Healthcare professionals seeking to move into the next step of their careers may be considering transitioning to the administrative side of things, where impact comes from executive leadership and policy-making rather than direct care. For professionals looking to improve population health and drive systems-level change in the healthcare industry, a Master of Healthcare Administration can provide the skills needed to transition into healthcare leadership positions.
This degree is a strong fit for early- to mid-career healthcare professionals, as well as those seeking to transition from clinical roles to leadership positions. MHA programs teach aspiring healthcare leaders to effectively manage the operations and administration of healthcare organizations in the public, private and nonprofit sectors.
MHA graduates are ultimately qualified to manage hospitals, health systems, insurance companies, public health organizations and biotech firms.
What is an MHA?
For the vast majority of MHA programs, candidates will need to earn a bachelor’s degree and gain some professional healthcare experience in order to apply. This degree is designed to bridge the gap from healthcare contribution to healthcare leadership, equipping professionals with the specialized knowledge they need to understand and navigate this complex industry.
An MHA program will help you develop and refine the skills that you’ll use for both the day-to-day tasks and the strategic, big-picture work involved in healthcare administration. You’ll work through core topics and specialized areas such as:
- Financial management and healthcare economics
- Laws, regulations and health policy
- Strategic clinical and operational leadership
- Leadership and management of healthcare teams and systems
- Project management and innovation
- Ethics and organizational responsibility
- Data analytics for informed decision-making
Healthcare management vs. healthcare administration
Healthcare administration and management are both concerned with the success of healthcare organizations, and so they tend to be used interchangeably. The difference between management and administration is in their long-term focus.
Healthcare management consists of the functions that are essential for day-to-day success:
- Operations and logistics
- Scheduling
- Human resources
- Clinical policy implementation
Healthcare administration can encompass all of these things as well, but it adds a focus on long-term success, development and growth. In addition to managing current operations, healthcare administrators align those operations to the mission statement of the organization, plan for future expansion and invest in the future of the organization.
A Master of Healthcare Administration prepares you to lead at both levels. By the time you graduate, you’ll be ready to manage daily challenges and shape the future of your healthcare organization.
What can you do with an Master in Healthcare Administration?
A Master of Healthcare Administration is the MBA of the healthcare world, offering a broadly applicable set of skills and competencies that prepare professionals for a wide variety of leadership roles in the healthcare sector.
What healthcare settings can you work in?
This degree program prepares students for considerations and factors relevant to many healthcare organizations, from revenue and billing to clinical strategy development. MHA graduates can work in a wide variety of workplaces in the public, private and nonprofit healthcare sectors, including:
- Hospitals and health systems
- Public health agencies
- Insurance companies and payers
- Government programs
- Biotech companies
- Consulting Groups
- Clinics and outpatient care centers
An MHA program prepares you to lead and make a lasting impact, whether you’re driven by policy, patient experience or innovation.
What is the career outlook for healthcare?
Professionals with a master’s in healthcare administration benefit from a very strong career outlook, both in terms of roles and the industry at large. McKinsey & Company reports that healthcare earnings (before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) can expect a 7% compound annual growth rate, with an expected worth of $987 billion in 2028.
This profitability means expansion for organizations, which in turn creates demand for leaders who are able to navigate complex systems, drive innovation and scale growth sustainably. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, for example, medical and health services manager roles — a critical healthcare administration function — are expected to grow 29% between 2023 and 2033.
Employment opportunities will vary by factors such as experience, education and location. Healthcare opportunities are particularly good in large cities, as well as the State of Texas, which offers one of the fastest-growing U.S. healthcare markets.
MHA Careers
Graduates of an MHA program may seek a variety of leadership opportunities in healthcare management, operations, finance, leadership and more. Employment opportunities will vary by factors such as experience, education and location.
| Healthcare job title | Median annual salary |
|---|---|
| Medical and health services manager | $117,960 |
| Healthcare operations manager | $104,700 |
| Healthcare consultant | $129,800 |
| Risk and compliance manager | $151,300 |
| Clinical research manager | $120,100 |
| Executive director | $105,350 |
| Revenue cycle manager | $97,500 |
| Healthcare financial manager | $91,400 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and Lightcast
Jobs with an MHA
Also known as healthcare administrators, the responsibilities of these professionals will vary widely depending on what type of setting they work in. They plan, direct, coordinate and oversee all the services that a healthcare organization provides. Responsibilities may include:
- HR management: recruiting and training new staff
- Operations management: scheduling staff and coordinating facility services
- Financial management: budgeting
- Strategic planning: developing goals for efficiency, quality and growth
- Compliance: ensuring that all regulations and laws are being followed
Healthcare operations managers focus on the day-to-day operations of a healthcare organization. Responsibilities may include:
- Overseeing and scheduling various clinical teams
- Keeping inventory and ordering supplies
- Managing clinical policy and procedures
- Ensuring that operations align with broader organizational goals
- Supporting compliance with relevant laws and regulations
Healthcare consultants advise organizations to improve operational processes or long-term strategy. Areas of focus may include:
- Standard operating procedures
- Compliance and risk management processes
- Clinical treatment guidelines
- Revenue generation
- Compliance management
- Strategic development
- Organizational structure
Risk and compliance managers ensure adherence to regulations that safeguard quality and protect against risks. Responsibilities may include:
- Establishing and enforcing internal procedures
- Auditing standard practices
- Hosting training meetings
- Creating training materials
- Responding to policy developments and new regulations
Clinical research managers supervise research teams performing clinical trials. Responsibilities include:
- Being conducted ethically
- Meeting organizational needs
- Making effective use of resources
Other tasks may include:
- Coordinating the clinical team
- Ensuring regulatory standards
- Onboarding and training staff
- Reviewing designs and protocols
- Coordinating between researchers, stakeholders, third-parties, and subjects
- Reporting results of research and trials
Executive directors oversee big-picture decisions to meet the organization’s mission and goals, focusing on administrative oversight, long-term growth, and efficient operations.
Revenue cycle managers ensure healthcare organizations maintain sufficient revenue to operate. Responsibilities may include:
- Coordinating between patients and insurance companies
- Overseeing accounts receivable procedures
- Providing reports and metrics to leadership
- Reallocating debts appropriately
- Sending individuals to collections as needed
Healthcare financial managers handle specialized financial tasks in healthcare, including:
- Collecting, reporting, and forecasting financial performance
- Monitoring revenue and profits
- Advising leadership on strategy
- Reviewing operational expenses
Master of Healthcare Administration salary: What can you earn?
According to Payscale, the average annual salary of professionals with an MHA degree is $86,000 per year, with top earners making over $140,000 per year. When looking at median salaries discussed in this article, it is clear that MHA graduates may pursue careers that provide them with much higher earnings than the average.
While a degree doesn’t necessarily guarantee a particular salary, it is clear that individuals with a master’s degree earn more on average. Payscale also reports that BS in Healthcare Administration graduates earn an average salary of $71,000, demonstrating that an MHA can be a strong way to enhance your earning potential.
Is a Master’s in Healthcare Administration worth it?
Ultimately, an MHA is a great investment for individuals who are seeking to advance their healthcare administration careers and increase their earning potential.
If you’re looking to combine leadership, strategic thinking and a passion for improving outcomes or systems, an MHA can prepare you for meaningful, high-impact careers.
However, not all programs are the same. To enhance your return-on-investment, consider a Master of Healthcare Administration that offers:
- An advanced curriculum that goes beyond the basics
- Dedicated, passionate faculty who can help you prepare for your career
- A competitive tuition rate that allows you to earn back the cost of your educational investment
- Opportunities for in-person networking and real-world problem-solving opportunities
The SMU Master of Healthcare Administration offers all of these benefits and more to help you build expert knowledge, practice key skills and demonstrate your readiness for high-value roles to future employers.
Transform your healthcare leadership skills with SMU’s online M.H.A.
SMU’s online Master of Healthcare Administration program gives aspiring leaders the skills to drive strategic, ethical and innovative change in the healthcare sector. Our curriculum, designed in collaboration between dedicated faculty and Dallas healthcare professionals, equips students with the leadership, policy, analytical and innovation skills essential for success in today’s healthcare landscape. You’ll collaborate with peers, gain insight from policy professionals and benefit from the expertise of our distinguished faculty.
Some of the highlights of our program include:
- Interdisciplinary learning opportunities with expert faculty and healthcare professionals
- Curriculum grounded in real-world healthcare challenges
- Opportunities to collaborate with a dynamic peer network
- Designed for working professionals seeking career advancement
“Seven of Texas’ top employers are hospital systems or state health systems.”
Texas Healthcare Workforce Task Force Final Report
A nationally ranked private university near the heart of Dallas, SMU is a distinguished center for global research and teaching. SMU’s diverse, high-achieving students come from the U.S. and around the world to take advantage of the University’s small classes, innovation, leadership development and career opportunities that can provide a launch pad for global impact.
Download a brochure to learn more about the program, or start your application today.
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