If you want to work in management in the fast-growing field of healthcare administration, you may wonder how long does it take to earn a Master’s in Healthcare Administration online, in-person, or through hybrid programs. The MHA degree can be completed while working either part-time or full-time; however, it’s important to make sure that the program you select is accredited. The Commission on Accreditation of Health Management Education (CAHME) is the authorized accreditation agency for health administration programs in the United States. Similarly to other master’s degree programs, many MHA degrees are comprised of approximately 60 to 70 classroom credits for completion. Accelerated programs can be completed faster because they are comprised of fewer credits, and some of them will offer educational credit for work experience and related coursework.
Program Choices
More than 300 Master’s in Healthcare Administration (MHA) programs are accredited in the United States. You can choose to complete an online MHA degree at many different universities. Some of the online programs are based on in-person programs that have been operating for more than three decades, while others have been developed exclusively online. You can choose from state university programs such as those offered by California State University campuses and Ohio State, or from private universities such as Utica College or St. Joseph’s University. A number of programs offer varying emphases, from business management and lean/Six Sigma orientations to healthcare records management and healthcare technology administration.
Program Flexibility
The length of your program is not only influenced by program start times and admission requirements, but also how classes are offered. Many online programs offer accelerated education, most often in the form of 8- and 10-week courses which offer concentrated education and the opportunity to complete your program in the shortest amount of time possible. If you want to finish your MHA program in less than two years, you should choose a specialized accelerated program that will give you credit for work experience and allow you to complete requirements as fast as possible.
Shortest Program Lengths
Most of the shorter accredited online MHA programs are approximately 22 months, or slightly less than two years. Some programs that take less time to complete, such as 15 months, do not have CAHME accreditation. You may be able to enroll in some hybrid programs which ask you to meet on the university’s campus for weekends or week-long sessions two or three times a year. These programs can be completed in less than two years. A number of accredited online MHA programs comprise 32 to 48 educational units, which may be completed in less than two years if you are able to take courses in spring, fall and summer.
Conclusion
The Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME) reports that employers want assurance that the graduate’s education has properly prepared them for job responsibilities. How long does it take to earn a Master’s in Healthcare Administration Online? You can complete the degree in as little as 20 to 22 months in an accredited online program. Deciding which program is right for you includes not only program length, but also quality of education and employment opportunities after you graduate.
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