Hi all, I’m debating if getting a master’s in healthcare administration (MHA) or an MBA in healthcare admin is really worth it. I’ve got a bachelor’s in public health and have been working at a social service org for two years. My goal is to move into hospital admin or management, but these programs are super expensive, and part-time would take around three years. Do you think experience and networking could be enough, or is a master’s degree essential?
Honestly, it depends on your career goals. For smaller hospitals, you might get by with experience and good connections. Bigger institutions may expect a master’s.
Crosby said:
Honestly, it depends on your career goals. For smaller hospitals, you might get by with experience and good connections. Bigger institutions may expect a master’s.
What do you mean by ‘bigger institutions’? Like research hospitals or academic ones?
@Ellis
Exactly. Those kinds of places usually prefer advanced degrees on top of solid experience.
If you’re making $26/hr now, you could look into entry-level hospital roles. With time and networking, you could move up to $30-35/hr without a master’s.
Yan said:
If you’re making $26/hr now, you could look into entry-level hospital roles. With time and networking, you could move up to $30-35/hr without a master’s.
Good point. So focus on getting into a hospital role first and leave the master’s for later if needed?
@Merritt
Yeah, exactly. Build some experience first, and then you’ll have a better idea if the degree is worth it.
Stability isn’t just about income—it’s about how you manage your money. The average household income for a family of four is around $64k. If it’s just you and a partner, $55k should work if you’re careful.
@WanaLearnedPal
$64k for a family of four? That feels low. Does location affect that average?
Merritt said:
@WanaLearnedPal
$64k for a family of four? That feels low. Does location affect that average?
Yeah, that’s a national average. In high-cost areas, that amount might not stretch as far.
The cost of master’s programs is crazy, especially since my work doesn’t cover any of it. Loans would have to cover it, and I hate that idea. Would growing my experience and network be enough for now?
Merritt said:
The cost of master’s programs is crazy, especially since my work doesn’t cover any of it. Loans would have to cover it, and I hate that idea. Would growing my experience and network be enough for now?
Definitely start with experience. Once you’re in a hospital system, you might find tuition assistance for further studies.
@Zen
Good idea. Tuition assistance would make it easier to justify going back for a degree.
FYI, a lot of people manage to grow in their careers with just experience and networking. Advanced degrees are helpful but not always necessary.
Jory said:
FYI, a lot of people manage to grow in their careers with just experience and networking. Advanced degrees are helpful but not always necessary.
That’s great to hear. Any advice on standing out with just experience?
@Merritt
Take on leadership roles whenever possible and network like crazy. People notice when you’re proactive.