7 Best MHA Programs in Tennessee – 2025


Written By: Editorial Staff @ NursingProcess.org

Are you interested in overseeing the administration of hospitals and other healthcare facilities throughout the Volunteer State? MHA programs in Tennessee will prepare you for leadership roles in the medical sector. Whether you focus on finances, facility operations, regulatory compliance, or staff training, the communication and analysis skills you learn in a graduate MHA program will help you support your employer’s mission to provide higher quality and more efficient patient care. In Tennessee, graduates of MHA programs earn $111,840 a year. Learn more about your options by reading this list of the 7 best MHA programs in Tennessee for 2025.



RECOMMENDED ONLINE MHA PROGRAMS

FOLLOWING ARE THE 7 BEST MHA PROGRAMS IN TENNESSEE (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2025

(Based on our Ranking Methodology, we have ranked the 7 best campus-based and online MHA programs in Tennessee.)


1. The University of Memphis - Memphis


Programs Offered: MHA (On-Campus) and EMHA (Online)

About the School: If graduating from one of the best MHA programs in Tennessee is high on your mind, then you are in the right place. The University of Memphis’ MHA program can be a great option to start with. Not only is the program offered by one of the high-ranking public health schools, but the MHA graduates it produces are top-notch and of excellent quality. What’s more, to help you achieve your academic and professional goals, the college offers two programs; an on-campus MHA and an online EMHA.

Program Details: The on-campus MHA is the traditional MHA program, meant for students at entry-level healthcare positions, whereas the EMHA track is designed for mid-level healthcare professionals who want to reach top management and leadership positions.

The traditional MHA program, offered on-campus can be completed within 21 months if taken full-time, or three years if enrolled part-time. Because most students enrolled in this program are busy completing their administrative residency at a healthcare organization, classes are held in the evenings, regardless of whether you enroll part-time or full-time. To graduate, you require completing a total of 53 credits.

On the other hand, the EMHA program, meant for working professionals offers the coursework through flexible online classes. To graduate, you’ll require completing a total of 53 credits.

Both the MHA programs provide a well-rounded education and strengthen your core in various healthcare topics of finance, economics, informatics, human resources, quality improvement, strategic planning, and leadership.

Admission Requirements: To qualify for admission into either of the two MHA programs, you must foremost have an accredited undergraduate degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Also, to fulfill the admission requirements, you must submit two letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, a resume, and preferably also a GRE score. To be eligible for the EMHA program, you must also have at least five years of healthcare experience.

Key Highlights

• Because the college actively engages in community service, you’ll find ample opportunities to learn while your serve. You’ll closely interact with community leaders and healthcare experts while building professional connections all the way. Also, these community partnerships can provide a ready opening to internships and graduate assistantships at prominent healthcare organizations.
• This MHA program in Tennessee is ranked among the best programs in the nation as per the U.S. News & World Report. This recognition is an indicator of an overall great learning experience, factoring, in both, the quality and affordability of the MHA program.
• The traditional track includes a unique team development retreat before the start of the program. During the retreat or ‘Day One’ program, as the college calls it, you learn about interviewing, resume building, professional networking, dressing & dining etiquette, and presentation skills.
• The college not only boasts of high-quality affordable education but also takes pride in almost all of its MHA graduates finding suitable placements soon after they leave the college.


2. Trevecca Nazarene University - Nashville (Online)


Concentrations: Crisis & Emergency Management, Data Analytics, Entrepreneurship & Innovation, Health Care Administration, Human Resources Management, Nonprofit Leadership & Management, and Project Management

About the School: Have you ever desired to complete your MHA education at a faith-based institution? If you are someone who believes that an MHA program grounded in Christian values can effectively prepare you for ethical healthcare leadership, then Trevecca Nazarene University may have what you’ve been looking for. A Christian university, this college prepares you through a holistic education that focuses on the overall development of its students.

Moreover, if you are seeking the flexibility of online education, then the college has been pioneering online education for more than two decades. As one of the best MHA programs in Tennessee, here not only will you develop a strong foundation in MHA concepts, but you’ll have an option of choosing an area of focus, depending on your interest and career goals.

Program Details: This MHA program offers specializations in five highly in-demand areas of focus. So, you can choose from Crisis & Emergency Management, Data Analytics, Entrepreneurship & Innovation, Health Care Administration, Human Resources Management, Nonprofit Leadership & Management, or Project Management. Regardless of the track you choose, you’ll be able to graduate in as little as 18 months.

The 36-credit coursework starts with core courses that train you in organizational behavior & change in healthcare, healthcare leadership & strategy, financial management & budgeting, and healthcare delivery solutions. The program also takes you through human resource management and health economics. Further, toward the end of the core coursework, you’ll complete an MHA field project.

Thereafter, you’ll continue with courses in your chosen area of focus. While the core courses comprise 27 credits, the specialty courses are worth a total of 9 credits. Regardless of the specialized track you choose, you’ll focus on leadership, service, and healthcare innovation.

Admission Requirements: To be able to apply, you must have an accredited bachelors with a minimum GPA of 2.75. Also, the college requires you to have completed college-level courses in Math and English with a minimum grade of C. The online application also requires you to submit your official transcripts.
As such, there is no requirement for a GRE or GMAT score. Also, you can apply to this MHA in Tennessee without any cost as the application is free!

Key Highlights

• The college offers several scholarship and funding opportunities. Here, almost every student entering the MHA program receives some sort of funding assistance.
• This is one of the few MHA programs in Tennessee that does not require you to complete an administrative residency. This means you’ll graduate sooner. Now, because there is no residency, you’ll apply the theoretical skills to practice at your healthcare workplace.
• This online MHA coursework allows you to take one course at a time so that you can focus better. Also, because the program follows a cohort model, you’ll enjoy regular interactions with your peers and other like-minded professionals, who are all working towards the same goals.
• This program is truly online, in the sense, you’ll never need to step on the campus, even for procuring study materials such as books, etc. as the college delivers them to your doorstep!


3. Austin Peay State University - Clarksville (Online)


About the School: If affordability is your number one criterion when shortlisting the best MHA programs in Tennessee, then you must certainly add Austin Peay State University’s MHA program to your list. Here, not only will you complete your MHA education with competitive tuition costs, but you will also be equipped with exceptional professional skills that are highly in demand. Driven by change, graduates of the program play pivotal roles in improving health outcomes not only for patients & providers but also for healthcare organizations.

Program Details: The college offers this MHA through full-time and part-time enrollment. While full-time students can graduate within 1.5 years, part-timers complete their education within two years. Regardless of the schedule, the coursework requires completing a total of 36 credits.

This MHA in Tennessee makes you proficient in the management of healthcare organizations & systems, law, policy & advocacy, conflict management, and data analytics. You’ll also learn about concepts in financial planning & accounting, economic policy, and strategic management. The program also trains you in human resource management, health informatics, and healthcare leadership.

Admission Requirements: To qualify for this MHA program, your bachelor’s degree must be from an accredited college or university. Also, your minimum GPA must not be below 2.75. In addition, the college requires you to submit a GRE score, which may be waived off, provided your undergraduate GPA is above 3.5. Further, the college requires you to submit your official transcripts along with other documents such as a statement of purpose, a resume, and letters of recommendation.

Key Highlights

• The cohort of this MHA program in Tennessee, takes in a maximum of 20 to 25 students, coming from all kinds of professional backgrounds and experiences. So, you could be closely working with a nurse with more than 15 years of experience or interacting with a new grad public health degree holder, anyhow, your experiences will be rich and your learnings will go beyond the classroom.
• The college’s location is advantageous, in the sense because the campus is close to the north of Nashville, you’ll find several healthcare facilities at a stone’s throw away. The buzzing healthcare environment boosts exciting opportunities in terms of internships and placements.
• In addition to didactic learning, this online program entails completing two on-campus residencies of three days each. During these integrated learning experiences that occur in the first and last semesters, you’ll enhance professional skills by applying your MHA theoretical knowledge to a healthcare organizational setting.


4. East Tennessee State University - Johnson City


Programs Offered: MHA (Executive & Standard) (On-Campus & Online)

About the School: Health administration is one of the fastest-growing healthcare careers not only in the ’Volunteer State’ but also across the nation. To prepare you for this promising field East Tennessee State University offers some of the well-known MHA programs in Tennessee. Whether you prefer on-campus classes or learning through the distance format, here you will find a suitable path not only with regards to delivery but also regarding a traditional and an executive MHA. Besides, the affordable tuition costs that it offers makes it a rather popular choice among MHA students.

Program Details: This MHA program in Tennessee is based on the four main cornerstones of finance, quality, population-based policy, and interprofessional collaboration. The coursework comprises 42 to 45 credits, depending on whether you enroll in the executive or the traditional track. While the traditional track is hybrid, the executive track is offered through a 100% online coursework.

The traditional track, meant for students without prior experience, requires you to complete an internship at a healthcare organization. Whereas, because the executive track is designed for working professionals, the internship course is waived.

The core courses common to both programs cover analytic methods in public health, and other important aspects of healthcare administration, including accounting & finance, leadership & management, informatics, and regulations & policies. The program also prepares you for strategic planning for healthcare, human resource management, healthcare law, and health policy.

Both programs end with a capstone project where you’ll synthesize your knowledge to design a strategic plan either for the host healthcare organization, in the case of the traditional track, or at the current workplace if enrolled in the executive program.

Admission Requirements: To gain admission into either of these two MHA programs in Tennessee, you must have an accredited undergraduate degree with a minimum GPA of 2.75. As such a GRE or GMAT score is not required, however, if your GPA is low then it is preferred that you submit your GRE or GMAT score to strengthen your application.

Key Highlights

• The college offers several benefits to service members, veterans, and their family members. If eligible, you’ll not only receive a tuition discount but also solid support at every step of your college life, starting from enrollment, right until you graduate.
• The college offers several merit-based and need-based scholarships. Ensure you contact the college’s financial aid office to know if you are eligible.


5. Lipscomb University - Nashville (Hybrid)


About the School: Lipscomb University is a Christian university that offers high-quality, faith-based MHA training. If you are keen on enrolling in one of the reputed masters of healthcare administration programs in Tennessee, then applying to this college makes sense as here, the curriculum is well-designed, and faith is integrated into every aspect of your MHA training.

Besides, the small-sized classes offer an intimate learning experience wherein you can build meaningful connections with your peers and faculty. Aside from this, being located in Nashville, where more than 900 healthcare companies operate, you will be able to explore plenty of internship and employment opportunities.

Program Details: This MHA program in Tennessee is offered in a hybrid format and takes two years to complete. Classes are mainly offered online, with in-person sessions over a weekend every month. The 46-credit curriculum is rigorous and entails completing integrated learning experiences, meaning you’ll immediately apply your theoretical knowledge to real-world situations.

The program prepares you in health services management, human resources management, health policy, and healthcare & analytics. In addition, you’ll master strategic finance, strategic marketing, healthcare law & ethics, population health, and healthcare quality improvement. Upon graduation, you’ll be able to explore varied professional roles such as that of a health service manager, administrative service manager, and sales manager, to name a few.

Admission Requirements: The college is highly selective in its admission process, taking in only high-performing candidates who demonstrate the promise of becoming successful business leaders. To qualify for admission, you must have up to six years of professional experience. In addition, you must have an accredited undergraduate degree. Also, you must be prepared to submit your resume, transcripts, and two professional recommendations.

Key Highlights

• Out of all the master of healthcare administration programs in Tennessee, this program stands out for providing students with a global perspective in healthcare administration. The curriculum not only includes a course in Global Health Care but also includes a business trip to another country. You’ll gain an understanding of innovations and technologies used in other cultures and how you may be able to apply them to improve healthcare delivery in the U.S.
• The college offers students ample opportunities to build professional connections with healthcare leaders in the Nashville healthcare community. So, you’ll visit local healthcare organizations and closely understand the nuances of healthcare administration.
• In addition to networking outside the class, here you’ll be able to build connections with the in-residence faculty who comprise highly experienced business barons.


6. King University - Bristol (Online)


About the School: Among the sought-after online MHA programs in Tennessee is King University’s MHA program, and it's for a solid reason. Here, not only will be able to complete your education through flexible online classes, but you’ll be able to graduate without burning a hole in your pocket because of the competitive tuition costs. Besides, the easy credit transfer and year-round availability of courses, further add to the ease of pursuing a degree in healthcare administration.

Program Details: This MHA in Tennessee comes with multiple start dates, so you can begin your training when you are ready. Committed to your professional, personal and spiritual growth, the 30-credit program, takes one year to complete. Here, each course is 15 weeks long, allowing you to focus on one topic at a time.

The program educates you on the core competencies by including courses in the management of healthcare environments, human resources management, information systems & data analysis, and healthcare laws & ethics. Also, you’ll learn healthcare accounting & finance and quality improvement in healthcare. The program ends with a comprehensive assessment wherein, you’ll demonstrate your competence in the key areas of healthcare administration.

Admission Requirements: To qualify for this MHA program, you must have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0. In addition, you must submit your transcripts, two professional recommendations, and a personal statement.

Key Highlights

• This MHA school is military-friendly, offering students coming from a defense background a galore of benefits.
• Being a Presbyterian-affiliated university, Christian values are integrated into the curriculum, thereby preparing you for service-oriented healthcare leadership.
• Besides the affordable tuition costs, the college also offers several financial aid opportunities that you may be able to avail of, if you are eligible.


7. South College - Knoxville (Online)


About the School: South College’s MHA program is perfectly suited for working professionals who prefer to complete their education through asynchronous online classes. This high-quality MHA training is in tune with the evolving needs of the healthcare industry. Here, you will be trained under the mentorship of an expert faculty who have several years of experience in a healthcare leadership role.

Program Details: This master of healthcare administration program in Tennessee comprises 10 courses that can be completed within 12 months if enrolled full-time. On the other hand, the duration of the part-time schedule depends on the number of courses you take each quarter. The 45-credit coursework mainly emphasizes accounting, finance, marketing, economics, and management strategies in healthcare. Upon graduation, you’ll be well-versed in the knowledge of business, healthcare operations, analytical thinking, and interprofessional collaboration.

Admission Requirements: To be eligible for this master of healthcare administration program in Tennessee, you require a bachelor’s degree preferably in business. Also, your cumulative GPA must not be below 3.0. In addition, you must submit your resume, a personal goals statement and letters of recommendation to fulfill the other admission requirements.

Key Highlights

• To make your education affordable, the college offers several financial aid opportunities in terms of grants & awards, scholarships, loans, and military benefits.
• The program does not allow the transfer of credits from your previous education. So, you must complete the required 45 credits of coursework.


VIEW OUR RANKING METHODOLOGY


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS


What are the Total Number of Accredited MHA programs in Tennessee?

As per the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME), currently there are 1 accredited Master’s in Healthcare Administration programs in Tennessee.

Total MHA Programs
in Tennessee
1



MHA Programs in Other Cities & States