AAS Health Care Administration (HCA) - 5 Semester

The 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 it is for. If you’re new to the field, the degree can help you take the first step toward a career in health care, building a foundation in health care terminology, insurance processes, electronic health records, and administrative skills used in today’s medical offices and health systems. It is designed for those with little or no prior experience, and the estimated program length is 20 months.

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.

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: Entry-level roles
• 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.: Career advancement
• Move into management or administrative leadership as a front desk supervisor, office supervisor, department coordinator, practice manager and clinical supervisor.: Continue to Your Bachelor’s

Flexible and fully online. The program is offered 100% online and designed for adult learners; asynchronous online coursework offers the flexibility to balance your studies with your current employment. Though delivered virtually, students still gain real-world experience through projects and exercises that simulate situations they will encounter on the job.

Continue your HCA education. Pima Medical also offers an online Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration and an online Master of Science in Organizational Leadership.

About Pima Medical Institute. Pima Medical Institute started changing lives in 1972, when Richard L. Luebke, Sr., and his wife, JoAnn, opened the first campus in Tucson, Arizona. Over 175,000 graduates have since advanced their education, and many are serving their communities through meaningful health care careers. The school’s mission is to improve the quality of people’s lives by providing the best value in medical career education.

Eligibility 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
• Additional requirements may apply by campus

High school verification. Proof of valid high school completion or equivalent must be submitted (high school diploma or transcript, GED report and certificate, or an official associate or bachelor’s degree transcript). Pima Medical Institute does not enroll ability-to-benefit students, and applicants under the legal age must have written approval of a parent or legal guardian.

Entrance exams. Applicants for degree programs, excluding Nursing, are required to take the Wonderlic SLE and receive a minimum score of 20. Applicants for associate degree programs are also required to take a math admission test and receive a minimum of 80% (24 out of 30 correct); a calculator is allowed, the time limit is 45 minutes, and the test can be taken up to 3 times. Applicants for the Health Care Administration associate degree program may be eligible to waive the Wonderlic exam if they successfully completed a qualifying PMI certificate program within the past 5 years with a cumulative GPA of 3.3 or higher. The exam may be waived for applicants who submit official transcripts that document completion of an associate degree or higher.

The program is delivered 100% online with asynchronous coursework. The Albuquerque, Phoenix and Tucson tuition price lists show the five-semester option at 61 semester credits and 930 clock hours over 80 weeks.

Designed for adult learners, the associate HCA program can be completed in approximately 20 months.

• Entry-level roles: scheduling coordinator, insurance coordinator, medical records clerk, medical office specialist and patient representative.
• Career advancement: front desk supervisor, office supervisor, department coordinator, practice manager and clinical supervisor.

These roles exist across hospitals, clinics, for-profit/nonprofit institutions, insurance industries, long-term care organizations, rehabilitation companies, pharmacies, and educational institutions. Pima Medical offers job placement assistance and career support.

Job outlook. 24% Growth — The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects this occupation (medical and health services managers) to grow much faster than average over the next 10 years. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Medical and Health Services Managers (visited October 29, 2026).

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, with online classes, engagement with instructors and classmates, and resources available throughout your program.

Application process.

• Submit the form. A few quick details so the team can get to know you before connecting.
• Chat with the team. They’ll ask about your background and what you’re looking for, and help you explore whether the program and online learning experience fit your career goals.
• Attend your virtual campus tour. Experience Pima Medical from home, with a walk-through of admissions requirements.
• Complete your application. The team guides you through every step, like pre-qualification and financial services.