Masters of Public Administration
Gannon University, located in Erie, Pennsylvania, USA, offers a Master of Publi...
Master of Healthcare Administration
Erie, Pennsylvania
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
Gannon University, located in Erie, Pennsylvania, USA, offers a Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) degree through its Dahlkemper School of Business. This program is specifically designed to cultivate effective leaders and managers capable of navigating the complex and rapidly evolving global healthcare landscape. It prepares career-oriented individuals to help shape the direction of healthcare organizations, emphasizing critical thinking, ethical conduct, and data-driven decision-making in a dynamic environment. The program is flexible, offering both in-classroom and online options, with courses delivered in seven-week increments.
STEM-designated: Yes, Gannon University's MHA program is STEM-designated. This is a significant benefit, particularly for international students on an F-1 visa, as it allows for an extended Optional Practical Training (OPT) period of up to 36 months after graduation. This designation underscores the program's strong analytical and quantitative focus, recognizing the crucial role of data science, technology, and evidence-based decision-making in modern healthcare administration.
CAHME Accredited: While Gannon's MHA program is well-regarded and prepares graduates for impactful careers, the available search results do not explicitly state that it holds CAHME (Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education) accreditation. CAHME is a prestigious accrediting body for graduate programs in healthcare management. Students interested in this specific accreditation should directly verify the current status with Gannon University's MHA program office.
Curriculum: The MHA curriculum at Gannon is a 36-credit program that can be completed part-time in two years or full-time in one year. It is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of healthcare systems, health policy, and innovative management practices. Key areas of study include healthcare economics, healthcare law and regulation, healthcare quality and safety, healthcare leadership and ethics, healthcare information systems, and human resource management in health services organizations. The program emphasizes project-based learning, allowing students to develop essential skills and competencies through true-to-life activities and projects, often in lieu of traditional exams. It also incorporates Open Educational Resources (OERs) to reduce reliance on expensive textbooks.
Research Focus: Gannon's MHA program integrates a research focus by preparing students to critically analyze and assess relevant information, develop abstract ideas, and think critically to solve complex healthcare administration problems. While it is a professional degree, the emphasis on data-driven decision-making, understanding healthcare economics, and continuous improvement necessitates a foundation in research methodologies. Students learn to gather and assess relevant information to raise vital questions and formulate them clearly, which is fundamental to effective research and problem-solving in healthcare management. The curriculum's focus on evidence-based practices implicitly encourages students to engage with and apply research in their administrative roles.
Industry Engagement: Gannon University's MHA program demonstrates strong industry engagement, evidenced by its commitment to preparing students for immediate employment in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, physician practices, long-term care facilities, and public health, research, and consultant organizations. The program is taught by a blend of Gannon faculty and distinguished, recognized healthcare executives and leaders, bringing real-world insights directly into the classroom. Gannon's campuses in Erie, PA, and Ruskin, FL, are strategically located to facilitate engagement with a rapidly expanding healthcare sector. The university actively works with local businesses and organizations to create hands-on learning opportunities, and collaborations with entities like Saint Vincent Hospital and First Ascent Biomedical further strengthen these industry ties, creating pathways for educational training and career opportunities.
Global Perspective: The MHA program at Gannon University inherently fosters a global perspective by recognizing the evolving needs of healthcare systems around the world. The curriculum is developed to address the universal challenges and dynamic nature of healthcare administration, preparing students to lead in an increasingly interconnected global health environment. The program aims to equip graduates with the skills and terminology necessary to operate effectively in a global healthcare context. While specific international study opportunities may not be a core component, the broad applicability of healthcare administration principles, coupled with Gannon's diverse international student body, enriches classroom discussions and prepares graduates to address global health disparities and work effectively in multicultural healthcare settings.
Location
Erie, Pennsylvania
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 19605
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 53 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 110.
Gannon University offers a variety of scholarship opportunities specifically designed to support international students pursuing their studies in the United States. These scholarships aim to recognize academic excellence, leadership potential, and contributions to the campus community, making education more accessible and affordable for students from around the world.
Merit-Based Scholarships: International students at Gannon University are eligible for competitive merit-based scholarships that reward strong academic performance, leadership qualities, and extracurricular involvement. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs and are often renewable based on maintaining academic standards.
Need-Based Financial Aid: While limited, some need-based financial assistance may be available to international students demonstrating financial need. Applicants are encouraged to communicate their situation during the admission process for consideration.
A Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) from Gannon University is a valuable and strategic degree for individuals aspiring to leadership and management roles within the dynamic healthcare industry. This STEM-designated program focuses on equipping graduates with the analytical skills and business acumen necessary to navigate the complex healthcare landscape, from hospitals and clinics to public health and consulting firms. The program's flexible online and on-campus options, coupled with instruction from experienced healthcare executives, ensure a practical and relevant education.
Hospital Administrator/Manager: This is a prominent career path for MHA graduates. They oversee the daily operations of hospitals, specific departments, or healthcare systems, ensuring efficient patient care delivery, managing budgets, and implementing policies to optimize performance.
Clinic Manager/Medical Practice Manager: Graduates can manage the administrative and business operations of private physician practices, outpatient clinics, urgent care centers, or specialized medical facilities. Their responsibilities include staff management, financial oversight, patient flow, and regulatory compliance.
Long-Term Care Administrator: With the aging population, there's a growing demand for administrators in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and other long-term care settings. MHA graduates manage operations, ensure quality of care, and comply with state and federal regulations in these facilities.
Healthcare Consultant: MHA graduates can leverage their expertise to advise various healthcare organizations (hospitals, clinics, pharmaceutical companies, tech firms) on strategic planning, operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, technology implementation, and quality improvement initiatives.
Healthcare Project Manager: These professionals lead and manage specific projects within healthcare organizations, such as implementing new electronic health record (EHR) systems, constructing new facilities, or launching new patient care programs. They are crucial for timely and budget-conscious project delivery.
Health Services Manager: A broad category encompassing various managerial roles in diverse healthcare settings, including community health agencies, managed care organizations, and public health departments. They work to improve access to care, manage public health programs, and ensure efficient service delivery.
Quality Improvement Manager: Focused on enhancing patient safety and the overall quality of care, these managers develop, implement, and monitor quality improvement initiatives within healthcare organizations. They analyze data, identify areas for improvement, and lead efforts to achieve higher standards of care.
Healthcare Financial Manager: MHA graduates with a strong grasp of financial principles can manage budgets, financial planning, and revenue cycles for healthcare providers. They ensure financial sustainability, manage billing and reimbursement, and analyze financial data to inform strategic decisions.
Healthcare Information Systems Manager/Analyst: In an increasingly digitized healthcare environment, these professionals manage the implementation and optimization of healthcare information technology (IT) systems, including electronic health records (EHRs), telehealth platforms, and data analytics tools, ensuring data security and usability.
Policy Analyst (Healthcare): Graduates interested in broader systemic change can work for government agencies, think tanks, or advocacy groups to research, analyze, and propose healthcare policies. They evaluate the impact of policies on healthcare delivery, access, and costs.
