Competency-Driven Curriculum
MHA Program Competencies
Domain I: Communications & Interpersonal Effectiveness
Prepares Effective Written Business Cases and Reports: Uses accurate and complete presentation of facts; Uses logical presentation of arguments pro and con; Develops well-reasoned recommendations; Effectively balances writing with graphical communications (e.g., charts, scorecards); Prepares concise executive summaries
Presents Persuasively: Uses clear and understandable voice that is free of extraneous phrases (i.e., “uh” and “you know”); Uses effective audiovisual media (presentation software, exhibits, etc.); Stays on topic; Engages in non-defensive Q&A; Stays within time allotment; Changes approach as needed based on audience response
The ability to accurately hear and understand the unspoken or partly expressed thoughts, feelings, and concerns of others, especially those who may represent diverse backgrounds and very different worldviews. Levels of proficiency relate to the increasing complexity and depth of understanding, as well as openness to perspectives very different from one’s own.
Obtains Resources/Takes Care of the Team: The ability to lead groups of people toward shared visions and goals, from forming a team that possesses balanced capabilities, to setting its mission, values, and norms, and holding team members accountable individually and as a group for results. Obtains resources and information to meet team goals; Holds team members accountable for their contributions to team success, including bringing team resources to their assistance
Domain II: Critical Thinking, Analysis & Problem Solving
Develops Complex Plans or Analyses: Identifies multiple elements of a problem and breaks down each of those elements in detail, showing casual relationships between them; Peels back multiple layers of a problem; Uses several analytical techniques to identify potential solutions and weigh the value of each
Financial and Needs Analysis: Analyzes decisions using financial management concepts and trend analysis of population, disease, and utilization data
Conducts Research to Maintain Knowledge: Makes a systematic effort over a limited period of time to obtain needed data or feedback; Conducts in-depth investigation from unusual sources; Commissions others to conduct formal research (e.g., market, financial, competitive) through newspapers, magazines, computer search systems, or other resources regarding practices in health and other industries for the purpose of keeping current; Seeks expert perspective and knowledge
Evaluates Organization Structure and Design: Assesses the advantages and disadvantages of current and alternative organizing structures (e.g., functional, departmental, matrix, service line, etc.); Understands basic differences in provider structures (e.g., retail clinics, practice sites, teaching hospitals, community hospitals, sub-acute providers); Uses understanding of organization structure to design performance improvement strategies
Uses Evidence-based Approaches to Support Community Wellness: Measures organization success by tracking community wellness and performance against national criteria and priorities; Anticipates community needs; Ensures timeliness, effectiveness, and efficiency of services; Advocates for treatment and other care decisions that are evidenced based and patient/customer centered
Domain III: Management & Leadership
Manages with an Understanding of Basic Employment Processes and Law: Demonstrates basic knowledge of employment management principles, policies, and law in relation to hiring, promotion, or dismissal; Learns and applies organization-specific human resources policies and procedures; Demonstrates an understanding of union/labor principles and practices (e.g., contracting, negotiations, grievance process, mediation)
Information Technology Management: Recognizes the Potential of Information Systems in Process and Patient Service Improvement: Maintains familiarity with current technology for applications such as patient tracking (e.g., registration, billing and records management, relationship management), financial automation and reporting, and reimbursement management; Is open to automation of manual processes
Aligns Organization to Address Long-term Environment: Understands the forces that are shaping health over the next 5 to 10 years (market, social, cultural, economic, and political); Aligns strategy, structure, and/or people with the long-term environment; Develops a long-term organizational strategy (including competitive, financial, structural, and people elements) to position the organization for success over the next 10 years
Domain IV: Professionalism, Ethics & Transparency
The demonstration of ethics, sound professional practices, social accountability, and community stewardship. Acting in ways that are consistent with one’s values and what one says is important.
Pursues Long-term Personal Development: Takes personal responsibility for analyzing future developmental needs, factoring in accurate self-assessment, feedback from others, personal career goals, and direction; Proactively pursues multi-year personal development, willingness to pursue fundamental style and behavior changes as well as mastering new areas of expertise
Career Development - Focused Curriculum
Contact the MHA Program
Daniel Fisher, PhD, MHA | Interim Program Coordinator & Assistant Professor
For questions regarding admissions, advising, transfers and program of study, please contact the CHHS Student Success Center at (910) 962-3208 or chhs@uncw.edu.