Trey Blanchard, MHA '12
Chief Strategy Officer, Telescope Health
Blanchard leads the development of value-based care strategies and partnerships involving health systems, payers, accountable care organizations, employers and post-acute providers.
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History of the Department of Health Administration
Since 1988, health administration at the University of North Florida has grown alongside Northeast Florida's evolving healthcare community. What began as an undergraduate program created to address regional workforce needs has developed into a comprehensive academic department preparing healthcare leaders at the bachelor's, master's, executive and doctoral levels.
Throughout its history, the Department of Health Administration has remained grounded in practical education, industry engagement and strong connections with healthcare organizations across Northeast Florida.
Health Administration at a Glance
5
Academic programs offered today
2024
Doctor of Health Administration launches
2017
Department of Health Administration established
Our History
Explore the milestones that have shaped health administration at UNF, from the program's beginnings in 1988 to today's comprehensive portfolio of undergraduate, graduate and doctoral education.
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1988-1999 | Building the Foundation
1988 | Health administration begins at UNF
The Health Administration Program began within the College of Health with the Bachelor of Healthcare Administration, helping address the growing need for healthcare management professionals in Northeast Florida.
Fall 1990 | Master of Health Administration begins
The Master of Health Administration was approved by the Board of Regents and initiated in the College of Health, expanding UNF's role in preparing professionals for leadership positions across the healthcare industry.
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2000-2016 | Building the Brooks College of Health
2006 | The College of Health becomes Brooks College of Health
The College of Health officially became the Brooks College of Health, honoring Dr. J. Brooks Brown and strengthening the college's identity as a center for health education at UNF.
During this period, health administration continued to build its undergraduate and graduate programs while maintaining strong connections with healthcare organizations throughout Northeast Florida.
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2017-2022 | A Department of Its Own
2017 | Department of Health Administration established
Health administration became a separate academic department within the Brooks College of Health, creating a distinct academic home for its growing programs, faculty and students.
Fall 2019 | Executive Master of Health Administration begins
The Executive Master of Health Administration welcomed its first cohort, providing an additional graduate pathway for working professionals seeking to advance into higher levels of healthcare leadership.
2022 | Undergraduate online delivery expands access
The undergraduate program moved into an online delivery format, expanding access for students and working professionals.
2022 | Master of Science in Health Informatics moves forward
The Health Administration Advisory Board approved the proposed fully online Master of Science in Health Informatics program.
October 2022 | Undergraduate program recertified
The undergraduate health administration program was recertified by the Association of University Programs in Health Administration through 2029.
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2023-2024 | Expanding Graduate and Doctoral Education
May 2023 | MHA reaccredited
The Master of Health Administration was reaccredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education through 2030.
Fall 2023 | Master of Science in Health Informatics begins admitting students
The Master of Science in Health Informatics became operational, expanding the department's academic portfolio into the growing intersection of healthcare, information systems, analytics and organizational decision-making.
December 2023 | UNF Board of Trustees approves the DHA
The UNF Board of Trustees approved the proposed Doctor of Health Administration program.
2024 | DHA receives approval for implementation
The Florida Board of Governors approved implementation of the Doctor of Health Administration.
Fall 2024 | Doctor of Health Administration launches
UNF launched the first Doctor of Health Administration in the Florida State University System, creating a doctoral pathway for experienced healthcare leaders.
Fall 2024 | BHM-MHA accelerated pathway becomes effective
The accelerated pathway created an additional opportunity for eligible students to progress from undergraduate healthcare management education into the Master of Health Administration.
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2026 and Beyond | New Pathways for Healthcare Leaders
Spring 2026 | Lifestyle Management concentration launches
The Brooks College of Health launched a fully online Lifestyle Management concentration within the Bachelor of Healthcare Management. The concentration was developed for working health, wellness, fitness and movement professionals seeking leadership and business management skills for long-term career advancement.
Today | A comprehensive academic portfolio
The Department of Health Administration offers the Bachelor of Healthcare Management, Master of Health Administration, Executive Master of Health Administration, Master of Science in Health Informatics and Doctor of Health Administration.
Planned Spring 2027 | Classroom delivery expands
Classroom delivery for the Bachelor of Healthcare Management is planned to complement existing online options.
From Regional Need to Comprehensive Department
Over nearly four decades, UNF's health administration programs have grown from a regional response to a healthcare workforce need into a comprehensive academic department offering undergraduate, master's, executive, informatics and doctoral education.
Throughout that growth, the department has remained closely connected to the healthcare community through internships, residencies, advisory boards, alumni engagement and long-standing partnerships with healthcare organizations across Northeast Florida.
The department's mission remains consistent: to prepare capable, ethical and forward-thinking leaders who can improve healthcare organizations and strengthen the communities they serve.
Programs Through the Years
As the healthcare industry has evolved, the Department of Health Administration has expanded its academic programs to prepare students and professionals at every stage of their careers.
Undergraduate Education
1988
Bachelor of Healthcare Administration begins.
Today
Bachelor of Healthcare Management prepares students for administrative and management roles across the healthcare industry.
2026
Lifestyle Management concentration launches as a fully online option within the Bachelor of Healthcare Management.
Graduate Education
1990
Master of Health Administration begins.
2019
Executive Master of Health Administration welcomes its first cohort.
2023
Master of Science in Health Informatics begins admitting students.
Doctoral Education
2024
Doctor of Health Administration launches.
The DHA prepares advanced healthcare leaders to apply evidence-based management, research and global health leadership principles to complex challenges within healthcare organizations.
Explore Health Administration at UNF
Learn more about the programs, faculty and opportunities available through the Department of Health Administration.