2025 Most Popular Online Certificates in Healthcare Administration
Our list of the most popular healthcare administration certificate online programs is based on the number of successful graduates, using program-specific data from the National Center for Education Statistics. We also interviewed two clinical leaders who explained how certificates help healthcare professionals transition into management roles.
Key Takeaways:
- DeVry University ranks #1 with 6,698 graduates from its graduate certificate in health services management — a figure that reflects high demand, strong institutional infrastructure, and significant peer trust.
- Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center leads in student satisfaction with a 98% recommendation rate based on surveys we collected.
For more information, see our full methodology.
2025 Most Popular Online Certificates in Healthcare Administration
Rank | School | Graduates | Annual Tuition | Median Salary | Recommendation |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
DeVry University | $17,488 | N/A | 65% | ||
Western Kentucky University | $27,000 | N/A | 94% | ||
University of Maryland Global Campus | $12,336 | N/A | 71% | ||
University of Phoenix | $9,552 | N/A | 80% | ||
Charter College Online | $18,678 | N/A | N/A | ||
Jefferson Community and Technical College | $6,242 | N/A | N/A | ||
Roger Williams University | $42,666 | N/A | 71% | ||
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center | $19,396 | N/A | 98% | ||
University of Maryland - Baltimore | $36,320 | N/A | 93% | ||
Cedar Crest College | $44,934 | N/A | 100% | ||
Champlain College | $45,550 | N/A | 73% | ||
Drexel University | $60,663 | N/A | 89% | ||
Salve Regina University | $47,930 | N/A | 68% | ||
Oklahoma State University - Main Campus | $25,754 | N/A | 96% | ||
Regis University | $43,980 | N/A | 82% |
2025’s Most Popular Online Healthcare Administration Certificates: A Closer Look
In today’s fast-paced healthcare system, certificate programs offer a swift, skill-based path into administrative roles without the long runway of a full degree. But how do you know which online program is right for you? One compelling way is to follow the number of graduates. Our latest list ranks the 15 most popular online healthcare administration certificate programs based on graduation volume per certificate program, a metric we believe offers unique insights into program quality, relevance, and trust.
With top programs reporting as many as 6,600 graduates (DeVry) , this ranking showcases the programs that students not only choose but complete — a vital consideration in an industry where credentialing and speed to employment can make or break your next step.
Let’s unpack what makes these programs stand out and how popularity, paired with data on student satisfaction, can guide you toward the best certificate in healthcare administration for your goals.
Why Popularity Matters More Than You Might Think
Why is popularity important? Because a high number of graduates reflects program stability, institutional support, and real-world value that leads to follow-through.
It also means the curriculum aligns well with job market demands, something we explored further in our interview with Dr. Maria Knobel, Medical Director and Co-founder of Medical Cert UK. According to Dr. Knobel, today’s certificates are increasingly valuable because they teach healthcare professionals “to manage resources, budget, and lead teams” without requiring a full degree.
Choosing a popular online certificate program involves following a path that’s been tested. A high graduate count, such as those from DeVry, Texas Tech, and U of Phoenix, signals scalability, relevance to employer needs, and a curriculum that students find valuable enough to finish.
Similarly, overall high online enrollment and graduation rates also suggest a school has invested in online infrastructure. For instance, Jefferson Community and Technical College stands among the top 9% nationally for online enrollment, meaning you’re entering a system built to support distance learners rather than just a retrofitted campus program.
What Recommendation Rates — and Real Student Voices — Tell You
A high number of graduates signals popularity, but what really matters is how students feel after completing a program. Our rankings go beyond raw enrollment figures by including proprietary recommendation rates — sourced from over 75,000 verified student surveys — to give you a clearer picture of learner satisfaction.
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) earns the highest mark on our list with an astounding 98% recommendation rate, a sentiment echoed in many student voices.
One graduate writes, “The professors are devoted to helping you succeed… they provide great resources and help students apply what they learn to professional careers.” Another student shared, “I’m very happy I ended up at Tech… I’m getting a great education and not having a mountain of debt.”
These reviews reinforce TTUHSC’s position not just as a popular choice, but one with genuine community trust and outcome-driven instruction.
Close behind are Oklahoma State University and Western Kentucky University (WKU) — each with a 95% recommendation rate.
At WKU, the impact goes beyond academics. “This program taught me how to avoid burnout, be myself, and push through,” shared Kelley Sabino, a 2018 graduate. “My program colleagues became not just friends, but family.”
That kind of emotional support can be especially meaningful in healthcare, where self-care and team collaboration are just as important as technical skill.
Even schools not topping the list numerically still show notable praise. DeVry University, for example, doesn’t report a specific recommendation percentage here but has earned strong individual feedback from certificate and business program graduates alike.
David Jones, for instance, described his education as “challenging but enriching… DeVry’s resources helped me grow and prepare for the professional world.”
What does all this mean for you? When thousands of graduates say they’d do it again, that’s a powerful endorsement, especially for professionals considering online education in a hands-on, high-stakes field like healthcare.
Choose an online certificate in healthcare administration that has earned student trust and delivers value from start to finish.
Specializations and Stackable Credentials in Healthcare Admin Certificates
So you may be wondering, what sets one certificate apart from another?
- DeVry and the University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) offer stackable credentials, allowing credits to roll into an MBA, MPA, or master’s degree — a major plus if you’re considering future graduate work.
- Salve Regina University provides a cybersecurity track within healthcare administration — a rare and future-forward combination.
- Champlain College focuses on system design and analytics, wrapping it all up in an accelerated four-month timeline.
These distinctive focuses can align closely with niche industry demands, from long-term care to global health systems.
Global and Government-Focused Tracks
For those interested in policy and international systems, UMGC and University of Maryland – Baltimore (UMB) offer certificate tracks rooted in global health management and innovation. These programs are ideal if you’re aiming for roles in government, NGOs, or cross-border health initiatives.
Schools That Lead in Long-Term Care Training
Both Western Kentucky University (WKU) and TTUHSC are the list leaders when it comes to long-term care administration, with NAB accreditation (WKU) and direct licensure prep (TTUHSC). These programs are tailor-made for students targeting administrative leadership in nursing homes or elder care facilities, a fast-growing sector of healthcare.
Strong Online Learning Communities
Choosing an online program also means selecting a learning ecosystem. Schools like the University of Phoenix and Charter College boast a massive online student body as well as frequent start dates, offering flexibility and peer engagement opportunities.
"A Quick Way to Advance": Why Healthcare Pros Are Turning to Admin Certificates

Medical Director and Healthcare Leadership Educator
"A job you can get with an online healthcare administration certificate includes one as an office manager, clinical supervisor, or patient services coordinator. For healthcare professionals with clinical backgrounds, becoming a healthcare project manager or operations manager is usual. Thanks to this certificate, clinicians can develop the management knowledge they need and become leaders without having to pursue some other qualifications.
A job you can get with an online healthcare administration certificate includes one as an office manager, clinical supervisor, or patient services coordinator.
The certificate allows clinical staff to become administrators, since it teaches them to manage resources, budget, and lead teams, using their professional background. Because of this, it is easier to move into jobs like healthcare administrator or clinical operations leader. Being aware of daily tasks in healthcare, they can make good decisions in their administrative roles.
These programs now include data analytics and strategies for value-based care as required by digital health and value-based care. As a result of these elements, students are taught to find ways that decrease expenditures and improve how patients fare.
Even though you may need a degree to become a top executive, the certificate is a quick and easy way for healthcare professionals to develop the important skills for future advancement."

Psychotherapist
"As an EMDR therapist who has transitioned between clinical practice and administrative roles, I've seen healthcare administration certificates open doors to positions like practice manager, program coordinator, and quality improvement specialist, particularly for those with clinical backgrounds who understand the nuances of trauma-informed care.
In my own practice, I've built successful EMDR intensive programs that required strong administrative foundations. The most valuable skill I developed wasn't just clinical expertise but learning to create effective intake processes, develop proper documentation systems, and manage scheduling that maximizes both therapeutic outcomes and business sustainability.
Certificate programs should emphasize change management and client experience design. When I expanded my practice to offer both in-person and virtual EMDR services throughout New York State, understanding the regulatory environment for telehealth delivery became essential [which is] something certificates typically cover well.
For clinicians specifically, these certificates can provide legitimacy when moving into leadership. In my experience running EMDR intensives, clinicians who understand both the therapeutic and business sides create more integrated treatment approaches that consider both client outcomes and organizational sustainability, exactly the perspective healthcare organizations desperately need."
Final Takeaways
Online certificates in healthcare administration offer a fast, focused route into leadership roles for professionals with clinical or allied health backgrounds. As Dr. Maria Knöbel notes, these programs empower practitioners to shift into roles like project manager or operations leader by building essential skills in budgeting, supervision, and value-based care. Meanwhile, Linda Kocieniewski emphasizes how trauma-informed professionals can enhance program coordination and client experience through administrative training.
Together, their insights reinforce that today’s most popular certificates in healthcare administration are practical tools for bridging frontline experience with system-level impact.
Student Reviews of Online Healthcare Administration Programs
Being a UMA student has been transformative experience, providing me with not only a solid foundation in the healthcare field but also incredible support throughout my entire journey. The hands -on-training and career services is preparing me to hit the ground running,after graduation with confident that I have the ability to make a positive impact on my chosen healthcare career.
Review Date: 2/5/2025
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I attended a couple schools prior to uma and was treated pretty poorly so when switching to uma I was nervous but they did everything to make me feel welcomed wanted and cared about they are the best school hands down so I say if your not a uma student you don’t know what your missing.
Review Date: 9/9/2024
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
The University of Phoenix has been a transformative experience for me. When I started my online classes on May 26, 2024, I was struggling with uncertainty, especially after my accident in December 2022 that left me paralyzed. Despite my initial doubts, the structure and support provided by the University of Phoenix helped me regain confidence and push forward. Their online learning platform is accessible and well-organized, making it easier to navigate coursework and stay on track.
What truly made... Read More
I highly recommend the University of Phoenix to anyone looking for a supportive and structured environment to achieve their education goals. Their commitment to student success, accessibility, and encouragement makes them an excellent choice, especially for those facing unique challenges in their journey. They helped me heal, grow, and finish strong, and for that, I am truly grateful.
Review Date: 6/12/2025
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I love all the help and of you miss anything you have the opportunity to to get it done before it closes the week out and also if you haven’t been in class in days they will email you to check on you. Overall I love it and will recommend anyone at UMA
Review Date: 8/26/2024
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
The instructors and staff are amazing and I'm loving the fact that the online classes are small. Being able to attend classes twice a week for four hours which makes it easier to still do my motherly duties and still be able to attend my classes is a plus for me. CCI Training Center is one of the smoothest enrollments I've ever had.
Review Date: 7/15/2024
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I went to this school to get classes I needed done for my graduate program. I enjoyed the class structure and how the classes flowed. When I struggled in a class once I had someone reach out to me on the phone to make sure I was okay. I did not get that when I was attending traditional college. I got a certificate and the classes I took helped me get into my grade school program. It was a tad expensive but no more that what my classes cost me at my traditional college. It was a great experience for... Read More
Review Date: 9/7/2023
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
For me it is a great school that fit you schedule and also they have a great support if you needed I enjoy atending UMA. I recomend this school because they have in person and online classes you are able to chose the one it work for you. I made the best desition by attending.
Review Date: 9/5/2022
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
This school is whatever you want to make of it. I decided to give this school a try because it was 100% online and I could work at my own pace. I work full-time and I have a family that takes up a lot of my time. I really like the fact that this school removes a lot of unnecessary fluff that most campus-based schools put you through like P.E. and Art appreciation. I also like the fact that they quickly move you into what you need to know in real life situations. I went to a community college that... Read More
Review Date: 2/1/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I am very pleased with my experience here at Herzing University. I enjoyed getting to know my teachers and other classmates. I personally feel that I have learned a lot thus far and looking forward to going back to further my education. Herzing is a great school and I would recommend it to anyone, looking to further their education.
Review Date: 6/22/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I Love UMA! This school has been the best decision for me. My adviser has been by my side the whole time I have been through here. The different instructors I have encountered have been fantastic! I would advise those who want to be a part of UMA to keep in contact with the school constantly! And don't be afraid to look up to your instructors for help. They will be your best help line during classes!
Review Date: 12/30/2014
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
My experience at Ashworth College has been amazing. I needed a college that I could attend that would be affordable, convenient and flexible with my schedule. I work full time so having the ability to work online without being pushed for any deadlines is great. Before Ashworth I attended a local community college in my area for Medical Office Assisting and although my grades were great I was not learning anything. I just learned to pass but, I was not getting the value or having the enjoyment of... Read More
Review Date: 11/1/2014
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Well, its always best to do the research. My online course's were difficult for me to navigate at first, so i advise other students to communicate with the staff. I am still very new and doubt my opinion matter's but reviews state harassing phone call's? I appreciate the help.
Review Date: 6/18/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I am very grateful with Florida career collage the instructor is an incredible teacher, she always supports us and helps us in everything, I would highly recommend this school to everyone, they are all very friendly and patient I love it I would recommend this school to all my friends.
Review Date: 2/7/2023
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Empire college is the one of best college for medical ethics course in Ontario, study with discipline and teachers play attention to get goal more over training is awesome chance to go out like Montreal for more shine . I really recommend to study here , new students.
Review Date: 5/23/2023
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Small campus, so you know your way around well. Class sizes are also small so that his helpful to have better one-on-one time with your professors. Be aware of some of the newer programs as they are still working out some issues.
Review Date: 1/31/2017
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: Yes
It got me what I needed. The school desperately needs an update, Most of the computers are worthless. The attendance policy is a joke, No employer I have ever been with is this ridiculously strict. Some of the classes are poorly put together, making them a waste of time and money
Review Date: 5/13/2016
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: Yes
This school was the absolute worst. Books were never given to us on time. One of my classes was merged with medical assistants who NEVER received their books for that whole term. Our insurance teacher never actually taught us anything. She just gossiped about other students and talked about her personal life. Most teachers there actually gossiped about other students. I only learned a lot from three out of the 10 or 11 teachers we had. When it came time to take the coding exam three of us got emails... Read More
Review Date: 5/14/2015
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
I started the Medical Billing and Coding in February 2013. I spent around 3 days touring the school and speaking with financial aid as well as admissions. They all seemed to be friendly and gave me all the information I was asking for at that time. Little did I know that the information provide was completely incorrect. They sat with an employee who they stated was a Financial Aid Rep who would help me with my admissions paperwork and aid forms. I provided this man all mine and my daughter’s personal/financial... Read More
Review Date: 6/18/2013
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
The CRTM program is very flexible, especially for those who work full time. Great school, great program!
Review Date: 12/6/2012
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No