Are you interest in earning a Master’s in Health Administration? If you already hold a Bachelor’s degree in a related field, the next step that you must take to further your career is earning a graduate-level degree. There are plenty of different Master of Health Administration degree programs that are held both on-campus and online that you can choose from, but not all of these programs require the same time commitment. Knowing how much time you will need to commit to the application process and how much time must be committed to completing each course is extremely important. Here are some of the types of programs that you can choose from when you are pursuing a MHA:
The Traditional Master of Health Administration Program
The traditional Master of Health Administration degree program has existed for several decades, but the content covered during the program has changed dramatically. If you would like to enroll in a traditional graduate program, you will need to commit to attending class on campus as well as completing your projects and homework. The average MHA program has core curriculum that is designed to develop your decision-making skills at a high-level. The degree program will usually have at least a 60 credit requirement, which will include both core curriculum and electives. If you are enrolled in the program full-time, you can expect to spend 2 years completing the program. This timeline includes a break for summer and winter each year. Some traditional programs do offer students the opportunity to complete courses during break periods to reduce the timeline to about 18 months.
Accelerated Programs and Executive Programs for Working Professionals
If you are currently working in a healthcare setting and you cannot commit 36 to 40 hours to attending school each week for 2 years, you may want to consider alternative options. The accelerated MHA programs has become increasingly popular for students who want to earn their degree faster and who are intimidated by rigorous study plans. While each topic is covered at a faster pace, accelerated programs typically cover the same curriculum as a traditional program in a shorter period of time. The duration of an accelerated program can vary based on the institution, but typically these programs range between 12 and 18 months in length. If you are interested in taking the fast track, this may be the right option for you.
Another alternative to a traditional MHA program is an Executive program. An Executive MHA program is designed for working professionals who can only attend school at night or on the weekends. Some of these programs are available in a distance learning format, and others are held on-campus. Because you will be attending school on a part-time or rotating weekend basis, it typically takes longer to complete an EMHA program. You will need to dedicate about 3 to 4 years to earning this type of degree.
If you would like to pursue a higher-level executive position, earning your graduate degree is essential to start climbing the ladder. While a B.A will give you a start, committing time to expanding your knowledge on a deeper level is important. With demand in the field on the rise and employment projections showing growth of 16%, the need for an MHA degree has never been greater. Compare different program options, and take a step in the right direction.
