A graduate degree in Healthcare Management is essential for almost all top-level positions in the Healthcare Management field. There are a variety of options for fully accredited Healthcare Management Master’s Degree Programs available and it is important to investigate the options that will best suit your career objectives.
Tuition for Master’s Degree in Healthcare Management Program
There is wide range in potential tuition costs in Master’s Degree programs ranging as low in cost as $200 per credit hour to programs costing over $1250 per credit hour. Some of the factors in this range are what region of the country, the size of the school, whether the program is offered fully online versus on campus, as well as several other factors. It is important to keep in mind that while the higher range of tuitions are typically at higher ranked programs at nationally acclaimed institutions, there are also many degree programs at more affordable but still accredited programs.
Length of Program for Master’s Degree in Healthcare Management Program
For those pursuing a career in Healthcare Management, a Master’s Degree in healthcare administration can be earned in an accelerated program in as little as one year. Generally speaking, most Master’s Degree Programs range from fifteen months to four years to complete. This often is dependent on the program chosen and whether it is pursued on a full time or a part time basis. Those choosing to attend a Master’s Degree Program part-time can expect between three and six years to earn their degree.
Should I Choose an Online Program or a Traditipnal On-Campus Program?
Another consideration is whether you would like to pursue your degree online or in a classroom. There are fully online programs created to allow those working to continue in their career. There are also programs where all coursework must be completed in a classroom setting. While other programs allow a hybrid learning approach, which combines a mixture of online and classroom setting learning. When deciding whether pursuing an online degree is right for you there are a few things to consider.
First you must consider what type of learning approach will fit into your current schedule. An online program allows you to access material twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week via computer. There is typically an instructor whom you can contact via email or cell phone for problems you may encounter. It is also necessary to keep in mind that online learning may take more concentration and self-organization. Because you do not have the same interaction with the instructor, it will be your responsibility to stay on top of deadlines. Most online Master’s Degree Programs are similar in cost to their on campus counterparts. To succeed in an online program, you should be comfortable on a computer and like to work independently. If these characteristics fit your learning style, pursuing an online program should be a good match.
Curriculum for Master’s Degree in Healthcare Management Program
Most curriculums include course work in healthcare policy, management of healthcare organizations, healthcare marketing and finance, management in human resources, healthcare economics and health policy. Programs of study often require students to have a supervised work-study internship in their field of study, a residency or fellowship. The program chosen should provide the student with greater understanding of the healthcare system at local, state and federal level along with those in the private sector of business.
Accreditations for Master’s Programs in Healthcare Management
There are several organizations that give accreditation to Master’s Level Programs. The most recognized is the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME) and has been recognized by United States Department of Education. This organization is the only program that is recognized to give accreditation to programs that offer a master’s degree in Healthcare management schools in the United States and Canada. The Association of University Programs in Health Administration (AUPHA) is a non-profit association of Graduate programs in Health Administration dedicated to improving the field of healthcare management and practice. This organization details 160 of the best healthcare management programs at the graduate level.
From cost, to coursework, to learning style, there are several factors that should be considered when choosing how, when and where you would like to pursue a Master’s Degree. Once you have weighed each option you are ready to start on the path towards your Master’s Degree in Healthcare Management.