An online doctoral degree in healthcare administration may provide individuals with the skills needed to manage healthcare facilities and adapt to changes in healthcare policy. In this three to five-year program, students may learn how to represent medical facilities on governing boards, supervise assistant administrators, and manage the finances of a healthcare facility. Program coursework may include dissertation courses alongside major-specific core classes including healthcare administration, strategic planning and management, and financial analysis in healthcare systems.

Upon graduation, students may seek entry to upper-level employment in their chosen healthcare field. Doctoral-level graduates may find employment opportunities in community healthcare programs, elder care facilities, hospitals, government programs, and universities.

Program Overview

• Prerequisite: Bachelor’s Degree at minimum
• Program Length: Three to five years to complete
• Post-Grad Options: Employment
• Projected Employment Growth: 22% (2010-2020)*

Program Coursework

The curriculum for doctoral-level healthcare administration degree programs may integrate core coursework alongside select recommended healthcare administrative electives and dissertation preparation courses. These classes may teach students how to use financial information for strategic decision-making, manage healthcare information resources, and analyze statistical data in order to influence healthcare policy decisions. Core healthcare administration courses may include the following:

• Healthcare Strategic Planning and Management
• Law and Healthcare Administration
• Ethics and Decision Making in Healthcare
• Operations in Healthcare Systems
• Financial Analysis in Healthcare Systems
• Leading Organizational Change
• Health Policies Analysis and Strategy

Career Options

Those who successfully complete a doctoral degree program in healthcare administration may gain employment in hospitals, universities, residential care facilities, government health programs, and outpatient care centers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical and health services management employment opportunities are projected to increase by 22% from 2010-2020.*

Possible careers include:

• Chief Executive Officer
• Clinical Director
• Hospital Administrator
• University Professor
• Director of Nursing

*U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook