Is this program right for me?
The primary objective of the UCSF graduate program in Healthcare Administration and Interprofessional Leadership is to prepare a cadre of healthcare professionals in management, leadership and interprofessional teamwork to meet the demands of the changing healthcare environment. If you are working in healthcare and are seeking opportunities to advance in your career, develop your leadership potential, and contribute to the improvement of healthcare system – this program is designed for you.
What knowledge and skills will I learn?
The program curriculum focuses on leadership, health systems management, interprofessional practice, communication, ethics and research. You will be prepared to understand and address issues facing healthcare professionals every day: organizational complexity, leadership, innovation, healthcare policy and economics, effective business practices, and management of social and human capital. Program graduates will be prepared for management and leadership roles across the health system.
How long will it take me to earn my degree?
You can complete the program in as few as four quarters. You may register for up to 3 courses per quarter. The four-quarter curriculum includes 8 online courses, 2 on-campus courses, and 2 administrative practicum courses in your place of employment. During the program, you will complete an evidence-based project that will be your capstone comprehensive examination. Online and practicum courses are aligned with UCSF’s 10-week quarter system. You may enroll in the program at the start of each of four quarters.
How many online courses are in the program?
Eight courses will be completed 100% online. Your 2 administrative practicum courses as well as the 2 on-campus courses will include a supportive online component.
Do the administrative practicum courses count toward my degree?
Yes. Each of the two 3-unit practicum courses counts toward the 36 units required by UCSF for a master’s degree.
How does the workplace mentoring count toward my degree?
The two-quarter practicum is a lab for mentor-supported leadership practice and project design, implementation and evaluation.
How do the on-campus courses work?
Using an executive format, the on-campus courses bring students together to integrate core competencies in a face-to-face context. You will come to the UCSF campus for three on-campus sessions: the first is a one-day session prior to starting classes. The second on-campus session will be two weekend days following the student’s first quarter. The third session will occur after the student’s final quarter; that will also be two weekend days.
Key components of the initial on-campus course include self-assessments of leadership styles and skills, action-based activities, simulations to address real-life situations and other leadership training and collaborative learning experiences. You will meet program faculty, participate in interactive sessions with noted experts and work with your colleagues to initiate your evidence-based projects. After the session, you will continue to work in small, interprofessional teams to complete specific assignments between on-campus sessions.
The final on-campus session will again provide learning and networking opportunities. Students will evaluate their progress as strategists, change agents, conflict mediators, managers, communicators, mentors and team members and present their capstone projects at a national conference day.
How will I communicate with my UCSF advisor?
Upon acceptance to the program, you will be assigned a UCSF academic advisor who will welcome you to the program and provide virtual office hours for regular meetings. You will also meet face-to-face with your advisor during the on-campus courses. Your advisor will assist you throughout the program to support your academic and professional goals.
Will I be eligible for financial aid?
UCSF Student Financial Services professionals will work with you to establish your eligibility for financial aid. They are available to advise both entering and continuing students in person, via email and phone. Their web page includes information about application and eligibility for loans, scholarships, grants and other awards as well as budgeting, money management, and other financial matters (http://www.finaid.ucsf.edu).
Will I have access to the UCSF Library?
Yes. As a registered UCSF student you will have access to all Library services. The Library’s web site (http://library.ucsf.edu) links to multiple licensed and free resources including 187 databases, 37,000 online journals and 425,000 e-books, and to robust interlibrary loans and document delivery services free of charge. You will also have access to web-based citation management software, online tutorials and other information management tools. All of these services can be accessed remotely.
What is the credit-hour policy for the program?
The program consists of 12 three-unit courses. For each course, you will receive 30 hours of instruction (online or face-to-face) over the quarter.
UCSF credit hour policy expects students to spend an additional 3 hours/unit/week to prepare for class or complete assignments. For a 3 unit course this equates to 9 hour per week or a total of 90 hours/quarter.
- Online Courses: You can plan to receive 3 hours of instruction per week for 10 weeks and spend 9 hours per week in preparation and homework activities.
- On-campus courses: you will attend 30 hours of class over 3 days and complete approximately 90 hours of pre-session and post-class assignments.
- Administrative Practicum: You will spend 90 hours in your workplace each of the two quarters. You will also spend approximately 2-3 hours per week on assignments related to your evidence-based capstone project.
What are the admission requirements?
- A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0.
- Completion of an introductory course in statistics from a regionally accredited institution within the past 10 years.
- A minimum of six (6) months full-time professional or management experience within a healthcare environment.
- Proficiency in English. All applicants whose first language is not English must: 1) take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL, http://www.toefl.org) and achieve a minimum overall TOEFL score of 84 (Internet-based test) and a minimum score of 24 in both the speaking section and the writing section, or 2) demonstrate proficiency in English by completing one year of full-time study with a minimum GPA of 3.0 at a regionally accredited college or university in the U.S.
- A computer with a high-speed Internet connection and basic computer proficiency, particularly with regards to word processing and Internet skills.
What documents will I need to submit with my application?
- Online application
- Official grade transcripts of undergraduate degree(s), any other degrees, and any courses completed. These should be mailed to:
UCSF School of Nursing
MS HAIL Program
2 Koret Way, N505M
San Francisco CA 94143-6080
- Resume
- Three letters of reference are required. One must be from a former faculty or someone who can speak to your academic potential, a second from someone well acquainted with your professional preparation, experience and potential for leadership, and a third from an administrator within your healthcare organization.
Statements
Personal Statement
Discuss how your personal background informs your decision to pursue this graduate degree. Please include any educational, cultural, economic, family or social experiences, challenges, or opportunities relevant to your academic journey.
Leadership & Career Goal Statement
Provide a brief description of your leadership and career goals and how participating in this graduate program will advance your goals. Please address components of leadership, change management and interprofessional teamwork that pertain to your career development.
Healthcare Environment Statement
Examine the four areas of focus on the program website and describe how knowledge and skills in these areas would foster your career. The four areas are health systems management, leadership & change, health systems research and interprofessional practice.
Interprofessional Statement
Why is an interprofessional program the right choice for you?
