How to Choose the Best Healthcare Administration Program for Your Career Goals

Selecting the right healthcare administration program is a pivotal step in advancing your career and achieving your professional aspirations. The healthcare industry is constantly evolving, and a well-chosen program can provide the knowledge, skills, and connections to stand out and succeed in this dynamic field.

However, the ideal program isn’t the same for everyone. Your unique goals, career stage, and life commitments play a significant role in determining the best fit. Whether you’re looking to step into leadership, transition into a specialized area, or move up to an executive role, finding a program that aligns with your aspirations is essential.

7 Factors to consider when choosing a healthcare administration program

1. Your career objectives

Choosing the right healthcare administration program starts with understanding your career goals. Are you aiming to step into a leadership role or are you hoping to transition into a specialized area? Knowing your objectives will help you identify programs that align with your aspirations.

For many, earning an advanced degree is a requirement for career growth. As Craig Bennet, an adjunct instructor in the online Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration program at Northeastern’s College of Professional Studies, explains, “A good number of students in our program are already in the healthcare arena. They know that they want to further their career either where they are or in a different direction.” While others view this degree as a way to expand their scope of work. “I’ve also had students that are x-ray technologists or lab technicians who see this degree as an opportunity to move into a more administrative, finance, or operational role,” he adds.

Programs often focus on areas like leadership, operations, or healthcare policy. By understanding your goals, you can choose a program that provides the curriculum and opportunities to support your path.

2. Flexibility and format

Balancing education with work and personal responsibilities is a common challenge for healthcare professionals. Flexible program formats—like online or part-time options—are essential for success.

Online programs, for instance, offer the ability to learn at your own pace, making them ideal for those with irregular schedules. Part-time programs allow students to manage coursework alongside their careers, even if it extends time to graduation.

Some programs also allow for flexible pacing options like adjusting your workloads as needed. “Our program allows students to pace themselves a little bit,” Bennet explains. “I’ve had some students that have started it and then decided to slow it down based on changes in their life. But you need a program that allows you to do that.”

By choosing a program that fits your schedule and commitments, you can ensure your education aligns with your career goals and personal responsibilities.

3. Program reputation

A program’s reputation can significantly impact your career trajectory, making it an important factor to consider. Look for programs with strong alumni success stories, high graduate employment rates, and recognition within the healthcare industry.

Institutions like Northeastern, known for its focus on experiential learning and robust industry connections, can give you a competitive edge. As Bennet explains, “An institution like Northeastern is known pretty widely, which can make a big difference post-graduation.”

In addition, programs with strong reputations often attract experienced faculty with industry connections and cultivate robust alumni networks, providing graduates with valuable mentorship and job opportunities. Employers recognize these programs as producing high-quality candidates, giving you an edge in the competitive healthcare field.

4. Networking opportunities

Networking is a vital component of advancing in healthcare administration, as it connects you with individuals who can help shape your career. That’s why you should consider programs that offer internships, fieldwork, or networking events since they create valuable opportunities to build connections.

Online learning environments, in particular, offer unique networking opportunities as well. They can expand your network geographically and professionally, connecting you with diverse perspectives. Unlike traditional in-person programs that may draw primarily from a local region, online programs bring together individuals from across the country and even internationally.

“What’s been really beneficial for our students is working with folks coming from more rural areas,” Bennets notes. “That exposure and ability to interact with people from different sets of backgrounds and experiences can be really enlightening,” Bennet explains.

Additionally, healthcare administration programs often connect students with faculty who have extensive industry experience, as well as alumni who can provide mentorship and job referrals. So, it’s important to find programs that have networking events that provide additional opportunities to build relationships with professionals across the healthcare spectrum.

5. Experiential learning options

Experiential learning opportunities, such as internships, co-ops, and fieldwork, are invaluable for bridging the gap between academic knowledge and real-world application. These hands-on experiences allow you to develop practical skills, gain industry insights, and build confidence in navigating the complex challenges of healthcare administration.

For many, these opportunities provide a chance to apply classroom concepts in real-world settings like managing healthcare operations, analyzing financial data, or even leading teams. Therefore, programs that emphasize experiential learning often have better career outcomes for students because they enhance resumes with relevant, practical experience that employers value.

Moreover, experiential learning can help students discover their strengths and refine their career goals by immersing them in diverse aspects of healthcare administration. From understanding policy implementation to improving operational efficiency, these experiences offer a comprehensive foundation for leadership roles.

6. Cost

The cost of education is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a healthcare administration program. Tuition, fees, and related expenses can quickly add up, so it’s essential to evaluate programs that fit within your means while also exploring options for assistance.

For example, many programs offer scholarships, grants, or tuition reimbursement plans specifically designed for working professionals. These resources can make pursuing your degree more affordable and accessible. Researching financial aid opportunities, such as institutional scholarships or employer reimbursement programs, can help reduce the financial burden and make your education investment more manageable.

It’s also important to weigh the long-term return on investment of the program. While some programs may have higher upfront costs, they could provide significant career benefits, such as better job opportunities, salary increases, or faster career advancement. Choosing a program with a strong reputation and high graduate employment rates can enhance your confidence in the value of your investment.

By carefully considering costs and available financial aid, you can select a program that aligns with both your budget and your long-term career goals.

7. Alumni outcomes

The success of a program’s alumni is a strong indicator of its quality and impact. So it’s important to research alumni outcomes to see how well a program prepares graduates for the workforce and the types of opportunities it creates.

Connecting with alumni or current students can provide valuable firsthand insights. They can share how the program equipped them with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed, the doors it opened for career advancement, and its overall value in achieving professional goals. These conversations can also give you a clearer picture of the program’s reputation within the industry and its standing among employers.

In addition to offering insights, alumni networks are powerful resources for mentorship, job referrals, and professional connections. By researching alumni outcomes and seeking honest feedback, you can make an informed decision about which program will best position you to achieve your career aspirations and thrive in healthcare administration.

Make the right choice for your healthcare administration career

Selecting the right healthcare administration program is about finding a path that aligns with your goals and empowers you to take the next step in your career. A program should do more than provide a degree—it should offer the resources, opportunities, and support necessary to help you make an impact in the field.

The online Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration program at Northeastern’s College of Professional Studies stands out for its commitment to working professionals. With flexible options, a strong reputation, and a focus on real-world application, it equips graduates with the tools to lead.

Feel confident in your choice, knowing that an investment in the right program will open doors to new opportunities and empower you to make a meaningful impact in healthcare administration. Take the next step with Northeastern and start building the future you envision for your career.