The state of Washington is home to 92 hospitals that need to serve a population of 7.4 million (and climbing.) Unsurprisingly, these institutions are always on the lookout for visionaries who can manage hospitals and clinics efficiently and effectively.
The same demand for capable professionals is also seen in the Washington State Department of Health, which is in need of administrators who can reshape public policy and improve service delivery.
Needless to say, an MHA degree provides aspiring healthcare leaders with much-needed footing in these organizations and access to higher pay. According to Salary.com, administrators in Washington State are paid an average of $91,408, but this could increase to $101,720 with additional education (MHA) and certification.
If you are looking to climb the healthcare ladder even higher, then be sure to consider these MHA programs offered in Washington State:
MHA Programs in Washington State
There are six institutions in Washington state that offer MHA programs for resident and non-resident students alike. Here are some universities that provide both in-person and online learning modalities:
Washington State University
- Pullman, Washington
- Online + Campus
Program:
Master of Healthcare Administration and Leadership (MHAL)
Modality: In-person learning at the Pullman, WA campus or Online
Tuition: $950 per credit for 38 credits – about $36,100 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Offered through the partnership of the university’s Colleges of Medicine and Business, Washington State’s MHAL program is designed for leaders who wish to enhance their administrative, professional, and ethical skills in relation to healthcare management. Courses cover value-based leadership, healthcare policy and politics, health equity and advocacy, and US health systems, among many others. The online program is delivered asynchronously, while in-person classes include synchronous components that promote community and teamwork among students.
Saint Martin’s University
- Lacey, Washington
- Online + Campus + Hybrid
Program:
Master of Business Administration – Healthcare Management Concentration
Modality: In-person learning at the Lacey or Saint Martin’s-JBLM, WA campus, Hybrid, or Online
Accreditation: Accreditation Council of Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).
Tuition: $1,250 per credit for 36 credits – about $45,000 plus other fees
Program Overview:
The university’s innovative MBA curriculum promotes professional development by focusing on hard skills, soft skills, and competencies. It also prepares students for the many leadership opportunities available with specialized healthcare courses, which are offered evenings and weekends in small classroom settings for better instruction opportunities. The curriculum also includes study-abroad opportunities in Germany, Japan, or South Korea.
CAHME-Accredited MHA Programs in Washington State
Of the five MHA programs offered in Washington state, only one is accredited by the Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME).
University of Washington-Seattle
- Seattle, Washington
- Online + Campus + Hybrid
Program:
Master of Health Administration
Modality: Full-time in-person learning at the Seattle, WA campus or Hybrid-Online (Executive MHA)
Accreditation: CAHME
Tuition: $68,324 plus other fees
Program Overview:
The university’s MHA program is recognized as one of the best in the country by US News & World Report. Designed for early career professionals, the two-year in-person program equips students with the knowledge and skills they need to manage healthcare institutions and improve service quality and delivery. The executive MHA program, meanwhile, is delivered in a hybrid online format to cater to the busy schedules of mid-level career professionals with over 10 years of industry experience.
As a CAHME-accredited institution, the University of Washington-Seattle has met the high standards set by the governing body for the education of future healthcare leaders. This recognition also provides its students with industry partnerships, exclusive fellowship opportunities, and the flexibility to transfer to other CAHME-accredited schools.
Online Masters in Healthcare Administration Programs in Washington State
Busy working students or those living far from campuses can still obtain their MHA degrees through any of the state’s four online programs. Apart from the two mentioned above, here are three other institutions that offer online MHA degrees:
Eastern Washington University
- Cheney, Washington
- Online
Program:
Online MBA With a Health Services Concentration
Modality: Online
Accreditation: AACSB
Tuition: $16,500 plus other fees
Program Overview:
The university, which is heralded as one of the top West Regional Universities by US News & World Report, offers a curriculum that covers foundational knowledge in finance, marketing, accounting, and ethical decision-making. It tackles the basics of financial management, revenue cycles, and reporting processes, and focuses on 16 core courses on health service administration. All in all, these credits emphasize the impacts of law, human resources, and governance on contemporary healthcare systems.
City University of Seattle
- Seattle, Washington
- Online
Program:
Master of Science in Healthcare Administration
Modality: Online
Tuition: $735 per credit for 39 credits – about $28,665 plus other fees
Program Overview:
The program provides healthcare professionals with the ability to implement data-driven solutions by improving their skills in administration, strategic planning, operations, and change management. Such are enhanced through coursework involving healthcare information analysis and business strategy formulation. The university also offers multiple networking opportunities with the help of its practicing faculty members, international students, and Washington-based graduates.
Antioch University-Seattle
- Seattle, Washington
- Online
Program:
Master of Business Administration – Healthcare Leadership
Modality: Online
Tuition: $614 per credit for 33 credits – about $20,262 plus other fees
Program Overview:
The program coursework is 100% online and provides 24/7 access to class resources. Designed to help students understand the complexities of multicultural healthcare systems, it teaches the latest management theories, models, and tools. Courses, which include Healthcare Innovation and Quality and Strategic Management, are designed to provide the knowledge and skills every high-value healthcare leader needs.
No GRE or GMAT Required MHA Programs in Washington State
Most institutions require MHA applicants to submit their GRE scores, while some MBA programs with Health Specializations require a GMAT exam for entry. Thankfully, all six schools in this list do not require these exams for admission.
In the case of the University of Washington-Seattle and Antioch University, applicants may still include their GRE or GMAT scores in their application package even though they’re no longer mandatory.
Accelerated MHA Programs in Washington State
While Washington state institutions do not offer accelerated MHA programs, some have curriculums that can be finished rather quickly.
Saint Martin’s University, for example, offers a five-per-year schedule that students can complete in nine months.
Eastern Washington University, meanwhile, offers an online MBA in Health Services Administration program that can be finished in about 10 months.
Those studying at the City University of Seattle and Saint Martin’s University can complete their MHA courses in about 18 months.
Affordable Masters in Healthcare Administration Programs in Washington State
MHA programs offered by institutions in Washington state are markedly cheaper than those from other states. For as low as $16,500, in-state and out-of-state students can secure their online MHA degree from Eastern Washington University.
Antioch University-Seattle also offers an affordable online MHA degree, which costs around $20,262.
While the University of Washington-Seattle has the most expensive MHA program, it offers several scholarship programs for current students. Depending on the funding, qualified students may get up to $5,000 worth of financial assistance. As a CAHME-accredited school, MHA students also have access to exclusive scholarships offered by the said governing body.
All MHA Programs in Washington
| University Name | Program Name | Degree | State/Location | Delivery Mode | Program Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Washington at Seattle School of Public Health | Healthcare Management | MHA | WA | Residential Non-Executive Full-Time | Healthcare Management |
| University of Washington at Seattle School of Public Health | Healthcare Management | MHA | WA | Hybrid Executive Full-Time | Healthcare Management |
| University of Washington | Master of Health Administration | Master's | WA | Full-time, Part-time, Online | Master of Health Administration |
| Gonzaga University | Master of Health Administration | Master's | WA | Full-time, Part-time, Online | Master of Health Administration |
| Seattle University | Master of Health Administration | Master's | WA | Full-time, Part-time | Master of Health Administration |
| University of Puget Sound | Master of Health Administration | Master's | WA | Full-time, Part-time | Master of Health Administration |
| Eastern Washington University | Master of Health Administration | Master's | WA | Full-time, Part-time | Master of Health Administration |
| Walla Walla University | Master of Health Administration | Master's | WA | Full-time, Part-time | Master of Health Administration |
| City University of Seattle | Master of Health Administration | Master's | WA | Full-time, Part-time | Master of Health Administration |
| Antioch University Seattle | Master of Health Administration | Master's | WA | Full-time, Part-time | Master of Health Administration |
| Bastyr University | Master of Health Administration | Master's | WA | Full-time, Part-time | Master of Health Administration |
What Types of Careers Can I Pursue With an MHA Degree in Washington State?
MHA graduates in Washington state can explore any of these career opportunities:
Health Department Administrator
The Washington State Department of Health is actively looking for managers and administrators to govern its many facilities, county offices, service offices, and regional departments.
Hospital Administrator
Washington-based hospitals are constantly in search of administrators who can improve service delivery while maintaining profitability. MHA graduates are often employed by many of the state’s hospital systems, including Providence Health and MultiCare Health System.
Health Services Manager
MHA graduates have the skills and knowledge necessary to supervise the operations of healthcare facilities, such as clinics and nursing homes. As for the latter, the new federal staffing rulings may mean a higher demand for skilled administrators.
Group Practice Administrator
Washington Permanente Medical Group and the Washington Group Practice Owners Network are just some of the organizations that need managers to oversee staff and daily processes.
Admissions Coordinator
An MHA graduate can take the role of an admissions coordinator, who ensures the proper handling of admission documents in hospitals, clinics, and other institutions. This position calls for someone who oversees the completion of necessary documents while making sure that vital procedures are conducted according to policy.
Medical Records Manager
In light of the HIPAA requirements, record management has become a crucial part of every healthcare organization. MHA graduates who function as medical records managers work to ensure that such documents are well-maintained and protected.
Mental Health Program Manager
Mental health programs require an effective manager who can oversee all aspects, from staffing coverage to patient behavior. MHA graduates have the skills and competencies needed to lead government- and privately-funded mental health programs, such as Mental Health Matters Washington and the Mental Health Integration Program at AIMS Center.
Healthcare Policy Analyst
As a Healthcare Policy Analyst, an MHA graduate can help institutions formulate policies, develop budget-conscious plans, and ensure policy compliance. This position is primarily offered by the State of Washington, though entities such as the Washington Health Benefit Exchange require such analysts as well.
