Discover What You Can Do With an MHA

What is a Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA)?

An MHA is an advanced healthcare degree that supplies you with the knowledge and skills needed to apply for senior positions in the healthcare industry. This degree develops a specific set of skills that are critical for contributing to the viability and success of organizations within healthcare. If you have been employed in the healthcare industry, earning a Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) degree can provide the advanced leadership skills required to take the next step in your healthcare career.

Career Opportunities with an MHA

What Does a Healthcare Administrator Do?

An MHA is ideal for those who are currently employed in or affiliated with a healthcare organization and with a desire to work in management or administrative positions. Here is some of the work you may do:

• Develop and work on multidisciplinary teams in a healthcare environment.
• Understand and make business decisions based on legal, ethical, and compliance issues.
• Conduct an internal and external analysis of a healthcare organization.
• Make recommendations regarding its competitive position and opportunity for improved performance.

You may also need to develop and manage budgets and make financial decisions; recruit, train and supervise scheduling or other staff; and keep records of facility services and inventory (e.g., patient census, number of ventilators in use). In larger settings, a healthcare administrator may supervise one department and work collaboratively with other administrators to ensure the smooth operation of the entire facility.

To explore how your interests and skills may align with the work of a healthcare administrator, consider doing a career assessment through Bellevue University’s Career Services.

When you successfully complete the Master of Healthcare Administration degree you will be qualified to work in mid- or advanced-level positions such as:

• Administration Supervisor
• Hospital Administrator
• Patient Care Coordinator
• Operations Manager
• Clinical Manager
• Director of Radiology
• Vice President of Patient Services

Having the MHA provided the knowledge and confidence to be where I am today.

– Sean Tynes, Bellevue University MHA alum, owner of therapeutic services firm, Parallels Consulting.

Types of Organizations That Value An MHA Degree

Most types of health facilities and organizations value the skills and competencies learned in a master’s of healthcare administration. Examples can include, but not are limited to:

• Nursing and rehabilitation centers
• Hospitals and critical care facilities
• Acute care medical centers
• Clinics and private practices
• Insurance companies and managed care providers
• Local, state, and federal health agencies
• Teaching hospitals and institutions of higher learning

The healthcare field recognizes an MHA as an important credential to assume a position of significant authority. And, Bellevue University is an associate member of the Association of University Programs in Healthcare Administration (AUPHA), reflecting a high standard of healthcare education at Bellevue in its MHA program.

Skills you’ll Develop in an MHA Degree

The knowledge and skills developed in the MHA degree program are identified by the Healthcare Leadership Alliance as important for ensuring quality healthcare delivery within a changing and dynamic industry. The role of a health administrator is a leadership position, so candidates should expect to have strong leadership, management and communication skills. Leading and motivating teams is crucial for the role and experience in healthcare leadership is highly valued.

The Master of Healthcare Administration curriculum at Bellevue University is specialized, focusing entirely on the healthcare industry. Core courses emphasize the unique challenges and opportunities in healthcare management, including, but not limited to:

• Health Information Technology and Data Management: Learn to integrate and apply health information technology (HIT) for improved outcomes.
• Healthcare Leadership and Team Development: Develop the skills to lead teams in hospitals, clinics, and other care settings.
• Legal, Ethical, and Compliance Issues: Examine the regulatory environment and learn how policies shape patient care.
• Quality Management: Understand strategies for improving patient outcomes and operational efficiency.
• Healthcare Finance: Prepare and manage budgets and analyze financials to optimize efficiency.
• Operations Management: Find the best processes and systems for management of complex healthcare organizations.
• Human Resource Management: Recruit, hire, and administer HR policies and regulations.

What students learn is immediately applicable for them in their organizations. Assignments are often based in real-life scenarios where students are actively engaged in the operations of their organizations. Healthcare jobs took a hit, but the need for qualified providers and administrators hasn't changed. If anything, the need for strong, prepared leaders in healthcare is as critical now as it has ever been.

– Dr. Mike Freel, Program Director, Bellevue University MHA

Other Related Education Paths You Can Consider

A Master of Business Administration (MBA) with an emphasis or concentration in healthcare administration is an option in some colleges, including Bellevue University. If you prefer a more general business and management education with the choice to specialize, an MBA may be a good option for healthcare professionals. If considering this general business route, researching the differences between an MHA and an MBA is a good next step.

If you already have an undergraduate degree and are looking for a shorter-term commitment than an MBA or MHA, you could earn certificates in healthcare-related subjects, such as Healthcare Finance or management. Sometimes these micro-credentials are stackable to help you gain expertise on the job and build toward a graduate degree. Professional associations such as AUPHA also offer educational and professional development opportunities.

Discover Where an MHA Can Take You

The changing nature of healthcare demands prepared managers and administrators willing to take on the evolving issues and challenges throughout the industry and in public health. An MHA can open a new world of opportunities to you and those who rise to the challenge. With a growing elderly population, changes to the regulatory environment, and demands of consumers for more and better options for healthcare services, the need for healthcare professionals continues to grow.

The Bellevue University MHA degree is specifically for professionals pursuing leadership roles in healthcare, preparing students like you with healthcare experience to navigate the complexities of the health industry. Become one of the leaders of tomorrow by earning your MHA degree.

Learn more about the Master’s in Healthcare Administration today.

Related resources we think you’ll like.

What is an MHA?
MBA vs. MHA: What are the differences?
How to Get a Master's Degree: Your Guide to Advancing Your Education and Career