Practical Health Administration Skills You’ll Gain in an MHA Program
In today’s fast-moving, high-stakes healthcare landscape, leadership and operational expertise are in high demand. Whether you’re a clinician looking to transition into administration or a professional ready to step into a healthcare leadership role, building a solid foundation of health administration skills is the key to unlocking new opportunities.
A Master of Health Administration (MHA) program offers practical, career-ready training that goes far beyond theory. And at the University of North Alabama (UNA), our 100% online MHA is designed for working professionals who want flexibility, affordability, and immediate application. Here’s what you can expect to learn, and why it matters.
Why health administration skills matter more than ever
Health administrators ensure that hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and public health systems run smoothly. They manage budgets, coordinate teams, implement technology, ensure compliance, and most importantly, support quality patient care from behind the scenes.
Jobs for medical and health services managers are projected to grow much faster than average, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), with these professionals earning a median annual salary of $117,960 in 2024. It’s clear these skills are in demand, and the right MHA program can help you acquire them.
Essential MHA skills you’ll gain at UNA
Through UNA’s MHA program, you’ll gain comprehensive skills essential in a healthcare leadership role.
1. Strategic leadership and organizational behavior
Strong leadership is at the heart of healthcare administration. Learn to lead with confidence as you build skills in:
- Change management
- Team building and staff motivation
- Organizational culture and leadership ethics
These skills help you navigate complex systems and lead high-performing teams with clarity and purpose. Courses like Leadership in Healthcare Organizations and Management & Organizational Behavior support your development in this area.
2. Financial and operational management
Healthcare administrators play a pivotal role in ensuring that organizations operate efficiently and remain financially sustainable. Their responsibilities extend to managing budgets, analyzing financial reports, and driving operational improvements to maximize resources. At UNA, you’ll study:
- Budgeting and forecasting
- Revenue cycle management
- Resource allocation and process improvement
Courses such as Healthcare Finance and Quality and Process Improvement in Healthcare Operations equip you with tools to make data-driven, fiscally responsible decisions.
3. Healthcare analytics and informatics
Data is transforming healthcare at every level, from patient care to operational decision-making. As a future health administrator, understanding how to interpret and apply data is essential for improving outcomes, reducing costs, and guiding strategy. You’ll gain:
- Analytical skills to evaluate performance and outcomes
- Insight into electronic health records and informatics
- Skills for leveraging data in strategic planning
Courses like Healthcare Analytics and Health Informatics ensure you stay current with technology trends.
4. Policy, law, and equity in healthcare
Today’s health leaders must understand the broader context of care, including the systems, regulations, and social factors that influence healthcare delivery. This knowledge is essential for making informed, ethical decisions that promote equitable access and high-quality outcomes. You’ll explore:
- Healthcare policy and reform
- Regulatory and legal frameworks
- Equity, diversity, and inclusion in healthcare
UNA’s courses like Healthcare Law, Inclusion in Healthcare, and Health Policy, Politics, and Analysis prepare you to lead ethically and inclusively.
5. Strategy, marketing, and human resources
In addition to managing day-to-day operations, healthcare administrators also influence how the public perceives their organization and how effectively it attracts, retains, and develops talent. These roles are vital for long-term organizational success. You’ll learn:
- Strategic planning
- Healthcare marketing and communications
- HR practices and talent development
Courses like Strategic Planning for Healthcare, Healthcare Marketing, and Human Resources in Healthcare provide a well-rounded leadership toolkit.
6. Capstone experience: real-world application
Your learning will culminate in a capstone course where you solve real problems using everything you’ve learned. It’s the perfect bridge between classroom and career, designed to help you:
- Apply theory in practice
- Demonstrate leadership readiness
- Deliver measurable value to employers
Built for working professionals like you
Whether you're seeking advancement, a career change, or new skills to complement your current role, UNA’s MHA program is designed to support your goals:
- Affordable: Under $21,000 for the full degree (with additional discounts available)
- Flexible: 100% online with multiple start dates
- Accessible: No GMAT required, generous credit transfer policy
- Career-Ready: Designed to apply to your current role or future goals
You’ll learn from the same expert faculty who teach on campus, in a program designed to support your success at every stage.
Put your health administration skills to work immediately
The skills you’ll gain in UNA’s MHA program aren’t just for someday. You can start applying them right away to:
- Lead department initiatives
- Improve workflow efficiency
- Navigate regulatory changes
- Use analytics to drive patient outcomes
No matter your professional background, these capabilities empower you to step confidently into new roles, expand your impact, and shape the future of healthcare.
Turn your ambition into action
Your future in healthcare leadership starts with building the right skills — and the University of North Alabama is here to help you get there. We can help you gain the practical, real-world health administration skills to lead with purpose and confidence. Explore the online MHA program today.