March 29, 2024

Top 20 Certification Programs in Healthcare Management 2020

healthcare management certificate programs

By: HMDG Staff
March 2020

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for medical and health services managers is expected to grow by 18% through 2028, a rate much faster than average across all occupations. Employers are expected to hire an additional 71,600 health services managers (including healthcare administrators). This demand is fueled by factors such as:

  • retiring Baby Boomers
  • longer life expectancies
  • healthcare and insurance reform

Employers are seeking health care professionals with the skills needed to fill these roles. Healthcare administrators need to have a strong understanding of areas like:

  • finance
  • information technology
  • security
  • insurance
  • operations

Earning a certificate in healthcare administration gives professionals the specialized knowledge and skills to be successful in these roles. It is also cost effective and takes less time than earning a second bachelor’s or master’s degree.

We created this ranking of the top certificate programs in healthcare administration. We looked at factors such as:

  • student/faculty ratio
  • average graduate tuition rate (since most certificate programs were offered at the graduate level)
  • the availability of the program in an online format
  • whether or not students could apply their credits to a master’s program if they chose to do so.

Ranking Methodology

Student-to-Faculty ratio:

  • 12:1 or less- 3 points
  • 13:1 to 19:1- 2 points
  • 20:1 and above- 1 point

Average Graduate Tuition Rate:

  • Less than $13,000- 3 points
  • $13,000 to $20,000- 2 points
  • Greater than $20,000- 1 point

Available Online:

  • Yes- 3 points

Coursework Applied to a Master’s Degree:

  • Yes- 3 points

We used College Navigator to find institutions offering certificate programs in healthcare management or administration. We then applied our point system and developed a ranking, choosing to focus on the top 20 programs. We awarded extra points to programs with coursework that could be applied toward a master’s degree and programs available online. In the cases of ties, preference was given to those schools with the lowest tuition rates.

The main purpose of this list is to highlight the top 20 schools offering a certification in healthcare management. Specializations, awards and achievements earned by the school or department have also been noted.

Ranking Top 20 Certification Programs in Healthcare Management

20. George Washington University

Washington, D.C.

Healthcare Corporate Compliance Graduate Certificate

Website

Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $30,780/year
Average Length of Program: 12 credit hours
Program Format: Hybrid
Coursework applies to master’s program? Yes
Student to Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Points: 6
George Washington University features an online healthcare corporate compliance graduate certificate designed for working professionals. This 12 credit hour certificate takes about seven months to complete. The program is open to current or future corporate compliance professionals. Students can complete the program as a stand-alone certificate or as part of the online or on-campus MPH or MHA degree programs. While the majority of the program can be completed online, students begin the program with a five day on-campus residency and conclude with a three-day Capstone Residency in Alexandria, Virginia.

19. University of Pittsburg

Pittsburg, Pennsylvania

Graduate Certificate in Health Systems Leadership and Management

Website

Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $22,846/year in-state and $38,736/year out-of-state
Average Length of Program: 15 credit hours
Program Format: Seated
Coursework applies to master’s program? Yes
Student to Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Points: 6
The Graduate School of Public Health at the University of Pittsburg offers a top online graduate certificate in health systems leadership and management. This certificate is offered as a stand-alone program for public health professionals or as part of a degree program at the University of Pennsylvania. Courses include:

  • Strategic Management
  • Health Policy and Management in Public Health
  • Financial Management Foundation Health Care and Public Health

All students work closely with faculty to engage in an applied research project, gaining valuable experience in the design, analysis, and interpretation of results.

18. Cornell University

Ithaca, New York

Strategic Healthcare Leadership Certificate

Website

Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $29,500/year
Average Length of Program: 3 months
Program Format: Online
Coursework applies to master’s program? No
Student to Faculty Ratio: 9:1
Points: 7
The Strategic Healthcare Leadership certificate program offered through Cornell University is a three month certificate is in a 100% online format. Class size is limited to 35 students. Each course is two weeks, covering areas like:

  • strategic decision making
  • leading organizational change
  • navigating power relationships

The program follows an instructor led model. Upon completion of the program, students will have earned 48 professional development hours, 18 professional development units toward PMI recertification, and their Strategic Healthcare Leadership Certificate.

17. Colorado Christian University

Lakewood, Colorado

Online Certificate in Healthcare Administration

Website

Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $12,996/year
Average Length of Program: 12 credits
Program Format: Online
Coursework applies to master’s program? No
Student to Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Points: 8
The top online healthcare administration certificate offered by Colorado Christian University emphasizes areas like:

  • administration and management
  • healthcare terminology
  • delivery systems

This 12 credit hour program is available as a stand alone certificate, or students may apply their credits to either an associate degree or bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration. Courses are completed in five week blocks and include:

  • Healthcare Administration and Management
  • Introduction to Healthcare Informatics
  • Healthcare Terminology

16. Clarkson College

Omaha, Nebraska

Post-Master’s Certificate in Health Care Administration

Website

Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $10,764/year
Average Length of Program: 21 semester hours (3 semesters)
Program Format: Online
Coursework applies to master’s program? N/A
Student to Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Points: 8
Clarkson College features a top post-master’s health care administration certificate is an online program for students who want to further their education in health care administration. Students can choose from an operational track or a leadership track, depending on their professional goals. New courses begin every six weeks, allowing students to move quickly through the program. Courses emphasize both business and leadership skills related to heath care and include:

  • Health Care Business Law and Ethics
  • Human Resources and Organizational Behavior
  • Healthcare Informatics

All courses are taught in a flexible online format by dedicated and knowledgeable faculty.

15. Seton Hall University

South Orange, New Jersey

Online Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Administration

Website

Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $22,662/year
Average Length of Program: 1-3 years (15 credits)
Program Format: Fully Online or on-campus
Coursework applies to master’s program? Yes
Student to Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Points: 9
The School of Health and Medical Sciences at Seton Hall University features a top 15 credit hour online graduate certificate in healthcare administration. The program is available online or on campus and includes courses in:

  • Financial and Managerial Accounting and Costing in Healthcare
  • Healthcare Management
  • Ethics in Healthcare

Students can complete the certificate as a stand alone certificate or apply credits toward the MHA program. The program is great for a variety of students including those working in hospitals, assisted-living facilities, and managed care facilities.

14. Central Michigan University

Mount Pleasant Michigan

Graduate Certificate in Health Services Administration

Website

Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $13,354/year in-state and $18,964/year out-of-state
Average Length of Program: 15-18 credit hours
Program Format: Online or seated
Coursework applies to master’s program? Yes
Student to Faculty Ratio: 20:1
Points: 9
The College of Graduate Studies at Central Michigan University features a top graduate certificate in health services administration online for individuals in management or administration. This 15-18 credit hour program can be completed as a stand alone certificate or as part of the MSA program. The curriculum emphasizes strategic planning and best practices. Courses cover areas like:

  • fiscal efficiency
  • resource management
  • industry regulations

13. Benedictine University

Lisle, Illinois

Online Certificate in Health Management and Policy


Website

Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $17,883/year
Average Length of Program: 16 credits
Program Format: Online
Coursework applies to master’s program? Yes
Student to Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Points: 10
The top online certificate in health management and policy from Benedictine University is a 16 credit hour program comprised of three required courses and one elective. Courses include:

  • Management of Health Services Organizations
  • Health Policy
  • Public Health Systems

The program is designed for current healthcare professionals who want to become involved in policy development within their organization. Graduates are successful in a variety of roles, working in:

  • home health agencies
  • long-term care facilities
  • health care associations.

12. Champlain College

Burlington, Vermont

Online Healthcare Administration

Website

Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $14,310/year
Average Length of Program: 15 credit hours
Program Format: Fully Online
Coursework applies to master’s program? Yes
Student to Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Points: 10
Champlain College features a top online healthcare administration graduate certificate that can be completed as a stand-alone program or as part of an MBA or MHA program. Students complete five courses (15 credit hours) that include:

  • Health Care Finance
  • Health Care Information Systems
  • Health Care System Design and Innovation

Course content is relevant and applicable to the students’ current work. Faculty are practitioner-educators who share their real-world knowledge and expertise. Graduates will stand out from the competition with a recognized industry credential.

11. Creighton University

Omaha, Nebraska

Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Management

Website
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $15,660/year
Average Length of Program: 15 credits
Program Format: Online
Coursework applies to master’s program? Yes
Student to Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Points: 11
The top graduate certificate in healthcare management from Creighton University is designed for students who want to be leaders on the business side of healthcare. Students can complete the program in just one year with no on-campus residency requirements. This 15 credit hour program includes courses in:

  • Human Resources for Healthcare Managers
  • Healthcare Economics and Finance
  • Law and Health Care Ethics

Students can begin the program in August or January. Certificate credits can be applied to the MPH program with a concentration in healthcare management.

10. University of Vermont

Burlington, Vermont

Online Certificate of Graduate Study in Healthcare Management and Policy

Website

Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $11,952/year in-state and $30,132/year out-of-state
Average Length of Program: 18 credit hours
Program Format: Online
Coursework applies to master’s program? Yes
Student to Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Points: 11
The top online certificate of graduate study in healthcare management and policy from the University of Vermont is an 18 credit hour program. It prepares students for leadership roles in healthcare. Students complete four required courses and two electives. Required courses include:

  • Legal Issues in Healthcare
  • Public Health Informatics
  • Controversies in Health Economics

Courses are taught by faculty from the Larner College of Business at UVM, the Vermont Department of Public Health, and experts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

9. University of Scranton

Scranton, Pennsylvania

Executive Certificate in Health Administration

Website

Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $11,580/year
Average Length of Program: 15 credit hours
Program Format: Online
Coursework applies to master’s program? Yes
Student to Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Points: 11
The University of Scranton, a Jesuit university, features a top health administration executive certificate offered in a convenient online format. This five course program emphasizes leadership and ethical decision making in the ever changing field of healthcare management. Certificate courses are part of the CAHME accredited MHA program and include:

  • Health Care Organization and Administration
  • Health Care Financial Management
  • Health Services and Systems

Course content is career focused and can be easily transferred to the workplace. Faculty are experts in the industry and work closely with students, sharing their experience through class discussions.

8. The Ohio State University

Columbus, Ohio

Healthcare Leadership and Innovation Certificate

Website
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $11,560/year in-state and $24,064/year out-of-state
Average Length of Program: 12 credit hours
Program Format: Online
Coursework applies to master’s program? Yes
Student to Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Points: 11
The healthcare leadership and innovation certificate offered by the College of Nursing at The Ohio State University can help students be more marketable in the field. This 12 credit hour program is available fully online and can be completed in just two semesters. Courses include:

  • Building a Culture of Innovation in Health Systems
  • Innovation Leadership: Leading from Within
  • Innovation in High Performing Organizations

Students seeking a master’s degree can apply three of the four courses to the Master of Healthcare Innovation program.

7. University of California

Los Angeles, California

Certificate in Health Care Administration

Website

Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $11,442/year in-state and $26,544/year out-of-state
Average Length of Program: 12 credit hours
Program Format: Online or seated
Coursework applies to master’s program? Yes
Student to Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Points: 11
UCLA Extension features a top certificate in health care administration offered in an online or seated format to accommodate new and experienced professionals. Required courses include:

  • Fundamentals of the U.S. Health Care System
  • Introduction to Health Care Financial Management
  • Principles of Health Organization Management and Leadership

Over 85% of students who earn their certificate felt the certificate helped them enhance their career.

6. East Tennessee State University

Johnson City, Tennessee

Health Care Management Graduate Certificate

Website

Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $8,460/year in-state and $23,598/year out-of-state
Average Length of Program: 16 credit hours
Program Format: Online
Coursework applies to master’s program? Yes
Student to Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Points: 11
East Tennessee State University features a top online health care management graduate certificate designed with working professionals in mind. Courses include:

  • Human Resource Management in Health Organizations
  • Health Care Accounting and Finance
  • Health Systems, Regulations, and Policies

Students may transfer in up to nine credits of approved coursework toward their certificate. Courses are taught by faculty from the College of Business and Technology, Nursing, and Public Health.

5. University of North Dakota

Grand Forks, North Dakota

Online Health Administration Certificate

Website

Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $8,226/year in-state and $21,964/year out-of-state
Average Length of Program: 12 credit hours
Program Format: Online
Coursework applies to master’s program? Yes
Student to Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Points: 11
The online health administration certificate from the University of North Dakota features “live” courses delivered in real-time. Students participate in a virtual classroom, interacting with peers and instructors. Courses include:

  • Health Administration and Organization
  • Health Policy
  • Planning and Management to Promote Health

As online learners, students have access to tutors, advisors, career guidance, and library services to help them be successful.

4. University of Alabama

Birmingham, Alabama

Graduate Certificate in Health Care Quality and Safety

Website
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $8,100/year in-state and $18,540/year out-of-state
Average Length of Program: 15 credit hours
Program Format: Online or Blended
Coursework applies to master’s program? Yes
Student to Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Points: 11
The University of Alabama at Birmingham’s School of Health Professions features a graduate certificate in healthcare quality and safety for clinical and administrative healthcare professionals. The program is delivered in an online or blended format and most students can complete the program in less than eight months. Courses include:

  • Introduction to Clinical Quality Improvement
  • Quantitative Methods, Measurement, and Tools for Quality Improvement
  • Leadership of High Reliability Healthcare Organizations

Online certificate students pay the in-state tuition rate.

3. Liberty University

Lynchburg, Virginia

Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Management

Website

Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $7,904/year
Average Length of Program: 12 credits
Program Format: Online
Coursework applies to master’s program? Yes
Student to Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Points: 11
The top graduate certificate in healthcare management from Liberty University is a 12 credit hour program that can be completed in just one semester. Courses are delivered in an eight week format with no set login times. Required courses include:

  • Legal and Ethical Issues for Health Professionals
  • Healthcare Administration
  • Managing Human Capital in Healthcare

Students have the option to apply their certificate credits toward a master’s degree at Liberty. Graduates are prepared for leadership roles in the healthcare field.

2. Wichita State University

Wichita, Kansas

Graduate Certificate Health Administration

Website

Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $5,435/year in-state and $13,348/year out-of-state
Average Length of Program: 15 credit hours
Program Format: Online
Coursework applies to master’s program? Yes
Student to Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Points: 11
Wichita State University features a top graduate certificate in health administration for students with a background in business, finance, and management. Students can complete their certificate as a stand alone program or apply their credits to the Master of Health Administration at WSU. The curriculum emphasizes the planning, direction, and management of medical and health services. Students can complete the program in just one year. New students are admitted during the fall and spring semesters. This top online graduate certificate in healthcare administration from WSU allows students to advance their education from anywhere in the world.

1. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

Lubbock, Texas

Healthcare Administration Certificate Programs

Website

Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $6,000/year in-state and $15,960/year out-of-state
Average Length of Program: 12 credit hours
Program Format: Online
Coursework applies to master’s program? Yes
Student to Faculty Ratio: 7:1
Points: 12
Our top choice for a certificate in healthcare administration is offered by the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. TTUHSC features five different graduate certificates in this area including:

  • Health Informatics and Data Analytics
  • Health Systems Policy and Management
  • Healthcare Finance and Economics
  • Health Systems Engineering and Management
  • Long Term Care Administration

All certificate program options are 12 credit hours with the exception of the Long Term Care Administration program which requires 15 credit hours. Students can apply six credits from any of these certificate programs to the MSHA program at TTUHSC.
Opportunities for a Certification in Healthcare Management

As the United States continues to see exponential growth in the healthcare industry, more and more highly trained professionals will be needed to fill positions at all levels of healthcare management. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Handbook, the field of medical and health services managers is expected to see at least 18 percent growth through 2028. The average salary for these business professionals is just under $100,000, with a great deal of predicted salary growth. Business professionals with a graduate certificate in healthcare management or administration will have great opportunities for job placement as well as the expectation of a top salary. By earning a certificate in healthcare management, business professionals can become the leaders in the healthcare industry.

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