The evolution of the health care industry is fueling demand for an educated workforce, and a master’s in health care administration can give you the specialized knowledge and skills needed to pursue leadership roles.
In this article, we will explore what MHA stands for, the key components of a Master of Arts in Health Care Administration (MHA), and answer key questions such as “What is health care administration?” and “How long does it take to earn a master’s in health care administration?” We will also examine what you will learn in a typical MHA degree program, why education is essential, and the career opportunities it could open, as well as how to enhance your career in this field.
What Is a Master’s in Health Care Administration?
MHA stands for Master of Health Care Administration or Master of Arts in Health Care Administration. A master’s degree in health care administration is typically a two-year degree program that’s designed to prepare you for leadership roles within the health care sector. These roles require a skillset that can only come with an advanced degree, as health care leaders must rely on a deep knowledge of financial and accounting principles, information technology, and industry regulations and standards, alongside the ability to make strategic and ethical decisions while providing direction and guidance to teams of employees.
What Do You Learn in a Master’s in Health Care Administration
A master’s degree in health care administration strengthens your understanding of health care policy and regulations, as well as industry related tools and technologies, while giving you a foundation of leadership skills that could enhance your career. Here are five essential areas that a master’s degree program in health care administration will likely cover:
- Leadership and management skills: The degree may include courses in health care management and leadership, helping you develop the skills to lead teams, manage organizational behavior, and navigate complex issues within the health care sector.
- Legal and ethical decision-making: You'll learn to address legal and ethical challenges through courses that might cover public health ethics and issues in health care, preparing you to make informed decisions that align with regulatory standards.
- Health policy and strategic planning: The program may offer courses in health policy and management, keeping you informed about how current policies impact strategic planning and operational decisions.
- Information systems and business intelligence: You could gain expertise in managing health care technology through courses in health economics and managed care, focusing on how to leverage data and business intelligence tools to improve efficiency.
- Financial management and quality improvement: Courses in financial and managerial accounting may teach you to apply financial principles to health care finance, quality improvement, and risk management, ensuring sound operational decisions.
Why Education Matters in Health Care Administration
Like all leadership roles, your education will give you the expertise needed to navigate the complexities of the health care industry. With your master’s degree in health care administration, you will be prepared for management opportunities in the private and public sector, in roles that include:
- Medical and health services manager
- Mental health program manager
- Health information management director
According to job research database O*Net Online, the three job titles — and others including Health Information Manager and Health Care System Director — fall under the same umbrella. Most of them require a degree. Let’s examine the role of medical and health services manager, specifically, and what’s required:
Essential Tasks of Medical and Health Services Managers
- Staff management: As a leader in your department, office, or company, you will be responsible for directing, supervising, and evaluating the work of medical, nursing, technical, clerical, and other personnel.
- Program and service administration: Medical and health service managers must draw on their education in order to plan, implement, and oversee programs and services, including personnel administration and coordination of staff.
- Financial operations: A mastery of financial principles is essential for this role, as you may be responsible for budgeting, accounting, and financial reporting.
- Resource management: Medical and health service managers must monitor and manage the use of diagnostic services, inpatient beds, and facilities to ensure optimal resource utilization.
- Policy and procedure development: As a leader, you must be able to develop and implement organizational policies and procedures. Additionally, you will need to ensure effective communication of those policies between governing boards, medical staff, and department heads.
Skills Needed to Pursue a Medical and Health Services Manager Position
- Critical thinking: Medical and health services managers must be able to analyze and evaluate complex situations — often involving patients and their families — to develop effective solutions for operational challenges and strategic decisions.
- Problem solving and decision making: You must be able to identify complex problems, assess potential solutions, and make informed decisions to enhance organizational processes and patient care.
- Systems analysis and evaluation: Medical and health services managers are responsible for evaluating system performance and understanding how changes affect patient outcomes. They must also be able to adapt to new technologies and procedures in a constantly changing environment.
- Project management: You must be able to plan, execute, and oversee projects to ensure that initiatives are completed on time and within budget, while effectively managing team coordination and resource allocation.
- Time management: Efficient time management is crucial, as you must be able to balance multiple responsibilities and ensure the smooth operation of health care facilities.
- Communication skills: You must be able to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, to ensure an accurate understanding of your directions.
Can I Earn A Master’s Degree In Health Care Administration Online?
Yes, you can earn a Master of Arts in Health Care Administration online. Many programs offer flexible online options that allow you to complete your degree remotely while balancing your work and family commitments. A typical master’s degree program in health care administration typically consists of 36 credit hours, which usually takes about two years to complete.
Education Beyond Your Master’s Degree
In a sector that changes as quickly as health care, top leaders must be open to retraining and developing new skills in order to advance their careers. Relevant work experience in leadership within a health care facility is essential to your advancement. Experience in the aforementioned medical and health services manager roles will offer you opportunities to learn beyond your master’s degree program.
Certain health care positions may require state-issued licenses or certifications. Optional certifications from organizations like the American Health Information Management Association can also enhance your career prospects.
Summary: What Is a Master’s in Health Care Administration?
A Master of Arts in Health Care Administration could prepare you for leadership positions in health care by equipping you with crucial skills in financial management, information technology, and strategic decision-making. Throughout your program, you can expect to develop expertise in leadership, legal and ethical issues, health policy, and business intelligence, allowing you to effectively manage staff, oversee operations, and create impactful policies.
Your degree will prepare you for roles that could include medical and health services manager, mental health program manager, and health information management director, roles that will put you in the driver’s seat to make decisions that will impact patients and their families, as well your staff and the overall direction of an organization.
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Successful completion of the Master of Arts in Health Care Administration at the University of Arizona Global Campus by itself does not lead to licensure or certification in any state, regardless of concentration or specialization.