Earning an online MBA in healthcare management is a great option for those who:
- want to work in the healthcare field
- are currently working in the industry who have limited time
Instead of taking one or more classes on campus and trying to find classes that will work around your current schedule, you can take all the required courses during breaks from work and at home. Though the programs are fairly similar, the length of time it takes to complete one often depends on whether you enroll full or part time.
Full Time vs. Part Time
A full-time MBA student generally takes nine credit hours of classes each semester. This equates to three courses each semester. Some programs require students to take classes that are worth five credit units each and that they take two courses each semester. Part-time students can take just one class every semester. Full-time students can complete an online MBA with an emphasis in healthcare management in as little as one year. Part-time students usually spend two to three years in that same program. Colleges sometimes offer MBA programs that students can complete in 18 months.
Executive Programs
Executive programs are hybrid programs that include online and offline classes. Colleges design these programs for executives who already have work experience and currently work in positions that prohibit them from enrolling in a traditional program. Many offer weeknight classes that require students take classes on campus that last for several hours or more. Students will also take some classes online to complete their studies in both management and healthcare. These programs often last for 12 to 18 months.
Online Program Scams
Before signing up for an online MBA in healthcare management program, make sure that you know about some of the common scams found in online schools. The Department of Education cracked down on diploma mills because those schools offer few benefits. However, a handful of scam schools still operate today. These colleges often charge one low rate for the entire program, which provides you with all the textbooks and materials that you need and your tuition, too. Providing you with course credit for some of the work you did or requiring that you purchase textbooks printed by the school itself are some other signs of a scam school.
Choosing an Online Program
Online healthcare management programs are available from a number of colleges, but you may have a difficult time deciding which one to choose. Devon Haynie, a reporter for U.S. News & World Report, recommends that students enrolling in online MBA programs choose one that is more flexible and one that offers online students the same resources given to traditional students. Those resources may include access to a job or internship posting board or access to materials that go beyond what you learn in the classroom. A flexible program will let you take a semester or more off without losing track of your studies.
Healthcare management is a field of study that focuses on the daily operations and management of healthcare facilities like hospitals and clinics. Even if you have experience in the industry, going back to school is often a good option. You can usually complete an online MBA in healthcare management in two years or less as a full-time student.
See also: 20 Best Online MBA in Healthcare Management Degree Programs