Quality Improvement and Outcomes Management in Health Care Systems (Graduate Certificate)
Program Summary
75% Online
Credits: 15-18 total
Degree:
College/School: College of Health and Human Services
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Program Description
This program prepares working clinicians and administrative support staff to implement quality improvement initiatives and optimize efficiency and effectiveness of care and services. Students learn to work in interdisciplinary health care teams using the tools and techniques of statistical process control and selected methods of operations research and quality improvement. Through information management technology and qualitative decision-making applications, students identify opportunities for clinical and administrative improvement, support decision-making optimization, and improve health service outcomes for identified populations.
What it costs
The cost is $564.00 per credit hour for VA state residents or $1,421.75 per credit hour for out of state students, plus a $35 per credit hour Distance Learning fee. Education Resource, New Student, and other mandatory university and course fees may apply.
Application Deadline
This program has an application deadline of April 1 for Fall and November 1 for Spring.
Career Descriptions
This certificate allows you to enhance your established career within a health care organization by enhancing your resume, increasing your personal earning potential, and leveraging your improved position on a health care team. This certificate can lead to positions such as:
- Executive of Hospital Operations
- Executive of Hospital Quality, Safety, and Improvement
- Quality Improvement Manager or Director
- Quality Improvement Specialist, Consultant, or Reporting Analyst
- Regulatory Accreditation Coordinator
Graduates of this certificate program hold positions at:
- Inova Fair Oaks, Fairfax, and Alexandria Hospitals
- Children’s National Medical Center
- Prince William Hospital
As a Mason student, you may also contact Mason Career Services for more career information and counseling.
Courses
Program requirements may change; please refer to the Mason Course Catalog for the most up-to-date requirements.
Requirements: 15-18 credits total
- 12-15 credits required courses
- 3 credits elective course
Sufficient courses are offered to enable you to complete at least 75% of the program online. Most courses are delivered asynchronously and offerings vary by semester.
Students must earn a minimum of 3.0 in coursework and complete no more than 3 credits with a grade of C.
Required Courses
- HAP 647 Regulatory Requirements for Health Care Systems | 3 credits | Face-to-face only
- HAP 686 Quality Improvement in Health Services | 3 credits | Summer only
- HAP 730 Health Care Decision Analysis | 3 credits | Summer only
Choose one of the following:
- HAP 602 Statistics in Health Services management | 3 credits | Summer only
- GCH 601 Introduction to Biostatistics | 3 credits | Face-to-face only
- SOCW 671 Research Methods for Social Workers | 3 credits | Face-to-face only
Elective
Choose one of the following:
- HAP 715 Health Economics | 3 credits
- HAP 709 Health Care Databases | 3 credits
- SOCW 688 Advanced Research in Social Work | 3 credits
Additional Coursework
Consult with your advisor to determine if you need to take this course:
- HAP 678 Introduction to the U.S. Health System | 3 credits
Details
Who should apply?
Nurses, working clinicians, and administrative support staff in health care organizations can greatly benefit from this certificate. No matter your background, the program prepares students with the knowledge and skills necessary to work on an interdisciplinary health care team.
Why choose George Mason?
- The Department of Health Administration and Policy (HAP) at Mason has been nationally and internationally recognized for its innovative curriculum.
- HAP faculty are closely connected to the surrounding region with access to health care leaders, policy makers, and think tanks.
- The program provides students with the skills to become successful leaders in both U.S. and global health care systems.
- Online coursework allows you to participate without having to travel to campus.
Ready to Apply?
All applicants should review Department of Health Administration and Policy (HAP) Application Requirements. For international applicants, see guidelines for International Graduate Requirements and .Prerequisites
- Work experience in the health care system within the past two years or have taken a course on US health care systems (HAP 678)
- Hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent from an accredited university or college
- Meet admission standards specified in the University Catalog
Application Materials
- Graduate application
- Application fee
- Two transcripts from all post-secondary education institutions attended
- Goals statement
- Resume
- Three letters of recommendation
Tuition and Financial Aid
Tuition (2018-2019)
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Please refer to the Students Accounts Office website for more information on tuition and fees.
Financial Aid
For information on loans and scholarships, visit the Office of Student Financial Aid. For information regarding grants, tuition waivers and other merit aid, please inquire with your graduate department.
Contact
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