5 Best Online PhDs in Healthcare Management

Healthcare administration is an ever-evolving field, continuously changing and improving. A PhD in healthcare management opens the door for a lucrative career as a leader in the healthcare industry. With shifts in public policy, new care models, varying demographics, and advancements in research and patient care, the field is continually changing. This advanced degree can help you develop the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to become a pivotal leader in healthcare management. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, healthcare management will grow by 20% by 2026. This rapid growth means lots of open jobs—and lots of opportunity for you. What Is a PhD in Healthcare Management? Doctoral programs in healthcare management teach students how to be leaders in delivering excellent healthcare with an emphasis on research. Students will develop their skills in research, assessment, information technology management, healthcare and legal policies, and of course, leadership. Depending on the program you choose, the classes and curriculum may vary, but the basic classes will likely be the same across the board. Most healthcare management programs blend theory with research methodology, allowing students to conduct original research in their areas of interest. Examples of classes include Introduction to Health Policy, Communication in Healthcare Organizations, and Principles of Epidemiology. Near the end of the doctoral program, each student must successfully write and defend a dissertation. Requirements for healthcare management PhD programs vary, but you’ll typically need at least five years of work-related experience. Candidates must also have a master’s degree in health administration or a related field. Careers for Healthcare Management PhDs If you earn a PhD in healthcare management, your career options are plentiful and diverse. Here are some examples, but the field is large, so if you have something different in mind, you can probably pursue it. Medical and Health Service Executives Executives in healthcare take on responsibilities such as supervising staff, managing facility operations, and managing finances. Top administrators ensure that each department runs efficiently and adequately. Director of Clinical Operations Each registered hospital needs a director of clinical operations to ensure medical integrity. This role entails coordinating licensed doctors, managing budgets, hiring support staff, and providing quality patient care. Management Analysts Analysts typically work as part of an organization to offer professional counsel and guidance to a healthcare facility. They work alongside administrators to design and carry out business plans. Most people obtain bachelor’s and master’s degrees in healthcare management. Fewer people seek doctoral degrees, but those who do can expect to enjoy lucrative careers. Salary Potential for PhDs in Healthcare Management A PhD in healthcare management can deliver strong returns, with potential income averaging between $100,000 to well over $200,000 a year, depending on your job title and experience. According to Payscale, a senior director of operations makes an average of $168,000 per year. The average income for a hospital CEO is $200,140. A research director may earn slightly less. Salaries vary depending on your geographical location and job title, and of course, your qualifications. But you can aim even higher—the highest-paid CEOs at Regeneron Pharmaceuticals and CVS Health make $47.46 million and $22.86 million each. While those multi-million dollar salaries might be out of reach for most people, as the field grows, so should the potential salaries. And with one of the best online PhDs in healthcare management, you’ll be well positioned for a lucrative career. What Are the Best Online PhDs in Healthcare Management? We know that you have educational goals that you’re itching to pursue, but you may not know where to start. The editors of College Rank use a unique ranking methodology based on the following three aspects: 40% Potential salary after graduation: Average mid-career salary of school alumni 30% Institutional accreditation: Regional and national accreditation for the 2019-2020 school year 30% Overall degree affordability: Average cost of undergraduate and graduate tuition per school At College Rank, we strive to do our best to guide you and your family toward a fruitful academic career. The pursuit of knowledge is a noble one, and we want to help you reach your goals. Please feel free to visit our dedicated methodology page for a step-by-step breakdown. For questions, comments, badge downloads, or data corrections, please feel free to reach out to us at editor@collegerank.net. 1The University of North Carolina at Chapel HillLocationChapel Hill, North CarolinaAverage Net Price $11,100More Information Improving the intellectual landscape since 1789, The University of North Carolina is not only one of the three oldest universities in the United States, but it is the cornerstone of the 17 campuses in the UNC system. UNC Chapel Hill offers an Online Executive Doctoral Program in Health Leadership (DRHP) for working healthcare professionals who want to become leaders in the healthcare industry. It’s known as one of the best online PhDs in healthcare management. Currently, the Online Executive Doctoral Program includes 1,620 enrolled students. Women dominate the field, at 72% of the program’s students. Eleven percent of the current students are international. The program includes 45-51 credit hours, and it takes approximately three years to complete. To apply for the Doctoral Program in Health Leadership at UNC Chapel Hill, you will need a master’s or doctoral degree and at least five years of full-time managerial/supervisory experience in healthcare. In addition, American students will need either the GRE or GMAT test scores, while international applicants will need to complete the TOEFL/IELTS. All unofficial university transcripts are required, along with three letters of recommendation. Students may be located in the United States or overseas, but must travel to campus once in the fall, spring, and summer of each of the first two years of the program. The third year of the program is focused on your dissertation, so it can be completed exclusively online. The application deadline for admission to the program is January 14, 2020.