Online Health Science Programs in Florida: School Review
You don’t need to become a nurse or doctor to launch a healthcare career in Florida. Online health science degree graduates can pursue roles in areas such as ethics, community health, and administration while building a strong foundation in biology, anatomy, and public health communication. We highlight top Florida health science programs with online components, outline salary and career prospects, and answer common student questions.
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Profiling Florida Health Science Programs
Online health science programs in Florida vary widely in format, flexibility, and degree level. Understanding these differences can help you choose the program that best aligns with your goals. As you compare options, consider the following:
- Online format differs by program. Some programs are 100% online, while others are partially online, depending on the specialization and coursework.
- Scheduling flexibility isn’t the same everywhere. Certain programs offer self-paced learning, while others follow a more structured schedule.
- Degree levels span multiple pathways. Online health science programs are available at the associate, bachelor’s, and master’s levels.
- Career goals should guide your choice. Your timeline and professional interests will help determine the best fit.
With these factors in mind, let’s take a closer look at standout health science programs in Florida with online components.
Keiser University
If you already have your associate degree in allied health and are ready for more, the Bachelor of Science in Health Science at Keiser University is a great next step. This program combines classwork with real-world learning to explore political, legal, and ethical challenges in healthcare.
The program has a unique structure. Students take one class at a time for four weeks before moving on to the next class. This deep dive allows you to focus on one topic and maximize your learning.
Financial aid is available for qualifying students. Keiser University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Duration: 120 credits
Mode: Online
Cost: $11,928 for 12 to 18 credits per semester
Admissions Requirements:
- High school diploma, GED, or comparable
- Accredited associate degree in an allied health field
- 24 credits of general education courses
- At least a 2.0 GPA
- Official transcripts sent to admissions office
Curriculum:
- Healthcare Financing
- Healthcare Settings Analysis
- Cultural Competency in Healthcare
- Leadership in Healthcare Organizations
- Research Methods in Health Care
Programs that might interest you:
Seminole State College of Florida
Developed with input from more than 50 central Florida healthcare partners, the Health Sciences Bachelor of Science at Seminole State is an interdisciplinary completion program that gets you ready for a healthcare career. Specialize in one of the following:
- Clinical Science
- Respiratory Therapy and Clinical Leadership
- Health Coaching and Human Performance Specialization
- Healthcare Management and Professional Service
You’ll be prepared for a career as a health educator, health coach, healthcare manager, medical sales rep, or clinic manager. If your field of choice requires an advanced degree, the program at Seminole State will prepare you to apply for master’s and doctoral programs. Scholarships are available. Seminole State is accredited by SACSCOC.
Duration: 120 credits
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $104.08/credit in state, $381.57/credit out of state
Admissions Requirements:
- At least a 2.0 GPA
- Associate degree from a regionally accredited school
- Criminal background check and drug screen required for students participating in clinical rotations
Curriculum:
- Introduction to Healthcare
- Personal and Community Health
- Medical Terminology
- Research Strategies for Health Science
- Communications for Healthcare Professionals
Florida Gulf Coast University
The Bachelor of Health Science at Florida Gulf Coast University prepares you to thrive in the field of healthcare. The program focuses on:
- Legal and ethical issues
- Roles of healthcare providers
- Social, economic, political, and professional forces shaping healthcare
- The use of research to investigate health science problems
The program also prepares you if you’re considering further education to become a physical therapist or occupational therapist. Internships are available to provide real-world experience. The school provided over $6 million in scholarships last year. Students are automatically considered for these scholarships, with no additional applications required. Florida Gulf Coast University is accredited by SACSCOC.
Duration: 120 credits
Mode: Online
Cost: $203.94/credit in state, $838.73/credit out of state
Admissions Requirements:
- High school diploma or GED
- Send official transcripts to the admissions office
- Provide ACT/SAT scores
Curriculum:
- Healthcare Policy in the U.S.
- Introduction to Public Health
- Medical Terminology
- Management and Leadership in Healthcare
- Research Methods in Healthcare
FAQs from Florida Health Science Students
Choosing the right health science program involves sifting through the details. We’ve gathered the questions that prospective health science students in Florida typically ask and compiled the answers for you below.
How much does a health science degree cost in Florida?
The degrees featured on this page range from $104.08 to $838.73 per credit, but the cost of a health science degree depends on many factors. Typically, the most cost-effective option is to attend a Florida community college for your associate degree and transfer to a bachelor’s program. Florida community college tuition is around $120/credit.
If you earn your associate degree, you can apply to a degree completion program, such as the one at Seminole State College of Florida. Many Florida bachelor’s programs offer financial aid and scholarships.
Is accreditation important?
Yes, you’ll want to look at schools that have institutional accreditation. In Florida, accreditation is typically granted by SACSCOC. When you see that accreditation seal, you’ll know that the program meets quality standards.
Accreditation is also important for financial aid eligibility, transferring credits, career licensing, and certification. Potential employers may not place equal value on a health science degree from a school lacking proper accreditation.
What types of classes will I take in a health science program in Florida?
You can focus on clinical classes, such as the Clinical Science or Respiratory Therapy and Clinical Leadership specializations at Seminole State, or nonclinical classes, such as Healthcare Policy and Management and Leadership in Healthcare at Florida Gulf Coast University.
Electives allow you to customize your degree to match your goals. Health science programs provide a strong foundation in healthcare that prepares you to head in lots of directions.
Is a bachelor’s degree in health science my only option?
No, a full range of degree options is available for health science students. If you’re just starting your academic career, a health science certificate or an associate degree are great starting points. You can then transfer your credits for a bachelor’s degree — or, if you prefer, you can complete your entire bachelor’s program at the same school.
If you want to keep going, master’s and doctorate programs are available, with many programs offered online. Each level of education provides new opportunities and levels of responsibility in a quickly evolving field.
Do I need a license to work in the health science field in Florida?
No, you won’t need a license for many health science jobs in Florida. For example, if you work as a healthcare administrator, community educator, or medical device sales representative, no license is needed. However, if you pursue specialized training, such as occupational therapy, physical therapy, physician assistant, or certified respiratory therapist, you’ll need to follow Florida licensing regulations.
Career & Salary Trends for Florida Health Science Grads
Community Health Workers
| Area ↕︎ | 10th Percentile ↕︎ | Median ↕︎ | 90th Percentile ↕︎ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | $31,350 | $45,420 | $69,630 |
| Jacksonville, FL | $37,780 | $45,630 | $72,420 |
| Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL | $31,350 | $46,270 | $69,630 |
| Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL | $35,730 | $44,070 | $62,910 |
| Tallahassee, FL | $34,090 | $42,250 | $69,350 |
| Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL | $27,190 | $45,370 | $63,680 |
Source: Community Health Workers, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2025
Data does not reflect school-specific information.
Community Health Workers
| Area ↕︎ | Curr. Jobs ↕︎ | Proj. Jobs ↕︎ | New Jobs ↕︎ | Growth % ↕︎ | Avg. Ann. Openings ↕︎ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 65,100 | 72,500 | 7,400 | 11.4% | 7,800 |
| Florida | 1,750 | 2,120 | 360 | 20.7% | 240 |
Source: Projections Central, 2024-2034
Top-Rated Online Health Science Programs in Florida
Nova Southeastern University
Program Details
- Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL
- SACSCOCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PrivateSchool Type
- 93%Students W/ Aid
- $23,575Avg. Aid Amount
- 16/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Nova Southeastern University
- Health Science students benefit from a Bachelor of Health Science online program, offering flexible study alongside other commitments.
- The program is supported by tuition discounts and scholarships, reducing the overall cost of attendance.
- Students also face fewer upfront fees, with some charges waived or minimized compared with other programs.
Program Details
- Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL
- SACSCOCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PrivateSchool Type
- 93%Students W/ Aid
- $23,575Avg. Aid Amount
- 16/1Student/Faculty Ratio
University of West Florida
Program Details
- Location: Pensacola, FL
- SACSCOCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 70%Students W/ Aid
- $8,828Avg. Aid Amount
- 22/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected University of West Florida
- Learn from dedicated, experienced health sciences faculty through a flexible, 100% online format.
- Choose approved elective courses to tailor the general Health Sciences curriculum to your specific interests.
- Benefit from an affordable in-state tuition rate designed to keep the total program cost accessible.
Program Details
- Location: Pensacola, FL
- SACSCOCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 70%Students W/ Aid
- $8,828Avg. Aid Amount
- 22/1Student/Faculty Ratio
University of South Florida
Program Details
- Location: Tampa, FL
- SACSCOCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 69%Students W/ Aid
- $9,182Avg. Aid Amount
- 22/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected University of South Florida
- The program’s highly flexible, interdisciplinary curriculum lets students tailor coursework across five targeted health concentrations.
- Students gain career-focused preparation in one of the nation’s fastest-growing health care industries, supported by classroom and distance instruction.
- The degree’s concentrations align with specific clinical, administrative, and technology roles, supporting progression into graduate programs and diverse health careers.
Program Details
- Location: Tampa, FL
- SACSCOCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 69%Students W/ Aid
- $9,182Avg. Aid Amount
- 22/1Student/Faculty Ratio
University of Central Florida
Program Details
- Location: Orlando, FL
- SACSCOCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 69%Students W/ Aid
- $8,098Avg. Aid Amount
- 28/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected University of Central Florida
- The program offers two distinct specialized tracks, Health Promotion and Pre-Clinical, aligning coursework with specific professional goals.
- Students benefit from accessible academic success coaching, including one-on-one appointments to explore careers and graduate school options.
- A for-credit Health Sciences Internship (HSC 4943) allows students to gain practical experience as a restricted elective within the major.
Program Details
- Location: Orlando, FL
- SACSCOCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 69%Students W/ Aid
- $8,098Avg. Aid Amount
- 28/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- Location: Spring Hill, FL
- ABHESAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PrivateSchool Type
- 92%Students W/ Aid
- $4,327Avg. Aid Amount
- 20/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected ATA Career Education
- The fully online Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management and Leadership can be completed in as few as 17 months, enabling accelerated degree completion for working allied health professionals.
- The program offers two distinct concentration options, including a specialized Public Health Administration track that tailors preparation for leadership in population and community health settings.
- Designed specifically as a completer program for allied health professionals with an existing associate degree, it maximizes transfer credit to reduce time and cost while focusing advanced coursework on high‑value management and leadership skills.
Program Details
- Location: Spring Hill, FL
- ABHESAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PrivateSchool Type
- 92%Students W/ Aid
- $4,327Avg. Aid Amount
- 20/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Florida Gulf Coast University
Program Details
- Location: Fort Myers, FL
- SACSCOCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 56%Students W/ Aid
- $7,429Avg. Aid Amount
- 20/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Florida Gulf Coast University
- All upper-division Health Science courses are available fully online via web-based distance learning.
- The interdisciplinary curriculum is designed specifically for career advancement of practicing entry-level health professionals.
- The program strongly supports students preparing for competitive graduate health professions like Physical and Occupational Therapy.
Program Details
- Location: Fort Myers, FL
- SACSCOCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 56%Students W/ Aid
- $7,429Avg. Aid Amount
- 20/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Florida International University
Program Details
- Location: Miami, FL
- SACSCOCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 61%Students W/ Aid
- $8,667Avg. Aid Amount
- 24/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Florida International University
- The BHSA program offers both in‑person and fully online tracks with flexible full‑ or part‑time study options.
- It provides scholarships and is one of the largest undergraduate health services administration programs in the country, supporting strong outcomes.
- Students benefit from faculty who are leaders with deep academic and real‑world healthcare management experience, enhancing career preparedness.
Program Details
- Location: Miami, FL
- SACSCOCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 61%Students W/ Aid
- $8,667Avg. Aid Amount
- 24/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Florida Atlantic University
Program Details
- Location: Boca Raton, FL
- SACSCOCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 65%Students W/ Aid
- $9,749Avg. Aid Amount
- 24/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Florida Atlantic University
- The Health Science B.S. offers fully online learning options, providing flexible scheduling for diverse student needs.
- Students can pursue a combined Bachelor’s to Master’s pathway in Exercise Physiology, accelerating graduate-level preparation and credentials.
- The program features a Pre-Physical Therapy/Occupational Therapy concentration with formal PT/OT bridge agreements, enhancing postgraduate clinical opportunities.
Program Details
- Location: Boca Raton, FL
- SACSCOCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 65%Students W/ Aid
- $9,749Avg. Aid Amount
- 24/1Student/Faculty Ratio
St Petersburg College
Program Details
- Location: St. Petersburg, FL
- SACSCOCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 45%Students W/ Aid
- $8,331Avg. Aid Amount
- 25/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected St Petersburg College
- Online, flexible access lets working health professionals advance without pausing their careers.
- Prior health-field training can waive admissions requirements, reducing barriers for qualified applicants.
- SPC’s tuition and fee waiver policies may lower costs for eligible students.
Program Details
- Location: St. Petersburg, FL
- SACSCOCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 45%Students W/ Aid
- $8,331Avg. Aid Amount
- 25/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Ana G. Mendez University
Program Details
- Location: Orlando, FL
- MSCHEAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PrivateSchool Type
- 71%Students W/ Aid
- $6,318Avg. Aid Amount
- 28/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Ana G. Mendez University
- The Health Services Management bachelor’s program offers flexible on-site and online study options at the South Florida campus, supporting working adult and remote learners.
- The program is designed to prepare students for primary and intermediate management roles in health service organizations, directly aligning coursework with real-world healthcare administration responsibilities.
- Students benefit from integration within AGMU’s Health Sciences division, gaining exposure to a broad network of health-related programs and interdisciplinary environments that enhance professional connections and sector-specific knowledge.
Program Details
- Location: Orlando, FL
- MSCHEAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PrivateSchool Type
- 71%Students W/ Aid
- $6,318Avg. Aid Amount
- 28/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Base Methodology for EduMed’s “Best Online College Rankings” for the ‘25-’26 school year.
One: Create a list of eligible schools & programs
To be eligible for ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on data pulled from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), which was self-reported by the schools themselves:
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
- At least one online component in a program within the ranking-subject area.
- The existence of academic and career counseling on campus and/or online.
Two: Assign weightings to eligible schools & programs
After creating the list of eligible schools, EduMed data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of metrics, which were all self-reported by the school themselves to the U.S. Department of Education and IPEDS.
The metrics are listed below in order of most- to least-heavily weighted*.
- Tuition – Average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full-time.
- Online Programs – Number of online programs, either partially- or fully-online, in the relevant subject area.
- Avg. Aid Amount – Average amount of institutional grant aid awarded to full-time, first-time undergraduates.
- Students w/ Aid – Percent of full-time, first-time students undergraduates awarded institutional aid.
- Online Enrollment – Percent of undergraduate students taking at least one distance education class.
- Graduation Rate – Percent of full-time, first-time receiving an award in 6 years.
- Student/Faculty Ratio – The number of students per faculty member.
*Metrics #2-5 and #6-7 were equally weighted.
About Our Data
EduMed’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2025
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