American University Online MS in Healthcare Management and Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Management

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• Master of Science in Health Care Management
• Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Management

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American University’s School of Professional and Extended Studies offers an online master of science in healthcare management and a graduate certificate in healthcare management. The MS in healthcare management is a hands-on program with projects and course material designed to prepare healthcare leaders to face the pressing issues in healthcare management. The program was created by healthcare professionals and a council of experts to align with the AUPHA, HLA, and CAHME standards. Students learn how to make ethical decisions, approach issues from an innovative lens, manage healthcare cost and quality, build cohesive teams and excellent workplace communication, and use current technologies and data analysis to promote positive change in organizations.

The graduate certificate in healthcare management prepares students to make well-informed decisions based on values-based financial models of healthcare by evaluating the data. All credits earned can be applied to the full MS degree.

The School of Professional and Extended Studies, located in Washington, D.C., offers several online 30-credit programs that follow a framework called the Professional Studies Experience. All programs contain the same three core courses which teach graduate students how to use qualitative and quantitative analytical tools to affect organizational outcomes, to identify and assess trends in the global workplace, and to address issues with current technologies.

Anyone with a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution may apply, and although no work experience is required, the program is geared toward those with professional experience. Graduates of advanced healthcare management degrees may go on to careers in government agencies, consulting firms, healthcare organizations such as hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, pharmaceutical companies, and insurance companies.

Admission Requirements: Applicants to the online MS in healthcare management or graduate certificate programs must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Required documents include a completed application, an application fee, resume, statement of purpose, two letters of recommendation, and transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate coursework. GMAT/GRE test scores are not required, and neither is work experience; however, the program is geared toward those with professional experience.

International students must provide a transcript evaluation by an approved agency. GRE test scores which may be waived for those with an MS degree or higher. Non-native speakers of English must provide proof of English proficiency (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE scores), if applicable.

Study Plan: Online MS in healthcare management students generally take two courses per semester to complete their degree in about 20 months. Graduate certificate students can complete the 12 credit degree in nine to 15 months. The programs begin in January, May, and August. A campus immersion experience is optional. Courses follow a sequence of core courses, field professional courses, an elective, and a capstone course. The online program is cohort-based so that students can share and connect throughout the program.

Curriculum: Students in the online MS in healthcare management complete 30 credits based on the Professional Studies Experience (PSE) model that prepares students for a successful career. This includes nine credits of core courses, 12 credits of healthcare management field courses, six credits of required courses, and three credits of electives. Core courses are innovation through new technologies, intercultural communication for professionals, and data-driven decision making. Field courses include standards and systems in US healthcare, evaluation of new models of care delivery and payment, principles of health information technology and innovation, and a healthcare management capstone. Required courses include project cost-benefit analysis, professional ethics and project leadership, and evaluation: quantitative methods. Elective course options include human resource information systems (HRIS), instructional design principles and practices, decision making and change management, and several others.

The graduate certificate in healthcare management consists of 12 credits and can be applied to the full MS degree. Courses are data-driven decision making, standards and systems in US healthcare, principles of health information technology and innovation, and evaluation of new models of care delivery and payment.

Online Experience: The American University online experience follows a flexible, asynchronous format that allows for interaction with classmates and faculty through email, discussion boards, IM, and other media tools. Courses include faculty lectures, as well as guest speakers who are innovative leaders in healthcare management and who interact with students through the online tools. Students may login at their convenience but must meet assignment deadlines. All new online students go through a new student orientation to learn about the online learning environment. Students also have access to:

• One-on-one program director advising and career coaching
• The Career Center (ACCC)
• A free AOA Student Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) membership, which offers continuing education credits, free and discounted seminars, and internship and job postings
• Library services

During the capstone course students can focus on an area they are interested in and work with an organization to complete their project under the guidance of a faculty mentor.

On-Site Requirements: There are no required on-site visits during the programs as they are 100 percent online. There is an optional immersion on campus for the data driven decision-making course. Students are welcome to visit campus anytime and participate in campus graduation.

American University charges $1,345 per credit for the MS in healthcare management and graduate certificate programs. As tuition changes may occur, online students should contact the graduate admissions department of American University for updated costs.

American University graduate students may be eligible for specific federal student loans when enrolled half-time or greater. In order to secure these loans students must apply through the FAFSA. Students can find out more about financial aid through American University’s Financial Aid Office. Prospective students should visit the school’s merit scholarship page for more information. Graduate students can also seek financial aid from outside resources to help pay for their graduate degree. In addition, some businesses offer tuition reimbursement programs for employees seeking a graduate degree.