Frequently Asked Questions for the Masters of Health Adminisrtation program

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What can I do with a Master in Health Administration (MHA) degree?

Students gain technical knowledge, interpersonal skills and experience to be successful in administrative and leadership positions in Healthcare Organizations. Health Administration professionals function in a wide range of roles including facilities management, financial management and healthcare operations. These activities can take place in a variety of settings that include hospitals, medical groups, insurance companies, long-term care facilities, healthcare agencies and other healthcare organizations.
Where have our graduates been hired?

Baptist Health System
Saint Vincent’s Health
Mayo Clinic Jacksonville
Memorial Hospital
Flagler Hospital
Brooks Health System
Veteran Administration Health System
Jacksonville Orthopedic Institute
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida
SHANDS Hospital Jacksonville
Piedmont Health, Atlanta
Why UNF’s MHA Program?

UNF’s MHA program is located in Jacksonville Florida which is a dynamic health services marketplace composed of 13 hospitals, the Mayo Clinic and numerous non-profit health related organizations. The Northeast Florida region is growing in terms of overall population, and diversity. Jacksonville, Florida is geographically situated as a gateway for the movement of people, products and healthcare services. As a result, numerous opportunities exist for student internships, residencies and permanent employment. UNF has been rated one of the best college values in the country. The campus is located in beautiful, sunny, northeast Florida, just minutes from downtown Jacksonville, riverfront areas and the Atlantic Ocean. The campus has been rated the most scenic in the state. It consists of over 1,000 acres, and contains miles of walking trails for outdoor exercise and recreation.

UNF’s MHA program faculty is dedicated to providing a quality educational experience. This is documented by the MHA programs accreditation by the Council on the Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME) which is the gold standard for MHA graduate education. Because the program is relatively small, students receive ample individual attention, and enjoy relatively small class sizes. Nearly all the required courses in the program are taught by full time MHA Program faculty, not adjuncts, part time instructors, or Ph.D. students.
Will I have the opportunity to be involved in community healthcare organizations?

The MHA program blends classroom instruction with field experiences and culminates with a practicum experience that can range from a one semester placement with a healthcare service provider to a one-year paid residency with a hospital or health system.
What can I expect in my MHA classes?

The curriculum is competence based and was developed using the latest research in the healthcare management education. Students will learn health administration course content in the areas of management, marketing, leadership, finance, human resources, law, ethics, policy, and strategic planning. Students will challenged to assess actual healthcare problems and put the acquired knowledge, skills, theories and strategies into practice by developing comprehensive and practical solutions for application within the healthcare industry.
How many credits are required for the MHA degree at UNF?

UNF’s program requires 54 graduate credits, which includes the Capstone and practicum/residency.
How long does it take to get an MHA at UNF?

UNF’s program has a full time and a part time sequence. The full time program can be completed in 2 years (including fall, spring, and summer terms). The part time sequence can be completed in 3 years.
When are the courses offered?

Most of the required courses in the program are offered at night. Night classes typically meet one night per week, usually from 6:00-8:45 p.m. Many of UNF’s MHA students work at least part time while pursuing the degree.
What are the admission requirements?

Current minimum requirements include a GPA of 3.0 on the undergraduate degree and any graduate degree coursework, and total GRE score of 1,000, with no section score lower than 400, or a total score of 450 on the GMAT with a minimum of 20 on the verbal portion and 22 on the quantitative portion. These requirements may change, so contact the program director for the most up-to-date information.

For more information or questions concerning admissions please visit the Graduate School website.
Will I have the opportunity to complete a Residency?

Yes, MHA students will be required to complete a practicum experience that can range from a one semester placement with a healthcare service provider to a one-year paid residency with a hospital or health system. The practicum is designed as a culminating experience which allows the student to apply the knowledge and skills gained in the MHA program under guidance of a UNF faculty member and an approved preceptor located within a healthcare organization.
Will I have the opportunity to study abroad?

There are significant opportunities to study abroad available to Health Administration students. For example, MHA students have participated in study abroad trips to England and China. In addition, MHA students will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of healthcare professional associations as well as attend the ACHE Congress on Healthcare Leadership.
Will I be able to pursue a Doctoral degree?

Yes. Depending on your career goals and level of academic achievement, you may want to pursue further Doctoral education. Since the MHA program at UNF is among a select group of programs accredited by the Council on the Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME), our graduates have a high success rate in acceptance to Doctoral programs.
For additional information on this major and its career opportunities, including MHA Accreditation, the following websites are recommended:
1. www.cahme.org/
2. www.aupha.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=1