14 Best Healthcare Finance Courses To Build New Skills In 2024
When I first started managing a medical clinic, handling the financial side felt like trying to navigate a stormy sea without a map. I knew healthcare finance was essential to keeping our doors open and our patients cared for, but the jargon and complexities were overwhelming.
Over the years, I’ve learned the ropes, but it’s clear to me now—having the right knowledge upfront can save you a lot of time, stress, and mistakes. That’s why I’m sharing this list of the best healthcare finance courses. Think of these as your compass and lifeboat, designed to help you navigate the unpredictable waters of healthcare finance with confidence.
Whether you’re just starting out or need to sharpen your skills, these courses will set you on the right path.
Best Healthcare Finance Courses Shortlist
Here's my shortlist of the best healthcare finance courses I think are worth your time in 2024:
- Health Finance and Management Certificate Program (Johns Hopkins University)
- Intro to Finance in Healthcare (Northeastern University)
- Online Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Financial Management (University of Louisville)
- MITx: Healthcare Finance (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)
- Healthcare Finance and Accounting (University of California, San Diego)
- Health Care Finance (Rochester Institute of Technology)
- Health Care: Finance (University of Cincinnati)
- Health Care Finance (University of Minnesota)
- HSA4170 Healthcare Financial Management (Seminole State College of Florida)
- Healthcare Management and Finance (Michigan Online)
- Training on Healthcare Financial Management (Devimpact Institute)
- Financial Management in Health Care for Non-Financial Managers (Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health)
- Online Master of Science in Healthcare Finance Degree (Liberty University)
- Healthcare Financial and Accounting Management Skills (Oxford Management Centre)
Find more details about each course below.
Overview Of The Best Health Finance Courses
1. Health Finance and Management Certificate Program (Johns Hopkins University)
This course comprehensively explores financial principles and their application within healthcare settings. It combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills, equipping participants to make informed financial decisions tailored to the unique demands of healthcare organizations. The course emphasizes analytical and management competencies to prepare individuals to navigate and lead within complex healthcare financial environments.
- Who It’s For: Professionals seeking advanced expertise in health finance and management
- Topics Covered:
- Financial management principles
- Health economics
- Strategic planning
- Budgeting and financial analysis
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Both
- Exam Required? No
- Duration: 1-3 years
- Eligibility Requirements: None
- Price: Visit their page for more information
- Take The Course: Johns Hopkins University
2. Intro to Finance in Healthcare (Northeastern University)
This course equips learners with the knowledge to navigate financial complexities within healthcare organizations. Emphasizing real-world applications, it fosters a solid grasp of financial principles tailored to the unique challenges of the healthcare industry. Participants gain practical skills for sound financial management and decision-making in healthcare settings.
- Who It’s For: Beginners interested in healthcare finance
- Topics Covered:
- Financial statements
- Budgeting
- Cost analysis
- Financial decision-making
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
- Exam Required? No
- Duration: 3 weeks
- How Many Hours Of Instruction: 3 hours per week
- Eligibility Requirements: None
- Price: Free
- Take The Course: Coursera
3. Online Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Financial Management (University of Louisville)
This program delivers extensive financial management skills tailored specifically for the healthcare sector. Participants gain advanced expertise in managing financial resources effectively to support organizational stability and growth within healthcare settings. Through practical applications and case studies, the course empowers professionals to make informed financial decisions that align with healthcare organizations' unique challenges and goals.
- Who It’s For: Healthcare professionals seeking financial management skills
- Topics Covered:
- Financial analysis
- Budgeting and forecasting
- Revenue cycle management
- Financial planning and control
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
- Exam Required? Yes
- Duration: 12 hours
- How Many Hours Of Instruction: Self-paced
- Eligibility Requirements:
- A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
- A minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75
- An updated resume or CV
- A one-page personal statement written by the applicant
- Price:
- $830 per credit hour
- $250 per credit hour active-duty tuition rate
- Take The Course: University of Louisville
4. MITx: Healthcare Finance (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)
This course covers the complexities of healthcare finance, providing learners with insights into financial structures unique to healthcare organizations. Through real-world examples and case studies, it prepares participants to apply financial analysis effectively within a healthcare context.
- Who It’s For: Individuals seeking in-depth knowledge of healthcare finance
- Topics Covered:
- Financial statement analysis
- Cost allocation
- Capital budgeting
- Healthcare financial operations
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
- Exam Required? Yes
- Duration: 20 weeks
- How Many Hours Of Instruction: 4-6 hours per week
- Eligibility Requirements: None
- Price:
- Free: Limited Access
- $49: Unlimited Access (With Certificate)
- Take The Course: edX
5. Healthcare Finance and Accounting (University of California, San Diego)
This course provides a thorough understanding of essential financial and accounting principles specific to the healthcare industry. Through hands-on learning, participants gain skills that enhance their ability to manage and interpret financial information effectively within a healthcare context.
- Who It’s For: Healthcare administrators and managers
- Topics Covered:
- Financial reporting
- Budgeting
- Cost management
- Financial decision-making
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
- Exam Required? No
- Duration: 8 weeks
- How Many Hours Of Instruction: Self-paced
- Eligibility Requirements: None
- Price: $695
- Take The Course: University of California, San Diego
6. Health Care Finance (Rochester Institute of Technology)
This course equips professionals with advanced financial management skills specific to the healthcare industry. It provides an in-depth understanding of financial operations that support organizational stability and growth. Through practical applications and scenario-based learning, participants gain the tools needed to address unique financial challenges in healthcare environments.
- Who It’s For: Healthcare professionals and managers
- Topics Covered:
- Budgeting
- Financial analysis
- Strategic planning
- Revenue cycle management
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
- Exam Required? No
- Duration: 12 hours
- How Many Hours Of Instruction: Self-paced
- Eligibility Requirements: None
- Take The Course: Rochester Institute of Technology
7. Health Care: Finance (University of Cincinnati)
This program provides an understanding of financial practices specifically tailored to healthcare systems. The online course is designed to equip learners with the skills to analyze and manage financial information critical to organizational success in healthcare.
- Who It’s For: Healthcare professionals seeking foundational finance skills
- Topics Covered:
- Financial management
- Accounting principles
- Budgeting
- Financial decision-making
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
- Exam Required? No
- Duration: 1 year
- How Many Hours Of Instruction: Self-paced
- Eligibility Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (4.0 scale)
- Reference on academic readiness, work ethic, and interpersonal skills
- Resume/CV detailing background; healthcare experience preferred
- Personal statement (3 double-spaced pages) on goals, objectives, work plan, and motivation
- International: TOEFL 580/237/93 and transcript evaluation
- Take The Course: University of Cincinnati
8. Health Care Finance (University of Minnesota)
This course equips students with essential tools and knowledge to navigate the complexities of healthcare finance. It emphasizes the operational aspects of managing finances effectively to support sustainable growth and address the evolving demands of a competitive environment. Students will gain insight into the legal and ethical frameworks shaping financial practices, preparing them to make wise decisions that align with industry standards and policies.
- Who It’s For: Healthcare administrators and managers
- Topics Covered:
- Financial planning
- Budgeting
- Financial decision-making
- Cost management
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
- Exam Required? No
- Duration: 8 weeks
- Eligibility Requirements:
- Basic accounting knowledge
- A course such as ACCT 2050
- Knowledge of Microsoft Excel is strongly recommended
- Price: Visit the website for more information
- Take The Course: University of Minnesota
9. HSA4170 Healthcare Financial Management (Seminole State College of Florida)
This course provides non-financial managers with a foundational knowledge of financial management in healthcare, emphasizing practical applications within healthcare settings. It introduces key accounting concepts, report analysis, and managerial insights essential for effective healthcare management. Through real-world examples and case studies, participants gain skills to interpret and apply financial data from various healthcare facilities.
- Who It’s For: Healthcare professionals and students
- Topics Covered:
- Budgeting
- Financial analysis
- Strategic planning
- Revenue cycle management
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
- Exam Required? No
- Duration: 12 weeks
- Eligibility Requirements: None
- Take The Course: Seminole State College of Florida
10. Healthcare Management and Finance (Michigan Online)
This course equips healthcare professionals with essential skills in management, finance, and accounting to enhance their leadership impact within healthcare organizations. By exploring the structure and financial mechanisms of healthcare institutions, participants gain insights into the financial health and sustainability of their organizations.
- Who It’s For: Healthcare managers and financial professionals
Topics Covered:- Financial planning
- Budgeting
- Strategic decision-making
- Cost management
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
- Exam Required? Yes
- Duration: 12 weeks
- How Many Hours Of Instruction: Self-paced
- Eligibility Requirements: None
- Price: Free
- Take The Course: Michigan Online
11. Training on Healthcare Financial Management (Devimpact Institute)
This course equips professionals with essential skills that enhance patient care and operational efficiency. Through practical applications and case studies, participants will learn to navigate financial challenges specific to healthcare settings.
- Who It’s For: Healthcare professionals seeking practical financial skills
- Topics Covered:
- Budgeting
- Financial analysis
- Cost control
- Financial reporting
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Both
- Exam Required? No
- Duration:
- Online: 14 days
- Classroom-based: 10 days
- Eligibility Requirements: None
- Price:
- Online: $1,400
- Classroom-based: $2,300
- Take The Course: Devimpact Institute
12. Financial Management in Health Care for Non-Financial Managers (Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health)
This course empowers physician leaders with the essential financial management skills needed to make informed, fiscally responsible decisions in healthcare settings. Through expert-led case studies and interactive discussions, physician leaders will gain practical insights into developing sound financial strategies for their organizations.
- Who It’s For: Non-financial managers in healthcare
- Topics Covered:
- Financial management principles
- Budgeting
- Financial decision-making
- Financial reporting
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
- Exam Required? No
- Duration: 3 days
- How Many Hours Of Instruction: Self-paced
- Eligibility Requirements: None
- Price: $2,200
- Take The Course: Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
13. Online Master of Science in Healthcare Finance Degree (Liberty University)
This online program is designed to blend essential knowledge from business, informatics, public health, and nursing to address complex financial challenges in healthcare. The program prepares students to alleviate financial stress in healthcare organizations through advanced skills in administration and strategic financial planning.
- Who It’s For: Professionals seeking a master's degree in healthcare finance
- Topics Covered:
- Financial management
- Budgeting
- Strategic planning
- Financial analysis
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
- Exam Required? Yes
- Duration: 8 weeks
- How Many Hours Of Instruction: Self-paced
- Eligibility Requirements:
- Submit official transcripts showing a bachelor’s degree with a 3.0+ GPA
- Unofficial transcripts are accepted with a completed Transcript Request Form.
- Accounting/Finance applicants need specific prerequisites or must complete them post-acceptance
- Non-native English speakers must submit TOEFL or an approved alternative assessment
- Price:
- Graduate Full-time: $565/Credit
- Graduate Part-time: $615/Credit
- Military Graduate: $275/Credit
- Take The Course: Liberty University
14. Healthcare Financial and Accounting Management Skills (Oxford Management Centre)
This training course equips healthcare professionals with essential financial knowledge to navigate and contribute effectively within diverse healthcare organizations. By mastering financial reports and management principles, participants will enhance their ability to make strategic financial decisions that support their organization's goals and operational success.
- Who It’s For: Healthcare professionals seeking practical financial skills
- Topics Covered:
- Budgeting
- Financial analysis
- Cost control
- Financial reporting
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Both
- Exam Required? No
- Duration: 5 days
- Eligibility Requirements: None
- Price:
- In-Person: $5,950
- Online: $3,950
- Take The Course: Oxford Management Centre
Healthcare Finances FAQ
Here are a few additional questions (+ answers) about healthcare practice financial management.
1. What is financial management, and why is it important?
Financial management is all about planning, organizing, and controlling money. In healthcare, it’s important because it keeps the organization running smoothly, pays for equipment, staff, and services, and helps avoid financial problems. The “4 C’s” of financial management are:
- Character: Trustworthiness in paying debts.
- Capital: Money or assets you already have.
- Capacity: Your ability to repay a loan or cover costs.
- Collateral: What you can offer as a backup if you can’t repay.
2. What is healthcare finance?
Healthcare finance is managing money in hospitals, clinics, and other health organizations. It’s about budgeting, billing, paying workers, and making sure patients get care without the organization running out of money.
3. What are the 4 C’s of financial management?
The 4 C’s stand for:
- Character: How reliable and trustworthy you are with money.
- Capital: What resources or savings you already have.
- Capacity: How much you can afford to repay.
- Collateral: Backup assets used to secure loans.
4. How much does a healthcare finance manager earn in the USA?
Healthcare finance managers in the U.S. earn between $80,000 and $140,000 per year, depending on their experience, location, and the size of the organization.
5. Why is financial analysis important in a healthcare organization?
Financial analysis helps healthcare organizations understand how they’re spending money, find ways to save, and make smart decisions about the future. It ensures they can provide quality care while staying financially healthy.
6. What are the four major areas of financial management?
The four major areas are:
- Planning: Deciding how to use money in the future.
- Controlling: Keeping track of spending and making sure it’s within budget.
- Organizing/Directing: Managing how money flows daily, like paying bills or staff.
- Decision-Making: Choosing the best financial options for the organization’s success.
Other Learning Resources
Healthcare finances are tricky...but necessary to running a successful practice. Here are some more resources I recommend:
- Read books on healthcare revenue cycle management to learn effective strategies for optimizing billing and financial performance.
- Read healthcare finance books to improve your understanding of budgeting, cost analysis, and financial decision-making in the healthcare industry.
What’s Next?
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