WVU online graduate program earns population health management certification

West Virginia University’s Master of Science in Population Health program is now certified by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education, making it one of five inaugural programs in the country—and the only program in West Virginia—to be CAHME-certified in population health management. 

CAHME, Certified: Population Health Management logoThe Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education is the accrediting body for graduate programs in healthcare management in the United States and Canada. CAHME-certified programs must meet core criteria while demonstrating a commitment to work with industry executives to create accreditation standards that will enable students to be better prepared to lead. 

Established in 2021, WVU’s fully online population health program is housed within the WVU School of Public Health. It is designed to equip clinical and public health professionals with the skills to identify and address population-level problems.

Erik Carlton, senior associate dean for academic and student affairs, says earning this designation marks a significant milestone for the school.

“As one of the inaugural programs and founding members, we are not only leading the nation, but will be at the heart of efforts to establish formal accreditation criteria for other population health programs,” he said. “I’m deeply appreciative of the support we’ve received for the program, as well as the superb leadership by my colleague Steve Davis.”

Steve Davis, director of the M.S. in Population Health program and associate professor in the Department of Health Policy, Management and Leadership, sees this recognition as an important marker in the program’s growth.

“We seek to transform healthcare in West Virginia and beyond by improving the health of groups within society,” Davis said. “Earning CAHME certification ensures quality in our program and essentially provides affirmation that we’re doing things right. It is also a reflection of our commitment to preparing exceptional leaders in a rapidly growing field.”

Applications are currently being accepted for the fall 2023 term. Learn more and apply here.


-WVU-

CONTACT: Nikky Luna, Director of Marketing and Communications
WVU School of Public Health
304.293.1699; nikky.luna@hsc.wvu.edu