MHSA Learning Domains and Competencies

The MHSA program aims to develop graduates that demonstrate knowledge and skills across four domains of learning. The four domains of learning flow directly from the program mission and are made measurable via program-level learning competencies that are mapped across the curriculum.

Domain 1 – Communication and Interpersonal Effectiveness Skills

The MHSA program aims to develop healthcare leaders that employ skills of effective communication and collaboration skills as a healthcare scholar and practitioner.

  • Competency 1.1: Graduates will demonstrate the ability to articulate effective skills of verbal communication and presentation tailored to the requirements of individual stakeholders.
  • Competency 1.2: Graduates will demonstrate the ability to engage in positive relationships with individuals and teams and participate effectively as a both a team leader and member.
  • Competency 1.3: Graduates will demonstrate the ability to communicate and sustain an inclusive organizational culture that inspires collaboration and innovation.

Domain 2 – Critical Thinking Analysis, and Problem-Solving Skills

The MHSA program aims to develop healthcare leaders that utilize reasoning, research, and analysis for data-driven strategic planning and decision-making.

  • Competency 2.1:  Graduates will demonstrate the ability to analyze real or potential problems for the purpose of developing and evaluating innovative solutions in healthcare settings.
  • Competency 2.2: Graduates will demonstrate the ability to use qualitative methods, predictive analytics, and market data to determine patterns and trends that impact decision-making.
  • Competency 2.3:  Graduates will demonstrate the ability to formulate market-driven business plans that accomplish objectives relating to the accomplishment of the organization’s mission, vision, and values.
  • Competency 2.4: Graduates will demonstrate the ability to mitigate issues of risk in healthcare organizations through ongoing evaluation of quality, compliance, and efficiency.

Domain 3 – Leadership and Professional Knowledge Skills

The MHSA program aims to develop healthcare leaders that understand and apply evidence-based and sound principles of leadership and management to ensure the delivery of high-quality, value-based healthcare.

 

  • Competency 3.1: Graduates will be able to use critical thinking skills to formulate processes and procedures that incorporate sound principles of organizational behavior and management.
  • Competency 3.2: Graduates will be able to manage change leadership through creating a shared vision and then responding to periods of external uncertainty and evolution to bring about needed adaptive strategies which will ensure organizational growth and survival.
  • Competency 3.3: Graduates will demonstrate the ability to utilize financial and budgeting techniques for effective stewardship of healthcare resources.
  • Competency 3.4: Graduates will be able to understand and respond to healthcare policies relating to regulatory compliance and the need for continuous quality improvement of patient safety and the quality of care.

Domain 4 – Foundational Skills to Lead in the Healthcare Sector

The MHSA program aims to develop healthcare leaders that embrace and enforce expected tenants of professionalism, ethics, risk mitigation, and humanism within the healthcare industry.

  • Competency 4.1:  Graduates will gain an understanding of population health initiatives to address the effects of social determinants, the environment, and individual behaviors on community health status levels.
  • Competency 4.2:  Graduates will gain an understanding of the structure, history and current emerging issues in the U.S. healthcare system, including the organization, delivery, and regulation of healthcare organizations at the Federal, state and local levels.
  • Competency 4.3: Graduates will gain an understanding of national and local health policy development and implementation, especially as it relates to healthcare operational and compliance issues.
  • Competency 4.4:  Graduates will learn the importance of the need for continuous collaboration between multiple healthcare private, not-for-profit, and governmental entities in order to accomplish local healthcare improvement activities.
  • Competency 4.5: Graduates will demonstrate the ability to align personal and organizational conduct with ethical, legal, and professional standards.