MHA vs MBA: Which Degree is Right for You?

Aspiring graduate students often struggle when choosing between a Master’s in Health Administration (MHA) and a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) - especially those already working in the healthcare field as clinicians or business professionals.

This article explains the differences between MHA vs. MBA degrees to help you determine which degree is right for you. 

What is a Master’s in Health Administration (MHA) Degree?

A Master’s in Health Administration degree is a graduate-level business program specifically focused on working within the healthcare field. It prepares students for a career as an administrator or high-level manager in a hospital or other medical organization. 

Students who earn this degree can also work in public health as consultants for healthcare businesses or many other exciting careers.

The goal of MHA programs is to prepare students with the knowledge needed to work as high-level healthcare executives and senior managers for hospitals or other medical corporations.

MHA programs teach students how to:

• Manage business finances
• Understand healthcare system structures
• Be knowledgeable about public health issues
• Understand ethical issues and dilemmas in the healthcare system
• Learn essential leadership and critical thinking skills

Who Should Consider an MHA Degree?

Here are a few examples of people who might consider an MHA:

• Clinicians, such as bachelors-trained registered nurses, who are interested in working on the business side of healthcare
• Clinicians who desire higher-level clinical management positions such as a hospital unit director, mid-level manager, patient care coordinator, or chief nursing officer (CNOs)
• Individuals with a Bachelor’s Degree in Healthcare Administration who want higher career advancement opportunities

Typical MHA students already have a bachelor’s degree and have many years of full-time experience working in the healthcare field, either as a clinician or business professional. Some qualities needed to achieve an MHA include a desire to help others, excellent critical thinking skills, good ethical judgment, and quality leadership skills.  

To be eligible for a Masters in Health Administration program, you will usually need to have a bachelor’s degree in one of the following fields:

• Health administration 
• Nursing
• Public health
• Health management
• Business administration
• Another related health science field

What is a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) Degree?

A Master’s in Business Administration is a graduate-level degree that teaches business skills for obtaining high-level management positions across many business fields (not specific to healthcare, but can be used to move up in healthcare management). 

MBA degrees aim to prepare students with the knowledge needed to work as high-level business executives and senior managers in businesses or investment management sectors.  

MBA programs prepare students to:

• Manage business finances
• Understand business strategy
• Be knowledgeable about marketing strategies
• Understand ethical issues and dilemmas in business
• Learn essential leadership and management skills

Who Should Consider an MBA?

Here are some examples of people who might consider an MBA:

• Bachelors-trained clinicians, such as nurses, who are interested in working on the business side of healthcare
• A professional with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Marketing, or another related degree who desires a higher-level clinical management position within a business field
• Individuals with a Bachelor’s Degree in Healthcare Administration who want higher career advancement opportunities

Typical MBA students usually already have a bachelor’s degree and have many years of full-time experience working in the business field. Some of the qualities that MBA candidates should possess are tenacity, professionalism, and determination for success in the business realm.

MBA programs are open to a broader range of candidates because they focus on gaining business experience that is not exclusive to the healthcare field. You can have a bachelor’s in nearly any field, as long as you complete the university’s entry requirements. 

Some of the most common undergraduate degrees of people who get an MBA include:

• Business
• Marketing
• Engineering
• Science-related degrees (such as nursing, biology, physics, public health)
• Health management
• Liberal arts

Types of MBA Programs

If you are having a hard time deciding between obtaining an MHA vs. MBA, keep in mind that you can also earn an MBA with an additional concentration or a dual degree program. 

MBA with a Concentration in Healthcare Management

An MBA with a concentration in healthcare management has a similar program length and curriculum to a traditional MBA. However, they include additional business courses with a focus on healthcare administration and management.

MSN/MBA Dual Degree Programs

If you’re a nurse, you have an additional choice regarding which master’s degree to pursue - the MSN/MBA dual degree!

Many nurses may not realize that MSN/MBA dual programs can bolster their chances of obtaining high-level executive positions in the healthcare field. The top benefit for nurses who earn MSN/MBA dual degrees is that they develop a broad level of knowledge with an equal focus on nursing and administration.

Hiring managers often prefer nurses in leadership because they already have great clinical experience. You will stand out among your peers and interview competition.

MSN/MBA dual programs are an excellent option for nurses who:

• Have a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing 
• Desire to work on the business side of healthcare
• Want to move away from the bedside 
• Want to make a career change and want to stay in healthcare
• Desire a higher salary
• Want to hold a high-level leadership position in an organization

Nurses interested in obtaining an MSN/MBA dual degree must have a bachelor’s degree and at least two years working as a nurse before applying.

MSN/MBA dual programs generally take three years to complete if attending full-time. However, part-time options are available and can take four or more years to complete, depending on how fast you complete your coursework.  

MHA vs. MBA Curriculum

MHA vs. MBA Career Opportunities

MHA vs. MBA Salary Potential

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the following are 2023 median salaries for some of the most common MHA careers:

• Medical and health services manager: $110,680 annually or $53.21/hour
  • This includes hospital unit directors, mid-level managers, medical admissions coordinators, long-term care coordinators, and health center managers)
• Human resources manager - $136,350 annually or $65.55/hour

According to salary.com, chief nursing offices (CNO) earned a median annual salary of $262,980 as of 2024.

MBA Salary Potential

According to salary.com, chief executive officers (CEOs) earned a median annual salary of  $882,888 as of 2024. However, CEO salaries can range anywhere from $462,000 to $1,350,000. Incomes vary widely depending on education, skills, certification, and years of experience. 

MHA vs. MBA Programs

Program Length

Most MHA programs take about two years to complete if attended full-time. However, there are also part-time options available which can take up to 3 or more years, depending on how fast you complete your coursework. Many students choose the part-time route if they continue to work during their programs.    

An MBA usually takes 18 months to two years to complete if attending full-time. However, part-time and self-paced programs can take up to three years, depending on how long it takes you to complete your coursework. 

Program Cost

Earning an MHA can cost anywhere from about $27,000 to $120,000. However, this depends on several factors, including the university, the number of credits you need, and your concentration.

Earning an MBA can range from $55,000 to 161,000, depending on the university, your concentration, and the number of credits you need.

If you are not working during your schooling, you will also need to factor in lost wages.  

Program Difficulty

Both MHA and MBA degrees are time and money-intensive. They will require a significant amount of sacrifice to achieve. Ambition, motivation, and discipline are typical qualities that you will need to succeed in attaining both an MHA or an MBA. 

Whatever educational pathway you choose, you will be opening doors that will allow you to advance in your career and present opportunities that will benefit you and your family in the long run. 

When considering what masters degree program you want to obtain, it’s a good idea to start by looking at your short and long-term goals. 

In addition, consider what you hope to gain from graduate school. This can help you determine what specialties you are most interested in and can help you decide which pathway is best for you. 

Attending graduate school doesn’t always make sense for everyone. But those who do often say it was one of the best decisions they have ever made. In most cases, their career and quality of life are both better because of it. Best of luck to you in your educational endeavors!