Health Administration

Healthcare, one of the largest industries in this country, continues to grow. The need for healthcare professionals with advanced knowledge of healthcare operations and quality performance systems is increasing. Jobs for health services managers and leaders are projected to grow 17% by 2024. The MHA was developed to meet the needs of these job demands and the educational and professional goals of the individuals who fill these jobs. The program focuses on education of the best practices needed to provide “world class” healthcare services that are affordable and accessible.

Mission

The mission of the Master of Health Administration program at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University is to improve the health of individuals and communities by forming inspired early and mid-careerists into compassionate, competent and spiritual servant managers and leaders for health service organizations.

Purpose

The purpose of the Health Administration program is to prepare students for rewarding careers as healthcare managers and leaders in a variety of settings. The MHA program is interdisciplinary in nature, catering to healthcare professionals and executives across all areas of the health system. The program is designed to ensure the knowledge and skills gained have practical application and students are prepared to meet the challenges of the evolving healthcare industry.

Enrollment

Applicants to the MHA program must complete an application for Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University and fulfill all requirements of the program as listed below. Applications are due on or before August 1 for August class and on or before November 15 for the January class. Admission is via a competitive selection process.

Length of Program

The degree consists of 31 total credits which can be completed in as little as 18 months. The MHA is 100% on line allowing flexibility for full and part time enrollment.

Tuition

See the Tuition & Fee Schedule.

For payment questions, please contact the Bursar’s Office.

Note that the deadline to pay for all tuition and fees is the Friday before the start of classes.

Financial Assistance

Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University has financial aid counselors available to assist students with the financial aid process. All students are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form available at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

Current military personnel and their families are encouraged to apply and utilize their educational benefits. For Financial Aid questions, please contact the Office of Financial Aid.

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission to the MHA program an applicant must satisfy ONE of the following University admission requirement options:

Admission Requirement Options:

• Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university
• Overall grade- point average of 3.0 or higher (on a 4.0 scale)
• Successful completion (with a grade of B or better) of a course equivalent to MATH 2315 General Statistics.

OR

• A graduate degree from a regionally accredited college or university
• Successful completion (with a grade of B or better) of a course equivalent to MATH 2315 General Statistics or other graduate statistics course

OR

Applicants who do not meet the regular admission requirements, but show the potential for success in the MHA program, may be admitted on a conditional basis by submitting:

• Baccalaureate or graduate degree from a regionally accredited college or university
• An essay, 1-2 pages in length including educational and professional goals, work experience and volunteer activities.
• 2 letters of recommendation from individuals who can attest to potential for success in MHA program

Students admitted on a conditional basis to the MHA program must earn a 3.00 grade point average in the first 6 semester hours of graduate work to continue in the program.

Student Learning Outcomes:

The MHA curriculum prepares students for career advancement by providing in-depth application of contemporary health policy and health management issues and situations. MHA students and graduates apply their newly acquired knowledge immediately. To this end, students enrolled in the MHA program will be expected to:

• Integrate Franciscan values and principles and ethics in decision making for healthcare administration.
• Demonstrate leadership skills and competencies in healthcare organizations.
• Analyze information relevant to the delivery of effective and efficient healthcare services.
• Evaluate evidence-based data in managerial decision-making.
• Examine legal and compliance issues and policies in the delivery of healthcare services.
• Synthesize innovative strategic solutions for healthcare organizations.

MHA PROGRAM APPLICATION, ACCEPTANCE AND ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Below is an outline of the MHA application and acceptance process. Some steps may be applicable to you; some may not. Applications will be reviewed when all required documentation is received in the Admissions Office. Partially completed applications will not be processed.

Review Website for all MHA and Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University information (background, application, curriculum and requirements):

• Complete the MHA Application.
• Pay the $50.00 non-refundable application fee payable to Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University.
• Provide official transcripts of all previous academic work attempted beyond high school. Transfer Credit posted on records of other institutions is unacceptable. Send transcripts to the Office of Admissions at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University, 5414 Brittany, Baton Rouge, LA 70808.
• Complete your Health and Safety documents found at: https://www.franu.edu/offices-services/office-of-health-and-safety/student-health. If you have any specific questions about Health and Safety, please contact: Denise Gillespie RN BSN, Director Campus Health & Safety Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University 7525 Picardy Ave | Baton Rouge, LA 70808 225-214-1945 Denise.Gillespie@franu.edu

The MHA Review Committee assesses all applications and notifies the Office of Admissions of the candidates’ acceptance status for the MHA program.

The decision of admission will be mailed out by the Office of Admissions.

The Program Director will welcome accepted students via email and provide a schedule for the on line orientation prior to the start of classes including instructions on selecting courses for the first semester.

MHA course descriptions are on the University’s website: https://www.franu.edu/academics/academic-programs/health-administration. If at any time you need additional assistance, please do not hesitate to contact the MHA Program Director.

Dr. Elaine Purdy, Assistant Professor and Program Director, MHA
Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University
5414 Brittany Drive Baton Rouge, La 70808
Office: 225.490.1616
Cell: 615.394.0001
MHA@franu.edu

Application Procedure:

Deadline for Application: May 1st for summer entry, August 1st for fall entry and December 1st for spring entry.

The GRE is not required but if taken, you may submit your score as part of your application. Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) Code Number for Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University: 6452.

Accreditation

Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, masters, and doctorate degrees. Contact the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University.

Note: Prospective students should visit the State Authorization page to verify that Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University is authorized to offer online courses and programs in your respective state. Prior to enrollment, students are also encouraged to visit their state educational agency or licensing board to ascertain whether or not they can utilize their degree program for additional compensation, initial licensing or renewal, as well as any other benefits.

Requirements for Graduation

The Masters in Health Administration is conferred upon students when the following conditions have been met:

• Completion of required courses
• Completion of all requirements stated in the degree plan, with a minimum grade of B;
• Recommendation for the degree by the program director
• Clearance of indebtedness to Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University including the return of all materials borrowed from the University Library, and
• Completion and fulfillment of all other requirements as noted in the University Catalog.