Health Care Management

Requirements for the Master of Science in Health Care Management

The M.S. in Health Care Management consists of a total of 39 credit hours. Students are required to complete “Graduate Writing Seminar” and “Health Care Systems and Environments” as their first courses of study. The program credit hours are distributed as follows:

• Six (6) hours in required multidisciplinary core curriculum, including:
• Three (3) credit hours in the study of ethics
• Three (3) credit hours in multidisciplinary health care management application courses
• Twenty-Seven (27) credit hours in required health care management and leadership concentration courses
• Three credit hours (3) in health care management or other discipline electives*
• Three credit hours (3) in a required Capstone Experience**

* No elective credit hours are required if Thesis is selected as the Capstone Experience.

**It is anticipated that it will take two semesters to complete the Thesis option.  The student must register and pay for 3 credits in both of these 2 semesters. 

Additional Admission Criteria for the M.S. in Health Care Management

• Applicants must follow all of the admission criteria for graduate programs including but not limited to:
• Baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution.
• Generally, applicants must have achieved a cumulative undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of not less than 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.  Students who have background and potential for success but whose GPA is less than 3.0 may be admitted to the graduate program on a provisional basis.
• Meet health requirements of the College.
• Computer literacy is vital for successful completion of the program.  Students who need to increase their computer competency should speak to the Program Chair about options for obtaining the necessary computer skill level.
• An acceptable Background Check may be required as a condition for completing a Health Care Management course and/or project. Applicants are responsible for completing and paying for all Background Check(s) if more than one is required under renewal time lines. (Applicants should contact the Health Care Management program for full policy, requirements and procedures.)
• Submit a personal statement, resume and two letters of professional recommendation.
• Graduate students whose native language is not English must submit certification of English proficiency or take an English language proficiency exam as determined by the graduate course of study coordinator.  An original copy of your test score on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), taken within the past two years, must be submitted.  Normally total TOEFL scores of under 550 for the paper-based test or 210 for the internet-based test (IBT) will not be accepted. This requirement is waived for students who have received a baccalaureate or master’s degree from an accredited college or university in which English was the language of instruction as verified on the student transcript(s) and/or transcripting service(s). Programs and courses taken at colleges where English is not the primary language of instruction must be evaluated by WES (World Education Services) for a course-by-course evaluation.
• Students whose native language is not English must submit certification of English proficiency or take an English language proficiency exam as determined by the graduate course of study coordinator.  Applicants who must take the TOEFL must score 550 (paper-based) or 213 (computer-based) or higher on the Test of English as Foreign Language (TOEFL).
• Programs and courses taken at colleges in countries outside the United States must be evaluated by WES (World Education Services) for a course-by-course evaluation.
   

Transfer Credit

Transfer of credit into the graduate program will be subject to the evaluation and approval of the Program Director.  A maximum of 6 credits can be accepted in transfer into the M.S. in Health Care Management Program.  All transfer credits must carry a minimum 3.0 grade point average (on a 4.0 scale).  All courses in the Multidisciplinary Core must be taken at the College of Saint Elizabeth.

 

Program Completion Criteria

Completion of the program will be determined by successful completion of all course work with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) or better.  In addition, students must receive a "pass" grade for their Capstone Experience.

Continuous Enrollment Criteria

Students are expected to enroll continuously until the program is completed.  With the exception of students who are on an approved Leave of Absence (see the Leave of Absence Policy in this Graduate Catalog), any student who has not registered for a course for 2 consecutive semesters (fall / spring) must pay one credit of graduate tuition in each subsequent semester until the student registers for a course.  This continued enrollment fee is required in order to maintain standing in the program.  Should the student not pay the continued enrollment fee, the student will have to reapply for admission to the program should the student want to continue in the program. 

For the Capstone Experience, students who do not successfully complete the Thesis option in 2 semesters, or any of the other Capstone Experience options in 1 semester, are required to pay one credit of graduate tuition each semester until completion through course GST 650.

Course Listing

Course level: | 600

HCM-600

Managerial Iss in Health Care Organiz

Credit Hours: 3

This course explores advanced administrative and managerial functions and responsibilities in health service organizations. Course emphasis will be on the development of analytical management skills necessary in meeting the complex challenges in the contemporary health care environment. Principles and application of organizational structure and design, strategic planning, implementation, assessment, and leadership in health care organizations form the core of this course.

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HCM-601

Human Resource Management

Credit Hours: 3

This course provides an understanding of the Human Resources operation and current corporate (public,private,and non-profit) practices in the field. Studentswill discuss common human resource problems alongwith the tools and procedures for dealing with them. Topics include: human resources planning, job analysis and design, recruitment and selection, training and development, career planning,and labor relations. Case studies and role playing will be utilized.

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HCM-603

Health Care Systems & Environment

Credit Hours: 3

This foundation course identifies and explains the essential elements of current health care systems with primary focus given to the emerging relationships among all the diverse components. The scope of study will include acute care populations as well as extended life-care facilities and specialized care for the physically andmentally challenged. Course emphasis will be on the role of the healthmanager inmeeting the complex challenges resulting fromthe rapid changes in the delivery of health care. Medical humanities will be utilized as amethod to enhance the understanding of the diverse perspectives of stakeholders in the health care environment. Legal,policy and regulatory aspects of the health care environment will also be explored.

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HCM-605

Health Care Management

Credit Hours: 3

This health caremanagement concentration course provides for the application of concepts and skills for effectivemanagement within the health care environment. Emphasis is given to organizational design,quantitativemethods, and behavioral aspects of management that can apply to the transitional health care delivery workplace. This course provides an overview of the health caremanager's role in the present environment and encourages the student to develop vision,problemsolving, and analytical skills essential for leadership roles.

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HCM-609

Legal, Policy, & Regulatory Issues in HC

Credit Hours: 3

This course provides an overviewof the diverse and complex legal, policy,and regulatory issues relevant to health caremanagement. Legal,policy,and regulatory concepts are examined using contemporary cases and current legal,policy,and regulatory issues. The management perspective is emphasizedwith the viewof preparing students to develop appropriate policy development skills and to apply an understanding of legal and regulatory issues tomanagement in the health care environment. The course also incorporates the importance of values, ideology,and politics in the ongoing transformation of health care.

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MCHM-610.1

Multidiscipl Applic HCM:Psy/Soc Issues

Credit Hours: 1

Course content includes issues such as team performance behaviors, group concepts, constructive discipline, conflict management, effective organizational leadership and managing organizational change.

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MCHM-610.2

Multidiscipl Applic HCM:Ethical Issues

Credit Hours: 1

Course content includes issues such as ethical hiring practices, fair termination procedures, and the ethics of downsizing.

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MCHM-610.3

Multidiscipl Applic HCM:Tech Issues

Credit Hours: 1

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HCM-611

Finance for Health Care Professionals

Credit Hours: 3

This course provides an overview of themajor financial management issues relevant to diverse health service delivery settings. Principles and applications of practical and essential financialmanagement strategies and techniques formthe foundation of the course. Emphasis is onmanagement, control, and interpretation of financial statements. Healthmanagement case studies focusing on budgeting, cash flowmanagement, and financial statements are included.

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HCM-615

Managerial Accounting for Health Care

Credit Hours: 3

This course provides an overview of the principles of accounting and stresses the use of accounting as a vital health care management tool. Emphasis is on preparing the student to interpret and analyze health care financial data.

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HCM-617

Managing Info for More Effective Dec Mak

Credit Hours: 3

This course examines the role that information technology plays in supporting management decision-making and in enhancing group productivity. Emphasis will be placed on how information technology promotes effective management of professional staff groups. The relationship between information channels and organizational structure will also be explored.

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HCM-620

Hlth Care Statistical Analysis & Researc

Credit Hours: 3

This course presents statistical concepts within the framework of health caremanagement planning and research. Emphasis is on evaluating statistical data formore effective decision-making and for understanding the fundamentals of analyzing research data.

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HCM-630

Research Methods

Credit Hours: 3

Focusing primarily on qualitative researchmethods, this course concentrates on the interpretation, evaluation, and use of researchmethods for the purpose of appropriately applying research data in the practice of health caremanagement and leadership. Additionally, this course will provide necessary information needed to successfully engage in an academic research study. Prerequisite: All programrequired graduate courses and/or permission of the Director.

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HCM-635

Lessons in Film

Credit Hours: 3

Through the exploration of film, this course examines the role of health caremanagers in relation to the development of humanistic management skills and to themanagers'role in supporting the delivery of humanistic health care. Taken fromthe diverse perspectives of the health care patient,provider,manager,and organization, topics such as ethics,organizational culture,empathy,diversity, justice, integrity,communication,and the influence of powerwill be investigated through film. This consideration of health care management concepts through lessons found in the art of film uniquely exposes the students to a critical evaluation of important management values and behaviors essential to humanistic management and the delivery of humanistic health care.

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HCM-673

Health Care Economics

Credit Hours: 3

Application of the discipline of economics to the unique situation of the health care environment will be analyzed. The study of economic concepts and the implications ofmarket situations and competitive systems will be discussed. Topics covered also include the problems posed by the current roles of federal, state, and local governments on the demand and cost of health care delivery.

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HCM-675

Health Care Marketing

Credit Hours: 3

This course focuses onmarketing concepts and techniques appropriate for health caremanagers andmarketers. It covers research and planning approaches through awide range of strategies, includingmarket segmentation,product linemarketing,physical services,and using public relations and advertising. Additional topics include designing approaches for building consumer loyalty and strategies for dealingwith the diverse institution's productmix. The coursewill also include contemporary case studies illustrating market decisions faced by the health care professional.

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HCM-683

Special Topics

Credit Hours: 3

An exploration of an area or special topic of current interest in health care management. The topic for any given semester will be determined by the department.

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HCM-685

Independent Study

Credit Hours: 3

Independent project in an area of individual special interest. The student and faculty advisor develop appropriate goals for the project which is then presented in a formal proposal. This course may require the preparation of a final paper and presentation. Prerequisite: Permission of the Director.

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HCM-693

Seminar in Health Care Management

Credit Hours: 3

The Seminar In Health Care Management course is an option for the Capstone Experience. The specific focus of this Capstone Experience course will be dependent on the current climate of contemporary health care issues, but leadership attributes will be emphasized. Integration of basic core concepts, application of specific quantitative and technological skills, and synthesizing of solutions for health care delivery systems are the goals for this final program course. Students will be given opportunities to demonstrate competency through special projects, research, case studies, and presentations. Prerequisite: All program required graduate courses, including HCM 630, Research Methods, and/or permission of Director. Should the student take more than 1 semester to complete the requirements of the Seminar in Health Care Management option, a continued enrollment fee must be paid in each of the additional semesters until the Seminar in Health Care Management requirements are completed.

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HCM-694

Action Research Proj

Credit Hours: 3

The research internship consists of three major components: ' discreet management action research project ' a literature review research paper ' outcomes assessment caption. The Action Research Project option for the Capstone Experience consists of the graduate student becoming a part of a health care organization's team that is charged with completing a specific management project. Besides taking a leading role in the project planning and implementation, the graduate student conducts a comprehensive literature search and authors a literature review research paper that delineates current research on a topic that is an essential component of the management Action Research Project. This management Action Research Project presents the student with access to a vital experience in action research and health care management leadership, and provides value added to the health care organization through the provision of empirical data pertinent to the project, and access to additional hands-on assistance with the organization's project. The final component of the research internship is the outcomes assessment caption. The caption delineates how the Action Research Project contributes to the students' accomplishing of their personal professional / educational outcomes, and the outcomes of the program in the spirit of the missions of the College and the Graduate Programs. Prerequisite: All program required graduate courses, including HCM 630, Research Methods, and/or permission of Director. Should the student take more than 1 semester to complete this culminating experience, a continued enrollment fee must be paid in each of the additional semesters until the Action Research Project is completed.

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HCM-695

Professional Portfolio

Credit Hours: 3

The Professional Portfolio option for the Capstone Experience is a document that demonstrates the acquisition of the student's knowledge and skills, and the attainment of professional academic goals. The Professional Portfolio also presents the student's literature review research paper completed for the Professional Portfolio in an area of academic interest related to the graduate degree in health care management. The Professional Portfolio provides students with an opportunity to systematically assess and evaluate their own professional development. There are two main segments to the portfolio. The first segment is a literature review research paper. All students who choose the Portfolio option for their Capstone Experience will complete a major literature review research paper. The second segment consists of the writing of outcomes assessment captions. Prerequisite: All program required graduate courses, including HCM 630, Research Methods, and/or permission of Director. Should the student take more than 1 semester to complete this Capstone Experience, a continued enrollment fee must be paid in each of the additional semesters until the Professional Portfolio is completed.

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HCM-699

Thesis

Credit Hours: 3

The Thesis option for the Capstone Experience provides the student with an opportunity to engage in original primary research. The student will design and conduct a study according to a chosen research methodology, and evaluate the findings of the study. The student's study must be approved by the College of Saint Elizabeth's Institutional Review Board (IRB) prior to the study being implemented. If the student chooses the Thesis option for the Capstone Experience, the student will not be required to take any elective courses. Prerequisite: All program required graduate courses, including HCM 630, Research Methods, and/or permission of Director. *It is anticipated that it will take two semesters to complete the Thesis option. The student must register and pay for 3 credits in both of these 2 semesters. Should the student take more than 2 semesters to complete this culminating experience, a continued enrollment fee must be paid in each of the additional semesters until the Thesis is completed.

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