Master of Health Administration

Program Overview

The MHA program at MGH Institute of Health Professions is a 36-credit online program designed for working professionals seeking advanced leadership and management skills in healthcare. The program emphasizes ethical leadership, social responsibility, and patient-centered care, preparing graduates for leadership roles in various healthcare settings. With a flexible schedule and a blend of coursework, case studies, and simulations, the program empowers students to balance their studies with their professional and personal lives.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Master of Health Administration (MHA)

The MHA program at the MGH Institute of Health Professions is a 36-credit program designed for working professionals who want to develop advanced leadership and management skills in the healthcare industry. The program is offered in a flexible, online, asynchronous format, allowing students to balance their studies with their professional and personal lives.

Objectives:

• Develop the knowledge and skills necessary to lead and manage healthcare organizations effectively.
• Foster a commitment to ethical leadership, social responsibility, and patient-centered care.
• Promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within healthcare organizations.
• Prepare graduates for leadership roles in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, public health agencies, and managed care organizations.

Program Description:

The MHA program is divided into five areas of focus:

• Analytical skills and knowledge
• Management functions and skills for healthcare leaders
• Leadership and professionalism
• Health systems and the community
• Innovative solutions to today's complex healthcare challenges
The program features a blend of online coursework, case studies, simulations, and group projects. Students have the opportunity to collaborate with faculty and peers from diverse backgrounds and healthcare experiences.

Outline:

Curriculum:

The MHA program curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including:

• Healthcare finance
• Healthcare policy
• Healthcare law and ethics
• Healthcare operations management
• Human resources management
• Marketing and communications
• Quality improvement
• Leadership development

Course Schedule:

The MHA program is offered in a flexible, online format. Students can choose to enroll in a full-time or part-time program. The full-time program can be completed in 12 months, while the part-time program can be completed in 24 months.

Modules:

The MHA program is divided into five modules:

• Module 1: Foundations of Healthcare Management
• Module 2: Healthcare Finance and Economics
• Module 3: Healthcare Policy and Law
• Module 4: Healthcare Operations Management
• Module 5: Leadership and Innovation in Healthcare

Module Descriptions:

• Module 1: Foundations of Healthcare Management
• Introduces students to the healthcare industry and its various components.
• Covers topics such as healthcare history, healthcare delivery systems, and healthcare ethics.
• Module 2: Healthcare Finance and Economics
• Focuses on the financial aspects of healthcare organizations.
• Covers topics such as healthcare budgeting, revenue cycle management, and cost accounting.
• Module 3: Healthcare Policy and Law
• Examines the legal and regulatory environment of healthcare.
• Covers topics such as healthcare reform, patient rights, and medical malpractice.
• Module 4: Healthcare Operations Management
• Focuses on the operational aspects of healthcare organizations.
• Covers topics such as quality improvement, patient safety, and risk management.
• Module 5: Leadership and Innovation in Healthcare
• Focuses on the leadership skills and competencies needed to succeed in healthcare management.
• Covers topics such as strategic planning, change management, and team building.

Assessment:

Assessment Methods:

The MHA program uses a variety of assessment methods, including:

• Exams
• Papers
• Case studies
• Simulations
• Group projects
However, all assessments are designed to measure students' knowledge, skills, and abilities in the following areas:
• Healthcare knowledge
• Management skills
• Leadership abilities
• Communication skills
• Critical thinking skills
• Problem-solving skills

Teaching:

Teaching Methods:

The MHA program uses a variety of teaching methods, including:

• Lectures
• Discussions
• Case studies
• Simulations
• Group projects
• Independent study

Faculty:

The MHA program faculty are experienced healthcare professionals and educators with expertise in a variety of areas, including healthcare finance, healthcare policy, healthcare operations management, and healthcare leadership.

Unique Approaches:

The MHA program offers a number of unique approaches to teaching and learning, including:

• Interprofessional Collaboration: Students in the MHA program have the opportunity to collaborate with students from other healthcare professions, such as nursing, physical therapy, and occupational therapy.
• Leadership Development: The MHA program includes a dedicated leadership development course that helps students develop the skills and knowledge they need to be effective leaders in healthcare organizations.
• Case-Based Learning: The MHA program uses case studies to help students apply their knowledge and skills to real-world healthcare challenges.
• Simulation-Based Learning: The MHA program uses simulations to help students experience and practice decision-making in a safe and controlled environment.

Careers:

Career Paths:

Graduates of the MHA program can pursue a variety of career paths in healthcare management, including:

• Hospital administrator
• Healthcare consultant
• Healthcare policy analyst
• Healthcare information manager
• Healthcare finance manager
• Healthcare operations manager
• Healthcare marketing manager
• Healthcare human resources manager

Career Opportunities:

The MHA program prepares graduates for leadership roles in a variety of healthcare settings, including:

• Hospitals
• Clinics
• Public health agencies
• Managed care organizations
• Pharmaceutical companies
• Healthcare technology companies
• Consulting firms

Career Outcomes:

Graduates of the MHA program have a strong track record of success in their careers. According to the MGH Institute of Health Professions, 95% of MHA graduates are employed in healthcare management roles within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for MHA graduates is $78,000.

Other:

Partnerships:

The MHA program has partnered with leading industry organizations to provide students with advanced certifications and memberships. These partnerships include:

• American College of Medical Practice Executives (ACMPE) Board Certification
• Upsilon Phi Delta
• National Center for Healthcare Leadership
• Peregrine Global

Benefits of the MHA Program:

• The MHA program is offered in a flexible, online format, making it ideal for working professionals.
• The program is designed to prepare graduates for leadership roles in the healthcare industry.
• The program features a strong faculty with expertise in a variety of areas.
• The program offers a number of unique approaches to teaching and learning.
• The program has a strong track record of success in placing graduates in healthcare management roles.