Nov 23, 2024  
2023-2024 Academic Bulletin 
    
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2023-2024 Academic Bulletin [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Healthcare Administration MHA

The School of Population Health, Nutrition & Wellness offers a Master of Healthcare Administration program that prepares healthcare professionals to fulfil the demands of the ever-changing healthcare system and to become managers, administrators, and leaders in various private and government healthcare settings who are devoted to improving health services delivery in the United States and throughout the world. Individuals eligible to enroll in the program are:

  1. those with at least a bachelor’s degree in a health field who are interested in broadening their knowledge and skills for a successful administrative and management careers in the health sector, whether it be hospitals, physicians’ offices, long term care institutions such as nursing home, assisted living facilities, and community health centers
  2. those who hold a bachelor’s in another field, but demonstrate a desire to move to the healthcare administration field
  3. other health professionals such as physicians, nurses, dentists, radiologists, physical therapists, and other related health fields who desire to develop additional skills and knowledge in management and administration, healthcare laws and regulations, and accounting to advance their healthcare career

A total of 42 course credits is required for this degree (including transferred credits), plus 2-5 credits of practicum. This is a two-year online (distance) program based on full-time enrollment. However, part-time enrollment is also permitted, allowing up to a maximum of six years to complete it. Healthcare professionals who have 5 years of active work experience in healthcare management and administration can get up to 12 credits waived for them.

The curriculum includes a Healthcare Administration Practicum and a Capstone Project that integrates the core healthcare management competencies toward a comprehensive strategic plan that incorporates all the elements of a business plan designed specifically for a health care organization.

Delivery: This program is offered in an interactive online asynchronous format (see School of Distance Education  definitions). The interactive online degree does not require any on-campus time. Students are encouraged to come to campus for graduation.

Dual Degree Option:

The Healthcare Administration MHA is also available with the following dual degree option:

Total Credits - 42+

Foundation Courses - 4

Major Courses - 32

Electives - 2

Choose one of the following courses:

Religion - 2

Practical Experience - 2-5

Additional Requirements

Practicum Requirements

  • Students will complete 700 hours of practicum.
  • Students who already have a clinical degree or those with relevant experience in healthcare management may require only between 400 and 500 hours of practicum. Each situation will be considered individually.
  • Full time students without a clinical degree or healthcare management experience will complete 400 hours of practicum in the first semester and 300 hours in the second semester during the second year.
  • Part time students are expected to complete between 100 and 150 hours per semester.
  • Students cannot begin practicum until all 500-level courses are completed.
  • Any students who are currently working in a healthcare setting and have at least five years’ experience in healthcare management may be eligible to replace their practicum hours with a project at their workplace.

Admission Requirements

Program applicants will need to have at least a Bachelor’s degree and satisfy one of the criteria below as described in the Graduate Enrollment and Admissions policy:

  • Have an overall GPA of at least 2.60 in undergraduate courses.
  • Have a GPA of at least 2.75 on the last 50% of undergraduate courses.
  • Have a graduate GPA of at least 3.00 on 8 semester credits or more earned in courses graded A–F.
  • Hold a previous master’s degree.

Student Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the program will:

  • Understand the U.S. healthcare system and that of some other selected countries.
  • Apply legal and government regulations and ethical principles that impact healthcare organizations.
  • Utilize fiscal and economic principles needed for growth in healthcare organizations.
  • Determine practices required to support, develop, and motivate a diverse healthcare workforce.
  • Manage human resources and deliver valuable answers to health services issues.
  • Create, implement, and influence health policies that will improve the services provided to patients and health outcomes.
  • Develop advanced information systems skills pertinent to the healthcare environment.
  • Understand major public health issues and policies.