Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Healthcare Administration: What to Expect
An Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Healthcare Administration is a 2-year degree designed to prepare students for administrative roles in the healthcare field. This program is suited for those who want to work in hospitals, clinics, long-term care centers, or medical offices without becoming direct care providers. It blends healthcare and business concepts, helping students understand the inner workings of healthcare organizations.
What You Study
Students enrolled in an AAS in Healthcare Administration complete about 60 to 61 credit hours. Coursework typically includes:
Core Healthcare Courses:
- Medical Terminology
- U.S. Healthcare System
- Medical Law and Ethics
- Health Information Systems
- Medical Office Procedures
- Anatomy and Physiology
Business and Administration Courses:
- Accounting
- Human Resources
- Office Management
- Healthcare Reimbursement
- Management Principles
Some programs allow concentration options such as:
- Medical Office Administration
- Healthcare Reimbursement
Programs may include a capstone course, practicum, or internship to give students hands-on experience in administrative settings.
Admissions Requirements
To enter an AAS in Healthcare Administration, students must:
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Submit transcripts from high school or previous colleges
- Complete an online application
- Some schools may require a resume or entrance interview
- A minimum GPA (often 2.0–2.75) may be required
- Test scores (SAT/ACT) are typically optional
Example admissions information: University of Providence Admissions
How Much It Costs
Tuition varies by institution and state residency. Typical costs range from:
- $10,000 to $25,000 for the entire program
- $112–$350 per credit hour
- Financial aid, scholarships, and tuition discounts may be available for eligible students
For cost estimates, check:
- University of Providence Cost Page
- California Coast University Healthcare Admin A.S.
- Cambridge College Program Page
Online and On-Campus Options
Many schools offer this degree fully online, on campus, or in hybrid formats. Online options provide flexibility for working adults. Programs are self-paced or follow a structured semester schedule, depending on the institution.
Examples of online programs:
- Cambridge College Online AS in Healthcare Administration
- Ashworth College Online Healthcare Administration AAS
- University of Arkansas Grantham
Career Outcomes
Graduates of AAS in Healthcare Administration programs are qualified for various entry-level roles in healthcare. These include:
- Medical Office Manager
- Patient Care Coordinator
- Health Services Administrative Assistant
- Medical Receptionist
- Medical Billing or Coding Clerk
- Healthcare Program Coordinator
These roles are available in hospitals, private practices, insurance companies, and nursing homes. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, health services managers earn a median salary of $104,830, with job growth projected at 28% from 2022 to 2032 (BLS link).
Top Schools
If you’re ready to start a career in the business side of healthcare, earning an associate degree in healthcare administration can be a smart and accessible first step. Whether you’re looking for flexible online learning, fast-track programs, or transfer pathways to a bachelor’s degree, there are a variety of colleges offering programs tailored to meet different student needs.
The following schools offer associate degrees that combine healthcare knowledge with administrative, technical, and leadership training—preparing graduates for entry-level roles in hospitals, clinics, insurance companies, and more. Let’s take a closer look at some standout programs across the country.
| School | Location | Degree | Format | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida National University | Hialeah, FL | AA in Health Services Administration | On-Campus | Strong general education foundation; designed for transfer to bachelor’s programs |
| North-West College | Multiple, CA | AS in Health Care Administration | On-Campus or Online | Career-focused training; real-world alignment; multiple campus options |
| St. Louis College of Health Careers | St. Louis, MO | AAS in Healthcare Administration | Hybrid (Online + In-Person) | 36-week completion; flexible schedules; accepts transfer credits |
| California Coast University | Santa Ana, CA | AS in Health Care Administration | Online, Self-Paced | Fully self-paced; tuition discounts; interest-free payment plans |
| NorthWest Career College | Las Vegas, NV | Associate’s in Healthcare Administration | On-Campus | Complete in one year; strong soft skill development; practical training focus |
| Seminole State College | Sanford, FL | AA Pathway in Health Services Administration | On-Campus or Online | Guaranteed transfer to UCF; affordable; small class sizes |
| Keiser University | Multiple, FL | AA in Health Services Administration | On-Campus | Includes healthcare software training; no course prerequisites |
| University of Arkansas Grantham | Little Rock, AR | AS in Healthcare Administration | Online | 100% online; no application fee; flexible and affordable |
| University of Providence | Great Falls, MT | AS in Healthcare Administration | Online | Eight-week courses; virtual program immersion; career-focused |
| Cambridge College | Boston, MA | AS in Healthcare Administration | Online | Two concentrations; strong employer partnerships; flexible learning model |
Florida National University
https://www.fnu.edu/programs/aa-health-services-administration/
Hialeah, Florida
Step Into Healthcare Leadership with a Strong General Education Foundation
Florida National University’s Associate of Arts in Health Services Administration is a 61-credit program designed to equip students for entry-level roles in healthcare supervision or as a stepping stone toward advanced degrees in health administration. The curriculum blends general education and liberal arts courses (39 credits) with specialized courses in health services administration, helping students build a well-rounded academic and professional foundation.
Preparation for the Next Level
This program is ideal for students seeking a transfer-friendly degree or aiming to continue into a bachelor’s in health administration. With a broad-based curriculum and skill-building focus, graduates are prepared for administrative roles in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, or public health departments. Students earn an Associate of Arts Degree in Health Services Administration upon completion.
North-West College
https://www.nw.edu/programs/a-s-degree-in-health-administration/
Campuses: West Covina, Glendale, Van Nuys, Riverside, Anaheim, Long Beach, San Diego, Bakersfield, Pomona
Career-Focused Training for Entry-Level Healthcare Leaders
North-West College offers an Associate of Science in Health Care Administration that prepares students for administrative careers across the healthcare industry. Students explore healthcare delivery systems, medical office management, reimbursement systems, HR functions, legal and regulatory concerns, and ethical healthcare practices.
Online and On-Campus Flexibility
With options to attend in person at select campuses or online, the program offers flexibility for working adults and students with varying schedules. Graduates are prepared for roles in hospitals, insurance companies, outpatient facilities, or medical group practices. North-West emphasizes real-world relevance by aligning course content with industry needs, and graduates may qualify for advanced roles in healthcare administration.
St. Louis College of Health Careers
https://slchc.edu/academics/programs/associates/healthcare-administration/
St. Louis, MO
Administrative Expertise with Strategic and Communication Focus
SLCHC’s AAS in Healthcare Administration Completion Program focuses on strategic communication, management, and regulatory knowledge essential to healthcare administrators. The curriculum includes practical training in documentation, leadership, patient care coordination, dispute resolution, and understanding regulatory frameworks in the healthcare sector.
Career Pathways and Flexible Learning
Designed for those with 30 approved transfer credits, this 36-week program blends online and in-person instruction. Graduates can pursue careers in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, skilled nursing facilities, insurance companies, home health agencies, and more. The program offers both daytime and evening options at SLCHC’s City campus, culminating in an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Healthcare Administration.
California Coast University
https://www.calcoast.edu/a.s.-associate-of-science-in-health-care-administration.html
Santa Ana, CA
Flexible Online Pathway to Administrative Healthcare Careers
California Coast University’s Associate of Science in Health Care Administration is a 60-credit online program built for working professionals and students seeking a flexible schedule. Courses are entirely self-paced and accessible year-round. The curriculum covers U.S. healthcare systems, community health, information technology, medical law, and ethics, along with general education and electives.
Affordable, Accessible, and Career-Ready
The program offers interest-free payment plans and a 10% tuition discount for eligible students. It’s ideal for those looking to enter health administration roles in clinics, insurance providers, or public health organizations. With a focus on foundational theories and principles of healthcare management, graduates are prepared to transition into entry-level administrative positions or continue their education.
NorthWest Career College
Program Overview
NorthWest Career College offers an Associate’s Degree in Healthcare Administration that can be completed in as little as one year. The program emphasizes the practical aspects of healthcare administration, including coursework in medical terminology, healthcare law, and systems management. Students also develop essential soft skills such as communication, data analysis, and problem-solving. Instructors bring real-world experience from the healthcare field directly into the classroom, preparing graduates for immediate application of their learning.
Career Preparation and Outcomes
Graduates are well-equipped to begin entry-level positions in hospitals, clinics, and healthcare facilities, with job titles like medical office manager and patient care coordinator. The program also serves as a strong foundation for further education in healthcare management. With a focus on industry-relevant skills and fast-track completion, NorthWest Career College positions students for personal and professional growth in a rapidly expanding field.
Seminole State College
https://www.seminolestate.edu/catalog/programs/hlt-hsa
Sanford, FL
Program Overview
Seminole State College offers an Associate in Arts Pathway in Health Services Administration designed for students planning to transfer into a bachelor’s program. The curriculum begins with courses in economics and accounting, preparing students for the business side of healthcare. With both in-person and online options, the program is flexible and accessible, offering small class sizes for a more personalized learning experience.
Career Preparation and Outcomes
Graduates benefit from guaranteed transfer opportunities to institutions like the University of Central Florida, making this a strong starting point for a long-term healthcare administration career. The program supports entry into administrative support roles and sets the stage for continued education in health sciences or related fields. With affordable tuition and a wide array of university transfer pathways, Seminole State is ideal for students aiming to balance cost, quality, and long-term opportunity.
Keiser University
https://www.keiseruniversity.edu/health-services-administration-aa/
Florida (multiple locations)
Program Overview
Keiser University’s Associate of Arts in Health Services Administration blends business fundamentals with healthcare-specific training. The 60-credit program includes courses in medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, front office management, and business law. Students use laptop computers to learn essential software applications used in modern healthcare business environments.
Career Preparation and Outcomes
This program is designed to prepare students for entry-level employment in administrative roles across various healthcare settings. With no prerequisites for major courses, students can enter the program directly and begin building a foundation in both business and health administration. The curriculum supports career readiness while also providing a path for future academic or professional advancement.
University of Arkansas Grantham
https://www.uagrantham.edu/online-degrees/healthcare-administration-associates/
Little Rock, AR
Program Overview
The University of Arkansas Grantham offers a fully online Associate of Science in Healthcare Administration that can be completed in approximately 24 months. With a cost of $305 per credit hour and no application fee, this program is designed for accessibility and flexibility. The curriculum includes 60 credit hours, focusing on healthcare management, leadership, finance, legal compliance, medical terminology, and health informatics.
Career Preparation and Outcomes
Graduates are prepared for entry-level administrative positions in healthcare facilities or can use this degree as a stepping stone toward a bachelor’s program. Emphasizing interdisciplinary communication, leadership models, and technology use in healthcare, the program meets the evolving demands of the industry. Its 100% online format makes it ideal for working professionals or those seeking a flexible educational path.
University of Providence
https://www.uprovidence.edu/academics/explore-programs/healthcare-administration/associate-of-science-healthcare-administration/
Great Falls, Montana
Comprehensive Curriculum with a Career-Focused Approach
The University of Providence offers a 24-month Associate of Science in Healthcare Administration program designed for students entering or advancing within the healthcare administration field. Delivered entirely online and structured in eight-week sessions, the program comprises 60 credits, including 21 credits of core major coursework. Before beginning, students must complete a virtual program immersion to get acquainted with the curriculum and digital tools. The program emphasizes healthcare systems, informatics, legal issues, management principles, and sociocultural awareness—aligning with UP’s mission of delivering patient-centered care education.
Affordability, Flexibility, and Career Readiness
UP is committed to transparency in pricing and offers tuition discounts for Providence Health & Services employees and their families. Designed with working professionals in mind, the program enables students to apply what they learn directly in their current roles. Graduates are prepared for entry-level careers in medical billing, coding, reception, finance, and healthcare informatics. With job growth for health services managers projected to outpace the national average significantly, the ASHA degree serves as a gateway to in-demand roles across hospitals, clinics, private practices, and insurance companies.
Cambridge College
Flexible Online Learning with Customizable Pathways
Cambridge College’s Associate of Science in Healthcare Administration is a 60-credit online degree designed to equip students with foundational knowledge in healthcare and business. Starting May 6, 2025, the program covers essential topics such as medical terminology, healthcare systems in the U.S., ethics, accounting, human resources, and management. Students can further customize their learning experience by selecting from two available concentrations, tailoring the degree to align with specific career goals or areas of interest.
Entry-Level Opportunities and Professional Growth
This program is ideal for working adults seeking a flexible, career-launching education in healthcare administration. Graduates are prepared for entry-level administrative roles in a range of healthcare settings and may progress into managerial positions with experience. The demand for health services managers is growing rapidly, and Cambridge College’s corporate partnerships support over 60% of its students, offering both convenience and a direct link to employment opportunities.
Conclusion: How Long Will It Take to Pay Off Your Student Loan?
Investing in an Associate Degree in Healthcare Administration can open the door to a rewarding career in one of the fastest-growing industries in the U.S. But like any educational pursuit, it comes with a cost. Based on data from the schools featured above, the average tuition for these programs is approximately $18,000. Meanwhile, the average starting salary for graduates entering entry-level healthcare administration roles is around $40,000 per year.
Here’s a breakdown of how long it would take to pay off that $18,000 student loan, depending on how much of your salary you dedicate to repayment:
| % of Salary Used for Repayment | Annual Repayment Amount | Time to Pay Off $18,000 Loan |
|---|---|---|
| 5% | $2,000 | 9 years |
| 10% | $4,000 | 4.5 years |
| 15% | $6,000 | 3 years |
| 20% | $8,000 | 2.25 years |
This estimate assumes no interest, but even with a modest loan interest rate, these timelines provide a reasonable expectation for debt repayment. Dedicating just 10% of your starting salary could have you debt-free in under five years—making healthcare administration an affordable and strategic educational investment for long-term career growth.