What to Look for in an MHA Program

by | Oct 16, 2020 | Education Feature

If a Master’s Program in Healthcare Administration is a pathway you’re considering, understandably you may be unsure as to where to apply. Below, you will find some quick and easy pointers on what to look for in the perfect MHA Program to ensure an optimal learning experience.

  1. Look for what fits your schedule

The keyword here should be ‘flexibility’. With many different MHA program options available, you can find one that will fit your schedule with the least disruption.

This point is especially important if you plan to work while attending graduate school. The chances are you want to keep your job (at least part-time) and might also have other commitments, like a family, for example.

While in the past, these things might have been huge challenges for students, they are less so when you choose to study through an online format. For example, complete the MHA coursework at your own pace when you enroll in the Boston College Online MHA program.

A fully online program allows you great flexibility in where you study, and when you do so. For example, you can study at any hour of the day or night and easily schedule your MHA around your existing commitments.

  1. Hone the skills employers seek

Another important thing to keep in mind is how well the Master’s Degree program aligns with what your future employer will expect of you. Ensure that you read through the course curriculum to determine what you will learn and what you can expect to emerge with skills-wise on graduating.

When choosing an MHA Program, it’s recommended that you look for one that is employer-aligned. This term means that not only will the program teach you the essentials in your chosen field, but it will also cultivate skills that employers look for in their potential employees. This alignment increases your chances of getting a job once the MHA Program is over.

  1. Consider your budget

Naturally, this next step in your career is one that will require a monetary investment. When looking for the ideal MHA Program, it makes sense that it will fit within your budget.

Being affordable means that you have the confidence that you will graduate from the program without a huge weight of educational loans on your shoulders to pay off. Plus, you can enter the workforce with the knowledge that you start saving money from the start.

  1. Never forget accreditation

Obviously, when choosing the right MHA Program for you, you want to make sure that the program you follow is accredited by the right institutions. By doing so, your time and effort going toward your future on an MHA degree will go toward your chosen career path.

One accreditation that your MHA Program should have is from the Commission on Accreditation Healthcare Management Education. Do your research before applying to the program that interests you.

  1. Lastly, consider where you’re going

All of the above details make great points to consider for any MHA Program, but at the end of the day, you also need to identify the field of study that appeals most to you. That is integral as the MHA might well shape the rest of your career. So, make sure you take the time to consider the differences between programs to get the one that best meets your career aspirations.