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Best Online Healthcare Administration (BHA) Programs in Alabama

Alabama’s healthcare footprint is anchored by systems like UAB Medicine and Huntsville Hospital, and the sector running demands thousands of knowledgeable administrators working to manage staffing and compliance across the state. An online bachelor’s in healthcare administration (BHA) is a valuable degree that puts you on a path to one of these roles, and Alabama’s public universities have several strong programs to choose from as you start your search.

The following professionals lent their expertise to this article:

A person with medium-length hair and glasses smiles while standing outdoors in front of a tree and wooden fence. Wearing a striped shirt, they are surrounded by a lush, grassy area that adds to the serene ambiance of the scene.
Author: Cody DeBos, RN, BSN
A person with medium-length hair and glasses smiles while standing outdoors in front of a tree and wooden fence. Wearing a striped shirt, they are surrounded by a lush, grassy area that adds to the serene ambiance of the scene.
Cody DeBos, RN, BSN Arrow up right
Cody DeBos, RN-BSN, is a pediatric registered nurse and healthcare writer with eight years of professional experience. He's authored hundreds of articles for healthcare organizations including the Journal of Urgent Care Medicine, The Institute for Healthcare Advancement (IHA), and Sentara Health. Cody specializes in making complex health topics accessible to a wider audience.
Areas of Expertise
Check Healthcare Education Nursing Pediatric Nursing
Healthcare EducationNursingPediatric Nursing
Editor: Jordan Cosselman
A person with curly dark hair, glasses, and a green corduroy jacket stands with arms crossed in front of a textured reddish-brown stone wall.
Jordan Cosselman Arrow up right
Jordan Cosselman is an editor with a BA in English from the University of Nevada, Reno. Since joining EduMed in 2021, she has been focused on making nursing and allied health education more approachable for students at every stage of their journey. With three years of experience in healthcare education content, Jordan is especially interested in highlighting low-cost, fast-track pathways into the field.
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Check Healthcare Education Online Learning
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Alabama’s online BHA offerings are almost entirely housed at public universities, which helps keep tuition relatively affordable. Moreover, these programs have strong affiliations with the top healthcare systems in the state, offering graduates a pre-seeded network for job hunting after school.

Of course, not all programs are built alike. Some offer accelerated terms and distinct concentration tracks, while others follow a more traditional model. Making the right choice comes down to your career goals, your timeline, and whether you have any relevant work experience under your belt already.

University of Alabama at Birmingham

The University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Bachelor of Science in Health Care Management has been running since 1982, making it one of the longest-running programs in the country. Along with an in-person option, the degree can be completed entirely online.

You’ll choose from three concentrations (Clinical Manager, General Manager, or Pre-Professional) depending on your career goals. Some pathways also prepare students to sit for the Nursing Home Administrator licensing exam.

High-achieving students can fast-track their graduate education into a UAB master’s program in Occupational Therapy, Health Informatics, or Healthcare Quality & Safety while finishing their undergraduate degree.

Duration: Roughly four years, but faster with transfer credits

Mode: Fully online (in-person option also available)

Cost: $573 per credit hour

Admissions Requirements:

  • Completed online application
  • High school diploma or GED
  • Minimum GPA of 2.5 (3.0 for fast-track programs)
  • Pass a criminal background check and drug screening

University of North Alabama

The University of North Alabama’s Bachelor of Science in Applied Health Science, Health Administration Track is a 120-credit program delivered online through its highly rated Anderson College of Nursing and Health Professions. Courses are offered in an accelerated eight-week format, with hands-on opportunities to lead health improvement projects and research.

The curriculum includes a general education component, but nearly half of the credit hours are dedicated to major-specific coursework. Graduates are prepared for a variety of entry-level roles in healthcare, and the program also serves as a great launching point for master’s-level study. Most students complete their major coursework in about two years.

Duration: Two years for major coursework

Mode: Fully online

Cost: $340 per credit hour plus fees

Admissions Requirements:

  • Completed online application
  • High school diploma or GED
  • Minimum GPA of 2.0
  • Declare the Applied Health Sciences degree as your major after acceptance

Auburn University at Montgomery

Auburn University at Montgomery’s Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies in Healthcare Administration is a 120-credit, fully online program built on an interdisciplinary foundation spanning nursing, biology, psychology, and sociology.

A healthcare administration concentration is added on top, creating well-rounded graduates who are prepared to solve the toughest interdisciplinary problems in today’s healthcare sector. Moreover, a wide range of electives lets you tailor your degree toward your specific career goals, such as sitting for the Nursing Home Administrators licensing exam.

The program is also designed to help students seamlessly move into AUM’s own Master of Healthcare Administration degree or an MPH program down the road.

Duration: Roughly four years, but faster with transfer credits

Mode: Fully online

Cost: $382 per credit hour (AL residents); $405 per credit hour (non-AL residents)

Admissions Requirements:

  • Completed online application
  • High school diploma or GED
  • Minimum GPA of 2.3 and an ACT score of >18 (or 3.0 GPA)

FAQs for Healthcare Administration Students in Alabama

What are the admissions requirements for BHA programs in Alabama?

Alabama’s BHA programs come with fairly accessible admissions requirements across the board. Most ask for a minimum GPA between 2.0 and 2.5, and either a high school diploma or a certain number of college credits to transfer in.

Because these are public institutions, official transcripts and standard state university admission are typically all that’s required beyond declaring your major. However, a few programs have slightly more challenging requirements for distinct specializations or fast-track options.

How much do healthcare administration programs in Alabama cost?

Alabama’s online BHA programs are notably affordable compared to many other states, largely because they are almost all offered through public universities. Per-credit tuition often runs from around $240 to $400 for residents, though non-residents may pay a bit more at some schools.

On top of tuition, expect some small additional fees for technology access or online course delivery.

How long does it take to earn a healthcare administration degree in Alabama?

Most bachelor’s programs in Alabama require around 120 credit hours, with a standard four-year timeline for students starting without transfer credit.

That said, several programs offer ways to finish your degree faster, either through accelerated course terms or generous transfer credit policies. You may be able to transfer up to 75% of your total credit hour requirement from a four-year institution, allowing you to earn your BHA in as little as 12 to 18 months.

Can I get financial aid to help pay for my healthcare administration degree in Alabama?

Yes. It’s best to start at the federal level by completing your FAFSA. This will determine whether you’re eligible for federal grants, loans, or work-study programs, as well as some other scholarship programs offered by public universities.

Alabama residents with financial need may also qualify for the Alabama Student Assistance Program (ASAP), a need-based state grant worth between $300 and $5,000 a year. It is offered at nearly 80 participating institutions.

Beyond state aid, many schools offer their own form of scholarships for high-achieving students or other forms of financial support for those with demonstratable need.

Is it worth pursuing a BHA in Alabama?

Yes, for most students. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for medical and health services managers is nearly $118,000 and employment is projected to grow by 23% by 2034.

Alabama’s healthcare sector is one of the state’s largest employers and offers employment prospects at both major hospitals and regional health networks. Students graduating with a BHA will find many entry-level positions open to them, though the highest-paying roles often require a master’s degree or several years of experience in the field.

Salary & Outlook with a BHA in Alabama

Show entries

Medical and Health Services Managers

Area ↕︎ 10th Percentile ↕︎ Median ↕︎ 90th Percentile ↕︎
Alabama $64,640 $97,790 $159,450
Anniston-Oxford, AL $65,630 $83,860 $127,180
Auburn-Opelika, AL $68,540 $100,850 $163,220
Birmingham, AL $67,060 $100,500 $172,440
Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL $60,300 $95,990 $153,270
Decatur, AL $62,100 $91,450 $134,990
Dothan, AL $61,690 $86,450 $139,630
Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL $61,070 $84,610 $129,860
Gadsden, AL $68,380 $85,100 $128,130
Huntsville, AL $66,410 $99,170 $141,200
Mobile, AL $63,880 $99,270 $166,100
Montgomery, AL $64,650 $96,820 $159,450
Tuscaloosa, AL $62,990 $96,110 $166,350

Source: Medical & Health Services Managers, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2025

Showing 1 – 10 of 13 entries | Data reflects national numbers, not school-specific information.

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Cody DeBos, RN, BSN AUTHOR

Cody DeBos, RN-BSN, is a pediatric registered nurse and healthcare writer with eight years of professional experience. He's authored hundreds of articles for healthcare organizations including the Journal of Urgent Care Medicine, The Institute for Healthcare Advancement (IHA), and Sentara Health. Cody specializes in making complex health topics accessible to a wider audience.

Read More About Cody DeBos

Jordan Cosselman EDITOR

Jordan Cosselman is an editor with a BA in English from the University of Nevada, Reno. Since joining EduMed in 2021, she has been focused on making nursing and allied health education more approachable for students at every stage of their journey. With three years of experience in healthcare education content, Jordan is especially interested in highlighting low-cost, fast-track pathways into the field.

Read More About Jordan Cosselman
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