Quality Improvement and Outcomes Management in Health Care Systems, Graduate Certificate

Is It For You?

We have taken a number of steps to help you decide if we are right for you.  Below, you will see links to who is the program targeted to, what are the program requirements, and how much work may be expected from you.   Please review these sections so that you can decide for yourself if this educational program meets your needs.

Keep in mind that students who do well in online courses tend to be people who are capable of independent and sustained efforts.  While the program encourages and requires you to do group projects,much of the work is done individually.  If you are a type of person that needs the encouragement and motivation that comes from seeing others in classroom settings, this online program may not be suitable for you.

Starting a new educational program is easy.  The question is whether your work and personal life allows you the time to keep up.  We have designed this program cognizant of your needs to have practical instructions in the most convenient manner.   Nevertheless,like any educational programs it will take a portion of your time in the coming months.  To get a sense of the courses and the work requirement, you can browse the content of the courses.  Also, to understand what is involved please review the section titled "How does it work?"

• Target Audience
• Requirements
• Work Expectations

Target Audience

This program is designed to meet the needs of working professionals. Class times and work load distributions take into account that the student works and has family responsibilities. We want you to learn in a supportive environment.

The certificate program is oriented towards individuals who want to achieve quality improvement targets and implement scientifically based outcomes management in the health industry. This includes organizational leaders, managers, physicians,nurses, pharmacists, and other health professionals. Quality improvement staff are also encouraged to attend these courses, though they may find some of the courses as too introductory.

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Requirements

Much of what certificate participants learn is from each other. Therefore, it is important that all participants share some common knowledge. To this effect, these requirements must
be met by all participants.

• Computer skills. Students must be able to download files, use email, participate in relay chats, search the  Internet, use Microsoft PowerPoint presentation, use Microsoft Excel worksheets, use a word processor, and be able to type at least 20 words a minute. For students who lack these skills,there are short work shops that you can take to bring yourself up to date.
• Software. Students must have a Java enabled browser. They should have PowerPoint and Excel software. They should also have access to an Internet Service Provider that will enable them to use the web. If you do not have any of the software, we provide these software at educational rates to our students. See the store in the course home page for ordering.
• Background in health care. Students must be familiar with the US health care system. This requirement is met if you have worked in the health care system in the past 2 years or if you have taken a course on the US health care systems. George Mason University's course HAP 678 "The United States Health Care System" meets this requirement and is online. Similar courses are also available at many other universities.
• Baccalaureate degree. Students must have at least a baccalaureate degree. A medical degree, an undergraduate business degree, a nursing baccalaureate are examples of degrees that meet this requirement.
• Time. Students are expected to spend 4-8 hours a week in addition to classroom time on projects and assignments. While students do not need to travel to get to the classes, substantial time commitment is involved and students should consult and obtain the support of their spouse or significant others before committing to this program.
• English language. International students are expected to provide proof of competency in writing and understanding the English language.

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Work Expectations

We know that you are busy. We know that you are working hard and that you need to spend more time with your family. To accommodate your needs, you can take the material in this certificate as Graduate-level credits. Read the material,participate in discussion groups, and complete individual and group projects.

Think through what is your objective and see what types of credits best meet your needs. Graduate-level credits are best for individuals who wish to have the formal Certificate or who are continuing and may at some time in the future obtain a degree program. If your objective is to learn the material in more depth, taking the graduate-level route will give you more learning opportunities.

Most students report 4-8 hours of work per week for each 3 credit graduate-level course. This is in addition to any online discussion groups (usually 2 hours per week). Because the work is online,it is more convenient and you can conduct most of the work without disrupting your other commitments. But don't be fooled by the conveniences. It still will take a substantial part of your time.

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