Graduate Healthcare Administration

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Faculty

Carol J. Ratcliffe, Chair, Professor
Dennis O. McCay, Assistant Professor
Courtney N. Haun, Assistant Professor; Undergraduate Program Director

Mission

The mission of the master of healthcare administration program is to prepare individuals for career transitions in healthcare management careers which foster patient-centered and ethical care. Faculty equip students with competencies in communication and relationship management, leadership, professionalism, knowledge of the healthcare system, and business knowledge and skills.

Vision

The Department of Healthcare Administration’s vision is to prepare practice-ready graduates through innovation and quality teaching and learning with a commitment to servant leadership in local and international underserved populations.

Values

Samford’s Department of Healthcare Administration considers the following values central to its success:

• Christian-Based Education: We are committed to integrating our Christian faith and beliefs in our delivery of healthcare administration education.
• Servant Leadership: We are committed to leading through our service. The faculty and students strive to model dynamic leadership that puts others first. We strive to contribute to the benefit of the local and global community as both faculty and students.
• Excellence: We pursue excellence within the department through opportunities for achievement in scholarship, service and research.
• Practice-Readiness: We are committed to preparing students who are ready to practice upon graduation.
• Respect for diversity: We are committed to respecting the differences in others by learning to appreciate the different cultures of the populations that we serve.
• Integrity: We are committed to operating in an environment that values honesty, fairness and the highest ethical standards to sustain a community of trust.
• Empowerment: We encourage personal accountability for success through shared governance in academic pursuits.

Accreditation

The Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME) has reviewed and approved the master of healthcare administration program’s eligibility for CAHME candidacy.

Graduate Programs and Requirements

Degree
Master of Healthcare Administration (M.H.C.A.) 
Master of Healthcare Administration with a Concentration in Dietetic Internship (M.H.C.A./CRH-DIET)  

Minors
Graduate Healthcare Administration Minor 
Graduate Healthcare Administration Quality Minor  

Accelerated Bachelor’s to Master’s Pathway Program
Fast-Track Master of Healthcare Administration (B.S./M.H.C.A.)  

Joint Degree Pathway Program
Master of Healthcare Administration/Master of Business Administration (M.H.C.A./M.B.A.) 

The Department of Healthcare Administration offers the master of healthcare administration degree (M.H.C.A.), as well as a fast-track version for students pursuing both the bachelor of science (B.S.) in healthcare administration and the M.H.C.A. In cooperation with the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, the department offers the M.H.C.A. program with a dietetic internship concentration.

The department also offers two graduate minors, one in healthcare administration and one in healthcare administration quality.

Additionally, the department offers a joint degree pathway program in cooperation with the Brock School of Business: an M.H.C.A. combined with a master of business administration (M.B.A.). Some credit sharing is allowed and overall credits of the combined programs are reduced.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must:

1. Possess a baccalaureate degree in healthcare administration or business management from a regionally-accredited college or university.
2. Possess a baccalaureate degree in any field from a regionally-accredited college or university. Must also currently work in healthcare or have at least three years of prior healthcare experience, and have a B or better in an accounting course and statistics course.
3. Have a minimum overall 3.00 GPA on a 4.00 scale or a minimum 3.20 GPA in the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework.
4. The GRE is not required; however, an applicant who does not meet the GPA requirement may submit a GRE score, taken within the last five years, demonstrating a minimum earned score of: Verbal 153; Quantitative 144; Analytical 4.0.
5. Submit three letters of reference through the application system. At least one reference must be from a work supervisor or manager and one from a current/previous professor.
6. International applicants or American citizens who learned English as a second language must score at least 550 (paper), 213 (computer) or 80 (Internet) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or 6.5 International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Score.
7. Submit a video interview. A link will be provided upon submission of the application.

Exceptions to any admission requirements will be handled on an individual basis. If accepted, a non-refundable fee of $500 is required to secure admission into the program. The fee is applied to the first semester’s tuition.

For more on the admission/application process, see the following website: https://www.samford.edu/publichealth/master-of-healthcare-administration.

Transfer Credit

Students may petition to transfer up to 12 graduate credits for the M.H.C.A. The course must be equivalent to a similar course in the curriculum and the student must have earned a B (3.0 on a 4.0 scale) or better in the course in order for credits to be eligible for transfer. Credits earned more than 10 years from the date of application to the graduate program are ineligible for transfer consideration. Such coursework must be equivalent for a full semester’s work and be supported by official transcripts. Acceptance of such credit is solely the authority of the program director.

Progression Policies

In order to progress in the graduate program in health administration, the student must:

1. Test negative on drug screens and pass background checks.
2. Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or above on all course work.
3. Make no more than two C’s in a required course. Students may only retake a course once to earn a B or better grade. Note: Retaking a course may cause an interruption in the student’s matriculation in terms of scheduling courses.
4. Students who fail to maintain a minimum 3.00 cumulative GPA in any semester will be placed on academic probation for the next semester. Students who remain on academic probation for two semesters will be terminated from the M.H.C.A. program.
5. Students must be aware that any violation of the Healthcare Administration Student Handbook may result in immediate dismissal from the M.H.C.A. program.
6. Students retain the right to appeal dismissal/termination decision via the grievance procedure outlined in the Healthcare Administration Student Handbook.

Time-to-Degree Completion Plan

The program is designed to be completed in five semesters of full-time study. The part-time plan of study is designed to be completed in seven semesters.

Master of Healthcare Administration with a Concentration in Dietetic Internship (M.H.C.A./CRH-DIET)

Students pursuing the master of healthcare administration (M.H.C.A.) may also declare a concentration in dietetic internship, leading to both the M.H.C.A. degree and the dietetic internship certificate (CRH-DIET). Students must apply and meet the admission criteria, as well as adhere to the academic policies and standards, of each program. The 70-hour program is offered fully online.

Program-Specific Admission Requirements for the M.H.C.A. with a Dietetic Internship Concentration

For the master of healthcare administration program, applicants must:

1. Possess a baccalaureate degree in healthcare administration or business management from a regionally accredited college or university.
2. Possess a baccalaureate degree in any field from a regionally-accredited college or university. Must also currently work in healthcare or have at least three years of prior healthcare experience, and have a B or better in an accounting course and statistics course.
3. Have a minimum overall 3.00 GPA on a 4.00 scale or a minimum 3.20 GPA in last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework.
4. An applicant who does not meet the GPA requirement must submit a GRE score taken within the last five years demonstrating a minimum earned score of: Verbal 153; Quantitative 144; Analytical 4.0.
5. Submit three letters of reference through the application system. At least one reference must be from a work supervisor or manager and one from a current/previous professor.
6. American citizens or permanent residents who learned English as a second language must score at least 575 (paper) or 90 (internet) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or 6.5 International English Language Testing System (IELTS). We cannot issue an I-20 for this program at this time.
7. Submit a video interview. A link will be provided upon submission of the application.

For the dietetic internship certificate/concentration, the applicant must:

1. Possess a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university.
2. Possess an official Verification Statement of Completion or Declaration of Intent to Complete from an accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD), with original signatures issued within the last 5 years.
3. Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale.
   1. GRE minimum scores: Verbal: 153; Quantitative: 144; Analytical: 4.0.
   2. MAT minimum score: 402.
4. Have a minimum GPA of 3.20 on a 4.00 scale of all major courses.
5. Have a minimum GPA of 2.75 on a 4.00 scale in all science courses.
6. Submit a résumé.
7. Submit three letters of reference through the application system. Two references must be from a prior faculty member, academic advisor, or other professional who has supervised the applicant’s academic studies; the other professional reference may be from an employer or other who can provide a knowledgeable testament regarding character, ethics, responsibility, potential for success, and other attributes which predict an applicant’s favorable performance in an internship. 
8. International applicants or American citizens who learned English as a second language must score at least 550 (paper), 213 (computer) or 80 (Internet) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
9. Submit a Kira video interview. A link will be provided upon submission of the application.
10. Possess 150 hours or more dietetics-related and/or food service work experience, volunteer or paid.
11. Exceptions to any admission requirements will be handled on an individual basis.

Transfer Credit

Students may petition to transfer up to 12 graduate credits for the M.H.C.A. The course must be equivalent to a similar course in the curriculum and the student must have earned a B (3.0 on a 4.0 scale) or better in the course in order for credits to be eligible for transfer. Credits earned more than 10 years from the date of application to the graduate program are ineligible for transfer consideration.

Progression Policies for the M.H.C.A. with a Dietetic Internship Concentration

In order to progress in the master of healthcare administration with a concentration in dietetic internship:

1. Students must make a grade of B or better in each required healthcare administration course. If a student fails to earn a grade of B or better, the student must take the same course again and earn a grade of B or better to remain in the program. Students who fail after two times to earn a grade of B or better in any required healthcare administration course will be terminated from the program. A grade of B- or less constitutes a failure in a graduate course. 
2. Students who fall below the minimum GPA requirement will be placed on academic probation for one semester to remediate any coursework and/or return to good academic standing.

Time-to-Degree Completion Plan

The program is estimated to be completed in eight semesters.

Joint Degree Pathway Program

Master of Healthcare Administration/Master of Business Administration (M.H.C.A./M.B.A.)

Students pursuing the master of healthcare administration (M.H.C.A.) may also apply for the master of business administration degree (M.B.A.), offered through the Brock School of Business. Students must apply and meet the admission criteria, as well as adhere to the academic policies and standards, of the joint program. The 69-hour joint program is offered fully online.   

Admission Requirements for the Joint M.H.C.A./M.B.A.

For the master of healthcare administration program, applicants must:

1. Possess a baccalaureate degree in healthcare administration or business management from a regionally accredited college or university.
2. Possess a baccalaureate degree in any field from a regionally-accredited college or university. Must also currently work in healthcare or have at least three years of prior healthcare experience, and have a B or better in an accounting course and statistics course.
3. Have a minimum overall 3.00 GPA on a 4.00 scale or a minimum 3.20 GPA in last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework.
4. An applicant who does not meet the GPA requirement must submit a GRE score taken within the last five years demonstrating a minimum earned score of: Verbal 153; Quantitative 144; Analytical 4.0.
5. Submit three letters of reference through the application system. At least one reference must be from a work supervisor or manager and one from a current/previous professor.
6. American citizens or permanent residents who learned English as a second language must score at least 575 (paper) or 90 (internet) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or 6.5 International English Language Testing System (IELTS). We cannot issue an I-20 for this program at this time.
7. Submit a video interview. A link will be provided upon submission of the application.

Program-Specific Admission Requirements for the Joint M.H.C.A./M.B.A.

1. Students will apply and be admitted to both the M.H.C.A. and the M.B.A. programs. The M.B.A. program requires the GRE for entrance while the M.H.C.A. does not, unless the minimum GPA requirement is not met. The plan of study is designed to begin with M.H.C.A. courses so that the GRE will be waived by the School of Business for the M.B.A.
2. Exemption from ACCT 511 , ECON 512 , and FINC 514  may be awarded with an earned C- or better in an approved undergraduate accounting, economics, statistics, or finance course at a regionally-accredited institution. ACCT 511 , ECON 512 , and FINC 514  must be completed within the student’s first three terms. If not completed within the first three terms, the student cannot take any additional courses until prerequisites are completed.

Transfer Credit

Students may petition to transfer up to 12 graduate credits for the M.H.C.A. The course must be equivalent to a similar course in the curriculum and the student must have earned a B (3.0 on a 4.0 scale) or better in the course in order for credits to be eligible for transfer.

Students are permitted to transfer a maximum of nine graduate credits for the M.B.A. from an accredited college or university. The student must have earned a B (3.0) or better in the course in order for credits to be eligible.

Credits earned more than 10 years from the date of application to the graduate program are ineligible for transfer consideration.

Progression Policies for the Joint M.H.C.A./M.B.A.

In order to progress in the M.H.C.A. portion of the joint program:

1. Students must make a grade of B or better in each required healthcare administration course. If a student fails to earn a grade of B or better, the student must take the same course again and earn a grade of B or better to remain in the program. Students who fail after two times to earn a grade of B or better in any required healthcare administration course will be terminated from the program. A grade of B- or less constitutes a failure in a graduate course.
2. There are four M.B.A. courses that have been accepted as substitutes for three MHCA courses. These substitute courses require a “B” or better as a passing score for the purposes of the M.H.C.A. degree. These courses include BUSA 552 (Managing Corporate Integrity) , MARK 541 (Marketing Strategy) , MNGT 535 (Human Resources and Organization Management) , and MNGT 561 (Strategic Management) .
3. Students who fall below the minimum GPA requirement will be placed on academic probation for one semester to remediate any coursework and/or return to good academic standing.

In order to progress in the M.B.A. portion of the joint program:

1. Students must maintain a cumulative 3.00 GPA or higher throughout their tenure in the program. If a student’s cumulative GPA falls below a 3.00 GPA, then the student will be placed on academic probation. The student must improve his/her GPA in the next semester. If the student fails to raise his/her GPA in the next semester, the student will be terminated from the program.
2. The status of good standing is required for transient work, adding a concentration, and graduation. The minimum grade in a graduate class is a C-. If a student earns a D, he/she must repeat the course in the next term offering. If a student earns an F in any M.B.A. course (except ACCT 511 , ECON 512 , and FINC 514 ), then the student will be terminated from the program.

Time-to-Degree Completion Plan

The joint program is estimated to be completed in eight semesters.

Programs

• Healthcare Administration (M.H.C.A.)
• Healthcare Administration w/a Concentration in Dietetic Internship (M.H.C.A.)

• Graduate Healthcare Administration Minor
• Graduate Healthcare Administration Quality Minor

• Fast-Track Master of Healthcare Administration (B.S./M.H.C.A.)

Courses

• MHCA 500 - Healthcare Systems (3)
• MHCA 501 - Healthcare Statistics and Research Methods (3)
• MHCA 502 - Healthcare Information and Informatics Management (3)
• MHCA 503 - Healthcare Management (3)
• MHCA 510 - Healthcare Financial Management and Budgeting (3)
• MHCA 511 - Healthcare Policy and Law (3)
• MHCA 512 - Healthcare Economics (3)
• MHCA 520 - Healthcare Project Management (3)
• MHCA 521 - Healthcare Human Resource Management (3)
• MHCA 522 - Healthcare Leadership and Professionalism (3)
• MHCA 600 - Healthcare Patient Safety and Quality (3)
• MHCA 601 - Healthcare Ethics (3)
• MHCA 602 - Healthcare Organizational Dynamics and Governance (3)
• MHCA 603 - Healthcare Management (3)
• MHCA 610 - Healthcare Strategic Management and Marketing (3)
• MHCA 611 - Healthcare Administration Graduate Capstone (3)
• MHCA 612 - Healthcare Administration Graduate Internship (3)
• MHCA 613 - Healthcare Administration Advanced Leadership Practice (3)
• MHCA 614 - Healthcare Financial Management and Budgeting (3)
• MHCA 619 - Health Policy and Law (3)
• MHCA 622 - Healthcare Economics (3)
• MHCA 699 - Independent Study (1-3)