Online BHA Degrees in Florida: Reviewing Top Programs
Advance your career by earning a bachelor’s in healthcare administration (BHA) degree online in Florida. You can earn a BHA degree online or on-campus (or both), with online programs allowing you more convenient access course materials, professors, and peers. See what the best programs offer, explore different online learning options, and find answers to questions about cost and accreditation below.
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Nursing Healthcare AdminInside Online BHA Programs in Florida
Becoming a healthcare administrator involves supervising personnel and overseeing daily operations in your eventual role. Healthcare administrators are vital in treatment facilities, and their work is in high demand in states like Florida.
Many schools in the state offer bachelor’s degrees in healthcare administration, with fully online and hybrid options available. These programs fulfill the same set of learning objectives as campus-based alternatives with the same levels of quality and accreditation.
Expert Insight
If you’re already working in healthcare, online learning options are a great way to continue furthering your education while still maintaining full (or part-time) work.
Take a look inside these programs, learn how they work, and see if one might be the right fit.
Florida International University
Florida International University offers an online Bachelor of Health Services Administration Program, one of the largest of its kind in the country. The 120-credit program qualifies graduates for entry-level management positions in a variety of health-related organizations or for further education at the graduate level. It features interactive technology, real-time faculty feedback, and personal success coaches.
Applicants need to complete prerequisites and meet general FIU admissions criteria. Financial aid for healthcare administration students is available, and the program has start dates in fall, spring, and summer.
Duration: Five semesters
Mode: In-person or online
Cost:
Admissions Requirements:
- Completed 60 hours of course work – OR – completed the Associate in Arts (AA) degree or its equivalent – at an accredited college or university.
- Satisfied the general University requirements for admission, including the University’s Core Curriculum requirements.
- Met the University’s lower division requirements.
- Complete the following BHSA prerequisite** courses as part of their 60 credit-hours of lower-division course work and achieve a minimum “C” required grade
Curriculum: Both the fully online and hybrid modality are available. The curriculum includes content about systems engineering and financial management of health organizations, health services research, economics, politics and legal aspects of health systems, and program planning and evaluation.
Programs that might interest you:
St. Petersburg College
St. Petersburg College offers an online Bachelor of Applied Science in Health Services Administration designed for those with previous training in health or human services fields. Designed to prepare you for career advancement or entry-level supervisory or managerial positions, this degree offers specialized concentrations depending on your background.
The program features eight-week classes, with a final 16-week capstone course that integrates students’ career interests and professional goals. Students gain knowledge in healthcare delivery systems, policies, ethics, and strategic management. The program includes financial aid options and transfer credit evaluations.
Expert Insight
I liked shorter 8-week classes because it kept me focused. It also meant assignments came up fast. If you’re working, make sure your schedule can handle that pace.
Duration: Two years
Mode: Online
Cost:
- Florida residents: $123/credit
- Out-of-state residents: $426/credit
- $7,362 (in-state) // $25,547 (out-of-state)
Admissions Requirements:
- Complete the St. Petersburg College Admission Application and pay the non-refundable fee.
- Submit official, unopened (sealed) high school or GED transcripts indicating completion of standard high school diploma or equivalency.
- Submit official, unopened (sealed) transcripts from all regionally accredited college(s) and/or universities currently or previously attended.
- Students must demonstrate they are at college level in Writing, Reading, and Math either through appropriate test scores or through appropriate course completion.
- Students must have a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale in all postsecondary coursework.
- Complete sixty (60) credit hours from a regionally accredited institution on your SPC transcript; fifteen (15) credits must be transferable general education coursework.
- Must have one of the following criteria:
- Degree, certificate, or diploma in a Health Care or Human Services discipline on your SPC transcript
- Work or volunteer experience in a Health Care or Human Services field (two years is strongly recommended, a minimum of 6 months is required).
Curriculum: Students will gain a broad-based knowledge of health care delivery systems, a better understanding of health care policies, ethics and current issues, as well as effective communication, leadership and critical thinking skills. Students are responsible for securing a mentor for the capstone course, and for developing their capstone project proposal in collaboration with the mentor during the pre-capstone course. Students enroll in the pre-capstone course immediately preceding the capstone course.
Expert Insight
If your program requires a capstone, find and work with a mentor early on. It’s also helpful to get a jump start an work on a project that you already have some familiarity with.
University of Central Florida
The University of Central Florida’s online Bachelor of Science in Health Services Administration equips students with the managerial expertise necessary to navigate the evolving healthcare industry. The 120-credit program prepares graduates to effectively manage healthcare organizations and make informed decisions.
The curriculum is designed to be flexible, accommodating both full-time students and working professionals. Tuition is $179.19 per credit for Florida students and $715.80 per credit hour for out-of-state students. No prior healthcare experience is required to enroll, making the program accessible to individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Duration: Four years
Mode: Online
Cost:
- $179.19/credit (in-state) = $21,502.80 (in-state)
- $715.80 (out-of-state) = $85,896 (out-of-state)
Admissions Requirements:
- Speak with a success coach.
- Completed Self-Provided Academic Record for Knights “SPARK” Form; Students who have already completed high school must submit a current official high school or home-school transcript
- Official SAT [code: 5233] or ACT [code: 0735] score
- Official GED or TOEFL/IELTS score, if applicable
- Application essay (strongly encouraged but not required)
- $30 nonrefundable application fee
Curriculum: The curriculum covers essential topics such as U.S. healthcare systems, healthcare economics, and epidemiology, preparing graduates to manage healthcare organizations effectively.
Florida BHA Student FAQs
Most students have similar questions when starting their search for the best healthcare administration program for their needs. We’ve compiled answers to the most pressing questions from prospective students like you, covering all you need to know about curriculum, costs, accreditation, and more below.
What will I learn in a healthcare admin bachelor’s degree program in Florida?
A healthcare administration bachelor’s degree in Florida prepares students for leadership roles in patient-centered, evidence-based care. Programs cover organizational leadership, healthcare delivery systems, ethics, marketing, finance, and legal regulations.
Schools like St. Petersburg College and the University of Central Florida start with foundational courses in science and math before progressing to advanced topics like healthcare operations, quality control, and human resource management. Hands-on learning through internships and capstone experiences further enhances real-world expertise.
When you enroll in a healthcare administration program in Florida you can expect to:
- Develop skills in organizational leadership and strategic planning.
- Build a working knowledge of the key processes and procedures that govern healthcare delivery in the U.S.
- Examine contemporary social, political, and ethical problems in health science.
- Receive expert training in healthcare marketing, finance, and legal regulation.
- Gain hands-on experience through individualized internship placements and capstone experiences.
What are the admissions requirements for healthcare administration programs in Florida?
Common requirements and admissions criteria for these programs bear resemblance to similar four-year healthcare degree programs, but with a few notable differences. Prospective applicants should be prepared to submit the following items:
- Evidence of a high school diploma or GED
- Official SAT or ACT scores
- Official TOEFL or IELTS test scores (international applicants only)
- Transcripts for any previous college-level credits earned
Applications with transcripts indicating a 2.0 GPA or higher often receive greater consideration. In addition, some schools prefer applicants who possess a relevant associate degree or a substantial amount of transfer credits. The programs at State College of Florida and Florida International University offer good examples of what you can expect, including possible course prerequisites in subjects like statistics, economics, and accounting.
Expert Insight
Although high GPAs may receive greater consideration, do not discount the benefits of highlighting your work experience or background in healthcare to leverage your application.
How much do healthcare administration bachelor’s programs cost?
The cost of a healthcare administration bachelor’s degree in Florida depends on factors like school type, learning format, and residency status. Private universities generally have higher tuition than public institutions, which often charge out-of-state students more.
While online programs can sometimes be more affordable, pricing varies by school.
- Florida International University’s 120-credit program costs $11,929 for in-state students and $18,952 for out-of-state students.
- The University of Central Florida’s 120-credit program costs $21,502 for in-state students and $85,896 for out-of-state students.
Many programs in Florida offer financial aid options for healthcare administration students. Also, be sure to check out our guide on the most affordable online healthcare administration programs.
What type of accreditation should a Florida healthcare administration degree have?
A Florida healthcare administration degree should have regional accreditation from an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
Regional accreditation for online colleges and healthcare education in general ensures overall academic quality and credibility. Additionally, some programs hold specialized accreditation from organizations like the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).
While not mandatory, programmatic accreditation adds extra credibility and can enhance job prospects after graduation.
How much time does it take to complete a healthcare admin bachelor’s degree program in Florida?
Most healthcare administration bachelor’s degree in Florida last two to four years, depending on factors such as enrollment status and transfer credits. Full-time students and those in accelerated online healthcare administration programs can graduate faster, especially if they bring in prior credits.
Schools like St. Petersburg College and Florida International University offer pathways for students with an associate degree, reducing completion time to two years. Traditional students without transfer credits typically follow a standard four-year timeline.
Salary Outlook in Florida with a Healthcare Administration Degree
Medical and Health Services Managers
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | $69,910 | $120,360 | $213,260 |
| Cape Coral-Fort Myers, FL | $71,120 | $109,960 | $207,680 |
| Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL | $63,870 | $106,970 | $171,320 |
| Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach, FL | $62,310 | $106,810 | $173,110 |
| Gainesville, FL | $74,890 | $126,440 | $190,420 |
| Homosassa Springs, FL | $64,400 | $103,400 | $151,000 |
| Jacksonville, FL | $70,610 | $121,660 | $211,130 |
| Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL | $63,490 | $107,300 | $216,450 |
| Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL | $75,870 | $128,770 | $219,200 |
| Naples-Marco Island, FL | $67,010 | $122,010 | $234,150 |
| North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota, FL | $65,830 | $122,770 | $183,200 |
| Ocala, FL | $60,280 | $101,020 | $163,260 |
| Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL | $70,760 | $109,390 | $200,860 |
| Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL | $76,220 | $103,230 | $203,420 |
| Panama City-Panama City Beach, FL | $61,280 | $100,760 | $168,210 |
| Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent, FL | $68,290 | $105,140 | $164,830 |
| Port St. Lucie, FL | $62,690 | $104,760 | $167,870 |
| Punta Gorda, FL | $69,630 | $106,070 | $167,340 |
| Sebastian-Vero Beach-West Vero Corridor, FL | $64,990 | $107,910 | $171,700 |
| Sebring, FL | $64,630 | $106,480 | $171,560 |
| Tallahassee, FL | $65,980 | $104,000 | $190,420 |
| Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL | $66,830 | $124,980 | $214,610 |
| Wildwood-The Villages, FL | $71,080 | $104,760 | $190,170 |
Source: Medical & Health Services Managers, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2025
Data does not reflect school-specific information.
