Master of Science in Healthcare Management (MSHM) Program

Program Overview

The MSHM program is designed to enable students to:

• Acquire comprehensive knowledge of healthcare delivery systems and grasp the influence of societal, financial, regulatory, and legislative developments on the professional practice of healthcare management, all within an ethical-legal context.
• Apply diverse leadership techniques in healthcare settings while effectively leading high-performing teams. This encompasses skills in emotional and social intelligence, communication, and fostering innovation.
• Develop proficiency in implementing current management theories, tools, and techniques specific to healthcare management. Key areas of focus include strategic planning, financial management, data-driven decision making, and resource and operational management.
• Cultivate a critical understanding of the latest information technology systems, their potential impact on the healthcare sector, and how they can be harnessed to enhance quality and efficiency.
• Embrace an active role as an advocate for quality and innovation within the healthcare sector, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to ongoing education and professional development.

Program Summary

The program involves a total of 36 credits, incorporating 10 core courses, a Research Methods course, and a Capstone Project/Dissertation. All students must initiate their studies by completing the foundational course titled The Business of Medicine. However, to accommodate personalized learning paths, students have the freedom to undertake the remaining courses in their preferred sequence.

The Capstone Project/Dissertation serves as the practical equivalent of a master’s thesis, providing an opportunity to integrate the knowledge acquired throughout the degree program. Consequently, this course is pursued at the end of the program on its own or simultaneous to one other course if desired. 

Program Requirements

In order to be eligible for the award of degree, students must:

• successfully complete and pass all core courses (30 credits);
• successfully complete and pass the Research Methods Course (3 credits);
• successfully complete and pass the Capstone/Dissertation project (3 credits);
• maintain acceptable program performance and remaining in good academic standing, which includes maintaining a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or above and no more than 2 “C” grades.
• have no outstanding student disciplinary sanctions or investigations; and
• be in good financial standing.

Course Descriptions

All courses will be offered either 100% online or in hybrid format, depending on the program format that students have selected.

The Business of Medicine (MBU-511)  
3 Credits

This course is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare business landscape, including the various components that drive success in the industry. From crafting a clear vision and mission to navigating the intricacies of the revenue cycle, this course offers valuable insights and strategies for anyone looking to start or run a healthcare-based business. With a focus on putting the patient at the center and understanding the business behind medicine, it equips you with the knowledge and skills to navigate the healthcare industry successfully.

Compliance (MLR-541)
3 Credits

This course provides a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the compliance aspects of healthcare, giving you the tools to navigate the complex regulatory landscape with confidence. It covers key topics such as reimbursement models, credentialing and contracting, state and federal regulations, risk management, revenue cycle management, human resources, staff, and patient safety, security, and privacy, enabling you to ensure your healthcare organization is operating in compliance and mitigating risk.

Quality (MHC-531)
3 Credits

There are myriad definitions and purposes for quality in the healthcare field. This course delves into the world of quality in healthcare, guiding you through the various initiatives and processes aimed at improving patient outcomes and overall excellence in the field. From understanding evidence-based medicine to exploring the principles of continuous quality improvement, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of the guidelines and regulations that drive quality in healthcare and learn how to achieve the best results for patients and healthcare organizations alike.

Utilization Management (MBU-561)
3 Credits

This course will dive into the intricacies of effectively managing healthcare resources while striving to achieve the highest possible patient outcomes. We will explore innovative solutions and strategies to ensure that healthcare delivery is both efficient and cost-effective, providing you with the tools to deliver exceptional patient care while keeping a keen eye on the bottom line.

Operations in Healthcare (MBU-562)
3 Credits

If compliance is the foundation or backbone of the healthcare business, then operations are its tendon, ligament, and muscle. In this course, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of the various components that make up the operations of a healthcare business and learn how they all work together to achieve optimal patient outcomes. With expert insights and real-world examples, you will gain a valuable understanding of the inner workings of a healthcare entity.

Information Technology in Healthcare (MTI-511)
3 Credits

The impact of IT in healthcare is immeasurable. This course delves into the vast and transformative impact of IT on healthcare, exploring the ways in which technology is revolutionizing medical practice management, patient safety, and clinical decision making. You will gain a deep understanding of the latest tools and technologies and learn how they are shaping the present and future of healthcare.

Graduate and Post Graduate Medical Education – Training Physicians (MHC-541)
3 Credits

This course will guide you through the complex landscape of graduate and continuing education requirements in the medical profession, with a particular focus on U.S. requirements but also in relation to broader trends and challenges in healthcare internationally. You will learn about the different types and continued evolution of CME credits, board certifications, graduate medical education requirements, and healthcare administration/management offerings. You will also learn how to become an accredited provider of educational materials. With a comprehensive understanding of continuing education opportunities and requirements, this course will ensure that you know how to keep yourself and your organization current and relevant in your field.  

Medicare Risk Adjustment (MHC-571)
3 Credits

The managed-care MRA model is vastly different from the FFS model. This course is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the MRA funding model, including its key differences from the FFS reimbursement model. You will learn about the intricacies of documentation and coding, how they are used to predict patient morbidity and mortality, and ultimately, the cost of care. Additionally, you will gain insight into how the office staff works together to support providers and ensure compliance with internal and external controls. 

Blockchain for Healthcare (MTI-565)
3 Credits

Blockchain technology offers a wide scope of applications and uses in healthcare. It has the potential to transform this sector putting the patient at the center of the healthcare multiverse and increasing security, privacy, and interoperability of sensitive data. It could lay the foundations of a new system for Health Information Exchange. It resolves crippling issues such as transferring and storing patient medical records securely and managing prescriptions, supply chains and billing, and it also expands healthcare research in fields such as genetics and aging. While it doesn’t fix all the problems, this ground-breaking, ever-changing technology provides great expectations for experimentation, innovation, and proof-of-concept testing. This course will walk you through how blockchain works, allow you to explore its many potential uses, and understand when the use of such technology is desirable.

Leadership in Healthcare (MBU-581)
3 Credits 

Successful leadership is vital in healthcare. Leaders create and sustain the vision and strategy of an organization and are key to overall employee and patient satisfaction. In this class, we will study key competences of leadership in healthcare to meet changing industry demands and needs. We will approach this by discussing the topics of communication, negotiation, change management, and innovation. We will learn about how to lead teams, social and emotional intelligence, stress management, and motivation.  

Research Methods in Healthcare Management (MAF-621)
3 Credits

This course is designed to provide students with a focused and comprehensive understanding of research methodology tailored to healthcare settings. Students will learn essential research skills, from formulating research questions to analyzing data and communicating findings effectively within the healthcare industry.

Capstone Project/Dissertation (MAF-731)
3 Credits

The Capstone Project is the ultimate opportunity to showcase the skills and knowledge acquired throughout the program. It is designed to provide a platform where participants can integrate all of their learnings and apply their newfound expertise to an impactful project.