Frequently Asked Questions

What is Health Management and Policy and what does a major in the field provide?

Health Management and Policy provides individuals with the specialized knowledge and skills necessary to administer the delivery of high quality and cost effective health services. The core curriculum is designed to foster the ability to make administrative decisions. The computer skills necessary for modern health care and health promotion management are integrated in the curriculum.

Upon completion of the program, the student will be able to apply theory to the administration of health care, demonstrate skills in planning, organizing, controlling and evaluating health care, and analyze legal, fiscal, regulatory and environmental factors influencing health care today.

What is the difference between a certificate and Master of Science?

The graduate certificate program is a 12 credit program designed to respond to the enormous changes taking place in the health care industry. Because of changes in demand and competitive pressures in the health care industry, organizations are providing new employment opportunities and paths for professional career growth.  The certificate program provides the students with an introduction to the Master’s program. The Masters of Science in Health Management and Policy is a 42-credit program designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to administer the delivery of high quality and effective health services.

Which classes are recommended for a certificate? Are these classes recommended as the first to be completed for the Master of Science?

For a certificate, it is advisable to take Health Care Finance (32.611) and Health Care Management (32.614) courses. These two courses introduce many of the dynamics currently influencing the delivery of health services. They will also serve as an introduction to the health field and may, therefore, guide you to other courses you may want to pursue. It is, however, recommended that you speak with an academic advisor to assist you in developing a plan that fits your job description and future career goals.

Is it advisable to complete the certificate before pursuing a Master's?

It is advisable to complete the certificate first. Completing the certificate can help students decide if pursing a Master of Science in Health Management and Policy is appropriate for them. By taking the courses required for the certificate students can gain a clearer understanding of what the program entails. Finally, the credits from the certificate program can be directly applied to the Masters degree.

What are the requirements and prerequisites for the Master of Science and Certificate Program?

Masters:

  • A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
  • Acceptable undergraduate GPA or significant work experience in health care if you didn’t do well in college
  • Three letters of recommendation pertaining to academic ability and professional performance
  • Acceptable score on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)

Certificate:

Baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution

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What is the deadline for application to the Master's Program?

For both US and international applicants, applications for admission for the Masters Program are accepted at anytime during the year. We have a rolling application process.  However, it is to your advantage to apply early and make sure that all admission materials are received so a speedy and timely decision can be made. There is no deadline for admission to the certificate program. You can take up to 12 credits in the program before you have to apply for admission allowing you to “test drive” the program before formally applying.

Is it possible to register for a course for one term without enrolling in a degree program?

Yes, it is possible to enroll in a single course through the certificate program. The certificate program allows the student to enroll without matriculating for your master’s degree.

Which exam is required for acceptance into the Master's program?

The graduate school accepts either GRE or GMAT exams in applying to the HMP program. These are requirements of the Graduate School but the HMP Program Coordinator decides on admission and the  experience of the student counts more than exam scores.

What's a good course to take if a student is uncertain about entering the program?

Two courses are recommended: Health Care Management (32.614) and Health Care Finance (32.611). Health Care Management serves as a great introductory course as it addresses the management issues of health care organizations. Health Care Finance provides in depth exposure to the financial aspects of health care. However, if you are still uncertain about the program, it is advisable to take a course that would be accepted in a different program. Talking to professors, current students and alumni, and doing research would also enable you to fully understand the nature of the program.

In what order should classes be taken? 

Health Care Finance and Financial Management should be taken in sequence since these courses build upon each other. By taking these courses consecutively, students are more apt to recall and retain the information they have learned. It is however recommended that you speak with an academic advisor to develop a plan that fits your job description and future career goals.

What courses are taught in the Fall and Spring Semesters?

That information is available online at the Registrar's Office.

Note: Any courses beginning with a prefix of 32 are open to HSA students.

Should more than one class be taken a semester?  

Determining how many classes to take a semester is a highly personal decision. Taking more than one course per semester will allow a student to complete the Health Management and Policy program quicker; however, this also means that you have a greater responsibility and increased workload. Students need to make this decision based on how much time they can devote to their studies, how many hours they work and how quickly they plan on completing the program. Taking more than two classes a semester is usually not advisable for students who are working full time due to the nature of the courses.  It is however important to note that an advisor would be in a position to help you identify suitable classes to take each semester based on your academic background and work experience.

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Can a student concentrate on a specific subject? 

Yes, students can concentrate on a specific subject, like Management, Informatics or Policy. 

Are internships available and what are the requirements?

Yes, an internship is part of the Health Service Administration Masters program. The internship is usually completed on the job at the student’s work place. The faculty can help arrange special internship experiences for those who desire special training or for students who are not working at the time.  A student is encouraged to see their faculty advisor to determine when they should participate in their internship.

What type of employment opportunities exist for students who graduate from the program?

A Health Management and Policy graduate can work in the public or private sector. Students have found employment in hospitals, nursing homes and home health agencies as well as health care facilities, HMO’s, consulting firms, research firms, pharmaceutical companies, health care data and information services, ancillary health services, public health, radiology, laboratory, nursing management, and financial offices, to name a few.

What careers are current certificate and Master's students pursuing?

They are working as doctors, health clinics directors, nurses, public and private sector, health care administrators, social workers, accountants, hospital managers, case managers, pharmacy technicians, financial officers, nurse managers, directors of health facilities, supervisors, laboratory technologists, pharmaceutical sales people, public health positions, strategic planning managers, information systems directors, health care workers, and physical therapists, to name a few.

Can students who've graduated with a Master's degree enter the certificate in Health Informatics program without retaking previous courses? 

Yes, you can apply to the certificate after completing the Masters in Health Management and Policy within a five year period.

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