Respiratory Therapists Move Into Leadership with the Masters in Health Administration

UNTHSC conducts holistic application reviews. A completed bachelor’s degree or its equivalent is required. Applicants for the online MHA program must have at least two years of health-related work experience, in either a clinical or a management position and currently employed full-time in healthcare. Additionally, the applicant should have the support of a current supervisor stating the opportunity to conduct experiential learning project outside the current scope of work.

Due to the unprecedented challenges created by the current COVID-19 pandemic, the UNTHSC School of Public Health is amending its application requirements for the remainder of the Fall 2020 cycle. For more information, visit our COVID-19 Admissions Policy webpage.

To Apply:

Create an account in SOPHAS online application portal or HAMPCAS 

FALL 2020 DEADLINE: July 15

Admission decisions are made when applications are complete. Those who apply early will receive a decision at that time.

Submit the following:

The MHA online program accepts applications for fall and spring semesters, and will be completed on a part-time basis taking one class each term. Online courses are taught in an accelerated 8-week format with five terms each academic year.

UNTHSC School of Public Health recommends allowing up to 4 weeks for SOPHAS or HAMPCAS to complete coursework verification and processing. Consider your goal to “submit” your application 1 month prior to the deadline listed.

Upon submission of your SOPHAS or HAMPCAS application, there is between 4-8 weeks before you can anticipate a response to your application. In that time, all requested items must reach the application service. This includes recommendations and official transcripts/test scores.

UNTHSC School of Public Health recommends allowing up to 4 weeks for SOPHAS or HAMPCAS to complete coursework verification and processing. Consider your goal to “submit” your application 1 month prior to the deadline listed.
Upon final completion, the application service will conduct an initial evaluation of the degree and transcript records. Once verified, application materials will be sent on to UNTHSC. You will receive an automated email when your application reaches our system. SPH Admissions will process and review the application before presenting to our Faculty Admissions Committee.

Total program tuition and fees cost estimate:.

Financial Aid is available to support tuition, fees and related expenses. Contact Financial Aid for specific questions and counseling.

Review your employee benefits or contact your HR office to determine if you qualify for tuition reimbursement at work.

International students may apply to UNTHSC online programs, however be aware that a student visa is not available for online studies.

Applicants who have degree coursework from institutions outside the U.S. must submit a credential evaluation from World Education Services (WES). We require the iCAP WES This will be submitted to the SOPHAS system for your final application.

International applicants must demonstrate satisfactory proficiency in oral and written English before being considered for admission. TOEFL or IELTS are accepted. Minimum requirements: TOEFL internet based = 85 or IELTS = 6.5. Meeting minimum scores does not guarantee admission. . Applicants may waive the TOEFL/IELTS requirement by providing documentation from one of the following accepted measures.

How are the classes taught?
Courses are delivered in an 8 week accelerated format. Since you’re completing the course in just 8 weeks compared to a traditional 16 week semester we recommend students be prepared for a higher level of time commitment during the 8 week window. Students and instructors utilize the learning module system software, CANVAS for online courses. Tests are completed online via a secure service. A webcam is required for online students and used to verify participants are appropriate parties.

Part-time students who are balancing program enrollment with a full-time job and/or family commitments are recommended to take 1 course each 8 week semester. In this schedule you can complete the degree in 3 years.

Breaks in the calendar are most significant over the winter, with Fall II ending in early December and Spring I starting the second week of January. There is also a 2 week window between Spring I and Spring II. There is a second significant break between Summer ending in mid-July and Fall I beginning in mid-August.

Campus resources are available to you all From Financial Aid to the Library, even Career Services to our Academic Services office. You are always welcome, but never have to come to our physical location.

What is the MHA?
The MHA program prepares students for effective organizational management based on competencies and evidence based practices needed to become exceptional managers and leaders in health care organizations. The 48 credit hour curriculum is designed for healthcare professionals who have 2 or more years of experience in health services administration in such settings as hospitals; managed care organizations; medical group practices; ambulatory, long-term care, insurance and pharmaceutical companies; consulting firms; government agencies; for-profit and nonprofit sector organizations.

The MHA degree focuses on the organization and effective and efficient management of health services organizations within dynamic policy and competitive market environments. The central focus of course material is on organization, operation and financing of the health services organization and on the development of a strong set of business management skills for application within the market-based health care environment. In essence, an MHA is a business degree that focuses on the intricacies of the health care industry and prepares students to lead their organizations to meet, and even exceed, the needs of their communities.

How long does it take to earn an MHA degree?
The MHA online program follows a part-time model, students will progress through the program over 3 years.

How many credit hours are required for the MHA degree?
The MHA program is a 48 credit hour program that includes an integrative capstone project, completed over 2 semesters.

What should I expect from graduate studies?
The mission of the MHA online program is to start early to mid-career students on a path towards becoming exceptional managers and leaders. This requires not only a foundational knowledge of the healthcare industry but, more importantly to develop competencies (hyperlinked) critical to success in the field. To do so, students, will have the opportunity to learn by participation in team-based learning, case studies, analysis of real world data, simulations and external field experiences. To assess progress, the MHA program and faculty utilize a blend of traditional assessment methods to test knowledge and higher order assessments to test competency attainment through class discussions, reflective learning, peer assessments, presentations, internship preceptor feedback, policy briefs, financial modeling and oral presentations.

Is the UNTHSC MHA program CAHME accredited?
Yes! Our program is DFW’s first CAHME accredited program.  In addition, the UNTHSC School of Public Health is accredited by the  Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).

What does a holistic review of an application mean?
The Masters Admission Committee reviews all previous academic coursework, standardized test scores, relevant experience, and personal references. Furthermore, the committee assesses the alignment between the mission of the MHA Program and the applicant’s career goals, including articulation of how the UNTHSC MHA will help achieve those goals.

What is the approximate cost to attend?
For MHA residential students, total tuition and fees cost is approximately $14,600. For MHA non-residential students, total tuition and fees cost is approximately $37,000.

** Approximate costs include total tuition & fees, course fees, transcript, matriculation and graduation fees included. These costs are subject to change.

Who should I contact if I don’t see the answers to my questions?
If you have specific questions about the MHA program or curriculum contact:

Stephan Davis, DNP, MHSA, FACHE
Assistant Professor and MHA Program Director
Stephan.Davis@unthsc.edu

If you have specific questions about admissions please contact:

Brandon Sermon, MA
Recruitment & Outreach Coordinator
Phone: 817-735-2459
Brandon.Sermon@unthsc.edu