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About the Program

The MHA program at Austin Peay State University is seeking CAHME accreditation (https://www.cahme.org/) and is currently in the self-study year (August 1, 2022 to August 1, 2023). The CAHME site visit will occur in November 2023.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that medical and health services manager jobs will grow by 32% between 2020 and 2030, which is must faster than the average for all occupations.  This growth means that healthcare administrators are in-demand nationwide and will increase students likelihood of finding job opportunities.

The program at Austin Peay will give students the knowledge, skills, and expertise necessary to be leaders in healthcare through experience-based learning. The 42 credit hour program is offered online; however, a 2-day residency is required in both the first and last semesters. The first residency (first weekend in program) allows the students in the cohort to work in groups and learn about various aspects of leadership as well as solve real world problems, complete self-assessments on leadership styles, and learn about the competency-based curriculum. The second residency (last semester of program) is a culmination of the capstone course consisting of individual and group presentations. The program length for students who complete the program full-time is about 18 months.

The program curriculum aligns with a competency model that ensures students are learning relevant and competency-based skills and information that prepare them to be healthcare leaders.  The coursework begins with a weekend residency where students get to know their cohort, assess their leadership skills, learn other leadership styles, and network with industry partners.

What will Students Learn?

The APSU Master of Healthcare Administration Program will provide students with many skills, some of which are included below:

Upon graduation, students will be fully qualified to take on intermediate to advanced administrative roles in healthcare settings such as hospitals, physician offices, long term care facilities, ambulatory surgery centers, mental health organizations, public health departments, pharmaceutical companies and more.