Best Online Healthcare Administration (BHA) Programs in Tennessee
Tennessee’s major tourism hubs, military bases, and smaller Appalachian towns weave a complex web for healthcare administrators to navigate. Healthcare demand is high in the state, and job opportunities are plentiful for those with the required background. An online bachelor’s in healthcare administration (BHA) can put you on that path, opening the door for high-paying jobs with lots of growth potential. In this EduMed guide, we’ll compare some of Tennessee’s top programs and answer common questions prospective students have.
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Details of Popular BHA Programs in Tennessee
Tennessee’s online healthcare administration options look a little different than some states. Most dedicated HCA degrees are beholden to in-person programs at the larger colleges and universities in the state. But if you’re specifically interested in an online program, don’t worry.
You can also pursue a broader business or management degree with a concentration in healthcare. This is not only adequate for most entry-level healthcare administration jobs, but can also work in your favor if you decide to pivot your focus later. Even so, it’s important to be aware of the difference before committing to a program.
Trevecca Nazarene University
Trevecca Nazarene University’s Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration is a 36-credit degree completion program designed for working adults who have already completed most or all of their general education requirements. If you don’t have enough credits already, there are alternate pathways available to get you started.
Coursework is delivered 100% online through asynchronous, cohort-based classes. This means you’ll move through the program alongside the same group of virtual classmates from start to finish. Most students are able to complete the degree in as little as 18 months by bringing in transfer credits.
Outside the asynchronous courses, faculty offer regular Zoom sessions and video updates to personalize your learning experience. The curriculum meets the requirements of both the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME) and the Association of University Programs in Health Administration (AUPHA).
Duration: 18 months
Mode: Fully online with asynchronous classes
Cost: $419 per credit hour
Admissions Requirements:
- Completed online application
- Completion of at least 40 credit hours from an accredited post-secondary institution
- Official transcripts for all college-level coursework
- Minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA
Middle Tennessee State University
A Bachelor of Science in Professional Studies with a Health Administration Concentration is available from Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) fully online. Rather than being a standalone BHA, this option builds a foundation in communications, statistics, and organizational systems around a concentration in healthcare research, leadership, and trends.
Unlike many degree-completion programs, MTSU’s has no minimum credit requirement to enroll. This allows you to start from scratch if you’re a recent high school graduate or bring in existing college credit to complete the program faster.
Though graduates won’t qualify for licensure under Tennessee’s Nursing Home Administrator program, it does prepare you for most other entry-level jobs in healthcare administration.
Duration: Four years if starting from scratch, or faster with transfer credits
Mode: Fully online
Cost: $365 per credit hour (TN residents); $456 per credit hour (non-TN residents)
Admissions Requirements:
- Completed online application
- Official transcripts for all college-level coursework
- Minimum 3.0 GPA or qualifying ACT/SAT score
Bryan College
Bryan College’s Bachelor of Business Administration with a Healthcare Management Option is another path to entry-level healthcare administration jobs without the traditional BHA label. The 120-credit program is delivered entirely online in accelerated eight-week terms. Of those, 48 credit hours are specifically dedicated to healthcare coursework. The college holds institutional accreditation through SACSCOC.
As a Christian liberal arts college, Bryan integrates a faith-based worldview throughout the curriculum, alongside practical training experiences and hands-on projects. Working adults with relevant experience can apply to earn up to 24 credit hours through a portfolio assessment process.
Duration: Roughly four years
Mode: Fully online
Cost: $395 per credit hour
Admissions Requirements:
- Completed online application
- High school diploma or GED
- Official transcripts for all college-level coursework
- Minimum 2.0 GPA
FAQs for Healthcare Administration Students in Tennessee
What are the admissions requirements for BHA programs in Tennessee?
Requirements vary quite a bit depending on the type of program you choose.
- Adult-focused completion programs are designed for students who already have some college credit and often come with a minimum GPA requirement in the lower 2.0 range.
- More traditional programs accept students with little more than a high school diploma and standardized test scores.
Several Tennessee schools also offer optional credit for prior learning, letting you turn relevant work or life experience into actual course credit and shortening your path to graduation.
How much do healthcare administration programs in Tennessee cost?
Tuition among BHA programs in Tennessee is at the lower end of average, ranging from about $350 to $420 per credit hour. The exact total depends on what school you choose and whether you’re a Tennessee resident.
Most programs also add a modest per-term or per-course technology and resource fee on top of tuition.
How long does it take to earn a healthcare administration degree in Tennessee?
Most bachelor’s programs in Tennessee, including BHAs, require around 120 credits and take four years to complete if you’re starting from scratch. However, several online programs are built around accelerated courses and transfer credits, which significantly speeds up the timeline.
Some programs can be completed in as little as 18 months if you already have work or college experience under your belt and are able to take on a heavier courseload.
Can I get financial aid to help pay for my healthcare administration degree in Tennessee?
Yes. Start with the FAFSA to check your eligibility for federal grants, loans, and work-study programs. You may also qualify for certain scholarships based on your FAFSA results.
Tennessee residents may qualify for the Tennessee Student Assistance Award (TSAA). This need-based grant awards roughly $4,000 a year to students attending eligible four-year colleges and universities. Many of Tennessee’s colleges offer their own institutional scholarships as well.
Is it worth pursuing a BHA in Tennessee?
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.
Tennessee’s healthcare sector has demand across the state but is particularly strong in the Nashville area. It is home to HCA Healthcare, which is the largest for-profit hospital operator in the United States. Along with other major organizations like Vanderbilt University Medical Center, graduates have numerous options for finding entry-level administrator work in Tennessee’s healthcare system.
A bachelor’s degree, either a BHA or a related degree with a healthcare concentration, is a solid entry point into the field. But be aware the highest-paying executive roles typically require a master’s degree and years of leadership experience.
Salary & Outlook with a BHA in Tennessee
Medical and Health Services Managers
| Area ↕︎ | 10th Percentile ↕︎ | Median ↕︎ | 90th Percentile ↕︎ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | $71,820 | $107,120 | $202,060 |
| Chattanooga, TN-GA | $68,180 | $102,920 | $205,400 |
| Clarksville, TN-KY | $67,100 | $105,500 | $163,130 |
| Cleveland, TN | $64,560 | $94,780 | $149,990 |
| Jackson, TN | $64,730 | $100,770 | $156,710 |
| Johnson City, TN | $75,320 | $105,470 | $190,420 |
| Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA | $65,230 | $99,370 | $161,280 |
| Knoxville, TN | $67,290 | $104,250 | $191,990 |
| Memphis, TN-MS-AR | $72,800 | $112,800 | $196,130 |
| Morristown, TN | $58,600 | $82,360 | $153,510 |
| Nashville-Davidson–Murfreesboro–Franklin, TN | $71,980 | $116,480 | $221,330 |
Source: Medical & Health Services Managers, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2025
Showing 1 – 10 of 11 entries | Data reflects national numbers, not school-specific information.
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