What Can You Do With a Master of Health Administration (MHA) Degree in 2025?

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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What jobs can you get with an MHA in 2025?

A health administration degree prepares graduates for a wide range of leadership and management positions across healthcare organizations. The need for professionals who can manage operations, improve efficiency, and align services with patient needs continues to expand as the healthcare system grows more complex. 

Graduates from accredited online MHA programs are especially positioned to pursue roles in diverse sectors such as hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, consulting firms, and insurance providers.

With this degree, students often transition into specialized or executive positions, including:

• Biopharmaceutical Manager – overseeing regulatory compliance, product development, and strategic partnerships in the pharmaceutical industry.
• Clinical Director/Supervisor – managing departments and ensuring that patient care aligns with quality and safety standards.
• Clinical Trials Manager – coordinating medical research projects and ensuring studies meet regulatory and ethical guidelines.
• Data Analyst – applying healthcare data to optimize performance, reduce costs, and enhance patient outcomes.
• Finance Manager – managing healthcare budgets, revenue cycles, and strategic financial planning.
• Healthcare Consultant – advising organizations on process improvements, regulatory compliance, and strategic growth.
• Healthcare Executive – leading hospitals or health systems by shaping long-term strategy and organizational culture.
• Operations Manager – ensuring the day-to-day efficiency of healthcare services.
• Quality and Safety Manager – developing programs to improve patient safety, clinical effectiveness, and regulatory compliance.
• Risk and Compliance Manager – monitoring policies and reducing legal or financial risks within healthcare systems.

What is the average salary for MHA graduates?

Compensation is a key consideration for anyone considering a graduate program. According to BLS, professionals in medical and health services management earned a median annual wage of about $117,960 in May 2024. This figure reflects mid-career earnings, with higher salaries often seen at the executive level or in specialized roles such as finance management, risk compliance, or consulting.

An MHA can significantly enhance earning potential by opening access to leadership positions not typically available to those without advanced training. For instance, finance managers, healthcare executives, and operations managers often command six-figure salaries, particularly in metropolitan regions with large health systems. When considering is a MHA worth it, salary outcomes demonstrate the value of this degree, especially when combined with strong job growth and career advancement opportunities.

Graduates should also recognize that salaries can vary widely by industry sector, geographic location, and organizational size. Those working in major hospitals and biopharmaceutical companies often earn more than their counterparts in smaller practices or community clinics, underscoring the importance of aligning career goals with sector-specific opportunities.

How fast is demand growing for healthcare administrators?

The demand for professionals with a health administration degree continues to rise at an accelerated pace. BLS projects employment of medical and health services managers to expand by 29% between 2023 and 2033, which is significantly faster than the average for most occupations. 

On average, more than 61,000 openings for healthcare administrators are expected each year, reflecting both new job creation and the need to replace professionals retiring or transitioning to other fields. For individuals exploring accelerated online MHA programs, this data signals a strong career outlook.

This rapid growth is linked to several factors, including an aging population, technological advancements in care delivery, and the growing complexity of healthcare regulations. Organizations require leaders who can interpret data, optimize financial performance, and ensure compliance with evolving standards.

As health expenditures increase relative to GDP, administrators will remain central to ensuring that hospitals, clinics, and health systems operate efficiently. This trend underscores why the health administration degree is one of the most strategically valuable credentials in today’s healthcare labor market.

What are the best MHA specializations in 2025?

One of the strengths of pursuing a health administration degree is the opportunity to tailor your studies toward specific career interests. Specializations allow students to build expertise in targeted areas of healthcare management, making them more competitive in roles that demand niche skills. 

Graduates often consider specialization paths alongside related degrees, such as the fastest online MBA in Healthcare Administration Programs, to align their education with evolving workforce needs. Some of the most in-demand MHA specializations in 2025 include:

• Healthcare Finance and Accounting – preparing professionals to manage complex budgets, capital planning, and revenue cycle optimization.
• Health Informatics and Data Analytics – focusing on data-driven decision-making, electronic health records, and predictive modeling.
• Policy and Public Health Leadership – developing strategies to influence healthcare policy and implement large-scale health initiatives.
• Quality Improvement and Patient Safety – ensuring systems meet performance benchmarks and reduce preventable errors.
• Risk Management and Compliance – equipping leaders to interpret evolving laws, regulations, and ethical standards.

What skills do employers expect from health administration degree graduates?

Employers expect graduates of a health administration degree program to bring a balance of technical expertise, regulatory knowledge, and leadership skills. According to Zippia, the most common skills listed on healthcare administrator resumes fall into several key categories, highlighting what employers value most.

In fact, many of the leadership and operational skills developed in an MHA overlap with competencies sought in executive-level roles, similar to those found in doctor of business administration jobs. Positions such as healthcare executives, policy advisors, and senior operations managers require a combination of analytical thinking, regulatory literacy, and strategic vision that aligns closely with the expectations placed on health administration graduates.

The top skills include:

• Patient-focused competencies – A large portion of administrators reference skills tied to patients (26.3%) and patient care (8.5%). These involve ensuring patient safety, improving service quality, and supporting positive experiences across care settings.
• Healthcare services knowledge – Skills related to healthcare services (6.4%) and home health (6.0%) highlight the ability to oversee programs ranging from hospital departments to home-based care.
• Mental health expertise – About 5.7% of administrators emphasize mental health, reflecting the growing demand for leaders who can integrate behavioral health into broader care delivery.
• Regulatory and compliance skills – Areas such as HIPAA (3.3%), infection control, and regulatory compliance ensure administrators can maintain legal standards while protecting patient information.
• Operational and clinical awareness – Other skills listed include patient education, human resources, CPR, and medical care, showing that employers value leaders who understand both the administrative and practical sides of healthcare delivery.

For those considering advanced study options such as an accelerated MBA in Healthcare Management online, these skills also illustrate the foundation needed for career advancement.

How long does an MHA take to complete?

The time required to complete a master’s in health administration degree depends largely on the program format and a student’s professional commitments. On average, full-time students complete an MHA in two years, while part-time learners may take three to four years to finish. Programs designed for working professionals often offer evening, weekend, or hybrid options to balance coursework with employment responsibilities.

For those seeking a quicker path, fast-track online healthcare management master's programs allow students to graduate in as little as 12 to 18 months. These accelerated options typically require a heavier course load but enable graduates to enter the job market sooner.

What core courses are in an MHA curriculum?

The curriculum of a health administration degree typically blends healthcare-specific training with management and leadership courses. Many healthcare administrators begin their careers with a background in nursing—around 32% of professionals in the field majored in nursing before transitioning into administration. Others come from business or healthcare administration programs, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of the role.

For those coming from health information management, exploring health information management or HIM degree jobs such as medical records manager, compliance officer, or health data analyst can provide valuable context before advancing to an MHA. These roles often serve as stepping stones, giving students firsthand experience with healthcare data and organizational systems that they will study in greater depth during graduate-level coursework.

MHA programs generally include courses such as:

• Healthcare Finance – covering budgeting, financial reporting, and reimbursement models.
• Health Policy and Law – focusing on regulatory compliance, policy development, and healthcare ethics.
• Healthcare Operations and Management – addressing workforce leadership, organizational strategy, and operational efficiency.
• Data Analytics and Informatics – teaching methods for interpreting healthcare data to drive decisions.
• Quality Improvement and Patient Safety – emphasizing systems that reduce errors and improve patient outcomes.

How do you evaluate MHA program quality beyond rankings?

While rankings can provide a starting point, students should evaluate health administration degree programs using a more comprehensive set of criteria. Accreditation is essential, particularly from organizations such as the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME), which ensures that programs meet industry standards.

Another factor is graduate outcomes. Employment rates, alumni success stories, and fellowship placements can offer valuable insight into how well a program prepares students for leadership roles. Faculty expertise also plays a key role—programs led by professors with real-world healthcare management experience provide students with practical perspectives alongside academic instruction.

Networking opportunities, internship access, and partnerships with local healthcare organizations are additional considerations that can influence long-term career success. Ultimately, evaluating MHA programs beyond rankings ensures that students select a degree aligned with both their academic needs and professional goals.

How much does an MHA cost in 2025?

The cost of earning a health administration degree varies significantly depending on institution type and residency status. According to Data USA, median tuition rates for graduate programs show that public in-state tuition averages around $7,330 per year, while private out-of-state tuition averages about $33,080 annually. This gap highlights the importance of comparing costs carefully when choosing between public and private institutions.

Beyond tuition, students should consider additional expenses such as textbooks, technology fees, and potential travel for residencies or internships. Financial aid, scholarships, and employer tuition reimbursement programs can reduce the overall cost of the degree.

For many students, pursuing an MHA is the next step after completing a bachelor’s in a related field. Exploring health science bachelor degree jobs can give prospective students a sense of the entry-level opportunities available before graduate school, such as roles in healthcare administration support, public health coordination, or medical office management. Understanding these options makes it easier to see how an MHA can significantly expand earning potential and leadership opportunities.

While the investment is considerable, the strong salary outcomes and job growth associated with MHA careers often provide a favorable return on investment over time. Comparing program cost against potential earnings helps prospective students make informed decisions.

Is a health administration degree good for career changers coming from business, IT, or clinical roles?

A health administration degree is often a strong option for professionals transitioning from other industries into healthcare leadership. Individuals with backgrounds in business or finance may already have skills in budgeting, operations, or strategic planning, which can be directly applied to healthcare organizations. For IT professionals, the growing importance of health informatics and data-driven decision-making creates opportunities to leverage technical expertise in administrative settings.

Clinicians—including nurses, therapists, and physicians—can also benefit from pursuing an MHA. With prior experience in patient care, these professionals gain credibility when stepping into leadership positions and can better align administrative decisions with clinical realities. The degree equips them with essential knowledge in healthcare policy, finance, and compliance, bridging the gap between clinical practice and organizational management.

For those exploring advanced leadership routes, it’s also worth considering what can you do with a dual MSN MBA degree, since this combination blends clinical expertise with business acumen, preparing graduates for executive roles in hospitals, healthcare systems, and even entrepreneurial ventures.

For all career changers, the MHA provides a structured path into healthcare administration, offering both the academic preparation and professional network needed to succeed in a competitive and evolving field.

Here’s What Graduates Have to Say About Their MHA

Other Things You Should Know About What You Can Do With an MHA

Is an MHA better than an MBA for healthcare management?

An MHA focuses specifically on healthcare operations, policy, and administration, while an MBA provides broader business training that applies to multiple industries. For students aiming to advance in hospitals, clinics, or health systems, the MHA is often the more direct path since it emphasizes healthcare-specific leadership.

An MBA may be more useful for those considering consulting, finance, or roles that bridge industries. Both degrees can lead to executive positions, but the MHA is often preferred in organizations seeking leaders with healthcare-centered expertise. The choice depends on your career goals and the sector in which you want to work.

Can you work while completing an MHA?

Yes, many students continue working while completing their master’s in health administration degree. Programs are often designed with flexibility in mind, offering part-time, evening, weekend, or online formats to accommodate professional schedules. Some even provide hybrid or accelerated pathways to fit career timelines.

Balancing work and study requires strong time management, but it allows students to apply classroom lessons directly to their current roles. This practical experience can also make graduates more competitive once they finish the degree.

Do you need healthcare experience before starting an MHA?

Not all MHA programs require prior healthcare experience, though it can strengthen an application and help with coursework. Students from business, IT, or public policy backgrounds often pursue the degree to transition into healthcare administration. Programs typically provide foundational classes in health systems, policy, and services for those who are new to the field.

Healthcare experience may be more important for executive or fellowship-track programs that expect applicants to have professional context. Either way, the degree is designed to prepare students for leadership regardless of starting background.

How do MHA graduates stay competitive in a changing healthcare system?

Graduates often stay competitive by pursuing ongoing certifications, such as Lean Six Sigma, healthcare compliance credentials, or executive education programs. Networking through professional associations like the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) also helps them stay connected to industry trends.

Many continue to expand their skill set in analytics, digital health, and population health management as these areas grow in importance. Some pursue a second advanced degree, such as a Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) or a healthcare-focused MBA, to strengthen their leadership potential. Continuous learning and adaptability are key to long-term success in the evolving healthcare landscape.