MBA vs MHA: Which Degree Is Better for Healthcare Careers?

Are you looking to rise as a highly knowledgeable business professional in the healthcare sector? But unsure whether to pursue a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Healthcare Management vs. a Masters in Healthcare Administration (MHA)? Don’t worry, you are not alone! Many learners face the MBA vs. MHA dilemma while opting for a master’s degree in emerging healthcare leadership programs.

With the continuous expansion of the healthcare industry, skilled professionals are sought to join the growth. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for medical and health services managers is projected to grow 29% by 2033.

Examining this trend, students and healthcare professionals are enrolling in higher degrees in healthcare to advance their careers and thrive in this rapidly growing industry. This blog presents a comparison of MBA vs. MHA to guide you better in choosing the right degree for your career.

Also Read: Building Leadership in Healthcare with an MBA

Comparing MBA vs. MHA in the U.S. Healthcare: Which Career Path Offers Better ROI?

Although both degrees are significant and prepare you for leadership roles in the healthcare industry, their focus is different. An MBA could be your ideal path if you want to blend business strategy with healthcare knowledge, while an MHA will suit you if you are looking for more specialized programs in managing healthcare systems and services.

Take a look at the comparison table below for a better understanding of the difference between MHA and MBA in healthcare management:

Parameter	MBA in Healthcare Management	Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA)
Focus Area	The MBA provides a comprehensive foundation in business principles applicable across diverse industries.	MHA focuses specifically on the management and administration of healthcare organizations.
Curriculum	Finance, marketing, operations, leadership, and healthcare courses.	Healthcare law, ethics, hospital administration, and health policy.
Program Duration	1.5 to 2 years	1.5 to 2 years
Career Flexibility	An MBA offers greater flexibility in choosing a wider range of career options across various industries, including healthcare, pharmaceuticals, consulting, and more.	Specific to healthcare management and administration.
Skillsets	Strategic and critical thinking Decision-making and problem-solving skills Communication and interpersonal effectiveness Expertise in leadership and innovation	Analytical and critical thinking Business skills Leadership and managerial skills Executive and administration skills
Job Roles	Health Program Director, Management Consultant, Project Manager for Pharmaceuticals, Healthcare Consultant, Brand Consultant.	Assistant Medical Superintendent, Facilities Manager, Hospital Administrator, Nurse Manager, Senior Associate – OPD Operations.
MBA vs. MHA Salary	Healthcare Consultant earns a salary of USD 86,494	Clinical Manager in the US earns over USD 82,529
Career Goals	An MBA in Healthcare Management has a broader business focus across industries.	The MHA degree is tailored for healthcare management roles.
Future Prospects	Versatile career paths across healthcare, consulting, insurance, pharma, biotech, and technology companies.	Diverse prospects across healthcare, biotech, pharma, consulting, insurance, and general business sectors.
Industry Mobility	Easy mobility	Limited mobility
Return on Investment (ROI)	Higher long-term ROI due to broader career options.	Strong ROI in stable healthcare roles.

Also Read: What Every MBA Graduate Should Know about an MBA in Hospital and Healthcare Management

How to Choose Between an MBA and MHA Based on Your Career Goals

Deciding between an MBA in Healthcare and an MHA depends on your long-term career goals. If you are committed to a future in healthcare leadership and want specialized knowledge in hospital or healthcare management, an MHA is the ideal path. On the other hand, if you are looking for versatile business skills with the option to move across industries, including healthcare, an MBA in Healthcare offers broader opportunities. Both programs can open doors to leadership roles, and you can choose one depending on how focused or flexible you want your career path to be.

Overall, choose an MBA if you want flexibility and broader business leadership opportunities or an MHA if a specialized healthcare leadership path is what you seek. Also, consider your long-term career vision.

Also Read: Health Care Administration Degrees: Your Path to a Master’s in Healthcare

Advance Your Healthcare Career with Edgewood’s MBA and MHA Programs

Now that you know the key differences, you are in a better position to understand which is better, MHA or MBA in healthcare, to pursue a career in the right direction. Edgewood University’s online MBA in Healthcare Management and MHA programs are designed for professionals seeking to advance their careers in the healthcare sector. Benefit from flexible learning schedules, guidance from distinguished faculty, and comprehensive career advancement resources by leveraging Edgewood University’s exceptional platform to empower your leadership journey.

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FAQs on MBA vs. MHA

Q: What’s the main difference between an MBA and an MHA?
Ans: The MBA offers a broad foundation in business principles applicable across various industries, while the MHA focuses specifically on the management and administration of healthcare organizations.

Q:Which degree offers better salary prospects in healthcare?
Ans: Both an MBA in Healthcare Management and a Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) offer strong career prospects and earning potential. For instance, the salary of a Healthcare Consultant in the US is USD 86,494, whereas the salary of a Clinical Manager in the US is USD 82,529.

Q: How long does it take to complete an MBA vs. an MHA?
Ans: Both MBA and MHA programs typically take around two years to complete the program for full-time students. However, part-time, online, and accelerated programs can alter the duration.

Q: What are the admission requirements for MBA and MHA programs?
Ans: To apply for both MBA and MHA programs, you generally need a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA. Some programs may prefer a degree in business or a related field in healthcare. You may also need to take entrance exams, such as the GMAT or GRE, or a test administered by the university. Work experience is sometimes required, while international students may need to demonstrate English language proficiency through tests such as the TOEFL or IELTS.

Q: Is an MBA more versatile than an MHA?
Ans: An MBA is more versatile than an MHA. While both are valuable degrees, an MBA offers the advantage of a more comprehensive business education applicable across various industries.