For many experienced healthcare administration professionals, the question of whether to pursue a doctorate may arise after years spent managing departments, overseeing clinical programs, or coordinating large care teams. When considering that step, another question follows: Should the doctoral degree focus on research or leadership practice?

The choice usually comes down to two credentials: a PhD in Healthcare Administration or a Doctor of Healthcare Administration (DHA). Both are terminal degrees in the field, but they prepare graduates for different kinds of work. One centers on research and scholarship. The other emphasizes applying evidence to the management of healthcare organizations.

For professionals comparing doctoral options in healthcare administration, understanding how these degrees differ—particularly within Walden University’s PhD in Healthcare Administration and Doctor of Healthcare Administration (DHA) programs—can help clarify which path aligns with their professional interests.

Understanding the Difference Between a PhD and a Professional Doctorate

Doctoral education falls into two categories: research doctorates and professional doctorates.

In a PhD in Healthcare Administration program, students study research design, theory, and statistical analysis with the goal of completing a dissertation that contributes new knowledge to the field.

In a DHA degree program, doctoral candidates learn how to apply existing evidence to organizational challenges and typically complete an applied doctoral project.

Let’s explore each of these doctoral degree programs.

PhD in Healthcare Administration

Walden’s PhD in Healthcare Administration degree program focuses on developing research skills that support a deeper analysis of complex issues in healthcare systems. Coursework typically covers advanced research methods, statistical analysis, and theory related to healthcare management and organizational leadership. 

Students also may explore topics such as policy analysis, population health trends, and the use of health analytics to interpret large datasets within healthcare delivery systems.

The program culminates in a dissertation, during which doctoral candidates design and conduct an original research study addressing a defined issue in healthcare administration. The dissertation process involves reviewing existing literature, developing a research framework, analyzing data, and presenting findings to a faculty committee.

Graduates of a PhD in Healthcare Administration degree program will be prepared to contribute new knowledge to the field and understand healthcare challenges from a whole system perspective.  

Doctor of Healthcare Administration (DHA)

Walden’s Doctor of Healthcare Administration (DHA) degree program is designed for experienced professionals working in leadership or management roles. The program emphasizes applying research and evidence to organizational decision-making and operational improvement.

Coursework may address leadership strategy, system performance, and the practical challenges involved in managing large healthcare organizations. Students may also examine areas such as healthcare operations, healthcare quality, and the use of health analytics to support data-informed decision-making.

Rather than completing a traditional dissertation, students develop an applied doctoral project. This project focuses on analyzing a real organizational issue and evaluating potential solutions using research and data.

Graduates of a Doctor of Healthcare Administration degree program will be prepared to apply their skills at an organizational level to find practical solutions to workplace challenges.

The Bottom Line: Differences Between a DHA and PhD in Healthcare Administration

Both degrees address the same healthcare systems. They simply approach them from different directions.

Professionals interested in analyzing data, conducting research, and contributing scholarship may find the PhD in Healthcare Administration aligned with those interests. Those focused on organizational leadership and operational improvement may prefer the Doctor of Healthcare Administration.

Studying Healthcare Administration Online at Walden

Walden University offers its PhD in Healthcare Administration and Doctor of Healthcare Administration degree programs in an online format. This format allows many working professionals to pursue doctoral study while continuing to manage career and personal responsibilities.

Both Walden programs include structured support designed to guide students from enrollment through completion. One example is the Doctoral Degree Coach®, an interactive planning tool that helps you track coursework, research milestones, and major project deadlines. 

Students also receive faculty mentorship aligned with their academic focus. PhD in Healthcare Administration candidates work with advisors who conduct active research and can guide dissertation work. Students in the DHA degree program connect with faculty who bring executive experience in healthcare management. Academic support services, writing resources, and peer networks are also available to support students as they progress through their programs. 

Whether the path leads to research or organizational leadership, doctoral study offers healthcare professionals an opportunity to deepen their understanding of the systems that shape patient care. For those ready to explore the next stage of their professional journey, learning more about Walden University’s PhD in Healthcare Administration and Doctor of Healthcare Administration programs can be a meaningful place to start.

Walden University is an HLC-accredited institution offering Doctor of Healthcare Administration (DHA) and PhD in Healthcare Administration degree programs online. Earn your degree in a convenient, flexible format that fits your busy life.

¹Source: www.bls.gov/ooh/management/medical-and-health-services-managers.htm#tab-1

Walden University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (www.hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.