The health care industry is vast, high-stakes, and constantly evolving. To navigate its complex nature, institutions need leaders who understand the systems, finances, and policies that shape patient care.

A Master of Health Administration (MHA) prepares professionals for roles that influence the delivery, management, and improvement of care across various environments, including hospitals, consulting firms, and government agencies. These positions enable you to lead change and be well-compensated for your expertise.

If you are interested in operations, policy, or advising organizations on improvement, numerous career opportunities in health care administration offer substantial salaries alongside opportunities to make a meaningful impact.

Why Choose a Career in Health Care Administration

Health care administrators do more than oversee operations—they drive meaningful change. From shaping outcomes and improving efficiency to reforming policies, they hold the authority to make decisions that impact entire organizations and communities.

This people-centered, fast-evolving field offers both stability and purpose. As the health care industry grows more complex, the demand for skilled leaders continues to rise, along with the earning potential. With over half a million positions currently in the field and projected job growth of 29%, health care administrators can expect a median salary of $117,960 and a career path that makes a real difference.

Top MHA Degree Jobs For Graduates

Wondering what jobs you can get with a healthcare administration degree? An MHA opens doors to high-level, high-impact roles that shape how care is delivered across the health system. Whether you’re driven by purpose, seeking long-term stability, or aiming for leadership with competitive pay, these five careers stand out.

Health Care Administrator

Health care administrators lead the daily operations of hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities.

From managing budgets and staffing to overseeing compliance and strategy, this role influences both organizational efficiency and patient care quality. With a median hospital administrator salary of $100,780, it offers financial stability and the platform to make a meaningful impact.

Operations Manager

Operations managers focus on streamlining health care delivery across departments.

They coordinate teams, refine workflows, and implement systems that ensure care is delivered smoothly, safely, and cost-effectively. This role earns a median salary of $106,990 and plays a vital part in the performance of health systems.

Director of Health Services

Directors of health services oversee entire departments, guiding strategy and ensuring clinical and operational goals are met.

They align teams, set priorities, and collaborate with leadership to shape health care outcomes. With a median salary of $130,690, this role rewards both strategic thinking and people leadership.

Health Care Consultant

Health care consultants help organizations improve efficiency, reduce costs, and stay compliant with evolving policies and technologies.

Whether focused on operations, IT systems, or regulatory strategy, consultants work across institutions to drive change, often as external experts. The median salary is $99,250, and the opportunity for broad, systemic impact is substantial.

Policy Analyst

Health policy analysts evaluate programs, legislation, and policies for effectiveness and equity.

They work for government agencies, think tanks, and nonprofits to utilize data in shaping systems that enhance healthcare access and delivery. The median salary for a health policy analyst is $132,620, reflecting the high value placed on professionals who can drive evidence-based change in health systems and policy.

Health policy analysts evaluate legislation, programs, and data to influence how care is accessed and delivered.

Employed by government agencies, think tanks, or nonprofits, they utilize evidence to inform health care reform. With a median health policy analyst salary of $132,620, this career path is ideal for those interested in public service and long-term systems change.

Ready To Pursue Leadership In Health Care? Start With The Right MHA Program

While the roles above vary in focus—from operations to policy—all share the authority, stability, and earning potential that make health care administration a compelling career path. But to step confidently into one of these high-impact roles, you need the right foundation.

A strong Master of Health Administration (MHA) program combines health care knowledge with business acumen and leadership development. Coursework typically includes finance, ethics, operations, and data analysis—skills you’ll use every day as a health care leader.

When evaluating programs, look for:

• Strong industry connections to help you build your network
• Flexible formats that fit your schedule and career stage
• Proven outcomes in graduation and job placement rates

Programs that offer internships or residencies provide hands-on experience, helping you build credibility and confidence from day one. And with the support of a dedicated career services team and an engaged alumni network, you’ll be positioned to accelerate your impact and advancement.

The Sloan Master of Health Administration: Your Entry Point To Health Care Leadership

Housed in the Cornell Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy, the Sloan Master of Health Administration program prepares professionals to lead with vision, integrity, and purpose.

Ranked #8 by U.S. News & World Report, the two-year residential MHA degree has equipped students to succeed in hospitals, consulting firms, government agencies, and beyond for nearly 70 years.

Fully CAHME-accredited, the Sloan MHA combines Ivy League academics with immersive learning experiences, including internships, capstone projects, and leadership development workshops. Students benefit from:

• A tight-knit, collaborative community
• A global alumni network
• Mentorship and support from faculty and industry leaders

Sloan graduates emerge not only with a respected credential but with the confidence and connections to lead transformational change in health care.

If you’re ready to shape systems, improve outcomes, and lead with purpose, the Sloan MHA program offers the preparation and the path to get you there.

Master of Health Administration (MHA):

Lead at the intersection of business and health care in one of the nation’s most respected health management programs.

Request More Information About the Sloan MHA