Bachelor's vs. Master's vs. Doctoral Degrees in Healthcare Administration

Healthcare administration is taught at three degree levels, and each one serves a different stage of a career. A bachelor's degree is a first degree for entry into the field. A master's degree is the main professional degree for management roles. A doctorate is for experienced leaders who want applied research skills, or for people who plan to do research and teach. This guide compares the three levels on purpose, admission, practical training and time, using what official sources and program catalogs say.

The short version

Details vary a lot by program, so use the table as a starting point, not a rule.

What the labor data says about education

The Bureau of Labor Statistics tracks the occupation most closely tied to these degrees, medical and health services managers. BLS says these managers "typically need a bachelor's degree to enter the occupation, although requirements may vary." It adds that "some employers hire candidates with an associate's degree; others prefer to hire those with a master's degree," and that "work experience sometimes may substitute for education." On advancement, BLS notes that "advancement to top level executive positions may require a master's degree."

BLS reports a median annual wage of $123,860 for medical and health services managers in May 2025. That is an occupation-wide figure covering all education levels. It is not an outcome for any degree level or program, and no degree guarantees a job or a salary.

Bachelor's degrees: building the foundation

A bachelor's degree in healthcare administration, health care management or a similar title introduces management, finance, policy and the structure of the U.S. health system. Many programs also require hands-on work in a health organization.

• Wichita State University's BS in Health Management requires a minimum of 120 credit hours. All students complete "an applied learning professional portfolio, and a 160-hour practicum in a healthcare organization."
• Idaho State University's BBA in Healthcare Administration includes an internship "accomplished by completing 180 hours in an approved healthcare organization."

At this level, the quality signal is AUPHA certification. AUPHA describes it as peer review "in which curricula, faculty, and educational outcomes are critically examined." It also says certification differs from accreditation in that "it does not require a site visit." Being an AUPHA member is not the same as being certified.

Some schools let strong undergraduates start graduate work early. In Wichita State's accelerated BS-to-MHA pathway, students "enroll in graduate coursework (up to 9 credit hours) while completing their undergraduate degree." Browse bachelor's programs for more examples.

Master's degrees: the main professional degree

The master's level is where most programs aimed at management careers sit, and where CAHME accreditation applies. CAHME's own view is that "the Masters degree is recognized as the essential first step toward an executive and managerial career in most healthcare organizations." That is the accreditor's view, not a hiring rule.

Master's programs split broadly into two groups:

• Early-career programs often run full time and include supervised practice. Johns Hopkins' MHA has "one year of full-time academic coursework followed by a full-time, 11-month compensated administrative residency." The University of Minnesota's MHA lists a program format of "60 credits, 21 months."
• Programs for working professionals, including executive formats, assume experience and fit around a job. Columbia's Executive Healthcare Management Program requires "a minimum of five years of professional experience."

Remember that the degree awarded matters. An MHA, an MS in Health Administration, a healthcare MBA and an MPH with a management concentration are different credentials. Explore master's programs or, if you need flexibility, online programs. Online coursework does not always mean no campus visits, so check attendance requirements.

Doctoral degrees: DHA or PhD

Doctoral programs in this field fall into two types.

Professional doctorate (DHA). The Doctor of Health Administration is built for experienced practitioners. Central Michigan University says its DHA is "designed to provide advanced academic, relevant, and professionally-oriented education." Its admission requirements include a master's degree and "at least three (3) years of responsible experience at the mid to senior level in health administration." The program totals 63 semester credits and ends in "an applied research dissertation and defense." A DHA is a professional doctorate, not a PhD.

Research doctorate (PhD). A PhD prepares you to produce original research, often for academic or research careers. UAB's PhD in Administration-Health Services "is designed as a full-time, residential program, and is typically completed in 3 to 6 years." Students "must pass comprehensive examinations in three areas" before submitting a dissertation proposal. UAB lists fellowships for full-time students that provide "a monthly stipend, tuition, and health insurance." These are awarded selectively, so funding is not guaranteed. Walden University's online PhD in Healthcare Administration lists "a master's degree or higher" among its admission considerations.

Compare options under doctoral programs, or read our DHA vs. PhD guide.

How to choose your level

• No degree yet, or an associate degree: a bachelor's program, ideally one with a required internship or practicum, builds the base. Ask whether the program is AUPHA-certified, and check that the certification is current.
• Bachelor's in hand, aiming for management: a master's program is the usual next step. Choose between early-career and working-professional formats based on your experience.
• Master's degree plus years of management experience: a DHA fits if you want applied research skills for practice. A PhD fits if you want a research or faculty career.

A degree in healthcare administration is not a clinical license at any level. Some roles are regulated separately: BLS notes that "all states require licensure for nursing home administrators," and requirements vary by state.