Program Overview
The Health Care Administration and Policy BS program equips students with the knowledge and skills to design, manage, and deliver effective healthcare systems. The program emphasizes leadership, economics, finance, social determinants of health, informatics, and systems engineering. Graduates are prepared for leadership roles in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, public health agencies, managed care organizations, consulting firms, and government agencies. The program offers both on-campus and online tracks, and is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Program Outline
Health Care Administration and Policy, BS: Extracted Sections
Degree Overview
#Overview
The Health Care Administration and Policy BS program equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to design, manage, and deliver effective healthcare systems. The program emphasizes leadership, economics, finance, social determinants of health, informatics, and systems engineering.
#Objectives
Graduates of the program demonstrate:
- Knowledge: A strong foundation in health care administration and policy principles, including leadership, healthcare economics, finance, systems design, and healthcare policy.
- Skills: Proficiency in analyzing health systems, managing projects, leading teams, and effectively communicating ideas and recommendations.
- Competencies: The ability to apply knowledge and skills to real-world scenarios, solve complex problems, and advocate for positive change in the healthcare field.
- #Description This program features a comprehensive curriculum covering various aspects of health care administration and policy, including:
- Clinical practice: Understanding the clinical environment and workflows.
- Health administration: Analyzing healthcare systems, managing resources, and improving efficiency.
- Health care delivery: Evaluating different models of care delivery and designing optimal systems.
- Health care systems design: Building and analyzing models to optimize healthcare access and outcomes.
- Health management: Leading and managing teams in healthcare organizations.
- Health policy: Understanding the policymaking process and advocating for health-related issues.
- Informatics: Utilizing data and technology to improve healthcare decision-making.
- Innovation: Leading initiatives to develop and implement new technologies and processes in healthcare.
- Population health: Addressing health issues affecting entire populations and promoting public health initiatives.
- Research: Conducting and analyzing research to inform healthcare policies and practices.
- Systems engineering: Using systems thinking to analyze and improve healthcare processes. This program prepares graduates for leadership roles in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, public health agencies, managed care organizations, consulting firms, and government agencies.
Outline
This program offers two tracks: on-campus and online. While both tracks cover the same fundamental curriculum, the schedule and course delivery methods differ:
On-Campus Track:
This track features traditional classroom learning with lectures, discussions, and group projects. The program follows a semester system, with classes typically meeting 2-3 times per week. Students typically complete the program in four years of full-time study.
Online Track:
This track provides an asynchronous learning environment where students access lectures and course materials on an online platform. Students can study at their own pace and complete the program in as few as two years of full-time study.
Major Map:
The program provides a detailed major map outlining the required courses and recommended sequencing for both on-campus and online tracks. The map includes foundational courses in economics, finance, management, and public health. Students then delve into advanced topics such as health policy analysis, clinical leadership, financial management in healthcare, and quality improvement. The program concludes with capstone projects allowing students to apply their knowledge and skills to real-world scenarios.
Assessment
The program utilizes various assessment methods to evaluate student learning outcomes. These methods include:
- Exams: Assessing the understanding of theoretical concepts and their applications.
- Assignments: Analyzing case studies, conducting research, and developing healthcare-related projects.
- Class participation: Demonstrating critical thinking, communication, and participation in group activities.
- Presentations: Communicating research findings or recommendations to diverse audiences.
- Capstone project: Analyzing a real-world issue in healthcare and proposing solutions.
Teaching
Faculty:
The program boasts a dedicated faculty of researchers and experienced professionals, including physicians, administrators, and public health leaders. The faculty members actively engage in research and provide students with practical insights and real-world applications.
Teaching methods:
The program utilizes various teaching methods to enhance student learning, including:
- Lectures: Providing a solid foundation in key concepts and theories.
- Case studies: Analyzing real-world scenarios to develop problem-solving skills.
- Discussions: Engaging in interactive debates to explore diverse perspectives and cultivate critical thinking.
- Simulations: participating in simulated healthcare environments to gain hands-on experience.
Unique approaches:
The program incorporates innovative approaches to enhance the learning experience and prepare students for the evolving healthcare landscape. These approaches include:
- Team-based learning: fostering collaboration and effective teamwork skills
- Project-based learning: applying theoretical knowledge to real-world projects
- Use of technology: integrating digital tools and technologies for data analysis and presentation
- Leadership development: cultivating leadership skills through mentorship and professional development opportunities
- Case study analysis: engaging with real-world scenarios and analyzing potential solutions
- Guest lectures: learning from industry experts with practical insights on current trends
Careers
The program prepares graduates for a variety of careers in health care administration, policy, and management. Potential job opportunities include:
- Clinical Data Manager: Organizing, analyzing, and interpreting clinical data
- Clinical Trial Manager: Directing and conducting clinical research studies
- Community Health Worker: Providing outreach and support services to promote public health in communities
- Human Resources Manager: Managing all aspects of personnel administration in healthcare organizations
- Medical and Health Services Manager: Planning, directing, and coordinating healthcare services in various settings
- Operations Research Analyst: Utilizing analytical tools to improve efficiency and optimize healthcare processes
- Regulatory Affairs Specialist: Ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations and policies
Other
Global opportunities:
The program encourages students to develop a global perspective on healthcare issues through study abroad opportunities and international internships. The College of Health Solutions recommends programs tailored specifically for students majoring in health care administration and policy.
Career resources:
The program provides students with comprehensive career resources, including career fairs, networking events, and mentorship programs. The program also offers career counseling and job placement assistance to help graduates secure fulfilling positions in the healthcare field.
Accreditation:
The program is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and holds additional accreditation through specialized agencies. This accreditation ensures quality standards and prepares graduates for professional licensure and certification opportunities.