Master of Business Administration - Accounting
The MBA program at the University of the Potomac typically consists of 12 courses, tota...
M.S. in Healthcare Administration
Washington, D.C., Virginia
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Program Overview
The M.S. in Healthcare Administration (MHA) at the University of the Potomac is typically a 36-credit-hour program. It is structured to provide a comprehensive understanding of healthcare systems, management, and policy. The program's goals include preparing managers for leadership roles in various healthcare sectors and equipping them with the knowledge to address real-world healthcare challenges effectively. Students will gain competence in areas such as management of healthcare systems, healthcare policy, law and ethics, financial management, public health, and global health systems. The program is designed for completion in approximately two years for full-time students, with flexibility for part-time study.
Curriculum: The 36-semester-hour curriculum for the M.S. in Healthcare Administration is designed to provide a broad yet deep understanding of healthcare management. Core courses generally include: "HLTH 500 Healthcare Systems," "HLTH 510 Managing Healthcare Organizations," "HLTH 520 Healthcare Policy, Law, and Ethics," "HLTH 530 Decision Analysis for Healthcare Managers," "HLTH 540 Financial Management of Healthcare," "HLTH 550 Public Health," "HLTH 570 Global Health Systems." The program culminates with a "HLTH 690 Capstone Project in Healthcare Systems" (6 credits). Students also select elective courses (9 credits) from options like "HLTH 600 Healthcare Informatics, Analytics, and Technology" or "HLTH 610 Marketing and Competitive Strategy in Healthcare," allowing for some specialization.
Research Focus: The M.S. in Healthcare Administration at the University of the Potomac emphasizes applied knowledge and the development of analytical skills for addressing real-world healthcare challenges. While it doesn't typically involve a traditional academic research thesis, the curriculum includes courses that require students to analyze complex problems, evaluate data, and formulate evidence-based solutions. The "Decision Analysis for Healthcare Managers" course and the culminating "Capstone Project in Healthcare Systems" are key components where students apply their knowledge to solve practical issues, often involving data analysis and strategic planning. The program aims to train leaders who can critically assess healthcare environments, implement effective solutions, and contribute to data-driven decision-making in their professional roles.
Industry Engagement: The University of the Potomac's M.S. in Healthcare Administration program demonstrates significant industry engagement by directly aligning its curriculum with the needs and demands of the healthcare sector. The program's learning outcomes emphasize preparing graduates to "create policies and processes and execute decisions in compliance with the legal, regulatory and ethical considerations inherent in managing healthcare systems and organizations." The curriculum also focuses on the "methodologies used in healthcare finance and reimbursement processes." The university states that courses are taught by "C-suite instructors and senior business leaders who compassionately lead healthcare organizations," ensuring practical, current industry insights are integrated into the learning experience. The program's goal is to prepare managers for leadership positions in public, private, and not-for-profit healthcare sectors, indicating a strong connection to real-world career paths.
Global Perspective: The M.S. in Healthcare Administration at the University of the Potomac explicitly incorporates a global perspective through its curriculum. A core course, "HLTH 570 Global Health Systems," directly focuses on international aspects of healthcare. This course likely examines global health challenges, comparative healthcare models across different countries, international health policy, and the impact of globalization on health outcomes. The program's overall mission to provide educational opportunities for a "multicultural adult student population" also naturally fosters a learning environment enriched by diverse international perspectives on healthcare. This emphasis helps prepare graduates to understand and potentially address health administration challenges that transcend national borders.
Location
Washington, D.C., Virginia
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 22250
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 60% 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 59 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 100.
The University of the Potomac is dedicated to making education affordable and accessible for international students by offering a variety of scholarship opportunities. These scholarships aim to recognize academic excellence, leadership potential, and financial need, helping reduce the overall cost of education for deserving students from around the world.
Merit-Based Scholarships: International students demonstrating strong academic performance may qualify for merit-based scholarships. These awards reward high GPA, outstanding achievements, and exceptional contributions in previous educational settings. Merit scholarships can significantly lower tuition fees and encourage students to maintain high academic standards throughout their studies.
Need-Based Scholarships: The university also offers need-based scholarships designed to assist international students facing financial challenges. Applicants are encouraged to submit detailed financial information during the admissions process to be considered for these scholarships, which aim to bridge the gap between the cost of education and the student’s financial resources.
Special Program Scholarships: Certain academic programs at the University of the Potomac provide dedicated scholarships for international students, especially in fields such as business administration, information technology, and cybersecurity. These program-specific awards support students pursuing careers in high-demand industries.
Graduates of the University of the Potomac's M.S. in Healthcare Administration program are equipped with advanced administrative skills, a deep understanding of healthcare operations, and the ability to navigate the complex regulatory and financial landscapes of the industry.
Hospital Administrator/Manager: Graduates oversee the daily operations of hospitals, clinics, or specific departments, ensuring efficient service delivery, managing staff, and adhering to budgets.
Healthcare Operations Manager: These professionals focus on optimizing healthcare service delivery, improving processes, and ensuring smooth functioning of various units within a healthcare facility or system.
Clinic Manager: Responsible for the overall management of a medical clinic or physician group practice, including staffing, patient flow, billing, and regulatory compliance.
Nursing Home Administrator: Graduates manage the operations of long-term care facilities, overseeing patient care, staff, finances, and ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations.
Healthcare Consultant: These professionals provide expert advice to healthcare organizations, assisting with strategic planning, process improvement, regulatory compliance, and technology adoption.
Health Information Manager/Analyst: Focusing on healthcare informatics, graduates manage patient data, electronic health records (EHR) systems, and leverage data analytics to improve healthcare outcomes and efficiency.
Managed Care Director/Specialist: Working for insurance providers or managed care organizations, graduates manage provider networks, develop policies, oversee claims, and analyze healthcare utilization data.
Public Health Administrator: Graduates can work for local, state, or federal public health agencies, developing and implementing health programs, managing public health initiatives, and addressing community health needs.
Healthcare Policy Analyst: These professionals research and analyze healthcare policies, evaluate their impact, and recommend changes to government bodies, advocacy groups, or healthcare organizations.
Behavioral Health Director: Graduates coordinate and manage the operations of mental health agencies or departments, ensuring quality care, overseeing programs, and managing staff and resources.
