Best Online Associate in Healthcare Administration Programs

An online associate degree in healthcare administration is a smart way to start your career in healthcare as soon as possible.
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Updated on November 30, 2023
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  • An online associate degree in healthcare administration can be a great introduction to the field.
  • The degree can open the door to many interesting entry-level jobs that pay between $22K-$50K a year.
  • Grads can also transfer credits into advanced programs to level up their careers.

Are you someone who is interested in healthcare, great at organizing people, and a skilled communicator? Then you might love a career in healthcare administration.

Healthcare administrators work behind the scenes at hospitals and other healthcare settings to keep everything running smoothly. They manage new hires, the budget, client records, policies, procedures, and legal requirements. It's an important, in-demand, and well-paid career.

Earning your associate degree in healthcare administration is a great way to learn if this is the best path for you. Here's how to get started:

  • Explore this page to determine whether this path is the right choice for you.
  • Check out the top-ranked online associate in healthcare administration programs, as well as our sponsored programs.
  • Request more information from schools you're interested in to find the best fit for you.

What Can You Do With an Associate in Healthcare Administration Degree?

An associate in healthcare administration can qualify you for many entry-level positions in healthcare. But most people use this two-year program as a jumping-off point into a bachelor's degree, which prepares them for many higher-paid positions.

Featured Online Healthcare Administration Programs

Should You Get an Associate in Healthcare Administration Degree Online?

An online associate degree in healthcare administration is a great option for anyone looking to enter the workforce quickly and start building a career.

Benefits of an Associate in Healthcare Administration

  • Career Opportunities: The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that healthcare will be one of the fastest-growing fields over the next decade.
  • Low-Stakes Investment: An associate degree is a great way to become familiar with healthcare administration without needing to make a long or expensive commitment to school.
  • Transferable Skills and Education: Graduates can level up their careers by putting their associate degree toward a four-year program — or beyond.

Reasons to Get Your Associate in Healthcare Administration Degree Online

  • Flexibility: An online healthcare administration degree gives you the freedom to do school at your own pace, on your own time.
  • Affordability: Going to school online can save you a ton of money on tuition, fees, and commuting costs.
  • Convenience: There's no need to move closer to campus, find childcare, or take time off work. Online programs are engineered to fit into your life — not the other way around.

Is an Associate in Healthcare Administration Worth It?

Yes, it can certainly be worth it — especially if your goal is to gain access to entry-level positions in healthcare and start gaining valuable work experience.

Because an associate degree can save you a lot of time and cost (compared to a bachelor's degree), you're more likely to start your career with less debt. This means you might have more financial freedom to choose where you want to live and work.

And if you decide to level up your career in healthcare, pursuing an online bachelor's degree is one option. There are plenty of great online bachelor's programs available, and having your associate degree in healthcare administration can put you ahead of the game. Your employer may even pay for some of your tuition costs!

What Are the Best Online Associate in Healthcare Administration Programs?

Rankings compiled by the BestColleges Ranking Team

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#1 Best Online Associate in Healthcare Administration Programs

Herzing University

  • Atlanta, GA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

100% Online | Self-Paced Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $446
Out of State | $446

Credits to Graduate
60

Program Information
Program Accreditation | Higher Learning Commission

Herzing offers you a flexible educational experience that lets you work while in school. The degree in healthcare administration emphasizes U.S. healthcare systems, health policy, and conflict resolution. Graduates not entering the workforce may apply their degree toward Herzing's bachelor's in healthcare administration program.

Herzing uses rolling admissions, and you can start your education within weeks of acceptance. Application steps include completing a virtual advising session, submitting standardized test scores, and filling out the FAFSA.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$13,320
Out-of-state
$13,320
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,800
Out-of-state
$10,800
Retention Rate
43%
Acceptance Rate
92%
Students Enrolled
732
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
82% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission
#2 Best Online Associate in Healthcare Administration Programs

Concordia University-Wisconsin

  • Mequon, WI
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

100% Online | Self-Paced Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $559
Out of State | $559

Credits to Graduate
69

Program Information
Program Accreditation | Higher Learning Commission

Research CUW if you want a Christ-centered education. The healthcare administration degree requires coursework in the Bible alongside the core and general education curriculum. Graduation requirements include a healthcare practicum wherein you gain at least 60 hours of on-the-job experience. 

New classes begin every eight weeks. CUW requires official transcripts and considers undergraduate transfer credit if you earned a minimum 2.0 GPA or higher. You'll meet with an academic advisor before registering for classes.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$30,890
Out-of-state
$30,890
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$11,340
Out-of-state
$11,340
Retention Rate
81%
Acceptance Rate
71%
Students Enrolled
5,492
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
53% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission
#3 Best Online Associate in Healthcare Administration Programs

Manor College

  • Jenkintown, PA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

100% Online | Self-Paced Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $769
Out of State | $769

Credits to Graduate
61

Program Information
Program Accreditation | Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Manor helps you enter the healthcare administration field in just two years. The online healthcare administration degree trains you for a career with coursework in financial accounting, healthcare management foundations, and business communications. You'll also take classes in spiritual and ethical values.

Manor uses rolling admissions and requires a minimum 2.0 high school or undergraduate GPA. You can submit standardized test scores if you want to apply for institutional scholarships. Over 95% of students receive some type of financial assistance.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$17,430
Out-of-state
$17,430
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$9,600
Out-of-state
$9,600
Retention Rate
50%
Acceptance Rate
91%
Students Enrolled
834
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
97% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#4 Best Online Associate in Healthcare Administration Programs

Elizabethtown College

  • Elizabethtown, PA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

100% Online | Self-Paced Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $565
Out of State | $565 

Credits to Graduate
64

Program Information
Program Accreditation | Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs

Consider Elizabethtown College if you want to be a medical biller, claims specialist, or patient services representative. The healthcare administration degree trains you for these and other jobs with classes in healthcare ethics and marketing. You can customize your education by selecting two healthcare electives from five options.

You must hold a high school or GED diploma to apply. Other application materials include an essay and a current resume. Pennsylvania residents may qualify for a state grant.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$32,960
Out-of-state
$32,960
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$32,960
Out-of-state
$32,960
Retention Rate
89%
Acceptance Rate
86%
Students Enrolled
1,881
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
71% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

What Jobs Can You Get With an Associate in Healthcare Administration Degree?

With an associate degree in healthcare administration, you can pursue administrative and supportive roles within the healthcare industry. You can work as a medical assistant, medical secretary, and medical records technician. These jobs are usually in hospitals, physicians' offices, clinics, and other healthcare settings.

6 Jobs You Can Get With an Associate Degree in Healthcare Administration
Career Annual Salary Range
Patient Intake Clerk $22,000-$45,000
Patient Services Representative $28,000-$45,000
Medical Assistant $27,000-$46,000
Medical Records Technician $28,000-$47,000
Medical Secretary $28,000-$49,000
Medical Transcriptionist $26,000-$50,000
Source: Payscale

What Is the Average Salary for an Associate Degree in Healthcare Administration?

Medical assistant is a common career for graduates with an associate degree in healthcare administration. According to the BLS, these professionals make a median annual salary of $37,190 as of May 2021. However, salaries can depend on factors like experience, location, and employer.

Median Annual Wage for Medical Assistants

$37,190

Source: BLS

For example, medical secretaries made an average annual salary of $41,170 as of March 2023, according to Payscale. You can also choose to continue your education and pursue higher-level degrees. More education can prepare you for roles that pay more money.

How Much Does an Online Associate in Healthcare Administration Degree Cost?

An associate degree can be a more affordable way to get two years of college education under your belt. The average annual tuition and fees at a two-year public college were $3,501 in 2020-2021 (compared to nearly $10,000 at a four-year public school).

How Long Does It Take to Get an Online Associate Degree in Healthcare Administration?

An online associate degree in healthcare administration will take you two years of full-time enrollment to complete.

Required Course Credits

60*
*Varies depending on your school/program

Field Study Requirements

No

Everything Else You Need to Know About Associate in Healthcare Administration Degrees

What does a healthcare administrator do?

Healthcare administrators are responsible for steering healthcare organizations in the right direction. Some of their duties include:

  • Overseeing operations
  • Ensuring excellent delivery of healthcare
  • Managing resources, personnel, and finances
  • Staying on top of regulatory compliance

Can you work from home as a healthcare administrator?

Some of a healthcare administrator's responsibilities can be done from home — like strategic planning, paperwork, and budgeting. But this is mainly a hands-on, in-person job that requires administrators to be on site, so they can oversee operations and collaborate with healthcare providers.

Is healthcare administration a good career?

It's a great career for anyone who cares about delivering high-quality healthcare, is a natural leader, and can manage people and resources. Demand for healthcare professionals will likely continue to grow as our population ages and our healthcare industry becomes more complex and challenging to navigate. There are also tons of opportunities for advancement in the field that you can pursue.

BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

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