Healthcare Administration & Informatics (Graduate)

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Faculty

Carol J. Ratcliffe, Chair, Professor
Courtney N. Haun, Assistant Professor; Undergraduate Program Director
Lakesha Kinnerson, Assistant Professor; Coordinator, Health Information Management
Dennis O. McCay, Assistant Professor
David Robbins, Assistant Professor; Director, Health Informatics and Analytics

Mission

Our mission, as part of a Christian university, is to nurture and prepare early career healthcare management professionals to serve across diverse healthcare settings. An interprofessional experience is a hallmark of our program. This experience is grounded in our interprofessional curriculum and interdisciplinary faculty. Practical experiences alongside healthcare leaders and executives are tailored to a student’s interests and professional goals. Educational experiences inside and outside the classroom provide the knowledge and skills students need to be successful healthcare managers, administrators, and leaders. We strive to prepare professionals that are committed to promoting health and well-being for those they serve as part of an interprofessional and collaborative healthcare team. Program experiences focus on core competencies and lifelong learning so that graduates are positioned to advance their career and answer their calling. Our program is provided by highly qualified faculty engaged in scholarship, practice, and service to the healthcare management profession and community.

The mission of the master of science in health informatics and analytics program is to prepare highly qualified health informatics and analytics professionals through faith-based academic coursework and community outreach designed to foster lifelong learning, attainment of personal career goals and high moral and ethical competency so that practitioners will be of service to patients, health care providers, others in their community and throughout the world.

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 and Informatics aspires to prepare practice-ready graduates through innovation and quality teaching and learning in local, national, and international populations with a commitment to service-minded leaders.

Values

Samford’s Department of Healthcare Administration and Informatics 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 and health informatics education.
• 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

Degrees
Master of Healthcare Administration (M.H.C.A.) 
Master of Healthcare Administration with a Concentration in Dietetic Internship (M.H.C.A./CRH-DIET)  
Master of Science in Health Informatics and Analytics (M.S.H.I.)  

Minors
Graduate Healthcare Administration Minor *
Graduate Healthcare Administration Quality Minor  *

Accelerated Bachelor-to-Graduate Pathway Program
Fast-Track Master of Healthcare Administration (B.S./M.H.C.A.)  with a B.S. in Healthcare Administration
Fast-Track Master of Science in Health Informatics and Analytics (M.S.H.I) with a B.S. in Health Informatics and Analytics

Joint Degree Pathway Program
Master of Healthcare Administration/Master of Business Administration (M.H.C.A./M.B.A.) 
Master of Science in Health Informatics and Analytics/Doctor of Pharmacy (M.S.H.I./Pharm.D.)
_________________________________________________
The Department of Healthcare Administration and Informatics offers the master of healthcare administration degree (M.H.C.A.) and the master of science in health informatics and analytics degree (M.S.H.I.). 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 fast-track versions of its degrees: one for students pursuing both the bachelor of science (B.S.) and M.H.C.A. in healthcare administration or one for students pursuing both the B.S. and M.S.H.I. in health informatics and analytics. With the fast-track options, students have the opportunity to earn their B.S. and master’s degrees in just five years of study.

Additionally, the department offers a joint degree pathway program in cooperation with the McWhorter School of Pharmacy-an M.S.H.I. combined with a doctor of pharmacy (Pharm.D.)-and, 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.
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*This program is under review and subject to change/closure/replacement. It is currently closed to new admits.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must:

1. Possess a baccalaureate degree in a health or business-related field from an accredited college or university or possess any baccalaureate degree and currently work in healthcare or have three years prior healthcare experience.
2. Submit official transcripts.
3. Have a C or better in an accounting course from an accredited college or university.
4. Have an overall minimum 3.00 GPA on a 4.00 scale or in the last 60 hours of coursework.
5. The GRE is only required for an applicant who does not meet the minimum GPA requirement. The GRE must be within the last five years, with a combined Verbal and Quantitative score of 300 and Analytical, 4.0.
6. Submit three letters of reference through the application system. At least one must be from a work supervisor or manager and one from a current or previous professor. The references should provide a knowledgeable testament regarding character, ethics, responsibility, potential for success, and other attributes that predict an applicant’s favorable performance in the program.
7. Submit a resumé highlighting work experience, strengths, and other accomplishments.
8. Submit an essay on reason for seeking the M.H.C.A. degree and a career goal statement.
9. Submit a video interview.
10. 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 (IELST) Score.

Students who do not meet one or more admission requirement(s) may be admitted on a conditional status, based upon evaluation by the program faculty. To be considered for a joint degree, students must apply and be accepted to both programs based on their admission criteria. Students admitted conditionally must address the unmet admission requirements according to the table below to progress in the program. All conditions are clearly spelled out in the admission letter.

We use a portfolio approach to evaluate applicants and the portfolio consists of reference letters, previous professional experience, essay, interview, grade point average and academic performance in undergraduate and previous graduate work (if applicable), and standardized test scores (if applicable). The portfolio approach allows us to take a holistic review when there is a lower GPA and evidence of experience in or motivation for a healthcare career, and strong letters of recommendation.

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.

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 an accredited college or university.
2. Possess a baccalaureate degree in any field from an 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.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must:

1. Possess a baccalaureate degree in any field from an accredited college or university.
2. Submit official transcripts.
3. Have an overall minimum 3.00 GPA on a 4.00 scale or in the last 60 hours of coursework.
4. The GRE is only required for an applicant who does not meet the minimum GPA requirement. The GRE must be within the last five years, with a combined Verbal and Quantitative score of 300 and Analytical, 4.0.
5. Three years of work experience in a relevant field can substitute for the GRE with department chair approval.
6. Have completed undergraduate level statistics from an accredited college or university with grade of B or higher.
7. Submit three letters of reference through the application system. At least one must be from a work supervisor or manager and one from a current or previous professor. The references should provide a knowledgeable testament regarding character, ethics, responsibility, potential for success, and other attributes that predict an applicant’s favorable performance in the program.
8. Submit a resumé highlighting work experience, strengths, and other accomplishments.
9. Submit an essay on reason for seeking the M.S.H.I. degree and a career goal statement.
10. Submit a video interview.
11. 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 (IELST) Score.

Students who do not meet one or more admission requirement(s) may be admitted on a conditional status, based upon evaluation by the program faculty. To be considered for a joint degree, students must apply and be accepted to both programs based on their admission criteria. Students admitted conditionally must address the unmet admission requirements to progress in the program. All conditions are clearly spelled out in the admission letter.

We use a portfolio approach to evaluate applicants and the portfolio consists of reference letters, previous professional experience, essay, interview, grade point average and academic performance in undergraduate and previous graduate work (if applicable), and standardized test scores (if applicable). The portfolio approach allows us to take a holistic review when there is a lower GPA and evidence of experience in or motivation for a healthcare career, and strong letters of recommendation.

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.

Joint Degree Pathway Programs

Master of Health Informatics and Analytics/Doctor of Pharmacy (M.S.H.I./Pharm.D.)

Students pursuing a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree in McWhorter School of Pharmacy may also apply for a master of health informatics and analytics degree (M.S.H.I.). Students must apply and meet the admission criteria, as well as adhere to the academic policies and standards, of the joint program. The 30-hours of M.S.H.I. coursework in the joint program are offered fully online.

Admission Requirements for the Joint M.S.H.I.A./Pharm.D.

For the master of health informatics and analytics program, M.S.H.I./Pharm.D. joint degree applicants must:

1. Be enrolled and in good standing in the Pharm.D. program.
2. Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale.
3. Submit a professional statement describing their interest in informatics and analytics.

Transfer Credit

Students may petition to transfer up to 12 graduate credits for the M.S.H.I. 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 for the Joint M.S.H.I./Pharm.D.

In order to progress in the M.S.H.I. portion of the joint program, students must adhere to the M.S.H.I. progression policy. All M.S.H.I. progression policies apply to both M.S.H.I. courses and Pharm.D. courses for which credit is granted towards the M.S.H.I. degree. For the purpose of M.S.H.I. GPA calculation, only courses for which credit is granted towards the M.S.H.I. degree are counted.

Time-to-Degree Completion Plan

The joint degree program is designed to be completed in seven semesters, aligned with completion of the Pharm.D. degree. Students must complete the M.S.H.I. program within five years of enrollment in the joint degree 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 an accredited college or university.
2. Possess a baccalaureate degree in any field from an 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 an 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

• Health Informatics & Analytics (M.S.H.I.)
• 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

• HIIM 500 - Introduction to Biomedical Informatics and Analytics (3)
• HIIM 501 - Survey of Health Informatics and Analytics Infrastructure (3)
• HIIM 502 - Electronic Health Records in Diverse Practice Settings (4)
• HIIM 503 - Structured/Unstructured Data Design and Analysis (4)
• HIIM 504 - Current Topics in Health/Biomedical Informatics (2)
• HIIM 505 - Healthcare Information Technology Project Management (3)
• HIIM 506 - Quantitative Methods for Healthcare (3)
• HIIM 600 - Managing the Health Informatics and Analytics System (3)
• HIIM 601 - Ethical, Legal, and Social Issues in Health Informatics and Analytics (3)
• HIIM 650 - Introduction to Biomedical Informatics and Analytics (3)
• HIIM 653 - Structured/Unstructured Data Design and Analysis (3)
• HIIM 661 - Visual Analytics and Predictive Modeling (3)
• HIIM 699 - Health Informatics and Analytics Capstone (3)

• 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)

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