Master of Healthcare Administration

Mission Statement

The Master of Health Administration (MHA) program is dedicated to providing educational and research opportunities to working adults who are seeking develop and enhance the business skills required within the field of healthcare. Graduates from this degree program are able to apply critical thinking skills to solve complex business problems encountered within the United States healthcare system; analyze organizational models appropriate for varying healthcare entities; apply theories of quality improvement; analyze legal and ethical practices specific to healthcare organizations; apply management and marketing strategies specific to healthcare organizations; apply appropriate analytical methodologies to improve the effectiveness of business decisions within healthcare organizations; develop strategies for the promotion of innovation within healthcare organizations.

MHA Program Overview

The Master of Health Administration (MHA) degree is a 30-hour program and modeled after a cohort style, with students starting together each fall and spring semester. The MHA program is comprised of 10 courses, with all courses being offered in an entirely online format. MHA courses are available for students admitted to the MHA program only. Other LMU students may attend an MHA course with permission from the program director.

Expected outcomes of the MHA include:

• MHA1  Analyze various organizational models of healthcare businesses to develop and apply strategic and managerial methods appropriate for differing medical entities.
• MHA2  Apply theories related to quality improvement within the healthcare industry to initiate, plan, execute, monitor, and control continuous improvement, patient satisfaction, and organizational livelihood.
• MHA3  Analyze current issues and topics affecting the U.S. healthcare system to develop business solutions for challenges confronting Healthcare Administrators using theory, best practices, and modeling techniques.
• MHA4  Analyze legal and ethical practices within the field of healthcare administration and the implications to healthcare providers.
• MHA5  Examine business principles relating to management, marketing, finance, and human resource development, and apply related strategies within the healthcare environment.
• MHA6  Identify and apply appropriate analytical methodologies to improve the effectiveness of business decisions within healthcare organizations.
• MHA7  Develop strategies for the promotion of innovation and entrepreneurship within healthcare organizations.

MHA Admission Requirements & Procedures

Applicants must submit the online application for admission, a personal statement, the $50 application fee, a current resume, official transcripts showing the completion of a regionally accredited bachelor’s degree with a 2.75 GPA, official transcripts of all other undergraduate and graduate course work from accredited institutions, and two (2) recommendation letters from professionals in the field who are familiar with their work and ability and can, therefore, evaluate potential for success in the graduate program.

International students must have a minimum score of 70 on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or a six (6) on the IELTS exam. In cases where a foreign student is otherwise qualified for admission to the program, but his/her TOEFL score indicates the need for additional English language instruction, he/she might be admitted conditionally to the program pending satisfactory completion of the necessary courses.

If an applicant, domestic or international, has completed their bachelor’s degree in a country other than the United States, the applicant is required to submit a degree evaluation report from a reputable credentialing service (WES – World Education Services, https://wes.org/) that demonstrates degree and course equivalency. The official report for each degree evaluation report must be submitted directly from the credentialing service and provided to the School of Business; Graduate Department; 421 Park 40 North Blvd., Knoxville, TN 37923.

The admission decision is based on an evaluation of all application materials submitted by the individual. The following are criteria utilized in the decision process:

1. MHA Application
2. Previous work experience
3. Undergraduate GPA
4. Graduate GPA
5. Specific course work completed 6. Two recommendation letters
7. Personal statement

MHA Handbook

Upon admission, MHA students will be provided with the School of Business Master of Health Administration Handbook. This handbook outlines policies and procedures pertaining to the MHA program. Students are required to thoroughly read the handbook and sign the Lincoln Memorial University School of Business: Master of Health Administration (MHA) Consent Form. Students will not be allowed to register if the consent form has not been signed and submitted to the appropriate personnel.

Maximum Program Completion

Students who enter the MHA graduate program must complete their studies for their graduate degree within five (5) years after initial registration. An extension may be requested of the Program Director for personal or professional reasons.

MHA Graduation Requirements

No student will be allowed to participate in Commencement exercises until all degree requirements have been met.

The following requirements must be met for earning an MHA degree:

1. Completion of 30 semester credit hours of approved MHA courses
2. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (B)
3. The receipt of no more than two course grades of ‘C’ or below.
4. Completion of all outcomes assessment testing and activities
5. The completion of the MHA degree within five (5) years
6. Payment of all fees

Final Evaluation for the MHA Program

As part of the outcomes assessment procedures, students are required to complete the following items prior to graduation:

• An exit interview
• All graduating student surveys