare management and systems thinking techniques to positively impact social change.
Meet Your Academic Team
Below are some of the distinguished DHA faculty members who bring diverse industry expertise and a passion for teaching to the Walden community.
You Might Also Be Interested In
Explore other programs at Walden that may reflect your professional interests and goals.
Doctor of Healthcare Administration (DHA) FAQ
A Doctor of Healthcare Administration (DHA) is a terminal professional doctorate designed for healthcare leaders who want to pursue the highest levels of the field.
Unlike a PhD, which is primarily focused on theoretical research and academia, the DHA degree is practitioner-focused. It is geared toward working professionals who want to apply advanced academic theory directly to the management and leadership of complex healthcare organizations. By earning this degree, you can position yourself as an authority capable of driving innovation and improving the quality of care within your organization.
Below is a breakdown of the primary differences between a Doctor of Healthcare Administration (DHA) and a PhD in Healthcare Administration:
- Doctor of Healthcare Administration: The DHA is a practitioner-focused, terminal degree designed for current and aspiring healthcare leaders. It centers on applying existing research to solve real-world, complex organizational challenges in healthcare settings. Instead of a traditional dissertation, you will complete an applied doctoral study or capstone project that addresses a specific professional problem.
- PhD in Healthcare Administration: The PhD is a research-focused degree intended for those who want to contribute new theoretical knowledge to the field. It emphasizes the mastery of scientific research methods and the development of original datasets. You are required to complete a traditional, five-chapter dissertation based on intensive original research. This healthcare administration doctoral path is best suited for those pursuing careers in academia, high-level policy research, or specialized scientific investigation.
Yes, you can. Online DHA programs—like the one at Walden—teach high-level critical thinking and problem-solving skills, set within a framework of sound business strategies to help prepare you to manage healthcare delivery services in your organization and community. The best online DHA programs incorporate a real-world perspective to your learning experience with interactive multimedia, simulations, and presentations. With a doctoral mentor at Walden, you’ll independently explore a healthcare administration issue or problem and prepare a written study on your findings.
At Walden, you’ll enter the DHA program in one of two pathways, depending on your previous education:
- Students who have earned their Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) will forgo the foundational courses and complete the DHA program in a shorter amount of time.
- Students who have earned their master’s degree in another discipline will complete key foundational healthcare administration courses as part of their DHA program.
Both paths include a doctoral capstone project that must be completed in order to graduate from Walden’s online DHA program.
From 2024 through 2034, overall employment in healthcare occupations is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations. About 1.9 million openings for healthcare professionals are projected each year, on average, over the decade. This means there will be greater need for physicians and other healthcare workers, and therefore greater need for managers to organize and oversee medical information and healthcare staff. Walden’s online DHA program can help you meet this demand, providing you with the contemporary insights and specialized business skills you need to guide healthcare transformation.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Healthcare Occupations
Healthcare administrators and executives work in hospitals, nursing homes, and other medical facilities to plan, direct, and coordinate medical and health services in compliance with healthcare laws and regulations. This can include managing an entire facility, an individual clinical department, or a group of physicians in a medical practice. 1
1Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Medical and Health Services Managers
Career options may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of this degree program.
In the online DHA program capstone project at Walden, you will make an original contribution to your field by creating a practical solution to a real problem. To do so, you will learn research methods, plan and design your research, and present your findings in a scholarly paper called a doctoral study. The doctoral study’s components demonstrate your competence in research and research design, your subject matter expertise, and your command of critical thinking and academic writing. You will also have a doctoral mentor and Walden’s strong student support resources to guide you along the way.
Walden University’s Doctor of Healthcare Administration (DHA) program is structured into two tracks to meet you where you are in your educational journey. The time it takes to complete your degree depends on your previous academic background and whether you have already earned a Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA).
If you already have an MHA, this track allows you to progress quickly toward your healthcare administration doctorate. You can complete the 58 required quarter credits in as few as 24 months. If you have a master's degree in a different field, you must complete 93 quarter credits. Time to completion varies depending on your course load and individual progress.
A DHA degree can help prepare you for leadership roles such as medical and health services manager. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for medical and health services managers is expected to grow by 23% through 2034. The estimated annual wage for this role is $69,680–$162,4201.1 No guarantee is made that a person who enrolls at Walden will obtain a job or earn the estimated salaries.
1Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Job outlook | Estimated wage
Bureau of Labor Statistics (as of May 2024). Percentile wage estimates are based on the 10th–75th percentiles. The 10th percentile figure reasonably represents entry-level wages. BLS wages are national estimates and are not specific to graduates of Walden University. Wages may vary by state or region. No guarantee is made that a person who enrolls at Walden will obtain a job or earn the estimated salaries.
No, Walden’s online DHA program does not require a traditional dissertation. Instead, you will complete a practice-based capstone project. This is an applied research project designed to address a real-world challenge within a healthcare organization, allowing you to focus on practical solutions rather than purely theoretical research. With doctoral seminars and capstone courses built into the curriculum, you’ll be able to draft possible capstone topics early in your program, begin your research, and build your doctoral skill set.
Walden has simplified its online DHA program admissions process to help you move forward without any roadblocks. To be eligible for this program, you need:
- A master’s degree or higher from an accredited institution.
- A minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) in post-baccalaureate degree coursework.
- At least three years of related professional/academic experience (preferred).
You must also meet Walden’s other general admission standards for its doctoral programs.
There are no GRE or essay requirements for this online DHA program. To get started, complete our no-cost online application and provide your official transcripts.
Walden’s online Doctor of Healthcare Administration (DHA) is designed to empower you as a leader while fitting into your busy life. Here are some things that make this program stand out:
- Generous transfer of credit: You can maximize your past academic work by transferring up to 10 credits if you have a Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA), or up to 45 credits if you hold a master's in another field .
- Two tracks: Whether you already have an MHA (Track I) or are coming from a different background (Track II), there is a clear, structured path tailored to your experience.
- Integrated doctoral seminars: The online DHA program curriculum includes a 5-credit Doctoral Seminar and a two-course capstone series, helping you choose your topic early and build your doctoral skill set from the start.
- No GRE required: Walden focuses on your professional potential and academic readiness rather than standardized testing scores for admission.
- Flexible online format: Asynchronous online coursework allows you to balance your studies with your professional and personal commitments.
These features ensure you have the support and flexibility needed to earn a terminal degree that is both personally rewarding and professionally transformative.