Quality Improvement and Outcomes Management in Health Care Systems (Graduate Certificate)

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.

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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.

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

Tuition (2018-2019)

TUITION CLASSIFICATION	COST PER CREDIT HOUR
Virginia Resident	$564.00 plus fees
Non-Virginia Resident	$1,421.75 plus fees
Distance Learning Fee	$35
Education Resource Fee	$60 - $100 (per semester)

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.

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.

USEFUL RESOURCES
Program Contact	Panagiota Kitsantas Department of Health Administration and Policy (HAP) Phone: (703) 993-9164 Email: pkitsant@gmu.edu
Department Contact	Tracy Shevlin HAP Office Manager Phone: (703) 993-1928 Email: tshevlin@gmu.edu
Program Website	http://chhs.gmu.edu/quality/
Follow CHHS on Twitter	@MasonCHHS
"Like" CHHS on Facebook	http://www.facebook.com/GMUCHHS/

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

If you have any questions during the application process, please contact the CHHS Office of Graduate Admissions at chhsgrad@gmu.edu or 703-993-1736.