Looking for classes in a specific city? Check out our lists of Healthcare Administration Programs in Fayetteville, Fort Smith, Jonesboro, Little Rock, and Springdale.
Looking for top-notch Healthcare Administration Programs in Arkansas?
You’re in the right place. This guide highlights the best programs that can elevate your career in healthcare management.
Discover how these programs offer flexibility, quality education, and hands-on experience to meet your professional goals.
Here are the leading options you should consider.
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences – Master of Health Administration
The Master of Health Administration (MHA) at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) is an esteemed, CAHME-accredited program with over 40 years of tradition. Its flexible, fully online format is ideal for working professionals.
Key features of this program include:
- Program Design: 51 credit hours that can be achieved in as little as 21 months.
- Experiential Learning: Provides hands-on experience through a summer residency or a management project.
- Class Timing: Synchronous evening classes to suit working professionals.
- Affordability: UAMS employees receive a 50% tuition discount from fall 2021 onwards.
- Values: Emphasis on ethics, integrity, and lifelong learning.
- Success Metrics: High job placement rates within 90 days post-graduation and strong completion rates.
Graduates of this program are well-prepared for leadership roles in diverse healthcare settings, thanks to a strong curriculum and practical learning experiences.
University of Arkansas – Healthcare Executive MBA
The Healthcare Executive MBA at the University of Arkansas integrates cross-industry best practices with healthcare administration insights. The program collaborates with the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) to deliver a robust educational experience.
This program stands out for its:
- Flexible Learning: Primarily online with once-a-month on-campus interactions.
- Duration: Completion possible in about two years, covering 44 credit hours.
- Cost: $596.80 per credit hour for tuition, plus additional fees.
- Admissions: Offers a GMAT/GRE waiver for eligible students.
- Professional Growth: Strong networking and professional development opportunities leveraging the university’s corporate connections.
By blending healthcare administration with business acumen, this program effectively prepares physicians and clinicians for leadership roles.
University of Arkansas-Fort Smith – Master of Science in Healthcare Administration
The Master of Science in Healthcare Administration at the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith is designed for those aspiring to become leaders in healthcare. This online program focuses on essential healthcare systems, leadership, and management principles.
Highlights of this program include:
- Curriculum: Comprehensive coverage of healthcare systems, policy shaping, and administration.
- Leadership Focus: Emphasis on transformational leadership, ethics, and professionalism.
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission and AUPHA accredited.
- Flexibility: Fully online format catering to working professionals.
Graduates are well-prepared for roles in various healthcare settings, contributing to community health outcomes through effective leadership.
University of Central Arkansas – Healthcare Administration MBA
The MBA in Healthcare Administration at the University of Central Arkansas merges core MBA courses with specialized healthcare administration electives, offering a balanced and thorough educational experience.
Key components of this program include:
- Core Courses: Financial Decision Making, Marketing Strategy, and Organizational Behavior.
- Electives: Specialized healthcare administration courses like Nutritional Services Administration and Health Promotion Interventions.
- Career Focus: Prepares for high-level roles such as hospital administrators and policy analysts.
- Additional Certification: Opportunity to earn a Graduate Certificate in Data Analytics, enhancing the degree’s value.
This program is ideal for those seeking a comprehensive business education with a focus on healthcare management.
Arkansas State University – MBA in Healthcare Administration
The MBA in Healthcare Administration at Arkansas State University is designed for working professionals, offering a flexible online learning environment.
Program highlights include:
- Accreditation: AACSB-accredited program.
- Curriculum: Covers comprehensive business and healthcare topics, including health service delivery models, financial management, and quality improvement.
- Duration: Can be completed in as few as 12 months.
- Tuition: Total cost is $16,962.
This program bridges the gap between healthcare and business administration, preparing students for diverse roles in the healthcare sector.
Southern Arkansas University – Healthcare Administration Degree Program
The Healthcare Administration degree program at Southern Arkansas University is designed to innovate students into effective leaders in healthcare facilities.
Key Features:
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Includes a blend of business courses along with healthcare-specific classes such as patient care, healthcare informatics, and human resource management.
- Practical Experience: Offers internships or capstone projects for hands-on experience.
- Accreditation: The program is accredited by the AACSB through the Rankin College of Business.
- Skill Development: Focuses on problem-solving, effective communication, and decision-making abilities, essential for both clinical and administrative settings.
Graduates leave well-prepared with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills to excel in diverse healthcare environments.
University of Arkansas Grantham – Master of Healthcare Administration
The Master of Healthcare Administration at the University of Arkansas Grantham is an online program offering exceptional flexibility.
Program Highlights:
- Flexibility: Allows for monthly start dates and transferring of up to 50% of credits.
- Accreditation: Accredited by the DEAC.
- Curriculum: Covers finance, human resources, legal and ethical challenges, and information systems technology in healthcare.
- Accessibility: Suitable for both experienced healthcare professionals and newcomers.
This program fosters essential leadership skills, enabling graduates to manage healthcare facilities effectively and is ideal for those who need a flexible learning schedule.
Arkansas State University Three Rivers – Associate of Applied Science in Healthcare Administration and Medical Coding
The Associate of Applied Science in Healthcare Administration and Medical Coding at Arkansas State University Three Rivers offers an excellent blend of administration principles with specific training in coding and billing.
Program Analysis:
- Curriculum: Includes essential courses in medical terminology, ethics, healthcare law, and health information technology.
- Certification Prep: Prepares students for certifications like CPC or CCS.
- Career Readiness: Equips students for immediate careers in various healthcare settings focused on coding and billing.
- Transfer Credits: Note that while credits may partially transfer to four-year institutions, be sure to confirm specific details with the university.
This program delivers industry-specific education that creates immediate employment opportunities in healthcare administration and medical coding.
John Brown University – MBA in Healthcare Administration
John Brown University’s MBA in Healthcare Administration offers a comprehensive education focusing on financial management and strategic healthcare processes.
Course Highlights:
- Program Length: A 36-45 credit hour program that can be completed in around two years.
- Financial Management: Emphasizes the financial dynamics of healthcare.
- Science and Technology: Covers subjects like healthcare market structure analysis, business intelligence, and decision sciences.
- Interactive Learning: Incorporates an interactive Zoom component for dynamic learning.
Graduates from this program are well-equipped to improve patient experience and take on leadership roles efficiently.
How to Choose the Right Healthcare Administration Program
Selecting the most suitable program for Healthcare Administration involves various critical factors. Here’s a guide to help you make an informed decision:
- Accreditation: Ensure the program is accredited by recognized agencies like CAHME or AACSB. Accreditation guarantees the quality and rigor of the curriculum.
- Curriculum Depth: Investigate the curriculum to ensure it covers essential areas such as healthcare policy, leadership, financial management, and ethics. A comprehensive curriculum prepares you for the complexities of healthcare management.
- Flexibility: Consider whether the program offers online, in-person, or hybrid options. Programs with flexible schedules like asynchronous classes are ideal for working professionals.
- Costs and Financial Aid: Evaluate the total cost of the program including tuition, fees, and other expenses. Explore financial aid options like scholarships, grants, and tuition discounts.
- Career Support Services: Look for programs that offer robust career support services, including job placement assistance, internships, and networking opportunities. The institution’s reputation and alumni network can significantly impact your job prospects.
- Program Length: Depending on your time commitment, select a program that aligns with your schedule. Some programs might be completable in 12 months, while others might take up to two years or longer.
- Faculty Expertise: Research the qualifications and backgrounds of faculty members. Experienced and knowledgeable faculty can enhance your learning experience and provide valuable industry insights.
- Success Metrics: Examine the program’s graduation rates, job placement rates, and student satisfaction to assess its success in equipping graduates for careers in healthcare administration.
By considering these factors, you can choose a program that aligns best with your professional goals and personal circumstances.
Healthcare Administration Programs By State
Final Thoughts on Healthcare Administration Programs in Arkansas
Choosing the right healthcare administration program depends on your career goals, current professional standing, and specific interests within healthcare.
Programs like those offered at Southern Arkansas University, University of Arkansas Grantham, and John Brown University provide varied opportunities for hands-on experience, flexible learning schedules, and specialized knowledge that will enhance your ability to lead in the evolving healthcare landscape.
Each program offers unique advantages, from strong accreditation to detailed curricula focused on developing skilled healthcare administrators.
Explore these programs to make informed decisions and take the next step in advancing your career in healthcare administration.