What you’ll learn in this article…
- CAHME accreditation separates top Tennessee MHA programs from the rest.
- Nursing home administrators in Tennessee must hold a state license.
- Executive MHA tracks require at least five years of healthcare experience.
Healthcare administrators in Tennessee choose between two routes to career advancement: stepping away from the workforce for a traditional on-campus MHA, or earning a degree online while staying employed in one of the state's major health systems. With corporate headquarters like HCA Healthcare and a network of county-run public health agencies, the state generates consistent demand for trained leaders who understand both business and patient care.
The programs ranked on this page, a mix of online, hybrid, and on-campus options available to Tennessee residents, are evaluated using a composite that weights net price, graduation outcomes, and earnings alongside online delivery. Only one of these, Lipscomb University's CAHME-accredited MHA, carries the accreditation that the state's largest employers increasingly require for senior administrative roles.
Best Online MHA Programs for Tennessee Students, Ranked
The following programs are available to Tennessee residents and ranked using a composite that weighs net price, institution-wide graduation rates, post-graduation earnings where available, and online accessibility. This is not a pure cost or salary ranking; it reflects overall value for students pursuing health administration leadership in the Volunteer State. Program-level earnings data is not yet available for these programs, so institution-wide median earnings ten years after enrollment are provided for context.
Factors considered
- Net price and affordability
- Institution-wide graduation rate
- Post-enrollment median earnings
- Online delivery and accessibility
- Accreditation and program quality
Data sources
- Independent program research
- NCES-IPEDS federal institutional data — nces.ed.gov
- College Scorecard graduate earnings — collegescorecard.ed.gov
- Internal program database
- #1
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN · $16,000/yr
Best for: Working clinicians seeking executive credentials
Vanderbilt University brings the resources of a top-tier research institution to healthcare leadership education through its Master of Management in Health Care. The 12-month hybrid format is built around weekend immersions in Nashville, letting working clinicians stay employed at Tennessee health systems while gaining executive-level skills. An employer endorsement is part of the application, reinforcing the program's design for professionals already embedded in healthcare organizations. The institution's overall graduation rate is approximately 94%, and its median earnings ten years after enrollment reach $91,565.
View program
- 12-month hybrid format with Nashville weekend immersions
- Part-time structure designed for employed clinicians
- Capstone strategy project with a real healthcare organization
- GRE/GMAT recommended but not required
- Employer endorsement required as part of application
- Leadership Development Program and alumni network access
- Financial aid and scholarships available
- Holistic admissions review with rolling decisions
- #2
Lipscomb University
Nashville, TN · $25,000/yr
Best for: Online learners valuing dual accreditation
Lipscomb University offers one of the few CAHME- and AACSB-accredited online MHA programs in Tennessee, a dual distinction that carries weight with public-sector and hospital employers. The 39-credit, cohort-based curriculum is delivered asynchronously with in-person integration weekends in Nashville each semester, giving students direct exposure to the city's concentrated healthcare industry. Lipscomb reports a 100% employment rate within three months of graduation. The institution's overall graduation rate is about 72%, and median earnings ten years post-enrollment are $55,541.
View program
- CAHME and AACSB accredited
- $31,200 total program tuition ($800 per credit hour)
- 16-month cohort-based program, 39 credit hours
- Asynchronous online coursework with Nashville integration weekends
- Executive Advisory Board mentorship from industry leaders
- Military benefits accepted; financial aid and scholarships available
- Professional association memberships included (e.g., ACHE)
- Fall start with 100% reported job placement rate
- #3
Trevecca Nazarene University
Nashville, TN · $17,000/yr (net price)
Best for: Budget-minded professionals in career transitions
Trevecca Nazarene University delivers one of the most affordable online MHA options in Tennessee at roughly $20,000 in total tuition. The 40-credit curriculum covers financial management, health informatics, human resources, and strategic leadership, and it includes 120 clinical hours and a capstone project. No GRE or entrance exam is required, and the cohort model lets students complete one course at a time across 20 months. The institution's overall graduation rate is about 53%, with median earnings ten years post-enrollment at $49,378.
View program
- $20,000 total program tuition ($500 per credit hour)
- 20-month completion with cohort-based pacing
- No GRE or entrance exam required; 2.8 GPA minimum
- 120 clinical hours plus capstone project
- Synchronous and asynchronous online options
- No residency requirement beyond clinical hours
- Christ-centered curriculum with ethical leadership focus
- Faculty with real-world healthcare management experience
- #4
Tennessee Wesleyan University
Athens, TN · ~$15,000/yr (est.)
Tennessee Wesleyan University's online MBA with a Healthcare Management concentration blends core business training in strategy, finance, and marketing with specialized healthcare coursework. At 30 credit hours, it is one of the more streamlined options in the state, and the 100% online format suits working professionals across Tennessee's rural and urban communities. An accelerated 4+1 pathway is available for Tennessee Wesleyan undergraduates. The institution's overall graduation rate is approximately 48%, and median earnings ten years post-enrollment are $45,989.
View program
- 100% online, 30 credit hours across 10 courses
- $560 per credit hour
- Eight MBA concentration options available
- Healthcare-specific courses in HR, finance, and population health
- Designed for working professionals; no thesis or capstone required
- 2.5 GPA minimum for admission
- Accelerated 4+1 option for Tennessee Wesleyan undergraduates
- Blends business acumen with healthcare industry focus
- #5
South College
Knoxville, TN · $18,000/yr (net price)
South College in Knoxville offers a fully online MHA that can be completed in as little as 12 months on a full-time track, with quarterly start dates providing flexibility for shift-based healthcare workers throughout Tennessee. The curriculum aligns with the Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE) certification exam, a credential highly valued in hospital administration. The institution's overall graduation rate is about 42%, and median earnings ten years after enrollment are $36,642. South College participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program, making it a strong choice for Tennessee veterans.
View program
- IACBE accredited; aligned with FACHE certification exam
- Complete in as little as 12 months full-time
- 45 quarter credit hours across 10 courses
- Four start dates per year (fall, winter, spring, summer)
- Full-time and part-time pacing options
- Yellow Ribbon Program and GI Bill benefits accepted
- Financial aid and scholarships available
- Covers communication, leadership, strategy, and finance
- #6
King University
Bristol, TN · $22,000/yr
King University in Bristol offers a 30-credit, fully online MHA that can be finished in one year, with a next confirmed start date of August 24, 2026. The portfolio-based comprehensive assessment replaces a traditional thesis, letting students demonstrate competency across strategic planning, data analysis, and managed care. No GMAT or GRE is required. The institution's overall graduation rate is approximately 48%, and median earnings ten years post-enrollment are $59,831. Yellow Ribbon and GI Bill benefits are available for eligible veterans.
View program
- 30 credit hours, completable in one year
- $605 per credit hour; fully online format
- No GMAT or GRE required; 3.0 GPA minimum
- Portfolio-based comprehensive assessment instead of thesis
- 15-week course terms with fall start
- Two letters of recommendation required
- Yellow Ribbon and GI Bill benefits accepted
- Prepares for roles in hospitals and outpatient facilities
- #7
Tennessee Tech
Cookeville, TN · $10,000 – $15,000/yr
Tennessee Tech, a public university in Cookeville, offers an online Master of Professional Studies with a Healthcare Administration concentration that includes an embedded certificate in Healthcare Informatics. This dual-credential structure is especially relevant for Tennessee students interested in data-driven decision-making across rural health networks, state Medicaid reporting, or hospital quality improvement. No entrance exam is required. The institution's overall graduation rate is approximately 58%, and median earnings ten years post-enrollment are $48,501. As a public institution, Tennessee Tech offers differentiated in-state tuition of $11,376 versus $15,576 for out-of-state students.
View program
- 30 credit hours; fully online delivery
- In-state tuition of $11,376; out-of-state $15,576
- Embedded certificate in Healthcare Informatics included
- No entrance exam required; test-optional admissions
- Interdisciplinary curriculum blending policy, informatics, and leadership
- Capstone professional project required
- Focus on healthcare economics and computer-based decision modeling
- Designed for working professionals in varied healthcare settings
- #8
Lincoln Memorial University
Harrogate, TN · $20,000/yr
Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate delivers a cohort-based, fully online MHA across 30 credit hours with fall and spring entry points. The curriculum emphasizes healthcare law, ethics, quality improvement, and analytics, and no GRE or GMAT is required for admission. LMU's regional positioning in East Tennessee makes it a natural fit for professionals working in Appalachian health systems or small community hospitals. The institution's overall graduation rate is approximately 50%, and median earnings ten years post-enrollment are $49,956.
View program
- 30 credit hours across 10 courses; fully online
- Cohort-based structure with fall and spring starts
- No GRE or GMAT required; 2.8 GPA minimum
- Two letters of recommendation required
- Curriculum covers healthcare law, ethics, and analytics
- Focus on quality improvement and strategic management
- Financial aid available; international applicants welcome
- Designed for working adults advancing in healthcare management
How We Ranked These Tennessee MHA Programs
Prospective students evaluating online MHA programs want more than a list of names , they want a clear method that cuts through marketing noise. This year's ranking uses a composite score that gives extra weight to programs designed for remote learners while still grounding every recommendation in hard outcome data.
Composite Scoring That Balances Accessibility and Outcomes
Each program receives a score built from two parts. First, programs with a fully online delivery option earn a boost, reflecting the flexibility Tennessee students increasingly need if they balance work in Memphis, Nashville, or Knoxville health systems while advancing their education. That alone does not drive the ranking. The bigger portion comes from a baseline quality composite: net price, median earnings of graduates (pulled from federal data), graduation and completion rates, and student debt metrics. The idea is straightforward: a strong online Master of Health Administration should not just be convenient; it should deliver measurable value long after commencement.
Why Institution-Wide Metrics Still Matter
Two figures in this composite, graduation rate and average net price, are reported at the school level, not for each individual MHA program. For the reader, that distinction carries weight. A high institutional graduation rate signals an overall environment where students are supported and persist to degree. A low net price, similarly, signals that the university keeps costs manageable across disciplines. While neither number perfectly isolates the MHA experience, they still speak to the organization's culture and financial stewardship. When you see a program with strong earnings outcomes paired with a solid university-wide graduation rate, the fit is often dependable.
CAHME Accreditation as a Filter, Not a Factor
Every program listed here holds CAHME accreditation , that is a prerequisite for inclusion, not a numerical lever that we turn up or down in the scoring formula. Why it matters so much is covered in the next section. For ranking purposes, think of CAHME as the entrance requirement: without it, a program cannot appear. With it, we then ask tougher questions about earnings, debt, and value.
Data Sources Grounded in Federal Reporting
The numbers behind the ranking come from the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), supplemented by program-reported details on format and accreditation. These are the same datasets that power our MPA program Tennessee and online MPP programs in Tennessee rankings, ensuring earnings and debt figures are independently verifiable, not cherry-picked from a school's own marketing surveys.
CAHME Accreditation: Why It Matters for Tennessee MHA Students
CAHME accreditation is the single most important quality signal an MHA applicant in Tennessee can look for. It signals to employers, fellowship directors, and licensing boards that a program meets rigorous standards for healthcare management education.1
What CAHME Accreditation Means
CAHME, the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education, is the only accrediting body recognized by the Council on Higher Education Accreditation to review master's-level health administration programs. CAHME-accredited programs must prove they deliver a curriculum aligned with industry competency models, maintain strong faculty qualifications, and demonstrate positive career outcomes for graduates.1 In practical terms, this seal of approval opens doors: many large health systems, academic medical centers, and federal agencies will only hire or place administrative fellows from CAHME-accredited programs. It also ensures your degree will be recognized if you relocate, since CAHME is the national standard.
Accreditation Status of Tennessee MHA Programs
The landscape of CAHME-accredited MHA options available to Tennessee students has grown considerably. Here is where each program stands as of 2026:
- University of Memphis: Fully accredited since 1995. It remains the state's longest continuously CAHME-accredited MHA program and the only one with a decades-long track record of uninterrupted recognition.2
- Lipscomb University: Fully accredited as of February 2024, with an initial three-year term. Lipscomb's program earned accreditation relatively quickly, signaling strong alignment with CAHME standards right out of the gate.3
- Austin Peay State University: Fully accredited and delivered entirely online. This gives Tennessee students a fully-accredited distance option without needing to leave the state's public university system.1
- East Tennessee State University: CAHME candidacy was approved in April 2025, with the next site review scheduled for Fall 2026. Candidacy is a formal recognition that a program is on track toward full accreditation, and graduates from programs in candidacy are often treated similarly to those from fully-accredited programs for fellowship eligibility.4
- South College: Not listed in the CAHME directory of accredited or candidate programs. Prospective students should confirm directly with the college whether it plans to seek CAHME recognition, and what other programmatic or regional accreditations it holds.5
If a program lacks CAHME accreditation, look for other quality marks. All the institutions above hold regional accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, which is essential for federal financial aid eligibility. Some MHA programs housed in business schools may also carry AACSB accreditation, a respected business-specific credential. While these are valuable, they do not replace CAHME's specialized focus on healthcare management competencies.
Fellowship Eligibility and the CAHME Advantage
The connection between CAHME and post-graduate administrative fellowships is especially relevant in Tennessee. Major health systems such as HCA Healthcare, Ascension Saint Thomas, and Vanderbilt University Medical Center typically require or strongly prefer applicants who have completed a CAHME-accredited program. Public-sector employers like the Tennessee Department of Health, regional county health departments, and the VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System also look favorably on CAHME credentials when hiring for health administration roles. By choosing a CAHME-accredited or candidate program, you keep the full range of fellowship and career pathways open, while also positioning yourself for roles that require a nationally benchmarked education.
Questions to Ask Yourself
State health department fellowships, public hospital districts, and VA administrative residencies increasingly screen for CAHME-accredited degrees, so confirm accreditation status before applying if these are your goal.
Tennessee's nursing home administrator licensure board may recognize only specific approved coursework or internships, so verify a program's curriculum aligns with state licensing requirements before enrolling.
Hybrid programs with periodic residencies often provide stronger networking and fellowship placement support, while fully online formats favor working professionals who cannot travel.
Some Tennessee programs charge a flat online rate regardless of residency, which can significantly change your total cost compared to traditional in-state versus out-of-state pricing.
If you're aiming for county health districts or state agencies rather than private hospital systems, prioritize programs with demonstrated public-sector fellowship and residency placements.
Tuition and Cost Comparison: In-State, Out-Of-State, and Flat-Rate Online
The table below compares published tuition figures and institution-wide average net prices for each ranked Tennessee MHA program, drawn from IPEDS and College Scorecard data (2023). Several programs charge a single flat tuition rate regardless of residency, which is a significant advantage for Tennessee students considering out-of-state online options or for out-of-state learners enrolling in a Tennessee program. Note that the net price column reflects an institution-wide average after financial aid, not a guaranteed quote for graduate students. Contact each school's financial aid office for a personalized estimate. Program-level median debt and monthly repayment figures are not yet available for these programs.
| School | Program Tuition (In-State) | Program Tuition (Out-of-State) | Flat Online Rate? | Avg. Net Price (Institution-Wide) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trevecca Nazarene University | $10,537 | $10,537 | Yes | $16,813 |
| Tennessee Tech University | $12,386 | $15,746 | No | $14,246 |
| King University | $16,073 | $16,073 | Yes | $22,347 |
| Lipscomb University | $17,334 | $17,334 | Yes | $24,739 |
| Tennessee Wesleyan University | $17,750 | $17,750 | Yes | $14,836 |
| Lincoln Memorial University | $22,154 | $22,154 | Yes | $20,406 |
| South College | $28,849 | $28,849 | Yes | $17,858 |
| Vanderbilt University | $57,868 | $57,868 | Yes | $15,846 |
Related Articles
MHA Graduate Earnings at a Glance
Program-level earnings data for MHA completers at these Tennessee schools has not yet been published in the College Scorecard. Unlike Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational wage estimates, which reflect median pay across an entire profession regardless of degree, Scorecard completer earnings track actual reported income for graduates of a specific program at a specific school. Once the U.S. Department of Education releases program-level outcomes for these MHA programs, this section will be updated with a side-by-side comparison of one-year and four-year post-completion earnings.
Admissions Requirements and GRE Policies Across Tennessee MHA Programs
Admissions into Tennessee’s MHA programs follow two distinct gateways: one for early-career professionals building a foundation and another for experienced healthcare leaders seeking to accelerate their trajectory. Matching your background to the right track is the first step toward selecting the program that fits both your credentials and your career goals.
University of Memphis: Dual Pathways Under One Accreditation
The University of Memphis offers the state's only CAHME-accredited residential and online MHA programs through its School of Public Health. The school maintains two separate admissions frameworks , one for its traditional MHA and another for its Executive MHA , each with different expectations around work experience and academic preparation.
- Traditional MHA track: Applicants need a bachelor's degree and a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, as stated on the University of Memphis MHA admissions page (2025, 2026). The GRE is not required; the program operates a test-optional policy and routinely grants waivers. No professional work experience is mandated, making the track accessible to recent graduates or career changers. However, individual applicants may be asked to complete up to nine credit hours of prerequisite coursework, determined during the application review based on prior academic background.2
- Executive MHA track: This format targets mid-career professionals already embedded in the healthcare sector. It requires a minimum of five years of relevant healthcare management or clinical experience3 , a non-negotiable threshold that ensures cohort members bring substantive operational insight. The minimum GPA remains 3.0. Like the traditional track, the Executive MHA waives the GRE, placing the evaluative weight on the applicant's professional record, letters of recommendation, and statement of purpose rather than standardized test scores.
GRE Waivers and No-GRE Options in Tennessee
For students concerned about standardized testing, both University of Memphis tracks fall squarely into the GRE-optional category. The admissions committees review applications holistically, leaning on GPA, professional experience, and personal statements. While other Tennessee institutions such as East Tennessee State University, Lipscomb University, and South College may offer healthcare administration or related master's programs, their admissions policies , including GRE requirements, minimum GPAs, and work experience thresholds , are not centrally documented in the way public flagship programs publish them. Prospective students interested in those pathways should consult each school's current graduate catalog to verify whether they follow similar test-optional trends.
A Note on Middle Tennessee State University
MTSU does not operate a standalone, active MHA program for the 2025, 2026 academic year, based on available graduate listings. Students in the Nashville metropolitan area seeking a CAHME-accredited degree may find the University of Memphis's online delivery a practical alternative that avoids relocation.
How to Strengthen Your Application
Regardless of track, applicants can stand out by demonstrating clear alignment with public-sector health administration values. A resume that includes internships with the Tennessee Department of Health, a county health district, or a VA medical center can offset a GPA at the minimum threshold. A well-crafted personal statement tying your career goals directly to challenges in Tennessee's healthcare delivery system is also viewed favorably by both traditional and executive admission committees.
Tennessee MHA graduates enter a distinct public-sector pipeline anchored by the state's numerous VA hospitals, health agencies, and county health departments. This concentrated infrastructure creates career opportunities in administration, policy, and operations that generic private-sector advice often overlooks, giving your degree a unique edge, especially if you aim to serve communities and advance public health systems.
Career Outcomes: Public-Sector Health Administration Roles in Tennessee
Choosing between a public-sector and private-sector health administration career involves weighing mission-driven stability against potentially higher private-sector compensation. Tennessee's robust network of government health agencies offers MHA graduates meaningful work protecting population health, often with competitive benefits, pension eligibility, and loan forgiveness opportunities that offset modest salary differences.
Major Public-Sector Employers in Tennessee
The Tennessee Department of Health serves as the state's largest public health employer, operating across 95 county health departments and employing administrators who oversee everything from communicable disease response to rural health access initiatives. County health departments in Shelby, Davidson, and Knox counties maintain their own administrative structures, creating additional leadership pipelines for MHA graduates interested in local government service.
The VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, headquartered in Nashville with facilities extending to Murfreesboro, represents one of the region's most significant federal healthcare employers. This system serves more than 200,000 veterans annually and regularly recruits health administrators for roles in operations management, quality improvement, and strategic planning. The Memphis VA Medical Center operates separately within the Veterans Health Administration network, providing another major federal employment hub in West Tennessee.
Metro Nashville Health Department functions as a metropolitan public health authority with its own organizational leadership distinct from state operations. For MHA students interested in urban health policy, positions here involve coordinating emergency preparedness, managing community health programs, and overseeing clinic operations serving Davidson County's diverse population.
Administrative Fellowship and Residency Pathways
Several Tennessee MHA programs cultivate relationships with these public-sector employers through practicum placements and capstone projects. While formal postgraduate administrative fellowship programs at Tennessee state agencies are limited compared to major academic medical centers, the VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System does participate in the national VA Administrative Fellowship program, a highly competitive two-year residency that places MHA graduates into leadership development tracks.
Students at CAHME-accredited programs such as Lipscomb University often complete clinical field hours at public health departments or VA facilities, establishing professional connections that translate into full-time employment. Programs located in Nashville benefit from proximity to both state government offices and the VA system's administrative headquarters.
Salary Expectations for Tennessee Health Administrators
Bureau of Labor Statistics data indicates that medical and health services managers in Tennessee earned a median annual wage of approximately $98,860 as of 20221, compared to the national median of $110,680 reported in 20232. This gap reflects Tennessee's lower overall cost of living rather than diminished opportunity. Within the Nashville metropolitan area, wages show significant range: the 25th percentile sits near $54,100 annually, while those at the 75th percentile earn around $118,400 according to more recent estimates3.
Public-sector roles may fall toward the lower end of these ranges initially, but total compensation packages that include health insurance, retirement contributions through the Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System, and eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness can close the gap substantially over a career.
Program-specific earnings data for recent MHA completers at Tennessee schools is not yet available through federal reporting systems, which means prospective students should rely on occupational wage benchmarks rather than program-reported graduate salaries when projecting their earning potential.
Exploring Adjacent Career Paths
Readers considering broader public-sector work may find value in exploring related credentials. Public health master's programs emphasize epidemiology and community health rather than organizational leadership, while public administration public administration degrees prepare graduates for general government management roles that intersect with health policy. Both pathways can complement or substitute for an MHA depending on your career goals.
Tennessee Licensure and Civil Service Considerations for MHA Graduates
Do MHA graduates in Tennessee need a state license to administer a nursing home? For many health administration career paths, especially those touching long-term care, the answer is a definitive yes. Tennessee maintains specific licensure requirements that an MHA can help you meet more efficiently than a general business degree, and public-sector hiring patterns often recognize the degree’s value even without a formal civil service preference code.
Nursing Home Administrator Licensure: An MHA-Advantaged Pathway
The Tennessee Board of Examiners for Nursing Home Administrators (BENHA) issues the state’s Nursing Home Administrator (NHA) license. To qualify through the standard degree route, you need a baccalaureate, master’s, or doctorate in health care administration, a direct match for an MHA. The board also mandates a 400-hour internship completed for academic credit inside a licensed long-term care nursing facility.1 Because CAHME-accredited MHA programs typically embed a supervised administrative residency, many graduates satisfy this hands-on requirement without additional coursework, provided the internship site fits the board’s criteria.
As outlined on the board’s NHA Board applications page, alternative paths exist but make the MHA route particularly attractive. Candidates with only an associate degree need five years of verifiable management experience in a nursing home, followed by a six-month administrator-in-training (AIT) period. A hospital administration background requires 400 clinical hours and three to six months of AIT. No AIT hours count until you submit a formal application and receive board pre-approval, so early planning with BENHA is essential.1
All candidates must pass the National Association of Long Term Care Administrator Boards (NAB) exam and the Tennessee state jurisprudence exam.2 While MHA curricula don’t teach Tennessee-specific regulations, the program’s core courses in health law, finance, and operations give you a strong foundation for the NAB exam’s domains.
Civil Service Classifications for Health Administrators
Tennessee does not maintain a statewide civil service preference code explicitly naming “MHA” as a hiring advantage. Instead, the degree’s value appears inside individual job classifications posted by state agencies like the Department of Health, TennCare, and the Department of Veterans Services. Positions such as Health Facility Administrator, Public Health Program Director, and Healthcare Compliance Officer typically list a master’s in health administration or a related field as a preferred or required credential. This means your MHA directly unlocks eligibility for roles that a generic MBA or MPA may not.2
For those aiming at county or metro health departments, Memphis and Nashville Metro Public Health stand out, the pattern repeats. While locality hiring rules vary, the MHA serves as a signal of specialized competency, often giving candidates an edge during panel interviews.
Continuing Education and License Renewal
Once you hold a Tennessee NHA license, you must complete 18 clock hours of board-approved continuing education each calendar year, per Tennessee’s continuing education rule for nursing home administrators, with a December 31 submission deadline. Preceptors who supervise AITs need 27 hours annually. Acceptable providers include the National Continuing Education Review Service of NAB or organizations pre-approved by BENHA. Many MHA alumni maintain their license through employer-sponsored training, NAB webinars, and conferences. The state’s Assisted Care Living Facility (ACLF) administrator certification, required for some long-term care settings, demands 24 hours every two years, but a valid NHA license automatically meets that obligation, eliminating duplicate credentialing work.3
Because no competitor resource covers this intersection of graduate education and Tennessee-specific licensure, proactively mapping your MHA residency and coursework to BENHA requirements gives you a clear timeline advantage when you enter the job market.
Executive-Track vs Traditional Online MHA Formats
Executive Track: Designed for Working Professionals
Executive MHA programs in Tennessee compress the curriculum for mid-career health administrators who already bring substantial field experience. At the University of Memphis, the online Executive MHA requires at least five years of professional work experience and delivers a streamlined 45-credit curriculum entirely online. East Tennessee State University (ETSU) offers a similar online Executive MHA with a 45- to 48-credit structure and a three-year experience minimum. Both programs typically use a cohort model that keeps the same group of students together throughout, fostering peer learning among seasoned professionals. The condensed credit load and online delivery let students continue full-time employment while completing the degree, often on a part-time or accelerated calendar.
Traditional Track: Built for Career Starters and Changers
Traditional MHA formats require no prior healthcare management experience, making them the entry point for recent graduates or career switchers. The University of Memphis's on-campus traditional MHA spans 53 credits over 21 months.1 ETSU's traditional track ranges from 51 to 54 credits, available online or on campus, and can be stretched to three years of part-time study.2 Lipscomb University's fully online MHA follows a traditional, no-experience-required model, packing 39 credits into a 16-month asynchronous schedule. These programs generally assume students are either studying full time or seeking a structured path without the pressure of simultaneously managing a senior-level role.
Which Tennessee Programs Offer Each Format?
- University of Memphis: Online Executive MHA (45 credits, 5+ years experience required); On-campus Traditional MHA (53 credits, no experience required)
- ETSU: Online Executive MHA (45-48 credits, 3+ years experience required); Online/on-campus Traditional MHA (51-54 credits, no experience required)
- Lipscomb University: Asynchronous online Traditional MHA (39 credits, no experience required)
- South College: Information on track differentiation is limited; contact the program directly for current format options
How to Decide
If you have five or more years in a health administration role and need a degree that works around a demanding schedule, an executive track offers a faster, experience-driven route. If you are early in your career or pivoting from another field, a traditional track builds foundational competencies without assuming prior leadership tenure. Always confirm the specific cost structures, as executive programs sometimes carry a different per-credit rate; the full tuition comparison in this guide breaks down those numbers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online MHA Programs in Tennessee
Tennessee residents have several strong options for earning a Master of Health Administration online, each with distinct accreditation credentials, cost structures, and admissions policies. Below are answers to the questions prospective students ask most often, with references to more detailed sections of this article where applicable.
The best program depends on your career goals, budget, and experience level. For students focused on CAHME accreditation and a long track record, the University of Memphis Online MHA, continuously accredited since 1995, is a standout. Lipscomb University offers CAHME and AACSB dual accreditation, a distinction unique in Nashville.1 See the full ranked list earlier in this article for a side-by-side comparison of every program available to Tennessee residents.
Costs vary significantly. Lipscomb University's Online MHA runs approximately $31,200 total at $800 per credit for 39 credits.2 East Tennessee State University's online MHA program charges $672 per credit for in-state students, with out-of-state rates reaching $1,513 per credit. Several programs offer flat-rate online tuition regardless of residency. Consult the tuition comparison table in this article for a complete breakdown of in-state, out-of-state, and flat-rate pricing.
Three Tennessee programs currently hold CAHME accreditation: the University of Memphis (continuously accredited since 1995), Lipscomb University (also AACSB accredited)1, and Austin Peay State University, which received initial CAHME accreditation in 2024 on a three-year term.3 ETSU's program holds CEPH accreditation rather than CAHME. The accreditation section of this article explains why CAHME status matters for public-sector career pathways.
Yes. Lipscomb University, the University of Memphis, King University, and several other Tennessee institutions deliver their MHA curricula fully online. Some programs include optional on-campus intensives or residency weekends, while executive-track formats may require brief in-person sessions. Review the format comparison section of this article to understand which programs are 100 percent online and which blend online coursework with periodic campus visits.
Many Tennessee MHA programs have moved away from standardized test requirements. King University's online MHA program does not require the GRE or GMAT for admission. The University of Memphis emphasizes professional experience (a minimum of five years) alongside a 3.0 GPA rather than test scores.4 Policies vary by program, so check the admissions requirements section above for a program-by-program breakdown and links to no-GRE MHA options.
An MHA opens doors to leadership roles across Tennessee's public health infrastructure, including positions with the Tennessee Department of Health, county health departments, public hospital districts, and Veterans Affairs medical centers. Common titles include health services administrator, policy analyst, and program director. The career outcomes section of this article details specific public-sector pathways and administrative fellowship placements available to Tennessee MHA graduates.
Tennessee requires nursing home administrators to hold a state license through the Board for Licensing Health Care Facilities. An MHA from a CAHME-accredited program typically satisfies the graduate education component of this licensure pathway, though candidates must also complete a supervised administrator-in-training period and pass the national NAB examination. See the licensure and civil service section of this article for a step-by-step overview of the process.
