Health Sciences Management Certificate FAQ

WHAT IS A GRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN HEALTHCARE MANAGEMENT?

The graduate Certificate in Health Sciences Management is an 18-credit (6 course) certificate designed for individuals with a bachelor’s degree and the requisite knowledge, skills, and competencies in the field of health care management. The curriculum prepares them for entry-level management positions within a health care organization. 

The program is ideal for individuals with a baccalaureate degree, preferably in allied health care, natural or health sciences, social sciences, or business/commerce, or for those with a bachelor’s degree in any major with a minimum of two years of work experience in health care. Completion of the certificate demonstrates specialized educational achievement in health sciences management.

HOW DOES THE CERTIFICATE PREPARE INDIVIDUALS FOR MANAGEMENT OR LEADERSHIP POSITIONS?

The graduate Certificate in Health Sciences Management offers a comprehensive and well-designed curriculum to help students develop their foundational knowledge, and strengthen those skills that are essential in today's competitive and ever-evolving health care environment. These skills include analytical reasoning, critical thinking, effective communication, leadership, relationship and resource management, problem solving, and teamwork.

The coursework focuses on the core knowledge and competencies recognized by the Healthcare Leadership Alliance of the American College of Healthcare Executives.

HOW MANY COURSES PER SEMESTER MAY I TAKE?

We do not have any limits on the number of courses that a student may take each semester. We don’t recommend taking more than two classes at a time, however, we recognize each individual student’s situation is unique with regard to the demands on his/her time and the level of knowledge in each area. It is ultimately up to the student to determine his/her ability to take more than one course a semester. 

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE ME TO COMPLETE THE PROGRAM?

Students will be able to enroll in 6 graduate credits (2 courses) per semester and complete their certificate in as little as 4 terms or 18 months. Other students, however, may take longer, as their work-life balance and schedule permit. Students have 9 terms or 3 years to complete the certificate. 

IS THERE ANY PARTICULAR COURSE SEQUENCE I SHOULD FOLLOW?

Ideally, students should begin the certificate in the fall with the following course sequence:

  • Management of Healthcare Organizations (required) - 1st
  • Organizational Behavior & Leadership in Healthcare (elective) - 2nd

If a student begins the certificate in the spring, the following course sequence is recommended:

  • Population Health: Programs, Policies & Epidemiology (required) - 1st
  • Economics & Finance of Healthcare (required) - 2nd

If a student begins the certificate in the summer, the follow course sequence is recommended:

  • Health Information Systems & Applications (required) - 1st
  • Legal and Ethical Decision-making in Health Care (elective) - 2nd
ARE ALL OF THE COURSES IN THE GRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN HEALTH SCIENCES MANAGEMENT OFFERED ONLINE?

Yes. Students complete their courses online on a part-time basis while continuing to work, enabling them to balance work, education, and family while seeking to broaden their career opportunities. Course content and discussions are delivered online using both synchronous and asynchronous delivery formats, and emphasize student engagement, active participation, and relevant applications within their current health care practice settings. Learn more about online learning.

CAN I ENROLL IN JUST A FEW COURSES? I’M NOT INTERESTED IN APPLYING TO AND EARNING THE CERTIFICATE?

Yes.

CAN I TAKE COURSES BEFORE APPLYING FOR ADMISSION TO EARN THE CERTIFICATE?

Individuals must apply to and be offered admission to earn a certificate. A maximum of two courses that will count towards satisfying the requirements for the certificate may be taken at SCPS prior to admission.

WHAT GRADES MUST I EARN TO BE AWARDED THE CERTIFICATE?

Students must earn a B- or better in all courses required for the certificate to be awarded. Should a grade fall below a B-, the student has the option of retaking the course in order to complete the requirements and be awarded the certificate.   

I HAVE AN UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE, BUT I DON’T HAVE EXPERIENCE WORKING IN HEALTH CARE. AM I ELIGIBLE TO APPLY?

Yes, you are eligible to apply for admission to the graduate certificate even if you don’t have experience working in health care, provided that you have a bachelor’s degree in allied health, the natural sciences, the social sciences or business/commerce. 

WHAT ARE THE ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR THE GRADUATE CERTIFICATE PROGRAM?

Students with the following qualifications will be given admission preference:

  • Bachelor’s degree in one of the approved majors: an allied health care field, natural sciences, health sciences, social sciences, or business/commerce, 

OR

  • Bachelor’s degree in any major with 2 years of work experience in the health care field
  • Preferred GPA of 3.0
CAN I TRANSFER CREDIT INTO THIS PROGRAM FROM ANOTHER INSTITUTION?

Individuals can transfer one course for academic credit from a regionally accredited college or university. The transfer course will count towards one elective course in the certificate program, and must have been taken within the last three years. Transfer courses are not accepted for required courses in the certificate. Official transcripts and course syllabus are required for an analysis of the content, level, and comparability of the transfer course, as well as the quality of the student’s performance with a grade of B- or better.  Official transcripts with a request for transfer of credits can be sent to SCPSregistration@virginia.edu or School of Continuing and Professional Studies, 104 Midmont Lane, PO Box 400764, Charlottesville, VA 22904-4764 Attn: Admission Services 

WHAT ARE THE JOB PROSPECTS FOR HEALTH CARE MANAGERS?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of medical and health services managers is projected to grow 28 percent through 2032. 

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN EARNING A CERTIFICATE AND GAINING CERTIFICATION?

Earning a certificate is a way for you to earn credits in a structured, discipline-specific way. A certificate can prepare you to advance in your career, or to gain the extra knowledge needed to stay competitive and up-to-date in your field. There are many fields, however, that have professional certifications that may be recommended or required (ex. certified financial planning, project management, accounting). A certificate program does not lead to a professional certification. Yes, the courses you take in a certificate program could help you prepare to earn a professional field-specific certification, but earning a certificate is not the same as becoming certified.

WHAT EXACTLY DOES IT MEAN TO EARN A CERTIFICATE?

Certificates offer discipline-specific courses that can help you acquire new skills for professional advancement or for a career transition. Our certificates are offered online, making them accessible from anywhere. Completion of the certificate demonstrates evidence of specialized education achievement. It is recognized on a University of Virginia transcript.

WILL THE CREDITS FROM A CERTIFICATE PROGRAM TRANSFER TO ANOTHER COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY?

Certificate programs are designed to be stand-alone programs. Select courses, however, may be eligible for transfer. Colleges and universities may recognize these courses for transfer, but these decisions are made independently by the receiving institution.

WHAT IS THE ADVANTAGE TO EARNING A CERTIFICATE VS. A DEGREE?

Students like to earn certificates because they are affordable, they take less time to complete than a full-fledged degree, and they are practical. Often the knowledge gained in the classroom can be put to use the very next day. In the competitive job market, a certificate can provide the crucial margin needed for individuals to change careers, qualify for a promotion, or qualify for professional accreditation.

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* The information contained on this website is for informational purposes only. The Undergraduate Record and Graduate Record represent the official repository for academic program requirements.