The On-Line MBA/MHA in Health Management: Some Metrics

Although a significant number of midcareer employees in the health field have graduated or are currently enrolled in an online MBA/MHA in health management, little is known about these programs that are now being offered by a significant number of investor-owned and traditional universities. A mail questionnaire was followed up by emails and numerous telephone calls to 15 institutions that are aggressively marketing such a graduate program. Results of the survey suggest that these universities are generally not forthcoming with data concerning how many students graduated their program or how many are now currently enrolled. Also, with the exception of CAHME-accredited programs, the universities surveyed were not anxious to release much information concerning the names and credentials of their teaching faculty. The limited information available suggests a broad range in the semester credit hours needed to complete the degree as well as how many credit hours are provided in health management. The total cost of obtaining the degree can vary from $13,600 to $78,000. In spite of not being quite forthcoming with what they considered proprietary information, these online programs could well be viewed by faculty and senior healthcare executives as a continuing education alternative particularly well-suited for those middle managers who, for family and for financial reasons, are unable to attend an on-campus program.