
Resource Articles
Build the business foundation you need to lead transformation for your healthcare organization, patients, and community.
You see the changes that need to happen in healthcare—and you want to help lead the way forward. With Walden’s Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) program, you can combine your healthcare experience with critical business skills to become the leader you were meant to be.
An MHA program academically prepares students to pursue leadership roles in hospitals, physician practices, nursing care facilities, and other settings. Walden’s 100% online MHA degree program is designed with working professionals like you in mind, allowing you to advance your education while continuing to work.
Our MHA program was developed for online learners—and continuously refined to meet the unique needs of working professionals.
Choose our flexible, competency-based format designed to work around your busy schedule.
Aligned with the National Center for Healthcare Leadership (NCHL) model, this MHA program combines industry knowledge with practical competencies for outstanding healthcare leadership.
For more than 50 years, Walden has harnessed learning innovation to offer students the high-quality education they need to thrive.
Course-Based: Receive a 10% tuition reduction for the life of the program if you reside in the U.S. and start this program on July 11, 2022. Contact one of our Enrollment Specialists to learn more.
Get Started NowTransfer of Credit
You may be eligible to receive 25 transfer credits for prior master's-level coursework when enrolling in Walden's MHA program, which can save you time and money. Call an Enrollment Specialist at 1-866-492-5336 to determine eligibility and learn more.
This sequence represents the minimum time to completion. Time to completion will vary by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 855-646-5286.
Course Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Core Courses |
||
MMHA 6000 |
Foundations of Healthcare Administration
In this course, students work toward increasing their knowledge of key contextual and environmental factors affecting the practice of healthcare administration, including the importance of culture, communication, and diversity. This course is an introduction for students to healthcare stakeholders in a variety of settings within the field of healthcare as well as key health and medical terms, including basic health, wellness, and disease information. They consider professional behaviors, such as setting goals and managing time, as well as the attitudes and motivation required for success as a healthcare manager. In addition, students work toward developing the competencies needed for success within an online environment as well as critical thinking, written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills. |
(3 cr.) |
MMHA 6050 |
Contemporary Topics in the U.S. Healthcare Delivery System
Students in this course assess the causes and consequences of historical events on health and medical care in the United States. They appraise the impact of barriers related to cost, quality, and access to health and medical care. Students analyze unique and complex aspects of subsystems and differentiate vertical and horizontal integrated health care delivery systems. They compare characteristics of health care and medical care in the United States with health care and medical care systems in other countries. Students also evaluate current and future issues, trends, and forces in health care and medical care reform. |
(5 cr.) |
MMHA 6200 |
Principles of Population Health in Healthcare Administration
An increasing need exists for healthcare administrators to address population-wide health issues. Developing evidence-based health programs enables healthcare to be addressed on a preventive basis at the community or service area level. In this course, students utilize clinical data sets and combine this knowledge with public health data sets concerning socioeconomic and behavioral influencers of health. Students analyze these influencers to determine effective and appropriate services, programs, and solutions to benefit the population as a whole. They discover health issues facing special populations, respond to case studies, and create program plans to improve population disease outcomes. Prerequisites
|
(5 cr.) |
MMHA 6300 |
Law, Ethics, and Policy in Healthcare Administration
The rapidly evolving healthcare system presents the healthcare administrator with complex challenges and risks. Healthcare administrators must possess the skills needed to assess external and internal healthcare polices to influence organizational design and delivery of healthcare services. Students assess and discuss key policy initiatives from the diverse perspectives of policymakers, interest groups, and other stakeholders. In their coursework, students focus on required knowledge of laws and regulations developed by policymakers that impact the healthcare organizations, and students will review key laws that govern patient care delivery, employee relations, contracts, and fraud. Emphasis will be placed on legal and regulatory failure points that administrators must avoid in designing and implementing policies and practices within the healthcare organization. To help frame these concepts, students examine the ethical underpinnings and principles that healthcare organizations and administrators follow in the delivery of services to patients. Prerequisites
|
(5 cr.) |
MMHA 6400 |
Healthcare Financial Management and Economics
In this course, students gain knowledge of economics principles such as cost, quality, and access as it relates to the healthcare world. The principles of healthcare financial management including accounting and finance are vitally important to the viability and ongoing operations of a healthcare business. Students have the opportunity to interpret and analyze the financial statements of a business, 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 using these techniques and analyze the viability of their plan using accepted financial management tools. Prerequisites
|
(5 cr.) |
MMHA 6500 |
Human Resource Management and Organizational Development and Leadership for Healthcare Administrators
Students in this course examine organizational behavior as well as the roles and responsibilities of management and leadership within healthcare organizations through the macro (organization-wide) and micro (individual and team performance) perspectives. Students also focus on understanding organizational values, mission, and vision; management and leadership principles to help manage change; and effective delivery of services in an increasingly global environment. They also learn and apply theories of organizational design, governance, and alternative organizational structures, and they consider the theory and practice of managing individuals and groups through motivation, communication, teamwork, leadership, organizational change, coalition building, negotiation, and conflict management and resolution. Through group assignments and personal assessments, students work toward developing self-awareness and effective management styles and strategies. Prerequisites
|
(5 cr.) |
MMHA 6600 |
Healthcare Informatics and Technology Management
Students in this course have the opportunity to learn how sustainable health information technologies and applications inform organizational strategies and transformation in the healthcare environment. They can also learn how these complex systems help organizational decision makers to improve patient care outcomes and organizational behaviors. Topics include evolving technologies such as data analytics, eHealth, and social media; using technology applications to manage population health; and personalized medicine. Students are challenged by scenario-based discussions that analyze best information technology practices across multiple industries. Prerequisites
|
(5 cr.) |
MMHA 6700 |
Healthcare Operations Management
In this course, students examine the factors that affect performance outcomes within healthcare organizations; methods to monitor, adjust, and improve performance; and techniques and tools of quantitative analysis of operations and decision support that assist in management of capacity issues, reengineering, staffing, scheduling, productivity, and supply chain. Other important concepts that students examine include understanding operational assessment; understanding patient care and related support-care processes through creating flowcharts of steps in the process; taking a systems perspective on the organization and delivery of services; identifying problems and improvement opportunities using analytical techniques; and monitoring performance data to identify trends and variation based on current operations and those resulting from changes and improvements. Prerequisites
|
(5 cr.) |
MMHA 6800 |
Marketing Management and Business Communication for Healthcare Administrators
Students in this course apply principles, theories, and relevant contemporary concepts of healthcare marketing. They evaluate the effectiveness of healthcare marketing tools, such as advertisement campaigns and social media, develop data collection tools for marketing research, and create a marketing plan for a healthcare organization. The interrelationship of a healthcare organization's strategic plan, business plan, marketing plan, and healthcare consumerism is analyzed. Students will apply best practices of business communications as they practice effective oral and written business communication skills. Prerequisites
|
(5 cr.) |
MMHA 6900 |
Healthcare Quality Management
Students in this course are introduced to the basis for quality and patient safety and are provided an overview of healthcare quality, methods of assessing quality, and techniques for improving quality. They can learn key terminology and concepts, including defining quality care; measuring quality in terms of the structure-process-outcomes model; distinguishing between clinical and customer service quality; identifying techniques to avoid adverse clinical events; and exploring customer service quality in terms of defining, measuring, and improving patient satisfaction. Students also explore and discuss the roles of governmental agencies in promoting and reporting quality information regarding hospitals and other health organizations, accrediting bodies, and recent performance initiatives of government and private payers. They apply course concepts to current issues of improving clinical and service quality in healthcare organizations, with special consideration of the 5 Million Lives Campaign—a national effort initiated by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement designed to improve medical care in the United States. Prerequisites
|
(5 cr.) |
MMHA 6999 |
Strategic Planning in Healthcare Administration
Throughout this course, students review and apply the phases of strategic planning, integrating the principles and practices presented throughout the Master of Healthcare Administration program. They examine the role of strategic planning in achieving organizational performance excellence, as well as the notion of planning as a cyclical process within the healthcare organization. Students submit a comprehensive strategic plan and recommend courses of action that help healthcare organizations address their strategic and tactical needs and the needs of their communities. Prerequisites
|
(5 cr.) |
VIEW ALL COURSES |
Choose the learning path that fits your life and experience. Here are the two ways to earn your degree:
Course-based learning |
Tempo Learning® |
|
---|---|---|
The standard, guided pace to earn your degree |
The flexible pace, ideal for some students |
|
Time | Structured schedule |
Flexible schedule |
Pace | Deadlines to make steady progress |
Set your own pace, and speed up or slow down when needed |
Tuition | Pay by the course |
All-you-can-learn subscription fee |
Support | Faculty guide you through your courses as you earn your degree |
Faculty support when you need it and a personal academic coach |
Expert Walden Faculty |
✔ |
✔ |
Payment Plans and Scholarships* |
✔ |
✔ |
*May not be available for all programs
Program Admission Considerations: A bachelor'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.
Curriculum Component | Requirements | Cost | AMOUNT |
---|---|---|---|
Tuition | 53 quarter credit hours | $502 per quarter hour | $26,606 |
Technology Fee | Per quarter | $165 | $990 |
$27,596* |
*Tuition reflects the minimum time to completion. Time to completion varies by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. Tuition and time to complete may be reduced if transfer credits are accepted, or if you receive grants, scholarships or other tuition reductions. Walden may accept up to 25 transfer credits. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 855-646-5286.
Tuition and fees are subject to change. Books and materials are not included and may cost between $1,000 and $1,400.
Progress at Your Pace. Control Your Cost.
Walden’s Tempo Learning® programs follow a subscription-based pricing format. Students are billed a flat-rate for each three-month subscription term. All pricing is represented in U.S. dollars and is subject to change.
Program | Subscription Period Tuition | Subscription Period Technology Fee | Subscription Period Time Frame |
---|---|---|---|
Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) | $2,900 | $165 | 3-month subscription period |
Financial aid is available for this program. Our financial aid advisors can help you identify funding opportunities to help you pay for your education.
Curriculum Component | Requirements | Cost | AMOUNT |
---|---|---|---|
Tuition | 68 quarter credit hours | $502 per quarter hour | $34,136 |
Technology Fee | Per quarter | $165 | $1,320 |
$35,456* |
*Tuition reflects the minimum time to completion. Time to completion varies by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. Tuition and time to complete may be reduced if transfer credits are accepted, or if you receive grants, scholarships or other tuition reductions. Walden may accept up to 25 transfer credits. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 855-646-5286.
Tuition and fees are subject to change. Books and materials are not included and may cost between $1,000 and $1,400.
Many Walden degree-seeking students—67%—receive some form of financial aid.* Create a customized plan that makes sense for you.
*Source: Walden University’s Office of Financial Aid. Data reports as of 2018.
Find Ways to SaveCourse-Based: Receive a 10% tuition reduction for the life of the program if you reside in the U.S. and start this program on July 11, 2022. Contact one of our Enrollment Specialists to learn more.
Get Started NowExplore leadership and organizational theories, concepts, and trends in the healthcare setting.
Build the core competencies and specialized skills you need to lead and manage complex, population-based healthcare initiatives.
Explore a range of organizational activities and structures, including public, private, and nonprofit sector responses.
Gain a solid understanding of systems and policy theories—and the ability to think critically and creatively about the big picture.
Walden’s 100% online MHA degree program empowers you to move from doing to leading in the changing world of healthcare. Build on your expertise with the hard and soft business skills leaders need to be successful. Coursework explores best practices in financial operations, management, and human resources as well as the trends, regulations, laws, and policies that impact health systems today.
In today’s U.S. healthcare climate, employers seek creative, innovative leaders who can respond to community needs while improving organizational performance. Jobs for medical and health services managers are expected to grow 32% through 2030, much faster than the national average for all occupations.2
As a healthcare professional with vision, you want to broaden your impact—and brighten your future. Trust Walden to help you achieve it.
Career options may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of this MHA online program.
Dr. Pavelka, a Walden graduate, has more than 20 years of experience in leading, consulting, and coaching. Her areas of expertise include leadership, organizational performance, and continuous improvement in business, industry, education, and healthcare.
A licensed registered nurse and attorney, Dr. Lentenbrink has held numerous leadership roles throughout her career. She has been appointed as a health systems leader for national initiatives, has served on multiple community boards, and has published in a number of healthcare-related areas.
Dr. Garbowski has served on active duty as a hospital administrator in the Air Force since 1997. Using an interdisciplinary approach to teaching, she strives to cultivate an interactive environment in which students can express themselves freely while learning to engage with the past in meaningful ways.
All graduates will be prepared to:
Pursuing a degree from Walden is a commitment to efficiency and quality in healthcare.
Perry Ishmael Peralta MHA Graduate
Being a student at Walden University is one of the best things that has happened to me in my life. As a father, husband, and worker, I was able to navigate this triangular responsibility alongside my academic challenges.
Ogbeide Elijah MHA Graduate
I chose Walden University because many of my colleagues were alumni. They highly recommended Walden for the working professional who seeks outstanding professor engagement throughout all courses.
Jimmy Watson MHA Graduate
Resource Articles
Resource Articles
Resource Articles
Resource Articles
Resource Articles
Resource Articles
Healthcare administrators have a wide range of duties that require skills and experience across many disciplines, including:
As a leader of a healthcare organization, you can make a meaningful impact on the lives of patients, doctors, and other staff members every day. With a master’s in healthcare administration, you can help guide lifesaving research, improve hospital safety, and lead public health policy.
In terms of what you will learn, coursework covers topics such as health policy, population health, marketing management, business communications, healthcare quality management, and much more. Once you complete your degree, you’ll have the knowledge and leadership skills that you need to excel as a healthcare administrator.
The job outlook for Medical and Health Services Mangers is strong, and joining the field could be a positive career move. According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Medical and Health Services Mangers have an expected 32% growth rate of employment from 2020 to 2030. As of May 2020, national estimates show both employment and wages on the rise. People in this field earn a mean hourly wage of $50.13. The median annual wage is $104,280, and people in the top 10% are earning $195,630.1
1Source: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/medical-and-health-services-managers.htm
There are plenty of job options for people who have earned an MHA degree, and having an advanced healthcare administration degree could be a job requirement for some positions. In-demand jobs include those in government as well as positions in general medical and surgical hospitals, physicians’ offices, outpatient care centers, nursing care facilities, medical and diagnostic laboratories, scientific research facilities, and more.
As an online MHA student at Walden, you have the opportunity to connect with students and faculty from diverse locations and backgrounds. This leads to an energetic exchange of ideas, opinions, perspectives, and experiences. There are three key features of online learning at Walden:
When it comes to finding the best online academic institution for you, reputation is key. Walden University is a pioneer of distance learning and has been supporting the educational needs of working professionals for more than 50 years. Accreditation should also be key in your decision-making. Attending an accredited university means you can be confident that your chosen institution has been evaluated for quality assurance and continuous improvement by an independent accreditation organization. Walden University participates in a thorough recertification process every 10 years with The Higher Learning Commission, an independent accreditation corporation founded in 1895.
Perhaps you’re wondering whether you really need a healthcare administration degree to succeed in healthcare, or if an advanced business degree just as good. Healthcare is significantly different from other industries. It has its own reimbursement mechanism, which is based on third-party payers, its own ethics issues, including life-and-death issues, and its own policy issues, with specific government regulations.
An MBA program will likely have courses on leadership, marketing, managerial finance, communication, and other subjects designed to help you become a business manager or consultant. You can also specialize in specific areas such as human resource management or project management. Some of the top MBA programs even offer a healthcare management specialization—but that specialization still requires you to take core business courses.
All courses taken in an MHA program should be about issues related to healthcare. Typical courses include Contemporary Topics in the U.S. Healthcare Delivery System; Law, Ethics, and Policy in Healthcare Administration; Healthcare Operations Management; and Healthcare Quality Management. In other words, MHA courses should be designed to give you an in-depth understanding of the business of healthcare, while MBA courses take a broader approach to business.
Walden does not require college-level testing. Our admission requirements are based on an applicant’s professional and academic experience.
Walden’s MHA program is 53–68 quarter credits, depending upon your decision to take the general program or add a specialization.* The general program is designed to be completed in six quarters, which generally equates to eighteen months. Adding a specialization will require three additional courses designed to be completed in two quarters, which generally equates to 20 months. At Walden, we understand that adult learners are often juggling many priorities such as work and family, and students have up to seven years to complete the program.
In traditional degree programs, you progress course by course. In Walden’s online Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) degree program in the Tempo Learning® format, you’ll demonstrate competencies instead of completing courses. Competencies are the skills, knowledge, and abilities you’ll need to be successful in your healthcare administration career. Completing these competencies ensures that as a graduate, you’ll be able to show your current or future employers the specific skills and abilities you learned in your MHA program. There are no weekly deadlines with the competency-based option, and you decide when and where to complete your work.
Fill out the form and we will contact you to provide information about furthering your education.
Chat with a Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) Enrollment Specialist.
Chat Now