Health Care Administration Associate Degree Program - Online
Classes Start September 30
Apply for our associate degree in Health Care Administration (HCA) to prepare for entry or advancement in a non-clinical health care career.
At a Glance
20 Months
Program Length
100% Online
Format
61*
Credit hours
*Students with prior healthcare education may be able to transfer up to 24 credits for an accelerated start. 12 of the 24 transfer credits must be from a healthcare field. Programs that transfer include: Dental Assistant (except Dental Assistant – California campuses), Medical Administrative Assistant, Medical Assistant, Medical Billing and Coding, Pharmacy Technician, and Sterile Processing Technician.
About Our Online HCA Program
Our online Health Care Administration (HCA) associate degree program prepares students for administrative careers in medical offices, hospitals, clinics, and other health systems through coursework in health information technology, business communication, health care management, accounting, and project management.
Graduates can pursue an entry-level or advancing administrative role in allied health care, with the option to continue on to bachelor’s and master’s degrees for further career growth.
Who This HCA Program Is For
If you’re new to the field, the Health Care Administration Associate Degree can help you take the first step toward a career in health care. Build a foundation in health care terminology, insurance processes, electronic health records, and administrative skills used in today’s medical offices and health systems.
Designed for those with little or no prior experience, the program offers a practical introduction to the business side of health care and prepares graduates for a variety of entry-level administrative roles.
Est. Program Length: 20 Months
Already working in the administrative side of health care? Whether you’re a medical administrative assistant, patient care representative or have a similar background, the HCA Associate Degree is designed to build on your experience and support career advancement.
Strengthen your knowledge of health care operations, communication, and administrative processes while preparing for expanded responsibilities and new opportunities within the field.
Graduates of qualifying programs may be eligible to transfer credits and complete the degree in as few as 12 months.
Est. Program Length: 12 Months
You already work in health care — now you want to grow within it. For medical assistants, pharmacy technicians, and other clinical professionals, the HCA Associate Degree can help you better understand how health care organizations operate behind the scenes.
Gain the administrative skills to complement your clinical role, pursue new opportunities on the business side of health care, and deliver well-rounded patient care.
Graduates of qualifying programs may be eligible to transfer credits and complete the degree in as few as 12 months.
Est. Program Length: 12 Months
Core Skills You’ll Develop
ADMINISTRATIVE
Medical office management and operations
FINANCIAL
Billing, coding and reimbursement
COMPLIANCE
HIPAA, medical law and patient safety
Technology
EHR systems and health information management
BUSINESS
Project management, communications and personnel management
Where the Health Care Administration Program Can Take You
This program prepares graduates for a variety of non-clinical roles, including scheduling coordinator, insurance coordinator, medical records clerk, medical office specialist and patient representative.
Move into management or administrative leadership as a front desk supervisor, office supervisor, department coordinator, practice manager and clinical supervisor.
Pathway to bachelor's, and later master's degrees, in HCA.
Program Objective
To prepare students with the industry knowledge and professional skills necessary for entry-level employment in the administrative health care field. A curriculum focused on basic business, administrative and organizational concepts of health care will also prepare students to further their education in an advanced degree program.
Program Outline
Semester I
Semester II
Semester III
Semester IV
Semester V
Continue your HCA Education
In addition to our online associate degree in HCA, we also offer an online Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration and an online Master of Science in Organizational Leadership. Get the skills needed to move up within the health care industry, with the flexibility of virtual instruction. Work on your degree anywhere, anytime.
12 Months | Online
Health Care Administration
- Fast-track your degree online while you work
- Develop business and communication skill sets in health care settings
20 Months | Online
Health Care Administration
- Develop the critical thinking, communication and leadership skills necessary for career advancement
- Become an integral part of leadership in your medical organization
2 Years | Online
Organizational
Leadership
- Prepare for executive or C-Suite positions in health care
- Lead diverse organizations amidst a rapidly changing global landscape
Job Outlook
23% Growth — The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects this occupation to grow much faster than average over the next 10 years,with average entry roles ranging from ~$40,000-$60,000*
*Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Medical and Health Services Managers, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/medical-and-health-services-managers.htm#tab-5 (visited June 07, 2026).
What careers can you pursue with a Health Care Administration (HCA) associate degree?
- Front desk supervisor: overseeing patient check-in, scheduling, and daily office flow
- Scheduling coordinator: managing appointment calendars for clinics or physician groups
- Medical office specialist: handling administrative tasks across a medical practice
- Patient representative: acting as a point of contact between patients and care teams
- Medical records clerk: maintaining health records in compliance with regulations
- Office supervisor: leading administrative teams within a health care setting
- Insurance coordinator: managing billing, claims, and communication with payers
Student Support
Career Services
When you’re a Pima Medical Institute student, you get access to our Career Services team—here for you when you need extra help with finding the right job opportunities, building a resume, strengthening your interview skills or just looking for general guidance.
Life as an Online Student
When you’re an online student at Pima Medical Institute, you’re part of a supportive learning environment built to help you stay connected and on track. Learn what to expect from online classes, how you’ll engage with instructors and classmates, and the resources available throughout your program.
Admissions & Application
Application Process
- Submit the form below
A few quick details so we can get to know you before we connect.
- Chat with our team
They’ll ask about your background and what you’re looking for in your next step. From there, they’ll help you explore whether the program and online learning experience fit your career goals.
- Attend your virtual campus tour
Experience Pima Medical from home. We’ll walk you through admissions requirements.
- We help you complete your application
Our team guides you through every step, like pre-qualification and financial services, so nothing stands between you and getting started.
HCA Eligibility Requirements
- Possess a high school diploma or recognized equivalency
- Additional requirements may apply by campus
Tuition & financial aid
Federal aid (FAFSA), institutional scholarships, and payment plans are available to help make your education affordable.
Nobody Says It Better Than Our Students
Read our reviews from students and alumni to find out for yourself…
FAQs About our Health Care Administration Associate Degree Program
What is Health Care Administration?
Health care administration refers to the coordination of processes in medical offices, clinics, hospitals and other health service facilities. Health care administration professionals oversee scheduling, patient services, records, billing and office workflows that support quality patient care and efficient operations.
What is an online Health Care Administration associate degree?
An online Health Care Administration associate degree from Pima Medical Institute is a fully online program that provides general knowledge of business, administration, and organization within the health care field.
How long does the associate HCA program take to complete?
What kind of courses will I take in the online HCA associate program?
- billing and accounting
- industry-specific computer applications
- office management
- electronic health records
- business communications
- human resource management
- project management
What can graduates of an associate HCA program do?
An associate degree in health care administration prepares you to support non-clinical operations across diverse settings, working alongside medical teams to ensure a smooth patient experience and effective back office management. Graduates typically find roles in hospitals, medical offices, clinics, pharmacies, and other health systems.
Day-to-day responsibilities vary depending on the role and environment, but can range from general front office administration to specialized support in departments like accounting/finance and human resources.
For those currently employed in health care, an associate degree in health care administration can open doors to new opportunities and upward mobility. This degree equips graduates with the administrative skills to complement their clinical roles, pursue new opportunities on the business side of health care and deliver well-rounded patient care. Example paths could include roles like Medical Assistant II, office supervisor, department coordinator, or practice manager.
Is Pima Medical’s HCA associate program fully online?
Yes! The Health Care Administration associate degree program from Pima Medical Institute is offered 100% online. For more information, visit our Life of an Online Student page for additional information about our approach to online learning.
What are the admissions requirements for the associate HCA program?
Applicants to this degree program must meet the following requirements:
- Possess a high school diploma or recognized equivalency
- Meet a minimum score on the Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam and the Pima Medical Institute Math Admissions Test
What is a non-clinical health care career?
A non-clinical health care career is any role in the health care industry that doesn’t involve direct patient care. No clinical license. No medical procedures. Rather, it involves keeping health care operations running. Non-clinical professionals handle the scheduling, billing, records, staffing and day-to-day management that allow doctors and nurses to focus on patients.
In what settings can graduates of an associate HCA program work?
- Hospitals
- Clinics
- For-profit/non-profit institutions
- Insurance industries
- Long-term care organizations
- Rehabilitation companies
- Pharmacies
- Educational institutions
Related Resources
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See What an Associate Degree in Health Care Administration Can Do For Your Career
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Accreditations and Disclosures
State Licensure Determination Disclosure
The Associate Degree Health care administration program is offered via an online delivery method. Depending on your location you may be able to enroll in one of three Pima Medical Institute campuses: Tucson, Phoenix, or Albuquerque.
Tucson: Pima Medical Institute is an approved institution through the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (NC SARA) which allows Pima Medical Institute Tucson to offer distance learning programs to residents of states other than Arizona. Participation in NC SARA does not exempt an institution from state professional licensing requirements.
Phoenix: Pima Medical Institute is authorized to deliver fully online distance education within the state of Arizona. You may be eligible to enroll in the HCA program through the Phoenix campus if you are physically located in the state of Arizona at the time of enrollment and for the duration of the educational program.
Albuquerque: Pima Medical Institute is authorized to deliver fully online distance education within the state of New Mexico. You may be eligible to enroll in the HCA program through the Albuquerque campus if you are physically located in the state of New Mexico at the time of enrollment and for the duration of the educational program.
A student’s physical location is determined at the time of enrollment by submission of government-issued identification as well as a student attestation of their physical location in the enrollment agreement. Students agree to update the institution if their physical location changes. Students are able to notify the institution of a change to their physical location in the Pima Medical Institute Student Portal. Prospective students and enrolled students should understand that a change in physical location may adversely impact a student’s ability to complete the program. If a student is planning to relocate he or she is required to discuss this with the Student Services Coordinator and/or Program Director.
In compliance with 34 CFR 668.43 Pima Medical Institute has made a reasonable effort to determine graduate eligibility for licensure in all states for programs designed and advertised as leading to licensure. The document below lists Pima Medical Institute programs and states where the curriculum meets licensure requirements, states where the curriculum does not meet licensure requirements, and states in which Pima Medical Institute has been unable to determine if the curriculum meets state licensure requirements. All consumers should be advised that due to the frequent changes to state statutes, rules, and regulations Pima Medical Institute cannot guarantee licensure based on the lists below.