Students

Learning Goals

The MHA competency model is the basis on which our curriculum is developed. As students go through the MHA program, they develop 21 competencies across five domains:

  1. Communication and Relationship Management
  2. Leadership Skills
  3. Professionalism
  4. Knowledge of the Healthcare Environment
  5. Business and Analytical Skills

By the end of the MHA program, each student will be competent on most of the 21 competencies listed below and therefore be ready for entry- and mid-career positions in the health sector.

Communication and Relationship Management

  • Build collaborative and productive communication and relationships.
  • Apply negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
  • Prepare effective business communications.
  • Demonstrate professional oral communication and presentation skills.

Leadership Skills

  • Apply methods and techniques related to the leadership and management of health services organizations, employees and professional staff.
  • Generate self-awareness through self-assessment and reflection to lead others effectively.
  • Assess the potential impacts and consequences of decisions in a broad variety of situations.
  • Apply problem-solving and evidence-based techniques to health services decisions.

Professionalism

  • Apply ethical decision-making principles in analyzing clinical/business situations and making decisions.
  • Fulfill one’s professional commitment.
  • Practice community engagement and service.
  • Operate as a team member and team leader to meet the goals of a project.

Knowledge of the Healthcare Environment

  • Examine issues in health services, including circumstances causing major changes in health systems and services.
  • Analyze the legal principles and policies' impacts, such as compliance or conflict of interest, risk management and governing bodies relevant to health services organizations.
  • Comprehend the determinants of health disparities and inequities in health status, health services access and use in various communities.

Business and Analytic Skills

  • Formulate an evidence-based strategy, change and/or innovation based on environmental analysis, development of alternatives and discernment of a competitive advantage.
  • Apply principles and concepts of quality and performance improvement to address relevant problems.
  • Analyze health data using data processing tools and methods.
  • Interpret quantitative information to inform decision making.
  • Manage projects, organizational challenges or objectives through the complete process from planning to implementation and assessment.
  • Apply economic principles to evaluate the impacts of decisions on individuals and health services organizations.