According to the United States Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, management in the health care and medical industry is predicted to grow by 16% from 2006 to 2016, which is much faster than average job growth. That’s good news for you if you’re pursing a masters in health science, which is also sometimes called a MHS. Not only will you be qualified for advanced positions in the health management field, but with a MHS degree, you’ll be able to find jobs across the country, something that can’t be said about most administration career fields.

Not only will you be qualified for jobs with more responsibilities when you have a MHS, but you’ll also be qualified for jobs with higher salaries. The exact salary you can expect with this kind of degree depends on a number of factors.

A MHS qualifies you for a number of jobs working in health administration. With this type of degree, your salary often depends on the career path you take. According to PayScale.com, some of the common degrees, along with typical first-year salary ranges for those careers, are as follows:

• Chief Nurse Anesthetist: $95,567 – $179,094
• Physician Assistant: $66,338 – $81,162
• Vice President of Operations: $54,045 – $102,789
• Social Services Director: $35,490 – $41,446
• Non-Profit Program Manager: $33,224 – $47,157
• Speech Language Pathologist: $41,712 – $56,1682

While overall average for MHS degree holders is just $57,133 in the first four years, as you work longer and longer in your field, you have the chance to earn well over six figures. Where you work also makes a difference. When you have an MHS, the average salary you can expect with certain types of employers is as follows:

• Hospitals: $79,992
• Private Practices: $76,291
• Companies: $93, 830
• School Districts: $54,00
• Non-Profit Organizations: $50,469

In addition to the type of employer affecting your salary, so does where you live. In some state, you’ll automatically be able to earn more than in other states. Here’s a sampling of some of the average salaries for MHS degree holders, by state:

• North Carolina: $83,007
• Pennsylvania: $42,881
• California: $97,500
• Maryland: $80,000
• Illinois: $54,000
• Connecticut: $98,000

Keep in mind that you can also earn more, in most cases, by living in a city, rather than in a more rural area. However, cost of living does play a role. Although earning potential may be higher in some states or cities, it might be more expensive to live in these places as well. So, when determining where to work, keep in mind not just salary potential, but also cost of living.

Getting an advanced degree in the medical field can prepare you for a number of jobs, but one thing is certain – with an MHS, you can earn more money than you could with just a bachelor’s degree. With both online programs and traditional MHS programs available to you, there’s really no reason to not pursue this type of higher education if you want a degree to prepare you for a specialized health administration job.

Top Online Masters in Health Science Programs

Where health meets science, you'll find the masters in health science degree. Individuals who earn a master's degree in health science will be prepared for specializations within the following fields: psychology, alternative medicine, biotech, medicine, nursing, clinical lab sciences, public health, physical therapy, and more.

MS in Healthcare Mgmt	Kaplan University — The Master of Science in healthcare management degree program offered by Kaplan University presents its students with the tools and skills needed to succeed in the competitive healthcare industry. Taught in a flexible online environment, this program's curriculum includes studies in management, organizational strategies, medical services administration, and more.
Master of Health Administration MHA in Health Education MHA in Health Informatics MBA in Healthcare Mgmt	University of Phoenix — The Phoenix College of Health and Human Services offer several degrees that will educate anyone interested in health science. Degree programs include a general Master of Health Administartion (MHA), an MHA in health education, an MHA in health informatics, and an MBA in healthcare management that strives to combine the fields of business and healthcare.
MBA in Healthcare	Northeastern University — Northeastern's MBA in healthcare is an advanced business degree that specializes in the study of healthcare organizations and systems. Graduates of this program will have a thorough knowledge of how business and healthcare interact and will be ready for leadership positions within the healthcare industry.
MS in Health Admin	New England College — The MS in healthcare administration online degree program conferred by New England College is focused on providing a specialized degree to healthcare professionals looking to pursue more mangement-type responsibilities within the workplace. By taking just one course during each seven-week term, students can finish this program in less than two years.
MS in Clinical Research Admin	Walden University — Walden offers an MS in clinical research administration that dives into the very heart of health science. Students will engage in learning about the most recent cutting-edge developments in the field, and this program will ensure that its graduates have a strong background suitable for propelling them into leadership positions.
MS in Clinical Research	University of Liverpool — Located in the United Kingdom, Liverpool University offers an MS in clinical research administration that is taught fully online by some of the world's foremost experts in the field. This program is accredited by the UK government body, QAA. At Liverpool University, you will never walk alone.
MBA in Healthcare	The George Washington University — Named after our first president, George Washington University offers an MBA degree with a specialization in healthcare that comprises 23 core and 12 elective courses which can be completed within two years. Fully accredited, GWU's MBA program is ranked among the top 50 MBAs in the United States by the Financial Times.
General MHA	Ohio University — The online Master of Health Administration degree program offered by Ohio University is delivered entirely online and prepares its students for leadership positions in contemporary healthcare systems and organizations in the United States. Coursework includes classes in finance, managed care, health ethics, leadership, and more.
MA in Health & Wellness Psych	University of the Rockies — The University of the Rockies offers an MA in health and wellness psychology that develops a student's ability to diagnose, develop, and measure wellness models. At the core of this curriculum is the program that trains students to create comprehensive wellness models to evaluate and improve the psychological and physical health of their organizations.
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