7 Best MHA Programs in Ohio – 2023
Written By: Editorial Staff @ NursingProcess.org
MHA programs in Ohio can open the door to many exciting opportunities in healthcare leadership. A Master’s in Health Administration degree is an excellent way to expand into leadership roles if you’re a nurse or clinician thinking of shifting into management. As an MHA graduate, your average salary will be $114,110 a year. Your employment opportunities will include positions in hospitals, medical systems, insurance companies, clinics, community organizations, and local and state government agencies. You can get started on a new career track today by reading the descriptions of the 7 best MHA programs in Ohio for 2023 posted below.
FOLLOWING ARE THE 7 BEST MHA PROGRAMS IN OHIO (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2023
(Based on our Ranking Methodology, we have ranked the 7 best campus-based and online MHA programs in Ohio.)
1. The Ohio State University - Columbus (Campus)
Program Details: This on-campus MHA program is a competency-based curriculum designed for mid-level executives. During the two years of the program, you will develop skills in key competencies of management, health systems & community, leadership & professionalism, and analytical skills. The coursework comprises a total of 60 credits, including 9 credits in foundation courses, 40.5 credits in the required core courses, and 10.5 credits in electives. The coursework strengthens your knowledge in four main areas of public health, health systems & policy, health care organization management, and in your chosen elective topic of interest.
Admission Requirements: To obtain admission into this MHA program in Ohio, you must apply to the school of public health. To qualify, you must have a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0. In addition, the college requires you to submit official transcripts, a personal goals statement, three letters of recommendation, and a resume.
Key Highlights
• OSU MHA school’s alumni network is one of the strongest in the nation. This large family of MHA graduates not only opens up doors to professional development and networking opportunities but as a member, you can also enjoy several other benefits and a chance to buy tickets for the Ohio State football is just one of them!• Out of all the MHA programs in Ohio, this program stands out for providing students with unique learning experiences outside the classroom. Here, as an MHA student, you will gain an understanding of patient care processes through hands-on experiences at the university’s medical center. Further, in the summer between the first and second year, you will complete a residency in a healthcare organization, where you will apply administrative skills to practice in a real-world setting.
2. Xavier University - Cincinnati
About the School: If you are looking at the best MHA programs in Ohio that offer value-based education, then your search may end with Xavier University’s healthcare administration program. As one of the oldest Catholic universities in the country, the school’s MHA training is grounded in Jesuit values of service and health equity.
Ever since it started offering its MHA education, the school has produced competent healthcare leaders who are striving to improve health at the local, national and global levels. Besides, its small-sized classes and strong alumni network help you in building meaningful connections with peers and graduates alike. In fact, with the college’s alumni working all across the globe, you will have a ready base for professional networking.
Program Details: Whether you are kickstarting your career in healthcare or are someone at the mid-level of your career, at Xavier’s, you will find an MHA program that is right for you. The college offers a traditional MHSA and an executive program.
The traditional program which is offered on-campus is a full-time program comprising a total of 66 credits, including 57 credits in didactic lectures and 9 credits in an administrative residency. During the 8 to 12 months of your administrative residency, you must also complete a master’s project.
On the other hand, the executive program, meant for working professionals is offered 100% online and on a part-time basis. The curriculum requires the completion of 42 credits over a duration of two years. The executive track includes a capstone project instead of a residency.
Regardless of the program you enter, you obtain proficiency in strategic management and marketing strategy for health care organizations and managerial concepts in health care organizations. In addition, you will master concepts in the economics of health management and understand capital acquisition in healthcare organizations. Besides, you will learn about the ethical issues in healthcare, revenue cycle management, and workforce strategies in healthcare.
Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission, regardless of the program you are applying to, you must foremost have a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Also, the college requires you to have completed courses in accounting economics, and statistics. In addition, applicants for the executive track require to have at least one year of work experience in healthcare.
Key Highlights
• This master of healthcare administration program in Ohio includes a unique paid 8–12-month administrative residency, where you will practice administrative skills in a healthcare organization and also get paid for it!• The college combines its MHA with a master's in business administration. With this dual coursework, you will earn two separate degrees, an MHA and an MBA. By completing an additional 33 credits of business courses, you will be able to accelerate your career to the topmost leadership level.
3. Ohio University - Athens (Online)
About the School: An MHA degree from one of the best MHA programs in Ohio not only helps you build an impressive resume but also equips you with the skills and knowledge to take the leap as a healthcare leader. Well, Ohio University offers an excellent MHA program with the flexibility of a 100% online coursework. Moreover, with five focus areas to choose from, you will not only build a solid base in healthcare administration but also obtain specialized skills either in healthcare leadership, business analytics, project management, aging studies, or quality improvement, depending on the specialization you choose.
Program Details: This MHA program in Ohio prepares you for a thriving healthcare career in as little as 12 months if you enroll full-time. Alternatively, if you prefer a slower pace, you can take part-time classes and still graduate within two years. The MHA program comes with five areas of focus, so you can choose a track based on your interests and career goals. Regardless of the track you choose, you require completing a total of 36 credits in MHA core courses, and specialization-specific courses.
The 27 credits of MHA core courses provide you with a solid foundation in healthcare administration by including topics such as leadership in health organizations, evaluation & quality improvement, healthcare finance, health law, human resources management, strategic planning & marketing in health services, and ethical issues in health care. Thereafter, you proceed to complete the nine credits of specialization-specific courses.
While the Healthcare Leadership track trains you for leadership, the Business Analytics specialization trains you in the processing and analyzing of healthcare data. On the other hand, if you are keen on gaining skills in the management and implementation of projects then the Project Management track is for you. The Aging Studies specialization is designed for students who desire to work with the aging population, whereas the Quality Improvement emphasizes improving healthcare delivery and the principles of Lean and Six Sigma methodologies.
Admission Requirements: To know if you fit the bill for admission, you must foremost have an accredited bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0. In addition, professional work experience in healthcare is highly desirable. Also, you must be prepared to submit one letter of recommendation, a personal goals statement, and a current resume.
Key Highlights
• In addition to the specialization tracks, the college also offers a traditional MHA track. If you prefer the generic track, then after completing the 27 credit MHA core courses, you are required to complete six credits in courses including health information systems and epidemiology. In addition, you must take a three-credit elective, choosing a course from any of the five specializations.• This 100% online MHA program has no field requirements. In fact, most students work full-time, seamlessly juggling online classes with their work schedule. Also, if you are working, you will be able to immediately apply your theoretical knowledge to practice at your current workplace.
4. Bowling Green State University - Bowling Green (Hybrid)
Program Details: This MHA in Ohio requires completing a total of 37 credits, including core courses, and an elective course. Through this program, you will gain proficiency in managing health complexities, health services finance, health data analytics, human resources & leadership development, healthcare law & ethics, and quality management in health services delivery. Also, a course in supply chain management trains you in the planning and management of supplies in a healthcare organizational setup. Besides, an elective course of three credits allows you to gain skills in your chosen area of interest. In addition, this master of healthcare administration program in Ohio includes two experiential learning experiences in form of an internship and a capstone project. You will fulfill both these learning experiences in a real-world healthcare organizational setup.
Admission Requirements: To qualify for admission, you must have an accredited bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 2.75. Also, the college requires you to have completed courses in statistics, economics, and accounting. In addition, you are required to submit a GRE or GMAT score. Aside from this, you must submit your official or unofficial transcripts, two letters of recommendation, a personal goals statement, and a resume.
Key Highlights
• The GRE or GMAT requirement can be waived off for promising candidates who either have a GPA of above 3.0 or who hold a master’s degree or have five years of work experience in health care.• The college offers a graduate assistantship to full-time MHA students. However, this space is competitive and availability is limited. If you wish to become a graduate assistant, then you must contact the college’s MHA department.
• You will be prepared for healthcare leadership under the expert mentorship of its faculty, many of whom are CEOs, directors, and vice presidents of healthcare organizations.
5. Mercy College of Ohio - Toledo (Online)
Program Details: This MHA program in Ohio is a 36-credit coursework that spans six semesters. Because you are required to complete only one course at a time, taking only two courses each semester, you will be able to focus and grasp better. The curriculum trains you in healthcare leadership, communications, organizational culture, healthcare project management, and health policy law. You also learn about human resource management and financial management in a healthcare organization. Also, you will a deep understanding of ethics and spirituality in healthcare. Further, skills in healthcare operation management, informatics, and quality improvement prepare you to effectively lead and improve healthcare delivery.
Admission Requirements: To be eligible for admission into this MHA in Ohio you must have an accredited bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Also, you must submit your transcripts, a resume, and a personal goals statement.
Key Highlights
• The college allows the transfer of credits from your previous education. If you qualify, you will be able to save on time and some tuition dollars.• The college reports a promising placement rate, having its MHA graduates work at some renowned healthcare facilities, including the Henry Ford Health System, Duke University, Bon Secours Mercy Health, and University Hospitals of Cleveland, to name a few.
6. Franklin University - Columbus (Online)
The college aligns its MHA training with the evolving needs of the healthcare industry. Top emerging industry trends and topics are integrated into the curriculum to prepare students as global healthcare leaders. This is possible because the college employs an Advisory Board, which is made up of accomplished industry experts who engage with faculty to design high-quality, employable MHA curricula. Aside from this, the college provides students with ample networking opportunities within the healthcare community to allow a close understanding of the nuances of healthcare administration.
Program Details: Designed for working students, this MHA program comprises a total of 36 credits in core courses and electives. Unlike most other online MHA programs in Ohio that offer three-credit-worth courses, here, each course is worth four credits, which means you will earn the total credits sooner. Nonetheless, the core courses offer you a solid grounding in healthcare delivery systems, healthcare laws & ethics, health policy, global health, and healthcare operations management. You also master concepts in healthcare strategic management and health information governance. In addition, you must complete a four-credit elective, either in clinical workflow application, healthcare analytics, Lean Six Sigma, human resource management, government & non-profit administration, or managerial psychology.
Admission Requirements: To qualify for this MHA in Ohio, you must have an accredited undergraduate degree with a minimum GPA of 2.75. As such, there are no prerequisites required for this program. The college reviews applications holistically, taking into account the applicant’s academic performance, work experience, and overall personality. To enhance your chances of admission, you must ensure your application reflects the promise of your success in the MHA program.
Key Highlights
• If eligible, you can transfer up to four credits toward your MHA coursework. If allowed the transfer, you will take one graduate course less and complete the program even faster than 14 months.• The college not only offers an affordable tuition cost for its MHA program, but it also makes your education inflation-proof by locking the tuition rate from the start of the program until completion.
7. Otterbein University - Westerville (Hybrid)
Program Details: This MHA program in Ohio requires the completion of 30 credits. The program starts with 15-credit foundation courses in research design, allied health care administration, evidence-based practice, informatics, leadership & advocacy, and program planning & evaluation. In addition, you are required to complete 6 credits in ethical healthcare leadership and healthcare policy in the U.S. Also, you must complete 3 credits in an elective course.
Admission Requirements: The program only intakes selective candidates. To start with, you must have an accredited GPA of at least 3.0 in your undergraduate education. Also, the program requires you to have relevant work experience of at least one year. Additionally, you must be prepared to submit two letters of recommendation and a personal essay. Suppose your GPA is below 3.0, then you will be required to submit a GRE score.
Key Highlights
• The MHA program entails completing a practicum or a thesis, where based on your career goals you take either of the options and earn a total of six credits.• The college offers promising MHA students a number of scholarships. These are merit-based, so if you are a top candidate, you can win a scholarship not only for the first year but also for the second year of your MHA program.
• The college partners with several healthcare employees across the state. If you are working at any of the partner sites, you may be eligible for a scholarship and other additional benefits.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What are the Total Number of Accredited MHA programs in Ohio?
As per the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME), currently there are 2 accredited Master’s in Healthcare Administration programs in Ohio.| Total MHA Programs in Ohio |
| 2 |
MHA Programs in Other Cities & States