Top 20 Executive MBA in Healthcare Programs 2020 - Healthcare Management Degree Guide

The healthcare industry is rapidly changing and evolving. Highly skilled healthcare professionals with a strong understanding of business and management are in demand. For professionals with years of healthcare experience, earning an executive MBA in healthcare is a great option. These programs are designed for healthcare professionals with industry experience and are flexible to accommodate their busy schedules. Executive MBA healthcare programs are offered by leading universities around the country. They lhave flexible course offerings and limited residency requirements. Some are offered weekends or during the evening to accommodate working professionals. Courses usually cover a variety of areas related to healthcare administration including:

finance
communication
leadership
operations.

Featured Programs

This ranking highlights the top 20 executive MBA programs for healthcare professionals available in 2020.

Ranking Methodology

The goal of this ranking was to identify the top executive MBA programs offering a degree in the field of healthcare management. We used the National Center for Education Statistics to find the healthcare administration programs at the graduate level. We began our search for the best Executive MBA in healthcare programs by looking at programs that offer flexibility (online, evenings, or weekends) and hold industry accreditation (in addition to regional accreditation). We then applied our ranking criteria to come up with the top 20 Executive MBA programs in Healthcare.

Rating and Ranking Methodology

Student-to-Faculty ratio:

10:1 or less- 3 points
11:1 to 15:1- 2 points
16:1 and above- 1 point

Average Graduate Tuition Rate:

Less than $25,000- 5 points
$25,000 to $40,000- 3 points
Greater than $40,000- 1 point

“

Ranking the Top 20 Executive MBA Programs in Healthcare Management

20. Brandeis University

Waltham, Massachusetts

Executive MBA for Physicians

Website
Ratio: 10:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $51,940/year
Points: 4
The Heller School for Social Policy and Management at Brandeis University features a top executive MBA for physicians. This AACSB accredited program is designed for practicing MDs, DO, DMDs, and DDSs. Students can complete their MBA in just 16 months by taking courses in-person and online. The program uses a cohort format. New cohorts begin in January and complete their degree the following May. Courses include:

Management of Healthcare Organizations
Managerial Accounting
National Health Policy

Students stay engaged through:

webinars
case studies
simulation exercises
traditional classroom lectures

Residency sessions take place four times a year for 10 days.

19. Vanderbilt University

Nashville, Tennessee

Executive MBA Healthcare Professionals

Website
Ratio: 7:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $48,624/year
Points: 4
The top executive MBA in healthcare from Vanderbilt University provides healthcare professionals with the skills they need to lead and motivate others. During the first year of the program, students meet every other Saturday and take a core set of courses. During the second year, students can choose from two program tracks, the Executive Edge or Global Immersion. Students choosing the Executive Edge Track focus on strategic skills and advanced financial management. The Global Immersion Track prepares students to take on cross-border assignments as they advance in their career. Shared courses include:

Organizational Behavior
Operations Management
Business Ethics

Admission to the program is competitive and is limited to about 50 new students each August.

18. Yale University

New Haven, Connecticut

Executive Master of Business Administration-Healthcare

Website
Ratio: 6:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $43,300/year
Points: 4
Yale University’s top executive MBA in healthcare is a rigorous program with courses taught by experts in:

the School of Management
the School of Medicine
the School of Public Health

Sample courses include:

Population Health & Health Equity
Sustainable Innovation in Healthcare
Healthcare Economics

During the first year of the program, students gain an understanding of big ideas and trends in healthcare. Students participate in the Colloquium on Healthcare, a series of panel discussions and talks with leading healthcare professionals in hospitals, medical device and drug companies, and other industry leaders. During the second year students take business and management courses and complete their capstone course. Graduates have a strong understanding of the challenges facing healthcare and what it takes to be a leader in the field.

17. University of Miami

Coral Gables, Florida

Health Executive MBA

Website
Ratio: 12:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $37,800/year
Points: 5
The top executive healthcare MBA from the University of Miami was created for healthcare providers who want to become leaders in the field and transform lives. This 23 month program is flexible to accommodate busy schedules. Students come to campus one weekend per month and engage through an online learning platform between sessions. The rigorous curriculum is taught by world-renowned faculty who are committed to student success.

16. Baylor University

Waco, Texas

Baylor’s Executive MBA in Healthcare

Website
Ratio: 14:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $32,130/year
Points: 5
The Hankamer School of Business at Baylor University features an executive MBA in healthcare accredited by the AACSB. Class size is intentionally kept small and students move through the program as a cohort. Students meet on Monday evenings and include a family-style dinner that allows students to develop their network. Students participate in three program experiences that take them outside the classroom including:

a week residency in Waco, Texas
a public policy trip to Washington DC
a 10 day student selected international trip.

15. University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Executive MBA in Healthcare

Website
Ratio: 6:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $36,254/year
Points: 6
The Wharton EMBA in healthcare offered by the University of Pennsylvania was created for students with at least 10 years of full-time work experience in the field. Students in this 24 month EMBA program meets on-campus every other weekend. They also participate in extended sessions and a one-week Global Experience. Core courses include:

Management Communications
Responsibility in Global Management
Foundations of Teamwork and Leadership

EMBA students have access to a variety of services including career coaching, workshops and resources through the MBA Exec Career Coaching Services.

14. Cornell University

Ithaca, New York

Executive MBA/MS in Healthcare Leadership

Website
Ratio: 9:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $29,500/year
Points: 6
Cornell University offers a unique executive MBA/MS in Healthcare Leadership. This dual degree is offered in partnership with the Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences. It’s the only Ivy League program of its kind. Students will graduate with two degrees, an MBA and an MS in healthcare leadership. Classes are offered every other weekend with residential sessions throughout the program. Signature events include:

Luminaries in Healthcare Leadership
the Learning Table Series
the Healthcare Lightning Talks

Students learn about the latest trends and developments in healthcare leadership and complete their degree in 22 months. New students are admitted each July.

13. Arizona State University

Tempe, Arizona

Executive Master of Business Administration-Business of Health Care Concentration

Website
Ratio: 19:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $11,720/year in-state and $26,160/year out-of-state
Points: 6
The W.P. Carey Executive MBA business of healthcare concentration is a comprehensive program with hands-on learning experiences. Students will explore business strategy and public policy at the state and federal levels both in Arizona and in Washington DC. Students can also take advantage of an international practicum to learn how business gets done in other parts of the world. Courses include:

Health Care Informatics and Artificial Intelligence
Health Care Systems: Policies, Practices, and Outcomes
Health Care Supply Chain Issues

Students come from all sectors of health care, enabling them to better understand and learn how to improve every facet of the current healthcare system.

12. University of Tennessee

Knoxville, Tennessee

Executive MBA – Healthcare Leadership

Website
Ratio: 17:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $11,468/year in-state and $29,656/year out-of-state
Points: 6
The Haslam College of Business at the University of Tennessee offers a top healthcare executive MBA that can be completed in just one year. The program is delivered through distance learning with three nine-day residency periods held on campus and a one week residency in Washington DC to attend a Healthcare Policy and Economics seminar. Courses cover key areas like:

Strategic Planning
Measurement and Analysis
Workforce Environment

All students have a dedicated coach who helps them develop a structured plan with their professional goals in mind. Relevant coursework, strategic assignments, and a customized action plan provide students with immediate ROI.

11. University of California

Berkeley, California

MBA for Executives Program-Leadership in Healthcare

Website
Ratio: 20:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $11,442/year in-state and $26,544/year out-of-state
Points: 6
The Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley features a top executive MBA in healthcare that gives students the business knowledge and connections that will help them succeed as administrators, entrepreneurs and policy innovators. Core courses include:

Managerial Economics
Financial Accounting
Data Analysis for Management

The experiential learning component of this program is what makes UC Berkeley stand out from their competition. Students participate in five week-long immersions that enable them to connect with leaders and executives in the field who are making a positive impact in the health care industry.

10. Baruch College

New York, New York

Executive MBA in Healthcare Administration

Website
Ratio: 18:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $11,090/year in-state and $20,520/year out-of-state
Points: 6
The Zicklin School of Business at Baruch College offers a top executive MBA in healthcare administration. The program is designed to give students a world-class MBA experience with a strong focus on business and the major components of our healthcare system. This 30 month program features convenient evening courses every Tuesday and Thursday. Students move through the program as a cohort, gaining a comprehensive perspective of the field from a diverse student body. Healthcare specific courses include:

Legal Aspects of Healthcare Administration
Global Perspectives in Healthcare Assessment
Healthcare Accounting and Finance

An eight to 10 day international study tour gives students a global perspective of both business and healthcare.

9. Auburn University

Auburn, Alabama

Physicians Executive Master of Business Administration

Website
Ratio: 19:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $9,828/year in-state and $29,484/year out-of-state
Points: 6
The Raymond J. Harbert College of Business at Auburn University offers a 21 month executive healthcare MBA for physicians. This cohort program offers flexible delivery methods that include:

online lectures
five three-and-a-half day on-campus residencies
two travel study experiences

Online lectures are uploaded to an online learning platform for students to view at their convenience. Travel study experiences include a healthcare policy trip to Washington DC and a a comparative healthcare trip abroad. This AACSB accredited program includes unique features like a partnership with Southern Medical Association for CME credits and a paid membership in the American College of Healthcare Executives.

8. University of Arkansas

Fayetteville, Arkansas

Healthcare Executive MBA

Website
Ratio: 18:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $7,752/year in-state and $21,032/year out-of-state
Points: 6
The Sam M. Walton College of Business at Walton College at the University of Arkansas offers a top executive healthcare MBA program. It takes 26 months to complete. New students are admitted each summer. The program is designed for physicians and other clinicians who want to gain the knowledge and skills needed for management roles and career advancement. Courses include:

Economics of Management and Strategy
Corporate Financial Management
Quantitative Methods and Decision Making

Face-to-face sessions are conducted one Saturday a month and online content is available anywhere, anytime. This part-time program has plenty of flexibility built in to allow students to work around their professional and personal responsibilities.

7. University of Colorado Denver

Denver, Colorado

Executive MBA in Health Administration

Website
Ratio: 17:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $6,786/year in-state and $22,590/year out-of-state
Points: 6
The top healthcare executive MBA program from the University of Colorado Denver is the oldest CAHME accredited program in the region. This 24 month program accepts new students in January and July. The 100% health focused curriculum allows students to apply their classroom learning immediately in the workplace. Core courses include:

Managing Healthcare Outcomes
Ethics and Health Law
Supply chain management

The program is delivered in a hybrid format. Students come to campus one week twice a year with the remainder of the program available through Canvas. Healthcare executive MBA students benefit from a mentoring program and executive level support designed for working professionals.

6. University of North Carolina

Wilmington, North Carolina

Executive MBA with a Specialization in Healthcare Management Online

Website
Ratio: 19:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $5,850/year in-state and $14,328/year out-of-state
Points: 6
The top executive MBA in healthcare management from the University of North Carolina Wilmington is an online program offered in a collaborative environment. This high-engagement program can be completed in just 12 months. Required classes include:

Introduction to Healthcare Systems
Health Care Analytics
Strategic Management

On-campus residencies allow students to promote and develop soft skills needed for healthcare leaders. All students complete a one- week trip abroad to gain an understanding of how the business concepts they learned in the classroom apply on an international level.

5. The University of Texas at Tyler

Tyler, Texas

Executive MBA Healthcare Management Program

Website
Ratio: 19:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $5,472 in-state and $13,374/year out-of-state
Points: 6
The University of Texas at Tyler offers a top executive MBA in healthcare management accredited by the AACSB. The 36 credit hour accelerated program follows a cohort format. Students meet every other weekend throughout the semester to minimize conflict with work schedules. Courses include:

Strategic Leadership Processes
Business and Professional Ethics
Healthcare Information Technology and Informatics

All courses have a healthcare focus. Students can apply their knowledge and skills learned from the program immediately to their workplace.

4. University of Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Executive MBA in Healthcare

Website
Ratio: 14:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $23,530/year in-state and $39,898/year out-of-state
Points: 7
The Joseph M Katz Graduate School of Business at the University of Pittsburgh features a 19 month executive MBA in healthcare. This accelerated program is offered in a blended format with on-campus sessions meeting on Fridays and Saturdays. Students come from a variety of areas including:

insurance
bio-technology
pharmaceuticals

Courses include:

Statistical Analysis: Uncertainty, Prediction, and Quality Control
Healthcare Operations and Supply Chain Management
Leading People in Healthcare Organizations

Faculty are world-class experts that include faculty from Katz and leading physicians and administrators.

3. Saint Joseph’s University

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Pharmaceutical & Healthcare Marketing MBA

Website
Ratio: 11:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $17,334/year
Points: 7
The Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Marketing MBA from Saint Joseph’s University is one of the most flexible programs to make our ranking. Students can choose from an online or on-ground program. The on-ground program has courses scheduled almost every Friday/Saturday year round. Students can attend as often as possible and can complete the program in less than six years. The online program features monthly courses and weekly meetings held through web conferencing. These students also have six years to complete their degree. Students may switch between programs as their schedule allows. Courses include:

Pharmacoeconomics
Strategies for Managed Markets
Supply Chain Management

2. Creighton University

Omaha, Nebraska

Executive Healthcare MBA

Website
Ratio: 11:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $16,128/year
Points: 7
Creighton University features a top healthcare MBA tailored to meet the needs of working healthcare professionals. Courses are delivered through a blend of online and on-campus instruction. This AACSB accredited program can be completed in 18 months and students only need to come to campus for four, four-day residencies. Courses include:

Quality and Performance Improvement in Healthcare
Executive Leadership and Organizational Behavior
Management of Human Resources in Healthcare

Graduates are able to advance their careers by:

becoming department managers
serving on organizational leadership committees
taking advantage of entrepreneurial ventures.

1. University of Hawaii

Manoa, Hawaii

Executive MBA: Health Care Management Track

Website
Ratio: 12:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $15,912/year in-state and $37,392/year out-of-state
Points: 7
Our top choice for an executive MBA in healthcare is offered by the Shidler College of Business at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. The program is available through distance learning and provides students with a rigorous business curriculum and healthcare focused electives. Electives include:

Healthcare Financial Management
Management of Health Information Technology and Population Health
Patient Centered Communication Management in Health Care Organizations

The University of Hawaii at Manoa also offers a unique MBA-DNP pathway program for nurses seeking both an MBA and a DNP. This three year program includes two years in the EMBA curriculum and one year completing the DNP. Students move through the EMBA healthcare program as a cohort, sharing experiences and networking throughout the program. All students participate in a five-day residency at the beginning of the program to help them focus on initial coursework and build class cohesion.

Related Resources and Rankings of Interest: