Master of Healthcare Innovation

Two Ohio State Master of Healthcare Innovation graduates discuss patient care as they lead their healthcare organization.
Next Application Deadline:
March 1, 2026
Credit hours: 31
Next Term Start Date:
August 25, 2026

Overview

The Ohio State University’s online Master of Healthcare Innovation (MHI) program will teach you strategies to innovate solutions and lead change within any healthcare organization. This unique healthcare leadership development program is ideal for healthcare professionals seeking to earn their online master’s degree and elevate their careers into leadership positions. Combining the healthcare leadership focus of a traditional Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) program with the business acumen of an MBA, this healthcare innovation degree gives you the best of both worlds and equips you to take the lead in the healthcare of tomorrow and beyond.

Why earn your online MHI degree from Ohio State?

This online MHI program is 100% online, which means you can take classes from wherever you are. We welcome students from various backgrounds and positions in healthcare administration, health information, insurance, pharmaceutical, and similar organizations looking to obtain their Master of Healthcare Innovation from Ohio State’s College of Nursing which is ranked #3 in the nation for Best Online Master’s in Nursing Programs by U.S. News & World Report. Those with a passion for design thinking and driving growth, change, and success in any healthcare organization will thrive especially well in this innovative care program. Upon graduation, you’ll be prepared to become a healthcare leader in the fields of healthcare administration, healthcare technologies, and patient care with the ability to affect change in today’s complex healthcare systems.

Not ready for a master’s program yet?

The online Healthcare and Leadership Innovation Certificate may be the right fit for you. The graduate certificate program can be completed in just two semesters, and all courses can be transferred to the online MHI degree when you are ready to earn your master’s.

Frequently Asked Questions

Academic Calendar

The Master of Healthcare Innovation program admits students once-per-year for the Autumn semester. Students may take classes during each Autumn, Spring, and Summer semester once enrolled. This online healthcare masters degree typically requires five semesters of part-time study to complete.

Academic Calendar

The Master of Healthcare Innovation program admits students once-per-year for the Autumn semester. Students may take classes during each Autumn, Spring, and Summer semester once enrolled. This online healthcare masters degree typically requires five semesters of part-time study to complete.

Admission Criteria

Completed a bachelor’s degree

  • You may have a bachelor’s degree in any area. Your degree must be from an accredited bachelor’s program. You may apply to the Master of Healthcare Innovation while your bachelor’s degree is still in progress, but you must receive the degree prior to beginning enrollment in the master’s program.

Minimum of a 3.0 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale in the last degree earned that is relevant to the program of study

  • GPAs are reviewed by Ohio State’s Graduate and Professional Admissions Office. Applicants whose GPAs are below 3.0 may still apply and be considered for admission.

Who We Are Looking For

Your application will be reviewed using a holistic approach, meaning all aspects of who you are as a candidate will be considered. This assessment will include academic preparedness and formative experiences in your professional background, schooling and life. We are also looking for candidates that demonstrate a preferred set of attributes and strengths described in the following list. This list is not all encompassing, but is meant to help guide you in what you may wish to highlight in your written application materials and in your recorded online video interview:

  • Passion for innovation or past examples of pursuing innovation
  • Demonstration of leadership
  • Communication and interprofessional collaboration skills
  • Creativity and out-of-the-box thinking
  • Diversity of thought, perspective and experience
  • Any experience with the healthcare system

How to Apply

NC-SARA Participating Institution logo

The Ohio State University participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA).

SARA is a national initiative that increases student access to distance education courses and programs while maintaining compliance with state regulations. Institutions participating in SARA can offer educational opportunities in all 49 SARA member states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico without seeking individual approval in each state.

California is not a SARA member state, however, OSU may offer online courses and programs to students located in California under the California Private Post-Secondary Act of 2009.

The Application Process

Once you understand your program’s admission criteria, please note the application deadline. You’ll need a quiet space and a variety of materials for your application. To learn more, please see our Admissions page for the full process. Ready to Apply? Find your application here.

Career Outlook

The online Master of Healthcare Innovation program will broaden your knowledge base and healthcare leadership skills within the medical industry, preparing you to solve real-world challenges faced in many types of healthcare organizations. Many graduates of the MHI program often see an increase in their salary and job growth potential, making it a strategic investment in your future. If you are looking for a career as a Medical and Health Services Manager, Administrative Services and Facilities Manager, Health Information Technologist, Nurse or Physician Executive, or are looking to increase your salary and advance your healthcare leadership career, then this program can prepare you for that next step in your journey.

Top Occupations by Median Income

National occupational information in Ohio State Online’s Career Outlook tool is sourced from O*NET Online and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The median annual wage displayed to the right of each occupational title above is based on the BLS Employment Projections program. Outlook and percent change indicate projected growth or decline over the next 10 years.

Curriculum

The Master of Healthcare Innovation program is completely online with no on-campus requirements. The healthcare innovation courses are a combination of synchronous and asynchronous learning. The synchronous elements allow you to participate in the course alongside your classmates at scheduled times during the week. The asynchronous components give you the flexibility to complete projects and assignments according to your own schedule. This healthcare innovation program can be completed in just 2 years of part-time study.

Understanding Online Course Types

As you research the right online program for you, you likely will come across the terms “asynchronous” and “synchronous.” Learn what these terms mean and how they’re important to consider when understanding how a program will fit into your life.

Learn More

Diagram explaining the differences between synchronous and asynchronous online courses.

Daniel Weberg, PhD, MHI, RN

Clinical Assistant Professor of Practice
Headshot of Master of Healthcare Innovation MHI professor Daniel WEBERG

Stephen McGhee, DNP, MSc, RN, VR, FFNMRCSI, FNAP, FAAN

Associate Clinical Professor and Director of International Education Initiatives
Headshot of Master of Healthcare Innovation MHI professor Stephen McGhee

Taura Barr, PhD, RN, FAHA

Associate Clinical Professor
Headshot of Master of Healthcare Innovation MHI professor Taura Barr

Todd Tussing, DNP, RN, CENP, NEA-BC, EBP-C, FNAP

Assistant Clinical Professor
Headshot of Master of Healthcare Innovation MHI professor Todd Tussing

Stephanie Justice, DNP, RN, CHSE

Assistant Clinical Professor
Headshot of Master of Healthcare Innovation MHI professor Stephanie Justice

Amy Jauch, DNP, RN, CNE

Assistant Clinical Professor
Headshot of Master of Healthcare Innovation MHI professor Amy Jauch

Sheila Whalen, DNP, NI-BC

Lecturer
Headshot of Master of Healthcare Innovation MHI professor Sheila Whalen

Adam Fromme

Lecturer
Headshot of Master of Healthcare Innovation MHI professor Adam Fromme

Testimonials

Hear why our students and graduates chose the Master of Healthcare Innovation at The Ohio State University!

OSU Master of Healthcare Innovation graduate Amy Spurlock headshot

"Initially, I was worried about the unknown of going back to school after 30 years. Quite honestly, I loved it. I not only gained so much more through a multi-faceted approach of teaching, videos, speakers, group assignments, and interactions, but also was exposed to technology and programs that my company has since adopted. Therefore, I felt like I was ahead of the game at work and better positioned for success."

Amy S. Master of Healthcare Innovation Graduate
OSU Master of Healthcare Innovation student Todd Jarzenski headshot

"The instructors were phenomenal. Not only were they experts in healthcare innovation, but they truly helped transform the way I think about change management, improvement, and innovation."

Todd J. Master of Healthcare Innovation Student
Headshot of Ohio State Master of Healthcare Innovation program Amy Whittington

"The MHI program was really great for me. Being a full-time mother of three, I thought it offered a lot of flexibility. I changed careers in the middle of it, and I went from working three days a week to working five days a week, but I still felt the program was very doable."

Amy W., MHI, BSN, RN Master of Healthcare Innovation Graduate
Master of Healthcare Innovation Emily Caudill Headshot

"The program is a journey. From clinical to administrative, I’m learning how to change the healthcare industry for the benefit of the patient."

Emily Caudill Master of Healthcare Innovation Grad
OSU Master of Healthcare Innovation graduate Julia Salinas, DNP, MHI, RN, EBP-C headshot

"I valued the camaraderie I developed with the other MHI students in my cohort. We were all advancing our education coming from various backgrounds. This program challenged me to become comfortable with the uncomfortable and take on new challenges related to my career and professional development."

Julia S., DNP, MHI, RN, EBP-C Master of Healthcare Innovation Graduate
Master of Healthcare Innovation MHI testimonial Kelly Lehmkuhl

“Unequivocally, the networks that I have built through the program have been one of the greatest assets I have obtained. The program is paving a path for me to advance within my organization as we strategically advance healthcare.”

Kelly Lehmkuhl Master of Healthcare Innovation Grad
OSU Master of Healthcare Innovation student Molly Epler headshot

"What initially attracted me to this program was how different the Master of Healthcare Innovation program was compared to other healthcare master’s programs. It focused on innovative solutions and real-world applications, rather than just traditional healthcare management."

Molly E. Master of Healthcare Innovation Student
OSU Master of Healthcare Innovation student Zachary Swartz headshot

"I feel like I learned skills that are actually useful in the practice setting and have made me a better leader."

Zachary S. Master of Healthcare Innovation Student

Tuition Fee Overview

Investing in your future with a higher education degree is one of the best investments you can make for your future success. At Ohio State, we know understanding your program’s cost is an important part of your decision-making process. Below are the tuition fees you can expect with your program.

Estimates are based on the expenses typical of an Ohio State Online student, who would take 6 credit hours each semester as a part-time student, or either 8 credit hours (for graduate programs) or 12 credit hours (for undergraduate programs) each semester as a full-time student. Actual costs may vary.

Tuition Fees Per Credit Hour (unless otherwise noted) Part-Time Full-Time
Instructional Fee $829.75 $4,978.50 $6,638.00
General Fee $32.63 $195.78 $261.00
Program Fee $250.00 $1,500.00 $2,000.00
Nursing Distance Learning Fee $228.00 (per semester) $228.00 $228.00
Distance Learning Fee $100.00 (per semester) $100.00 $100.00
Non-Resident Surcharge (if applicable) $200.00 (per semester) $200.00 $200.00

Tuition fees are subject to change. The table above serves as a guide and not an official bursar’s bill. Full-Time costs are total tuition costs per semester. 

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