M.S. in Health Law

Program Overview

The Master of Science in Health Law (MSHL) program at Nova Southeastern University provides healthcare professionals with a comprehensive understanding of health law, emphasizing legal knowledge, communication skills, and research abilities. The program offers a flexible delivery option through fully online classes and can be completed in as little as two years. Graduates are well-prepared to navigate complex healthcare regulations, advise healthcare organizations, and advocate for the rights of patients and healthcare providers.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Objective:

To equip healthcare professionals with a comprehensive understanding of the intersection of healthcare and law, enabling them to effectively communicate on key health law issues, identify applicable legal frameworks, and address the ethical and legal complexities in the healthcare field.

Program Description:

The Master of Science in Health Law (MSHL) program at Nova Southeastern University's Shepard Broad College of Law provides a crucial foundation in health law, emphasizing legal knowledge, communication skills, and research abilities necessary for navigating the legal landscape of healthcare. Students gain proficiency in legal research, statutory law, case law, and administrative codes to meet the challenges faced in this dynamic field.

Outline:

Content:

The MSHL program encompasses a comprehensive curriculum covering various aspects of health law, including:

• Legal Research Methods and Reasoning
• Federal Privacy Law
• Professional Communication
• Legal Foundations
• Risk Management Law
• Accreditation and Licensing
• Patients' Rights and Health Care Ethics
• The Law of Medicare and Medicaid
• Individual Research Project Seminar
• Electives in Specialized Concentrations

Structure:

The MSHL program consists of 36 credits and can be completed in as little as two years. It offers a flexible delivery option through fully online classes and provides start dates throughout the year.

Modules:

• Core Modules: These modules form the foundation of the program and provide a comprehensive overview of health law.
• Program Core Modules: These modules delve deeper into specific areas of health law, such as risk management, patients' rights, and healthcare administration law.
• Capstone: The capstone project involves an individual research project or an honors thesis, demonstrating students' ability to conduct independent research and synthesize legal knowledge.
• Electives: Students can choose elective courses to specialize in specific areas of health law or pursue a concentration.

Assessment:

Students are assessed through various methods to evaluate their understanding and application of health law principles. These methods include:

• Exams: Written examinations assess students' knowledge of legal frameworks and their ability to apply them to healthcare scenarios.
• Research Papers: Research projects require students to conduct in-depth research and present their findings in a formal paper.
• Class Participation: Active participation in class discussions demonstrates students' engagement and understanding of course material.
• Capstone Project: The capstone project is evaluated based on its originality, research rigor, analysis, and presentation.

Teaching:

Methods:

The MSHL program employs diverse teaching methodologies to engage students and enhance their learning experience. These methods include:

• Lectures: Faculty experts deliver lectures to convey essential health law concepts and legal frameworks.
• Case Studies: Real-world case studies are used to illustrate the practical application of health law principles.
• Role-Playing Exercises: Interactive role-playing exercises provide students with hands-on experience in negotiating and resolving healthcare-related legal issues.
• Guest Speakers: Industry professionals are invited to share their insights and provide practical perspectives on healthcare law.

Faculty:

The MSHL program is led by renowned faculty who are experts in healthcare law. They bring a wealth of academic knowledge, legal experience, and research expertise to the classroom.

Unique Approaches:

The MSHL program offers the following unique approaches:

• Fast-Track Option: An accelerated option allows students to complete the program in just one year.
• Health Care Law Concentration: Students can specialize in specific areas of health law, such as cybersecurity law, risk management, regulatory compliance, healthcare administration law, and clinical research law.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: The program collaborates with the university's College of Health Care Sciences, providing students with access to healthcare professionals and resources.

Careers:

Potential Career Paths:

Graduates of the MSHL program pursue diverse career opportunities in the healthcare and legal fields. Potential career paths include:

• Health Information Management Director
• Medical Facility Director
• Health Educator
• Healthcare Administrator
• Healthcare Compliance Officer
• Legal Counsel for Healthcare Organizations
• Healthcare Risk Manager
• Pharmaceutical Regulatory Affairs Manager
• Healthcare Consultant
• Healthcare Lobbyist

Opportunities and Outcomes:

The MSHL program equips graduates with legal knowledge, analytical skills, and practical experience, enhancing their career prospects in the healthcare industry. Graduates are well-prepared to navigate complex healthcare regulations, advise healthcare organizations, and advocate for the rights of patients and healthcare providers.