Graduate Certificate in Health Leadership and Management

Program Overview

The Graduate Certificate in Health Leadership and Management is a part-time program designed for graduates without a business background seeking leadership roles in healthcare. The program offers four core units focused on strategic management, healthcare systems, leadership, and organizational change. Graduates are well-suited for managerial positions in various healthcare settings such as hospitals, clinics, and non-government organizations.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Graduate Certificate in Health Leadership and Management is a flexible program designed to provide students with an advanced combination of business insight and healthcare focus. It aims to equip participants with the skills to advance their careers and reach executive, senior leadership, and managerial roles in the health sector. The program is particularly suited for graduates of non-business disciplines and experienced professionals who did not undertake an undergraduate degree. It caters to individuals already working in the health sector or seeking a career transition into healthcare and human services delivery, but lacking formal learning in business disciplines relevant to the modern health sector. The program's objectives include:

• Analyzing health systems, the policy environment, and funding context from a business context.
• Demonstrating effective health leadership to provide high-quality care that is effective, efficient, accessible, patient-centered, equitable, and safe.

Outline:

The Graduate Certificate in Health Leadership and Management comprises four core units:

• MGMT5531 Strategic Management and Innovation in Health (6 points): This unit provides a strategic framework for understanding the challenges and barriers faced by healthcare organizations.
It explores the complexities of the healthcare sector, including cost containment, patient safety, and quality of care. The unit examines the roles of policymakers, regulators, providers, funders, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices firms in shaping the industry. It emphasizes the need for healthcare leaders to create a new vision for success and deliver cost-effective value-based healthcare.
• MGMT5530 Healthcare Systems, Policy and Governance (6 points): This unit delves into the intricacies of healthcare systems, policies, and governance.
It examines the various stakeholders involved in the health sector and their roles in shaping the industry. The unit explores the policy environment, funding context, and the impact of regulations on healthcare delivery. It provides insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with navigating the complex landscape of healthcare systems.
• MGMT5532 Leadership in Healthcare (6 points): This unit focuses on developing effective leadership skills within the healthcare context.
It explores the unique challenges faced by leaders in the health sector, including managing diverse teams, navigating complex organizational structures, and fostering a culture of excellence. The unit examines various leadership styles and their application in healthcare settings. It emphasizes the importance of communication, collaboration, and ethical decision-making in leading healthcare organizations.
• MGMT5570 Organisational Change and Transformation (6 points): This unit equips students with the skills to manage organizational change and transformation within the healthcare sector.
It explores the various drivers of change in healthcare, including technological advancements, evolving patient needs, and economic pressures. The unit examines different change management models and strategies for implementing successful transformations.

Teaching:

The program is taught by experienced faculty members who have both academic and practical business experience in the health sector. Several of the instructors actively work with health organizations as leadership consultants, strategic health service planners, change consultants, and leadership mentors. The program also benefits from guest presentations and masterclasses delivered by senior leaders from the health sector.

Careers:

Graduates of the Graduate Certificate in Health Leadership and Management are well-equipped to pursue a range of managerial responsibilities within various healthcare settings, including:

• Primary health centers
• Hospitals and hospital networks
• Clinics
• Rehabilitation centers
• Non-government organizations
• Public health organizations
Potential career opportunities include:
• Business Administration Manager
• Corporate Services Manager
• Health Services Manager
• General Manager
• Health Promotion Officer
• Health Researcher
• Medical Administrator
• Policy and Planning Manager
The program is offered part-time and can be completed in one to two years. Students can expect a time commitment of 12 hours per week per unit, comprising 3 hours of contact time and 9 hours of additional study time. The group includes representatives from all facets of the health sector, including clinical, aged care, and disability. The Graduate Certificate in Health Leadership and Management can serve as an entry point into the Master of Business Administration (MBA) Flexible, with full credit for completed units.