Online MHA Degree Programs: A Full Review

What’s your involvement at Northcentral University with online learning?

In my role I manage the operations of the MHA program using synchronous technology for mentoring and engaging learners in our NCU one-to-one model of student engagement. Additionally, I work closely with the instructional design and curriculum assessment teams to ensure that the program reflects current and contemporary content per our accreditation standards.

What makes your online MHA program stand out from other programs?

The MHA program was developed and designed to mirror both industry and professional competencies. Our program aligns with the high standards for graduate programs per the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME) and we embed Interprofessional Education (IPE) and the National Center for Health Care Leadership competency model (NCHL) into our curriculum. Our program is an associate member of the Association of University Programs in Health Administration (AUPHA) and was named New Program of the Year in 2019. Our assistant dean was recently named Faculty Member of the Year for 2020!

We also participate in the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) Higher Education Network and in 2018 we started a chapter of Upsilon Phi Delta, the national academic honor society for health administration students. Faculty and students in the MHA program have the opportunity to collaborate, present and publish on industry related topics.

How does your online MHA program prepare students for successful careers in the field?

Students are provided with ample opportunities to practice and demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities that employers require of their employees in the healthcare industry. For example, graduates of the MHA program will be qualified for careers in various types of health service organizations, such as hospitals, ambulatory settings, home health agencies, and government agencies.

We have a Program Advisory Council (PAC) which consists of leaders and administrators with a wide variety of healthcare experience. The primary purpose of the PAC is to ensure our program includes the content and exposes students to the information they will need to become leaders in their prospective positions.

What support services do you offer students enrolled in your online MHA program?

NCU offers an array of student support services including but not limited to:

• Enrollment Services
• Academic and Finance Advising
• Disability/ADA Services
• Center for Teaching and Learning
• Academic Success Center
• Educational Materials and Resources
• NCU Library
• Alumni Services
• Office of the Registrar
• IT Service Desk Team
• Institutional Review Board
• Well-Being and Safety

Any other information you’d like prospective students to know about your MHA program?

The SHS has a Student Advisory Council (SAC) that serves as a liaison between students, faculty, and administration in the School of Health Sciences. SAC members work to evaluate and provide feedback/recommendations for the MHA program. The MHA students also participate in an annual Day of Service where they are encouraged to work within their individual communities to make difference.

What’s your involvement at West Coast University with online learning?

I have been involved with online learning since 2011 when the MHA program was in a bookend format through the transition into fully online in 2016 and the introduction of the BSHA program online.

What makes your online MHA program stand out from others?

Our program is 100% online and mobile-friendly which can provide you with the flexibility to learn on your own schedule anywhere at any time. Although our program is online, it’s heavily student-centric where you can receive student support, gain access to the dean, career services, a success advisor and admission reps who are all available to you to help prepare you for success. West Coast University strives to support our students every step of the way. What makes us stand out is our program has accelerated and working professional options available to you. Our time to completion for MHA program is in as little as 12 months. Many of our students have obligations and responsibilities, so we understand how tough it is to balance everything. At West Coast University, there are partner grants available for those who qualify, and we can help find internships in California when it’s time for students to get the hands-on experience they need.

How does your online MHA program prepare students for successful careers in the field?

The mission of the MHA program is to prepares graduates with multidisciplinary skills required for entry-level managerial positions in hospitals, long-term care facilities, medical group practices, and other health care facilities. Our online program is designed to provide the fundamental knowledge required to prepare our students as supervisors or managers in the healthcare industry including planning, directing, coordinating and supervising the delivery of healthcare products and services. Our curriculum is based on the Healthcare Leadership Alliance (HLA) 5 cored competencies to include courses in finance, marketing, informatics, strategic planning, hospital administration, leadership, project management, and entrepreneurship.

What support services do you offer students enrolled in your online MHA program?

Our students not only get access to me, the dean, they also receive continuous support from our career services department, our 24-hour access to library, Blackboard Mobile App and eTextbooks to take wherever you go! At West Coast University, we prepare our students to go to the next level of leadership, and we strive to provide our students the education to take the next step in your career by offering support beyond graduation. We continuously support our students even when they have obtained a career.

Our Career Services Department provides ongoing assistance with professional and career development workshops to guide our students and graduates to help prepare for professional success. We also offer students an immersive Interprofessional Education (IPE) through courses that integrate IPE. We focus on the four core competencies of interprofessional collaborative practice: Values/Ethics for Interprofessional Practice, Roles and Responsibilities, Interprofessional Communication and Teams and Teamwork. Hands-on experience is an important part of building leadership skills. That’s why West Coast University offers MHA students a variety of internship opportunities—leveraging our relationships with the Red Cross, local organizations, and International internship partners to help place you in a rewarding and intellectually challenging environment.

Any other information you’d like students to know about your MHA program?

There are many benefits to earning an advanced degree, which may include job security, flexibility and increased earning potential. Without an advanced degree in this field, it can be very difficult to progress upward. This is a super exciting field where you gain limitless learning possibilities from finance, marketing, HR, quality control, infectious control, risk management, and director roles just to name a few. It’s a rewarding field to be a part of, and this is a great way to dip your toes into different roles in the health care industry.