Founded in 2017 through the generous support of a visionary donor, the Health Equity Leadership Academy proudly names its scholars the John Lewis Health Equity Leadership Scholars. This esteemed program also known as “The Academy”, is dedicated to empowering undergraduate students from challenging backgrounds—whether they are first-generation college students, hail from rural environments, or face socially or culturally demanding contexts—to pursue advanced degrees in the health professions.
Since its inception, The Academy has been a beacon of opportunity and growth. Our scholars benefit from a robust curriculum of professional development, exclusive interactions with healthcare C-suite executives, and meaningful community service engagements. These experiences are designed to cultivate the skills, knowledge, and leadership qualities necessary to drive forward the quest for health equity.
Under the expert guidance of Dr. Geoffrey Silvera and Mrs. Brittney Stokes, The Academy has flourished as a nurturing and dynamic environment. Here, aspiring health professionals find not just an educational program, but a supportive home where they can cultivate their potential and prepare to become future leaders in health equity.
Join us as we continue to inspire and support the next generation of health professionals dedicated to making a difference in the world.
The Health Equity Leadership Academy— where passion meets purpose, and health equity finds its next generation of leaders.
Applications for 2026 are now open.
Diverse Topics
Every year, The UAB HSA Academy features activities led by experts on topics such as:
- Applying to Graduate School
- Thriving in Graduate School
- Professional Development Tips & Techniques
- Leadership Development
- Résumé Building; LinkedIn
- Leadership's Role in Reducing Health Disparities
Proven Success
The UAB HSA Academy is housed in the UAB Department of Health Services Administration - home of the #1 health care management graduate program in the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings.
Since inception, The Academy has graduated 32 students. Our students have gone on to graduate school and careers in a variety of areas.
"I liked the community tour, meeting the directors of the Master's program, and learning about the anatomy of a graduate school application. What I liked most about The Academy was all the knowledge and advice along with the networking."
No Charge to Attend
There is no cost for you to join this transformational experience. The Spring experience requires student attendance every Friday between January 30 and April 17, 2026. The sessions will be in the School of Health Professions Building (SHPB) from 11:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. and lunch is provided for you.
Application Deadline: December 1, 2025
The UAB HSA Academy is open to any outstanding sophomore or junior students. Preference is given to students who identify with underrepresented groups, are first-generation, or are from rural areas, who wish to apply and enter graduate programs in health care leadership, public health, health care quality and safety, health informatics, and other similar fields.
Apply Today
Interact with Experts
Every year, The UAB HSA Academy introduces students to health care industry leaders who provide insights and & guidance in an intimate setting.
In the past, our attendees have learned from:
- Chief Executive Officers
- Chief Diversity Officers
- Health Care Organization Leaders
- Graduate Program Students and Professors
- Graduate Program Advisors and Directors
- Academy Alumni
Academy News
Contact For Questions
To learn more about The UAB HSA Academy, email us at
The Health Care Management Student Association is the student organization for all HCM majors and minors. The HCMSA is a great way to meet others in the major and get involved. We host monthly social meetings, site visits to health care facilities, and volunteer events.
Benefits of Membership include:
- Networking with other HCM students and faculty/staff
- Real-world experience in HCM through site visits
- Service Opportunities
- Professional development & connections
You can follow us on our Instagram, @uabhcmsa for updates! We invite you to check out at our next meeting!
The HCM Student Center is an online resource for all Health Care Managements students. The site includes helpful information about the HCM Program, advising, campus resources, HCMSA and more!
Health Care Management Student Association (HCMSA)
The Health Care Management Student Association is the student organization for all HCM majors and minors. The HCMSA is a great way to meet others in the major and get involved. We host monthly social meetings, site visits to health care facilities, and volunteer events.
Benefits of Membership include:
- Networking with other HCM students and faculty/staff
- Real-world experience in HCM through site visits
- Service Opportunities
- Professional development & connections
You can follow us on our Instagram, @uabhcmsa for updates! We invite you to check out at our next meeting!
Health Care Management Student Center on Canvas
The HCM Student Center is an online resource for all Health Care Managements students. The site includes helpful information about the HCM Program, advising, campus resources, HCMSA and more!
Financial Aid
College is one of the biggest investments you will make. UAB students get a world-class education at an outstanding value. And with our expanded scholarship options, paying for that education is easier than ever.
For more information about cost of attendance, scholarships, and financial aid contact the SHP Office of Student Recruitment, Engagement and Success at 205-934-4195 or by email at
Students intending to enroll in the Health Care Management program must meet all UAB undergraduate admission and academic requirements. All applications to the program are completed through the UAB undergraduate admissions process.
Requirements
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1. Program Admission from High School
Entering freshmen must be a graduate of an accredited high school. Students are admitted to the program and designated as General Manager until meeting with an advisor to consider a concentration. Students admitted to one of the Fast Track Programs must meet additional requirements.
General Manager Track
- Must have a high school grade point average of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
Fast Tracks
- HCM and Occupational Therapy
- Must have a high school grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
- Must have achieved an ACT Composite Score of 24 or higher
- Must be eligible for placement in EH 101 and MA 105 or higher.
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2. Program Admission from Community College or University, including UAB
General Manager Track
- Must have an overall grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
- Must have a UAB institutional GPA of 2.5, if applicable
Clinical Manager Track
- Must have an overall grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
- Must have a UAB institutional GPA of 2.5, if applicable.
- Credential or license in a health professions discipline through a certificate and/or associate degree program.
Fast Tracks
- HCM and Health Informatics
- Must have an overall school grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
- Must have a UAB institutional GPA of 2.5, if applicable.
- HCM and Healthcare Quality and Safety
- Must have an overall school grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
- Five years of experience in healthcare.
- Must have a UAB institutional GPA of 2.5, if applicable.
- HCM and Occupational Therapy
- Must be a freshman with less than 30 hours of coursework at the time of transfer.
- Must have an overall grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
- Must have achieved an ACT Composite Score of 24 or higher.
- Must be eligible for placement in EH 101 and MA 105 or higher.
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3. Other Program Requirements
- Background Check and Drug Screen: Students are required to complete a background check and drug screen learning module upon admission to the program. A background check and drug screen are required prior to the internship.
Students in the undergraduate Health Care Management Program complete both core degree requirements and major/ professional curriculum requirements.
- The core curriculum enables students to learn about ethnic, cultural, and social groups other than their own.
- Through the Health Care Management curriculum, students develop leadership fundamentals, communication skills, global perspectives strategic planning, quality management, ethical and legal issues, acquire knowledge, and enhance cognitive skills that they apply in the professional curriculum and in their careers. Students develop their ability to acquire and evaluate new knowledge and perspectives critically and to communicate their ideas to others effectively. This kind of exposure in the academic setting enhances performance in a real-world work setting.
- Graduates should demonstrate achievement of the following professional curriculum goals:
- Communicate effectively in speaking and writing
- Solve problems by generating, evaluating, and selecting alternative solutions
- Acquire and synthesize knowledge from diverse sources
- Apply various analytical tools
- Pursue knowledge throughout their careers as lifetime learners
- Demonstrate ethical reasoning by analyzing, evaluating, and defending ethical decisions
- Analyze and assess own leadership skills and abilities, referencing theory and principles
View the Health Care Management curriculum information in the UAB Undergraduate Catalog for course descriptions and the four-year plan.
College is one of the biggest investments you will make. UAB students get a world-class education at an outstanding value. And with our expanded scholarship options, paying for that education is easier than ever.
For more information about cost of attendance, scholarships, and financial aid contact the SHP Office of Student Recruitment, Engagement and Success at 205-934-4195 or by email at
Students majoring in Health Care Management may apply for the following fast track programs.
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HCM and Health Informatics Fast Track
The Bachelor of Science in Health Care Management to Master of Science in Health Informatics allows qualified students to pursue the BS in Health Care Management and the MS in Health Informatics concurrently. Students entering UAB as a freshman can complete both degrees in just four years. This option reduces the number of courses and time required to obtain the BS and MS degrees separately.
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HCM and Healthcare Quality and Safety Fast Track
The Bachelor of Science in Health Care Management to Master of Science in Healthcare Quality and Safety allows qualified students to pursue the BS in Health Care Management and the MS in Healthcare Quality and Safety concurrently. Students with a least five years of experience in healthcare can complete both degrees in just four years. This option reduces the number of courses and time required to obtain the BS and MS degrees separately.
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HCM and Occupational Therapy Fast Track
The Bachelor of Science in Health Care Management to Clinical Doctorate in Occupational Therapy (OTD) allows qualified students entering UAB as a freshman to complete the BS in Health Care Management and the Clinical Doctorate in Occupational Therapy degree program in less time than completing the degrees separately.
Curriculum
- Click here for a printable version of the recommended course sequence.
- Click here to see the official course requirements in the UAB catalog (once there, scroll down to "HCM Occupational Therapy Fast Track").
Learn More
Learn more about the entry-level UAB OTD program.
For further information about this fast track option, please contact the HCM Program at
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
Undergraduate students may earn a minor in Health Care Management or Health Information Management. Students must have and maintain an overall and institutional GPA of 2.5 or higher. All courses must be completed with a grade of a C or better.
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Health Care Management
The Minor in Health Care Management is designed to allow students interested in the field of Health Care Management to gain skills and knowledge that will prepare them with an understanding of the healthcare delivery system and management functions. The minor acknowledges completion of 21 semester hours of course work, including 15 hours of upper‐level Health Care Management courses.
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Health Information Management
The Minor in Health Information Management is offered by the Health Care Management program to provide students the opportunity to gain skills and knowledge that will provide students with an understanding of managing health information and health technical and personnel resources to operate electronic health record systems. The minor comprises 18 semester hours of coursework.
Additional Information
See the UAB Undergraduate Catalog for a full list of minor courses.