Online MPA: Healthcare Management Emphasis

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Overview

Examine Key Responsibilities in Public Health Management

Healthcare management is a dynamic and evolving field that brings together key responsibilities in patient care, facility advancement and staff management.1 As a future public health professional, you will be taught how to lead a department or facility with a clear vision of benefiting both patients and staff. Examine crucial competencies within administration in healthcare with the Master of Public Administration (MPA) with an Emphasis in Health Care Management degree program at Grand Canyon University. GCU’s healthcare management emphasis is offered by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences.

As a private Christian university, GCU integrates the Christian worldview into the coursework throughout this MPA program. We guide our students to work toward glorifying God by serving his people with integrity and ethical leadership.

female-healthcare-management-student-smiling
Why GCU

Merging Healthcare and Administration

This study in healthcare management administration prioritizes identification, analysis and resolution of ethical dilemmas. It also explores the principles of legal compliance, workplace safety and quality patient care. You will have the opportunity to develop your ability to balance the financial and operational requirements of healthcare facilities with the responsibility to provide quality services to the public. 

As you progress through the program, you will be expected to refine your outlook on what it takes to become an effective and ethical administrator in public health management environments. You will examine contemporary healthcare models through lenses of economy, quality, access and disparity.

Take Online Healthcare Management Courses

GCU’s online MPA with a healthcare management emphasis is structured to maximize work-life balance while providing a relevant and in-depth learning experience. You can explore this field and prepare for your future by using GCU’s intuitive e-learning platform. Access your course materials from virtually anywhere and discuss the principles of healthcare administration and public health with your peers and instructors. 

Online Learning
Coursework

MPA Program Topics and Skills

You will begin the healthcare management emphasis within the MPA program by examining the general skills you need as a liberal arts graduate student. You will then work through a progression of courses designed to build foundational knowledge and core competencies in healthcare administration and public health. The competencies you will be taught in these courses are immediately applicable to healthcare management in the workplace. 

Throughout the curriculum, you will explore a range of topics, including:

Business and operational models suited to modern healthcare organizations

How to analyze and responsibly address ethical dilemmas that affect patients and staff members

The development, management, implementation and assessment of public healthcare programs

The factors that influence market performance and outcome

The public sector’s revenue and expenditure structure, including budget and revenue policies

Best practices in talent management, workforce diversity, employee development and performance 

Careers

Career Paths for Healthcare Management Emphasis Graduates

A healthcare professional smiling with medical staff

Developing graduate-level skills in healthcare management and administration can help you prepare for a potential leadership career in the nonprofit, government or private sectors.2,3 Earning an MPA with a healthcare management emphasis can demonstrate your commitment to ethical practices and effective leadership.

Some of the careers that may be related to this degree include:

Healthcare quality improvement manager

Ambulatory care manager

Assisted living administrator

Healthcare clinic manager

Healthcare risk manager

Public health program manager

Accreditation

Earn Your MPA Degree at an Institutionally Accredited University

GCU has been institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1968. This is a reflection of our commitment to upholding high academic standards for our learning community. The College of Humanities and Social Sciences shares the university’s commitment of supporting the principles and standards established by our accrediting bodies.

FAQ

MPA: Healthcare Management Emphasis FAQs

Before enrolling in online healthcare management courses, you may have some questions about the field and your planned career outcome. GCU has developed these FAQs and answers to guide your decision-making process.

healthcare management professional at desk

Transform Public Health Administration

Prepare to meet modern challenges in healthcare while earning a degree in healthcare administration and public health. Fill out the form on this page and take the next step toward your future.

Apply Now

1 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2023, Sept. 6). What Medical and Health Services Managers Do. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved Jan. 22, 2024.

2 Healthcare Management Degree Guide. (n.d.). Top 20 Jobs for Health Care Managers. Healthcare Management Degree Guide. Retrieved Jan. 22, 2024. 

3 Healthcare Management Degree Guide. (n.d.). What Kind of Jobs Can I Get with a Master’s of Health Care in Non-profit Organizations? Healthcare Management Degree Guide. Retrieved Jan. 22, 2024.

4 Steele, H. (n.d.). MBA vs. MPA vs. MHA Degrees: Which is Best? Business Student. Retrieved Jan. 22, 2024.

5 Castonguay, C. (2021, Jan. 26). Why Study Healthcare Management Now? Keystone Healthcare Studies. Retrieved Jan. 22, 2024. 

6 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2023, Sept. 6). How to Become a Medical or Health Services Manager. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved Jan. 22, 2024. 

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