Health Administration

• MHA Mission, Vision, and Values Statements

  Mission:

  “The ETSU Master of Health Administration equips early and mid-careerists to advance population health in Appalachia and beyond. Our faculty, composed of seasoned administrators and academicians, prioritizes application and interprofessional training to provide an impactful education. Our curriculum prepares innovative leaders by developing their competency in four domains of health administration: Finance & Delivery, Quality, Policy & Regulation, and People & Partnerships. Each domain incorporates principles of Leadership, Communication, Problem-Solving, and Professionalism in its coursework to ensure that our graduates are fully capable of driving population health improvement. Students apply their knowledge through practical experiences and collaborative arrangements with healthcare organizations in their community.” 

  Vision:

  “ETSU MHA aims to become nationally recognized for attracting and building effective leaders in an ever-changing healthcare environment.” 

  Values:

  • Dedication: Commit to the production of optimal health outcomes.
  • Professionalism: Devoted to competency while fostering honesty and respect.
  • Integrity: Adhere to the highest ethical principles.
  • Teamwork: Promote collaboration through equitable participation.
  • Innovation: Strive for creative advancements in healthcare settings.
  • Excellence: Focus on world-class protocols.
  • Humility: Teachable and ever learning. 

Driving Improvement

ETSU’s cutting-edge MHA program teaches students through four pillars of competency: Finance, Quality, Policy & Regulation, and People & Partnerships. Each pillar incorporates methods of leadership and communication into the core of their coursework to ensure that graduates are resilient leaders who are fully capable of driving population health improvement.

The Master of Health Administration offers two tracks: 

• Executive Track

  Allows the student to utilize past managerial experience to forego the internship requirement and Studies in Healthcare Administration coursework, allowing the student to accelerate their degree progress.

  Program information including curriculum and graduation requirements can be found in the ETSU Graduate Catalog.
  

• Standard Track

  Available to students who do not have workplace experience but who have completed an undergraduate degree from any field of study.

  Program information including curriculum and graduation requirements can be found in the ETSU Graduate Catalog.

Competencies

• Graduates of this program will have the following competencies

  Finance & Delivery

  1. Discuss main components and issues of the organization, financing, and delivery of health services in the U.S. 
  2. Compare the organization, structure, and function of health care, public health, and regulatory systems across national and international settings 
  3. Explain principles and tools of budget and resource management  
  4. Apply key principles of accounting and financial management in health services organizations  
  5. Apply leadership and/or management principles to address a relevant issue 
  6. Apply principles of strategic planning and marketing in health services organizations 
     
     

  Quality

  7. Apply a systems thinking tool to visually represent a health issue in a format other than standardized narrative 
  8. Select methods to evaluate health programs 
  9. Select data collection methods appropriate for a given public health context 
  10. Analyze data using biostatistics, informatics, computer-based programming, and software, as appropriate 
  11. Utilize analytical methods and informatics resources to investigate health and health services 
  12. Interpret results of data analysis for public health research, policy, or practice 
  13. Apply quality and performance improvement concepts and tools to address organizational performance  

  Policy & Regulation

  14. Discuss the policy-making process, including the roles of ethics and evidence 
  15. Apply legal and ethical principles to issues of health services management and policy analysis 
  16. Apply principles of human resources management in health services organizations 
  17. Design a population-based policy, program, project, or intervention 
  18. Demonstrate written and oral skills for communicating health management & policy issues with different audiences 

  People & Partnerships

  19. Demonstrate professionalism, transparency, and a commitment to self-development and growth 
  20. Integrate perspectives from other sectors and/or professions to promote and advance population health 
  21. Propose strategies to identify stakeholders and build coalitions and partnerships for influencing health outcomes 
  22. Apply negotiation and mediation skills to address organizational or community challenges  
  23. Leverage health data and leadership skills to inform/facilitate organizational or community change
• Competency Attainment Levels

  These competencies are covered and assessed in multiple classes throughout the MHA program. For each competency covered in a class, faculty have assigned a target attainment level that depends on the context and the extent to which each competency is covered in that particular course. You can find the target levels for each competency in your syllabi.

   

  1 - Novice (Basic Knowledge)

  You possess a foundational understanding of essential concepts and techniques in your field. 

  • Focus on learning. 

  2 - Beginner (Limited Experience)

  You have initial knowledge but still require guidance when applying these skills. 

  Focus on developing through coursework. 

  • You can discuss relevant terminology, concepts, principles, and issues. 
  • You utilize a variety of reference materials related to your assignments.

  3 - Proficient (Practical Application)

  You can complete coursework related to this competency independently, though occasional assistance from instructors or textbooks may be necessary. 

  Focus on applying and enhancing your skills. 

  • You have successfully applied your knowledge in assignments and projects with minimal guidance. 
  • You understand and can discuss the application and implications of changes to processes, policies, and procedures related to your assignment. 

  4 - Advanced (Applied Theory)

  You can perform tasks related to this competency independently and are recognized for your ability to tackle complex assignments. 

  Focus on broader academic issues. 

  • You consistently provide practical insights that demonstrate an ability to succeed in the competency area. 
  • You are capable of clarifying complex concepts in related assignments. 
  • You engage in self-directed study that addresses higher-level topics related to the assignments you are involved with. 

  5 - Expert (Recognized Authority)

  You are regarded as an authority in your area of study, capable of providing expert guidance and troubleshooting related to relevant competency. 

  Focus on strategic academic issues. 

  • You demonstrate excellence in applying your skills across multiple concepts. 
  • You are the “go-to” person for questions related to the competency. 
  • You create new applications for and/or lead the development of reference and resource materials for this competency. 
  • You can articulate and explain complex concepts and trends effectively in written work, enhancing understanding for your peers.

For students wanting an in-person program, please visit the MHA web page.