Health Care Administration Goals & Competencies

Student Outcome Goal

Students that complete the Health Care Administration major will be prepared for professional entry-level employment in health care administration-related fields.

Criteria for Determining Competency (Learning Objectives)

  1. To speak effectively, as measured by the attainment of the respective score reflected in course syllabi on the oral presentation rubric used in each program course listed. (HCA 3300, 4500, & 4800)
  2. To write professionally and effectively and with a clear purpose, as measured by the attainment of the minimum scores reflected in course syllabi on the programmatic writing rubric used in each course. (HCA 200, 3050, 4100, 4500, 4800)
  3. To think critically and employ the critical thinking process to solve problems and issues facing health care managers. This goal is measured by attaining the minimum score reflected in source syllabi on the case analysis rubric utilized in each course. (HCA 3050, 3500, 4500)
  4. To describe the impact of various payment systems and reimbursement mechanisms employed in the health care environment, both nationally and globally, as measured by final examination scores of B or better on each listed course (4100, and specific sections of the Capstone Project (4500). (HCA 4100 & 4500)
  5. To manage time, set priorities, and complete tasks in a timely manner, as measured by the completion of significant major course projects (4500) and preceptor evaluations (4800) with a B or better.
  6. To assess, evaluate, and monitor effectiveness and the need for quality improvements and risk management issues in health care organizations, as measured by final examination scores on final examinations of the listed courses. (HCA 3050, 3300, 4500)
  7. To evaluate and analyze the cost of providing health care services and integrate the information for presentation in both written and oral formats, as measured achieving minimum passing scores listed on course syllabi for successful completion of oral, case and written evaluation.. (HCA 4100 & 3500)
  8. To synthesize and present information related to health care organizations/management in both written and oral formats, as measured by achieving successful minimal scores listed for successful completion on oral, case and written evaluation rubrics, successful completion of the Capstone Project (4500) and preceptor evaluations (4800) with a grade equivalent to a B or better. (HCA 3050, 3300, 3400, 3500, 4500, & 4800)
  9. To facilitate group decisions and build consensus through effective participation in group assignments, as measured by achieving successful completion of team/group projects in the listed courses with an 80% better. (HCA 3300, 3400 & 3500)
  10. To show evidence of broad knowledge in organizational strategic planning/management for health care organizations, as measured by final examination scores for the listed courses. (HCA 3050 & 3300)
  11. To apply management principles and techniques in health systems operations management, as measured by final exam scores in of 70 or better. (HCA 3050)
  12. To provide evidence of a basic understanding of the theories of organizational behavior, as measured by successful completion of the final examination with a minimum score of 80% for HCA 3400.
  13. To interpret and understand the compendium of medical terms and effectively uses them in health management by successfully completing Medical Terminology (HCA 2300) with an overall grade of C or better, or an 80% on the challenge examination.

Program Goal

To promote health care management excellence in the region, as measured by the following activities:

This goal will be supported by the significant effect interns and faculty have in the region, as measured by active participation in professional organizations, consulting services provided, and projects completed during the academic year and reported in this document.

The above listed goals and criteria are clearly understood to be the foundations of the HCA major curriculum. Written competency is measured through appropriate discussion examinations, research papers, and project reports where critical analysis is stressed. Oral competency is measured through verbal reports, formal presentations, case studies analysis, and a required comprehensive oral final examination (HCA 4500). Computer competency is measured by the completion of CSC 1000. Familiarity with the Microsoft Office software package is expected, as it will be utilized throughout the HCA curriculum.

The HCA major considers these knowledge and skill areas to be fundamental to understanding how effective administrators might promote the ultimate goal of improving the health of individuals, defined by the World Health Organization as a complete state of physical, mental, and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. The major views health care as a continuum of care including such components as wellness prevention, acute and long-term care, and integrated delivery systems, home care, hospice, etc.