Healthcare Administration (HCA)

Introduces the many public and private elements of the U.S. healthcare system. Explores the historical, social and cultural, financial and economic, and political as well as regulatory factors, and how they interact to influence the delivery of care and services that affect individual and population health outcomes.

Explores the foundation of academic and professional disciplines in senior services and examines regulations in senior care and service organizations. Provides exposure to knowledge and tools for the development and implementation of programs and practices that advance a high quality and safe living or service environment for frail seniors and other populations in need of care or service.

This course provides an up-to-date review and exploration of a variety of topics important to the success of an administrative leader in senior care and services. Selected topics focus the knowledge and application of leadership and management skills necessary in today's health care and aging services environment.

This course provides detailed exploration of essential services, supports, and an introduction to operational aspects within long-term care facilities. Students will learn about the multifaceted nature of providing comprehensive care and enhancing quality of care for residents with a wide range of medical diagnosis and care needs. Differences and similarities of palliative and hospice care will be addressed. Special consideration will also be given to ancillary care including addressing dental, vision, and podiatry care needs. Diagnostic, trauma care, community services and resources will be explored for addressing unique care needs.

This course prepares future administrators and managers to navigate the complexities of healthcare administration, uphold quality standards, and contribute to the enhancement of resident-centered care in long-term care settings. A comprehensive exploration of the operational strategies and management principles essential for long-term care facilities will be conducted. Topics include financial management, human resource management, risk management/compliance, and developing a high-quality environment for residents and staff.

Identifies and addresses epidemiology, biostatistics, including study design within a healthcare framework. Applies these elements to individuals and populations while addressing critical public health perspectives across a broad spectrum from individuals to larger systems to improve the health of a community.

This course explores concepts associated with quality care, safety regulations and protocols, and students will develop and implement programs and practices advancing a high quality, safe living or service environment. Selected topics include certification and licensure, governmental programs, federal codes for safe environments, and development of a person-centered environment for seniors and other service populations.

This course focuses participants on exploration and application of topics critical to the success of an administrative leader in senior care and services. Special emphasis on critical/crucial conversations, change management, patient advocacy, organizational behavior, marketing, public relations and strategic planning will be explored and applied across the care spectrum. Selected topics focus application of leadership and managerial skills required in today’s healthcare and aging services environment.

Examines the analysis and use of communication strategies to inform and influence individual and community decisions that impact health. Explores topics such as the social construction of health, social support, literacy, survivorship, social and community issues, risk management, marketing and public relations, health messaging and promotional campaigns, theory application, and identity across contexts.

Covers various topics including electronic health records; health IT privacy and security; health information exchanges; IT for revenue cycle management; utilizing technology to analyze healthcare data including MS-DRG data, hospital readmission data, medicare spending, and healthcare quality data; Technologies for diagnosis and treatment; big data applications in healthcare.

Studies the principles of healthcare finance. Includes financial and management accounting, the financial reporting structure of healthcare organizations, healthcare financial statement analysis, costing and budgetary methods, sources of healthcare revenue and expenses, processes for healthcare billing, and capital investment decisions.

Examines complexities in human resource management strategies in healthcare organizations. Provides knowledge and tools to develop high potential workforces using a people-centered approach to human capital management, organizational culture/climate, communication, and talent development to ensure competitive advantage in creating sustainable high-performance healthcare organizations in rural and urban settings.

Examines operations management techniques unique to healthcare processes. Addresses solutions for operational issues in healthcare facilities and supply chain. Highlights essential components of healthcare project management. Emphasizes operational and management tools and techniques for healthcare project and process execution.

Provides an overview of quality models and risk management in healthcare. Explores theories concepts, skills, tools and environmental factors. Focuses on measurement and analysis techniques, as well as real-world applications of quality approaches to implement and sustain performance improvements.

Studies the political, legal, regulatory, and ethical environments within which healthcare administrators operate. Explores the legal frameworks related to the healthcare system, with an ethical focus. Considers the impact of political structure on healthcare policy, with an emphasis on the role played by healthcare administrators in policy advocacy.

Explores organization development and leadership theories, including self-discovery of leadership potential and change leadership strategies applied within healthcare organizations. As a blend of theory and application, course is designed for individuals to work toward identifying and facilitating broad-scale organizational change while employing strategic leadership practices in healthcare.

Prepares the student for applied capstone course, including assisting with site identification, coordination and approval of placement and of a substantive work project while working with site mentor/supervisor.

Applies aspects of theory and dynamics of interprofessionalism in healthcare setting(s). Capstone work (minimum 150 hours) will be completed in partnership with site mentor/supervisors. A substantive work project-deliverable demonstrating summative application of previous coursework will be expected.