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  1. How Data Analytics Can Inform Compassionate Healthcare Leadership

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    Healthcare professionals can work in high-stress environments with a lot of responsibility. From managing emergency rooms to complying with new regulations, trying to respond to various pressures can sometimes come at the cost of patient well-being. Too often patients leave healthcare settings feeling dehumanized, like an item on a to-do list rather than a person treated with compassion.

    How Data Analytics Can Inform Compassionate Healthcare Leadership

    Given this reality, it is important for healthcare administrators to learn how to meet the demands of their profession while ensuring their organizations prioritize compassionate care. One potential way to balance these two priorities is to implement data analytics solutions. Data analysis can reveal trends in patient outcomes, helping providers identify which interventions are most effective and which may need adjustment. What’s more, by analyzing data, healthcare organizations can allocate resources more efficiently, ensuring that patients receive timely and appropriate care.

    In UCLA’s online Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) program, students learn how proper use of data analytics puts patients at the forefront of their organizations.

    Technical Skills for Healthcare Administrators

    No matter what program they choose, MHA students will learn a variety of technical skills that can and should serve as a foundation to help them better understand and serve their patients. These skills may include:
    • Statistical methods, including descriptive and inferential statistics, allow healthcare workers to analyze data, research outcomes and implement quality improvement initiatives.
    • Quality improvement techniques support healthcare administrators in identifying inefficiencies and implementing quality improvement initiatives in their organizations. Six Sigma, Lean and other methodologies popular in business offer great frameworks to follow.
    • Economic principles and financial management are unique in healthcare, and typical areas like cost analysis, budgeting and reimbursement models may have unique challenges.

    Will I Learn Data Analysis in an MHA Program?

    A Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) program can help individuals develop effective data analytics skills through a variety of course offerings, hands-on experiences and practical applications.

    Most programs offer specific courses focused on health informatics, data analytics and statistics, providing foundational knowledge and technical skills necessary for data analysis in healthcare settings. These courses often include hands-on projects where students analyze healthcare data sets, allowing them to apply analytical techniques to practical scenarios. Reviewing these cases helps students understand how data analytics informs decision-making, quality improvement, and strategic planning in healthcare organizations.

    MHA students may also learn to use industry-standard data analysis software like Excel, R, SAS or Tableau, gaining proficiency in tools that are widely used in healthcare.

    In a program that offers engagement or immersion opportunities, MHA students will enrich their understanding by learning alongside professionals from diverse backgrounds (such as IT, nursing and public health), allowing them to see how data analytics intersects with various healthcare domains.

    Interpersonal Skills for Healthcare Administrators

    Healthcare is multifaceted, integrating medical, psychological, social and technological elements, and leaders must navigate complex systems and problems while ensuring high-quality patient care. Too much focus on the technical aspects of the industry can cause administrators and providers to forget the interpersonal skills that make patients feel seen and cared for, such as communication, active listening, empathy and patience. Making sure that patients feel seen and respected leads to improved satisfaction and has a demonstrated effect on patient outcomes.

    Compassionate care is a holistic approach to healthcare that prioritizes empathy, understanding and emotional support for patients. It goes beyond just treating physical ailments; it involves recognizing and addressing the emotional, psychological and social needs of individuals.

    The Importance of Compassionate Care

    When patients feel respected by providers and administrators, they are more likely to adhere to treatment plans, attend follow-up appointments and maintain healthy lifestyles. Additionally, satisfied patients are more likely to recommend healthcare providers to others and return for future care. High patient satisfaction scores can also enhance an organization’s reputation, instill a sense of trustworthiness and attract new patients.

    Prioritizing compassion leads to a better work environment for healthcare staff as well. Happy patients contribute to a positive atmosphere, which can improve job satisfaction and reduce burnout among healthcare workers.

    How Can Data Analytics Support Compassionate Care?

    By analyzing patient data, healthcare providers can gain a deeper understanding of individual needs, preferences and histories, allowing for more personalized care plans that consider emotional and psychological factors. Some ways that healthcare organizations can use data analytics to improve patient outcomes and support compassionate care include:

    • Identify at-risk patients: Predictive models can identify patients who are at risk for certain conditions or adverse outcomes, enabling early interventions and tailored support that can address medical needs alongside emotional and social support.
    • Improve access to care: By analyzing trends and needs within a patient population, healthcare organizations can allocate resources more effectively, ensuring that support services — such as counseling or social work — are available to those who need them most.
    • Support mental health interventions: Regularly analyzing data related to mental health outcomes can help healthcare providers recognize worrisome patterns, leading to timely interventions and improved support for patients facing emotional challenges.

    Data analytics can also support organizational needs, such as identifying gaps in staff training related to compassionate care. With access to data, healthcare administrators can organize targeted continuing education initiatives that enhance empathetic communication and patient interaction skills among their service providers.

    By using data analytics to inform compassionate care practices, healthcare providers can foster a more empathetic, responsive and personalized approach to patient care, ultimately improving outcomes and patient satisfaction.

    Learning Data Analytics and Leadership Skills in an MHA

    In summary, a Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) program integrates hands-on experiences and practical applications to teach skills in health informatics, data analytics and effective leadership. This provides the foundational knowledge and technical skills necessary to deliver compassionate care.

    UCLA Fielding School of Public Health’s online Master of Healthcare Administration curriculum teaches students to improve patient outcomes and solidify their leadership abilities through an array of courses, including:

    • Data Analytics & Visualization: Students elevate analytical skills and learn to leverage data to drive strong leadership decisions within management functions, healthcare organizations and the healthcare industry at large.
    • Leadership & Ethics: Students examine leadership in healthcare and identify characteristics of successful leaders and opportunities to further develop their own leadership abilities.
    • Quality Improvement & Performance Excellence: Students explore quality improvement (QI) techniques and how to improve effectiveness through management and operations.
    • Capstone Project: Students design and conduct a project based on a health administration problem addressing the delivery, financing and evaluation of healthcare administration services.

    In addition, committed and dedicated healthcare professors center patient outcomes and experience in their teaching. For example, UCLA MHA Professor Kelly Watson served as a healthcare leader for over a decade, and her participation in leadership teams has contributed to the forward movement of several organizations by implementing strategic initiatives that have led to higher quality outcomes and enhanced access to care.

    “Interacting with my peers, faculty and alumni from the program thus far has really opened my eyes to the culture of openness and the nurturing behavior of the faculty. They really want you to grow, and they are willing to go out of their way to connect you with someone who is able to get you to where you want to be in the future.”

    Jamie Pham
    UCLA online Master of Healthcare Administration alumni

    By integrating these components, an MHA program equips students with the data analytics skills necessary to make informed decisions, drive improvements and lead effectively in the healthcare environment. At UCLA, this data-driven leadership also prioritizes patient outcomes, creating compassionate future healthcare leaders who will guide decisions with both data and empathy.

    About the Online Master of Healthcare Administration at the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health

    The online Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) from the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health can prepare you for leadership roles in healthcare organizations. The MHA curriculum builds multidisciplinary skills in areas such as analytics, budgeting and effective communication. This program explores the concepts and strategies that managers and executives apply to achieve improved health outcomes and more efficient operations.

    Courses in the MHA are taught by groundbreaking researchers and experienced professionals in both healthcare and management. Faculty members at the UCLA Fielding School participate in global efforts to improve the well-being of communities and lead research centers dedicated to pioneering work in public health. UCLA ranks No. 1 among public universities according to U.S. News & World Report.

    Request Brochure

    Fill out the fields to download a program brochure and request more information about the online Master of Healthcare Administration from the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health. You can also contact a enrollment specialist with your questions by calling (424) 443-7385.

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  2. What Can You Do With a Master’s Degree in Healthcare Administration (MHA)?

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    The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed and exacerbated many of the most persistent issues facing healthcare administrators. In a February 2021 survey conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General, hospital administrators reported pandemic-fueled worries about overstretched workforces and budgets. However, they also raised long-term issues like disparities in access to medical services, the technical demands of telehealth, a shortage of mental health services and staff turnover.

    What Can You Do with a Master's in Healthcare Administration (MHA)?

    Strategic decision making was already vital to healthcare organizations such as hospitals, biopharmaceutical firms and payer organizations, but connecting business savvy with medical services and products will be even more crucial as we move forward. The U.S. healthcare industry relies on administrative leaders who can navigate the system’s unique challenges and complex regulations, while balancing both efficiency and high-quality services.

    Building resilient operations that are equipped for normal operations and the next crisis requires professionals with specialized skills and knowledge. Healthcare administrators make a difference in communities by helping their organizations adopt new technology, comply with regulations and find insights in data. You can prepare to excel in these careers with a master’s degree in healthcare administration, blending creative problem solving with quantitative research and sector knowledge.

    What You Can Do With a Master’s in Healthcare Administration

    Healthcare is not only a human necessity, but also a massive industry. Federal data shows that healthcare spending represented 17.3% of the U.S. gross domestic product in 2022, a figure that is projected to increase to 19.7% in 2032. Healthcare management professionals use their expertise to help organizations meet their goals and change with the times in a high-stakes, constantly shifting healthcare landscape.

    Healthcare managers and executives contribute to a variety of workplaces, including:

    • Hospitals
    • Private medical practices
    • Physician group practices
    • Biopharmaceutical companies
    • Payer organizations
    • Government agencies
    • Outpatient care centers
    • Nursing and residential care facilities
    • Home care organizations
    • Mental health facilities
    • Rehabilitation centers

    In each setting, administrators handle a varied set of responsibilities such as management, leadership, compliance, operations and budgeting. For example, hospital administrators are often tasked with setting the budget and coordinating services between departments. Additionally, a manager in a private medical practice might focus on overseeing a billing system and maintaining a schedule for providers.

    While their day-to-day responsibilities differ, all professionals in this field need to understand the relationship between healthcare and business. Healthcare administrators must be capable of guiding their organizations to operate effectively and ethically.

    Job Outlook for Master’s in Healthcare Administration (MHA) Graduates

    The healthcare management field is growing quickly, creating new opportunities for careers with a master’s in healthcare administration. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projected a 28% increase in positions for medical and health services management professionals between 2022 and 2032, vastly outpacing the average growth rate of 3% for all occupations.

    This rapid expansion of roles for managers and executives is driven by factors like an aging population. With more people living longer, healthcare organizations must employ personnel to update operations, processes and facilities for the changing needs of older Americans. That transformation can involve more screenings and preventive services, coordinating care among providers and payers, new policies and developing the resources to treat individuals for multiple chronic conditions.

    Advances in health information technology are another reason for job growth, as state-of-the-art tools enable medical providers to share information securely across multiple systems. Data analytics and decision tools can reveal patterns in patient data and offer a window into organizational inefficiencies.

    For example, researchers at the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health used demographic information to identify the populations that were at greatest risk during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, University of California hospitals paved the way for better responses to future crises by providing a massive repository of anonymized patient data — including symptoms, medications and lab test results — to a centralized resource at the National Institutes of Health.

    The growing importance of data analytics for management decisions means that skills in gathering, analyzing and visualizing data are increasingly essential. Administrative professionals can help usher healthcare into the future by using the latest best practices to securely handle electronic records and identify statistical insights.

    Healthcare professionals looking at sticky notes on a glass wall

    Master’s in Healthcare Administration Salary Information

    According to the BLS, healthcare management professionals earned a median salary of $110,680 in 2023. The highest-paying employers in the field are government agencies and hospital systems.

    A review of healthcare administration job postings via Lightcast Labor Insight showed that employers most commonly request skills in business processes and analysis. Meanwhile, salary premiums are associated with capabilities in project management, quality management and acute care. To advance in this field, administrators need to be familiar with the diverse systems that make a healthcare organization work and lead teams toward their long-term objectives.

    Top Master’s in Healthcare Administration Jobs

    Earning a master’s degree in healthcare administration prepares you for roles focused on improving how organizations deliver results for patients and providers. These are some of the MHA career paths you can pursue with a multidisciplinary education that explores concepts in business, finance, marketing, data analytics and organizational behavior:

    Biopharmaceutical Manager

    Biopharmaceutical managers harness extensive resources, including the work of numerous researchers, physicians and engineers, to bring pharmaceuticals or medical devices to market. Leaders at biopharmaceutical firms are responsible for supervising the processes of development and testing. In addition to being skilled communicators and organizational thinkers, these professionals should possess a thorough understanding of relevant safety concerns and regulations, along with a thorough understanding of regulatory affairs and quality assurance.

    Clinical Director/Supervisor

    Clinical directors and supervisors are responsible for administering clinical departments within a healthcare organization, which may focus on a range of specialized areas like cardiology, dermatology, oncology or geriatric medicine. Supervising those departments calls for maintaining a budget, strategizing to provide services and patient care efficiently and striving toward long-term growth.

    Clinical Trials Manager

    Clinical trials managers oversee processes that are fundamental to developmenting new treatments, pharmaceuticals and medical products. The manager coordinates teams of researchers and ensures they follow all applicable protocols and regulations while running trials. These professionals combine a thorough understanding of medical research procedures with the business skills to organize personnel, track a budget and communicate with stakeholders. Key responsibilities include trial oversight, regulatory compliance, team coordination, budget management and stakeholder engagement.

    Data Analyst

    Data analysts can lead transformations in healthcare organizations by discovering strategic perspectives in data gathered from electronic health records, billing history, prescriptions, lab results and patient vitals. Data analytics insights guide efforts to streamline operations and improve patient outcomes. By synthesizing information from multiple sources, healthcare organizations can proactively address the needs of populations, reduce spending on unnecessary procedures and pursue well-informed business plans.

    Finance Manager

    Finance managers help an organization achieve sustainable growth by developing budgets, performing data analysis, reporting on performance and making investment decisions — such as deciding which research activities to prioritize and fund. In the healthcare industry, this role involves meeting intensive legal requirements and offers unique possibilities for supporting innovation. A well-calibrated financial strategy may be the key to enable groundbreaking research or implement new technology for data collection and evaluation.

    Healthcare Consultant

    Healthcare consultants are employed by organizations to provide recommendations on how to improve performance and increase efficiency. Reaching those goals requires careful research, which may include both analyzing data and directly interacting with workers or managers. A career in this field demands extensive familiarity with the healthcare system, an understanding of the behavioral dynamics within organizations and problem-solving skills.

    Healthcare Executive

    Senior healthcare executives coordinate the work of departments within an organization and set long-term strategy. These leaders apply their specialized knowledge and years of experience in areas such as patient care, information systems, human resources or finance and organizational management. Executives must be able to motivate their employees as well as discuss complicated ideas through written communication and presentations. Although executives are responsible for overseeing organizational strategy, they should also have the expertise to communicate one-on-one with health practitioners from a variety of backgrounds and help employees throughout their organizations reach their goals.

    Operations Manager

    Operations managers are employed in a wide range of businesses to set workplace policies and ensure that processes, like the production of pharmaceuticals or medical devices, run accordingly. Leaders in this role may be responsible for multiple locations, such as manufacturing facilities and warehouses. In the healthcare industry, it’s vital for these professionals to understand a unique set of regulations and quality requirements, as well as the needs of the workers they oversee.

    Quality and Safety Manager

    Quality and safety managers develop, implement and monitor programs intended to protect patients and minimize reporting errors. They lead efforts to provide a high level of service while maintaining the well-being of individuals and communities. These managers’ responsibilities can include tracking accidents within a facility, recommending corrective actions and training employees.

    Risk and Compliance Manager

    Risk and compliance managers draw on their knowledge of legal requirements to develop policies, provide training and investigate possible violations. Since healthcare organizations are obligated to guard the health and privacy of patients, they are subject to an enormously complicated array of federal and state regulations. A risk management program can go beyond enforcing legal compliance to address any areas of potential liability within an organization, from the use of technology for recordkeeping to clinical safety practices.

    Preparing to Lead in Healthcare

    Whether they work in a care facility, private firm, nonprofit or government agency, healthcare leaders discover endless opportunities to affect the lives of individuals and communities. In a healthcare administration master’s program, you can gain the advanced skills you need to succeed in one of these roles.

    Professional opportunities are abundant for strategic decision makers who have the specialized knowledge to operate within the U.S. healthcare system. The changes ahead will be driven by organizations that prepare for the future of the industry by capturing the value of data from multiple sources while promoting strict compliance with regulations and ethical guidelines, Earning an MHA will help you develop the educational background and hands-on experience you need to reach your objectives in a rapidly evolving healthcare administration field.

    About the Online Master of Healthcare Administration at the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health

    The online Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) from the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health can prepare you for leadership roles in healthcare organizations. The MHA curriculum builds multidisciplinary skills in areas such as analytics, budgeting and effective communication. This program explores the concepts and strategies that managers and executives apply to achieve improved health outcomes and more efficient operations.

    Courses in the MHA are taught by groundbreaking researchers and experienced professionals in both healthcare and management. Faculty members at the UCLA Fielding School participate in global efforts to improve the well-being of communities and lead research centers dedicated to pioneering work in public health. UCLA ranks No. 1 among public universities according to U.S. News & World Report.

    Request Brochure

    Fill out the fields to download a program brochure and request more information about the online Master of Healthcare Administration from the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health. You can also contact a enrollment specialist with your questions by calling (424) 443-7385.

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    * All Fields are Required. Your Privacy is Protected. Are you enrolling from outside the US? Click here.

  3. Comparing an MBA in Healthcare Management vs. a Master’s in Healthcare Administration

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    Healthcare administrators face numerous and multifaceted challenges. One immediate concern is that burnout among U.S. frontline healthcare workers reached 55 percent in 2021, and hospitals are so hindered by staffing shortages that they are hiring nurses internationally. In addition, leaders must simultaneously promote patient-centered care and equity by addressing other issues, such as maintaining patient privacy in an era of digital healthcare and ending the use of stigmatizing language in admission notes.

    MBA vs MHA

    Solutions to these challenges are similarly complex. While finding meaningful ways to improve job satisfaction, organizations must also prioritize incorporating technology to improve the patient experience. How leaders roll out these new tools and processes will be a key factor in accelerating digital adoption.

    This all points to a crucial fact: The strength of our healthcare systems relies on the administrative talent organizing change and supporting our frontline workers. It is clear that our healthcare administrators must be sharp, focused and readily prepared for the unique challenges of running an effective healthcare system.

    What does this mean for you, a prospective graduate student striving to excel in your career in healthcare administration? It means you need an education that gives you the skills to thrive in your leadership role.

    You may consider a few degree program options, such as a master of healthcare administration, a master of business administration with a focus on healthcare management, or a master of public health. In this article, we’ll dive into the MBA vs. MHA comparison to help you select the program that makes the most sense for your career aspirations.

    MBA in Healthcare Management vs. Master’s in Healthcare Administration: Curricula and Learning Outcomes

    A master’s in healthcare administration curriculum keeps focus on business concepts and management techniques specifically related to the healthcare sector. This engagement is evident throughout courses in topics like healthcare information technology, organizational behavior in health systems, and statistics for health management decision-making. In an MHA program, you can learn:

    • How U.S. healthcare systems are organized and financed
    • Strategies to market healthcare services and products
    • How to leverage healthcare systems data for actionable insights
    • Best practices to inform public health measures
    • Ethical and legal considerations involved in patient privacy, organizational funding, etc.

    Jamie Pham, an MHA student at the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, noted how crucial the specificity of MHA courses are to understanding the issues that healthcare administrators must handle:

    “The microeconomics of the health sector course with Dr. Ninez Ponce really opened my eyes to the healthcare market and the different provider payment schemes,” said Pham. “Choosing different payment methods can affect provider behavior, and different insurance plans affect consumer behavior.”

    Comparatively, an MBA in healthcare management curriculum is more generalized, supporting a wide range of business applications. While students learn about organizational operations and finance in healthcare practices, they also acquire more generalized business knowledge, exploring trends, methods and advances in areas like:

    • Strategic decision making
    • Risk management
    • Finance and accounting
    • Print and digital marketing
    • Accelerating growth
    • Entering new and emerging markets

    This broader education supports careers within and outside of the healthcare industry. Students with an MBA in healthcare management may find themselves well prepared for leadership roles in fields as wide-ranging as tech, finance and engineering.

    Interested in the differences between a Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA), a Master of Public Health (MPH) and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Healthcare Management? This comparison table provides an overview of each degree’s distinguishing features, including curriculum content, potential career outcomes, average salaries and more.

    Program Head To Head Infographic Thumbnail Image

    MBA in Healthcare Management vs. Master’s in Healthcare Administration: Industry Outlook and Careers

    Job openings for medical and health services managers are expected to grow at a faster-than-average rate of 32 percent between 2020 and 2030, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. In 2020, the average salary for these roles was $104,280. The BLS notes that common specializations for this position can be in healthcare and clinical fields, as well as in public health and social services, not only business administration.

    Per PayScale, the average salary for graduates with an MHA is $79,000. Careers with a master’s in healthcare administration include:

    • Data analyst
    • Healthcare consultant
    • Clinical director or supervisor
    • Biopharmaceutical manager
    • Clinical trials manager
    • Healthcare executive

    Writing in The Journal of Health Administration Education, UCLA professor and MHA faculty member Laura Erskine, Ph.D., discusses the findings of a survey of incoming graduate students in healthcare management programs. A majority of these students–several of whom also considered MBA programs–saw an MHA as providing the best pathway for their desired careers and similar job opportunities.

    MBA programs, including those in healthcare management, prepare students for a wide range of positions. Per the BLS, business and financial occupations are projected to grow at an average rate of 8 percent from 2020-30 and have a salary average of $72,250. There are a variety of MBA in healthcare management careers available, such as:

    • Project manager
    • Practice administrator
    • Director of operations
    • Senior financial analyst

    MBA in Healthcare Management vs. Master’s in Healthcare Administration: Program Requirements and Background

    MHA and MBA in healthcare management programs commonly have similar admissions requirements, which may include:

    • A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
    • A minimum GPA
    • GMAT or GRE scores
    • Two or three years of work experience
    • A professional resume
    • A personal statement
    • Letters of recommendation

    While student respondents to Dr. Erskine’s survey saw MBA programs as the more versatile option, they also viewed them as more demanding in terms of admissions. Business schools are notoriously expensive and competitive, and pandemic-related deferrals made these schools even more selective just as application numbers have surged.

    “Funnily enough, the person who truly convinced me to go for an MHA was the admissions rep from the UCLA Anderson School of Management,” said Fielding School student Monique Trinh. After asking if she wanted to stay in the healthcare field–“Which of course I did,” said Trinh–he advised her to enter the MHA program because of her established career in the healthcare field.

    “Pursuing this degree was the best decision for me,” said Trinh. “The classes have been a lot of work but beyond fascinating, and I love that they’re directly applicable to my role.”

    Is an MHA Right for Me?

    Either an MHA or an MBA in healthcare management education can provide a wealth of knowledge and skills applicable in healthcare leadership roles. Many students see an MHA as the right pathway tying their current experience to their dream role.

    “I’m constantly applying what I learn in class to my current job and in my roles on various equity, diversity and inclusion committees at UCLA,” said Trinh. “As I continue to grow and develop as a healthcare administrator and delve deeper into the MHA program, I know that I eventually want to end up in a leadership position.”

    A master’s in healthcare administration is a great option if you are passionate about improving healthcare outcomes from a non-clinical perspective. Whether your talents are administrative rather than science-based, or your personal experience with the healthcare system has inspired you to work for its improvement, an MHA can help you build your knowledge, skills and leadership abilities to bring positive change in this vital field.

    “The thing that excites me most about being an MHA student is the fact that every week I am learning new things about healthcare and gaining a larger perspective of our economy and the health disparities within our nation,” said Pham. “It really puts things into perspective.”

    About the Online Master of Healthcare Administration at the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health

    The online Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) from the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health can prepare you for leadership roles in healthcare organizations. The MHA curriculum builds multidisciplinary skills in areas such as analytics, budgeting and effective communication. This program explores the concepts and strategies that managers and executives apply to achieve improved health outcomes and more efficient operations.

    Courses in the MHA are taught by groundbreaking researchers and experienced professionals in both healthcare and management. MHA faculty members at the UCLA Fielding School participate in global efforts to improve the well-being of communities and lead research centers dedicated to pioneering work in public health. UCLA ranks No. 1 among public universities according to U.S. News & World Report.

    Request Brochure

    Fill out the fields to download a program brochure and request more information about the online Master of Healthcare Administration from the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health. You can also contact a enrollment specialist with your questions by calling (424) 443-7385.

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    UCLA has engaged AllCampus to help support your educational journey. AllCampus will contact you shortly in response to your request for information. About AllCampus. Privacy Policy. You may opt out of receiving communications at any time.

    * All Fields are Required. Your Privacy is Protected. Are you enrolling from outside the US? Click here.

  4. Master’s in Public Health vs. Master’s in Healthcare Administration

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    Healthcare providers do vital work every day, and they rely on the support of business-minded decision makers. Hospitals, federally-qualified health centers, and other healthcare organizations need compassionate leaders who think creatively about how to solve problems. Administrators are vital to ensure that healthcare organizations can function even in the face of unprecedented challenges, addressing issues like overcrowding, funding shortfalls, systemic inequities, staff turnover and a growing demand for telehealth appointments.

    MPH vs MHA

    UCLA Professor in Healthcare Management and Executive Director of Executive Programs in Health Policy and Management Leah Vriesman emphasized the opportunities for administrators to widen access to care and bring their expertise into a wide range of organizations. “It’s important that healthcare administrators understand community health and social determinants of health, and not only treat healthcare as a business,” she said.

    An advanced degree can provide valuable experience in research-based decision-making that drives improvements at all levels of an organization. Professionals may benefit from earning either a master’s in public health or a master’s in healthcare administration, but there are significant differences between these two pathways. In this article, we’ll discuss the curriculum in an MPH vs. MHA program and the careers you can pursue with each of these degrees.

    What Is a Master of Public Health (MPH)?

    An MPH readies graduates for roles focused on improving health throughout a community. Public health professionals strive to find equitable solutions to public health problems, studying how issues like violence, injuries and infectious disease impact different populations and how systems of care address these needs. These experts are often at the forefront of implementing policies and practices that help people lead safer, fuller lives in preventive, acute, and post-acute/chronic settings. Students typically complete an MPH in two years through a combination of coursework and experiential learning, such as internships or field training.

    What Is a Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA)?

    An MHA is an advanced degree for professionals interested in the practices of delivering and paying for care while using technological innovation to advance the industry. Through MHA coursework, students gain the interdisciplinary knowledge and hands-on experience to make data-driven improvements in their organizations. Graduates are prepared to incorporate new technologies into operations, manage staff, support patients and provide access to high-quality treatment for diverse populations.

    MHA graduates work in administrative roles at healthcare facilities, but this degree can also be applied in payer organizations, nonprofits, and device and biopharmaceutical companies. Experts in healthcare administration are equipped to manage complex processes like supply chain management efficiently or data-driven analytics while following all relevant regulations and policies. With an advanced understanding of data collection and skills, HIPAA compliance, and organizational problem solving, these professionals lead the way in an ever-changing healthcare landscape.

    Interested in the differences between a Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA), a Master of Public Health (MPH) and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Healthcare Management? This comparison table provides an overview of each degree’s distinguishing features, including curriculum content, potential career outcomes, average salaries and more.

    Program Head To Head Infographic Thumbnail Image

    Choosing the Right Healthcare Curriculum

    An MPH or an MHA provides graduates with integral theoretical and practical knowledge to advance in the healthcare industry. Both are professional degrees that require a bachelor’s degree for admission, and many programs also require work experience in healthcare, administration or a related field. Students can often complete either an MHA or MPH in two years, depending on factors such as their prior educational preparation, current schedule and long-term goals.

    A study led by UCLA Professor of Health Policy and Management Laura Erskine found that incoming students to healthcare administration and public health master’s programs indicated similar levels of interest in cost, networking opportunities and career options. When deciding where to apply, MHA students were somewhat more likely to look for a prestigious institution that’s earned broad name recognition and high rankings, but overall students were looking for many of the same things. Though the similarities between degrees make both appealing options for aspiring health professionals, there are nonetheless important distinctions in skills development and career outcomes.

    Master’s in Public Health Curriculum

    Usually housed in a school of public health, MPH programs encompass topics in the social contexts of communicable disease, mental health and health equity. Students examine the impact of race, gender, economic class and other factors on community wellness. An MPH curriculum develops data-gathering and analytical skills that can be applied across a wide spectrum of issues. Through classroom learning and practical experience, students learn to establish measures that improve health and limit risks.

    To obtain accreditation, the CEPH requires public health graduate programs to feature coursework in five areas:

    • Biostatistics
    • Environmental health
    • Epidemiology
    • Health administration and policy
    • Health behavior and promotion

    Programs may build on these fundamentals with courses in:

    • Diversity
    • Global health
    • Healthcare program evaluation
    • Public health law
    • Public health financing
    • Qualitative and quantitative analysis

    MPH students often complete a capstone or internship to gain firsthand experience in applying their knowledge to real-world problems. Some programs also require students to prepare for the job market by passing the Certified in Public Health (CPH) exam.

    Master’s in Healthcare Administration Curriculum

    In a Master of Healthcare Administration program, students focus more on the economics, legal, human resources, and strategic discipline of running healthcare organizations. Additionally, this curriculum includes how to strategically lead employees and thoroughly plan finances, comply with ethical and legal guidelines, and form strategic partnerships or networks with other organizations. Professionals develop plans to improve costs for providers and patients, increase the quality of care and expand access to treatment.

    MHA programs typically offer courses in:

    • Healthcare accounting
    • Ethics and law of healthcare
    • Healthcare financial management
    • Healthcare organizational behavior and leadership
    • Strategic business policy
    • Data analytics and visualization
    • Quality management
    • Healthcare marketing
    • Human resource management
    • Statistics for decision-making

    MHA programs may also offer dynamic team projects such as business plan development, e-health hackathons and national health reform advocacy to prepare graduates for management and leadership roles. As with an MPH, master’s programs in health administration often require a capstone so graduates gain marketable experience in addressing an administrative issue at a working organization with a research-based strategy.

    Healthcare Leadership Careers

    Master’s degrees in public health and healthcare administration prepare graduates for leadership roles in a variety of work environments. Professionals may find careers with a master’s in healthcare administration at medical practices, pharmaceutical companies or insurance organizations. Careers with a master’s in public health might involve working at a governmental or nonprofit organization or also at healthcare delivery sites. Here are some possible roles for experts in each of these fields:

    Master’s in Public Health Careers

    • Biostatistician: Biostatisticians derive data from biological sources to study public health issues like disease, substance abuse and mental disorders. Their work may include studying the efficacy of a drug or examining how a large-scale intervention can reduce the spread of a disease.
    • Epidemiologist: Universities and governmental organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and National Institutes of Health employ epidemiologists to study disease outbreaks and patterns of illness or injury. These professionals look at the sources of public health risks and make recommendations for preventative measures.
    • Occupational Health and Safety Specialist: These public health workers use their advanced knowledge of population health to ensure an organization’s employees work in a safe environment that promotes wellness.
    • Social and Community Services Manager: Nonprofits and governmental agencies often need individuals with a strong understanding of public health to administer critical services. In this managerial position, professionals oversee the distribution of resources and services to populations in need, such as homeless people and senior citizens.
    • Health Policy & Management Professionals: There is some overlap between healthcare administration and MPH programs that have a strong program in health policy and management. Graduates often have taken policy-intensive coursework in maternal and child nutrition, tobacco and cancer control, nutrition, and pharmaceutical economics that lead them into management organizations with programs in these areas.

    Master’s in Healthcare Administration Careers

    • Central Admissions Director: This role manages and leads inpatient and outpatient admissions at hospitals, nursing homes and other facilities. In addition to tracking patient admissions and discharges, directors may also make recommendations for increasing the quality and availability of care. Directors hire, train and supervise other admissions staff.
    • Chief Administrative Officer: In any type of healthcare organization, the CAO leads division operations, employees and clinical faculty to deliver healthcare services. This role could be in direct patient care such as a pediatric service line, or it could be nonclinical care such as supply chain management and inventory systems.
    • Health Benefits Administrator: These professionals help other employees register for and navigate health insurance policies, including selecting the proper level of coverage and filing claims. The administrator may also be responsible to select a provider and the levels of benefits available.
    • Hospital Chief Executive Officer (CEO): Like many other businesses, hospitals have CEOs to direct operations like marketing efforts, hiring practices, safety policies and community engagement. CEOs must be effective leaders and communicators who develop strategies that keep a hospital financially sound while providing outstanding patient care.
    • Informatics Manager: Informatics managers implement electronic medical record systems and train employees to use them. These administrators must understand the practice’s needs so they can optimize the system accordingly.
    • Pharmaceutical Executive: Leaders at pharmaceutical companies make key decisions that determine how drugs and medical devices are developed, tested, manufactured, shipped and used. An executive’s duties may include managing inventory, building relationships with physicians and overseeing marketing efforts.
    • Research Facility Administrator: Medications and other treatments are the result of painstaking research. These administrators work in academic or corporate laboratories, ensuring studies follow institutional and ethical guidelines. They manage budgets and keep facilities equipped with the resources necessary to meet their research goals.

    Further reading: What Can You Do With a Master’s Degree in Healthcare Administration (MHA)?

    Salary and Job Outlook

    The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that an aging population and expanded technology will lead to a rise in healthcare occupations through 2030. Medical and health services managers earn an average of $104,280 per year. The BLS projects that jobs in this field will grow by 32% between 2020 and 2030, much faster than the average of 8% for all occupations. Professionals with master’s degrees often have increased advancement opportunities, especially for top executive roles.

    Similarly, public health professionals can leverage a master’s degree for positions that promote community well-being. For instance, the BLS expects epidemiologist jobs to increase 30% from 2020 to 2030. Biostatisticians earn a median salary of $93,290 and may see job growth of 33% in the same 10-year period. A Lightcast analysis of positions for policy analysts showed that expertise in public health and safety was one of the most in-demand specialized skills, appearing in about 15% of job postings over 12 months from 2020 to 2021.

    Top Skills for Master’s in Healthcare Administration and Master’s in Public Health Jobs

    Any career in healthcare requires a mix of hard and soft skills. Technical abilities in working with and protecting data are valuable as more health processes go digital. Soft skills like organization and communication are also vital for ensuring an organization progresses toward its goals with employees collaborating productively.

    However, professionals in healthcare administration and public health often need distinct abilities to excel in their roles. Below is a breakdown of important skills needed for public health and healthcare administration professionals. Though the fields share a need for financial knowledge, administration generally requires more interpersonal, management-focused abilities. In contrast, public health workers often need more advanced skills in research, planning and other behind-the-scenes tasks that deal with broad populations rather than individuals.

    In-Demand Skills

    Public Health Healthcare Administration
    Budgeting Budgeting
    Disease Control Patient Care Delivery
    Epidemiology Scheduling & Information Technology Systems
    Public Health and Safety Human Resource Management
    Research Patient Quality & Process Improvement

    Source: Lightcast.

    The UCLA Fielding School of Public Health’s online Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) helps leaders build the specialized knowledge and leadership capabilities to guide organizations in an era of rapid change and complex challenges. Through coursework and faculty mentorship, MHA students learn principles of data analytics, organizational behavior, marketing, finance and business. The ongoing transformations in healthcare demand leaders with the skills to deliver innovation, drive efficiency, secure records and protect communities.

    About the Online Master of Healthcare Administration at UCLA

    The online Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) from the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health can prepare you for leadership roles in healthcare organizations. The MHA curriculum builds multidisciplinary skills in areas such as analytics, budgeting and effective communication. This program explores the concepts and strategies that managers and executives apply to achieve improved health outcomes and more efficient operations.

    Courses in the MHA are taught by groundbreaking researchers and experienced professionals in both healthcare and management. Faculty members at the UCLA Fielding School participate in global efforts to improve the well-being of communities and lead research centers dedicated to pioneering work in public health. UCLA ranks No. 1 among public universities according to U.S. News & World Report.

    Request Brochure

    Fill out the fields to download a program brochure and request more information about the online Master of Healthcare Administration from the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health. You can also contact a enrollment specialist with your questions by calling (424) 443-7385.

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