Healthcare Leadership & Administration Certificate

Deepen Your Healthcare Leadership Skills. Move Into Healthcare Administration.

Online | Complete Within 1 Year | Certificate for Academic Credit

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PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

Move into Healthcare Leadership & Administration

Our HLA Certificate is designed for healthcare professionals looking to gain the education to enhance their administrative and leadership career opportunities. Build the skills and knowledge you need to move into a leadership or administrative role in healthcare.
Within the certificate program you will learn skills and behavior management strategies that promote patient-centric culture and help navigate individuals through a wide range of dynamic healthcare organizations including inpatient, outpatient, ambulatory care, community-based, and integrated systems. You’ll apply concepts and theories to authentic real-world situations to best prepare individuals who want to become healthcare administrators and leaders who deliver high-quality healthcare.

Increase Training & Development as a Current Leader or Admin

Are you already in a leadership or admin position in healthcare? Our HLA Certificate will increase your current leadership skill set with relevant healthcare leadership and administrative skills taught through meaningful and purposeful class assignments. You will be able to immediately apply what you learn to your current leadership situation. The HLA Certificate is a great resource and option to support continuing training and development.
Some of the skillsets you will develop further include:
Building, adapting, and improving healthcare organizations to meet the changing needs of healthcare communities

  • Integrating leadership theory into day-to-day administrative practices
  • Mediating and managing communication at every level within an organization
  • Collecting and critically analyzing research and data
  • Integrating current literature and evidence-based practices into leading and supervising healthcare delivery to patients

Designed for Working Healthcare Professionals

Our HLA Certificate is designed especially for working healthcare professionals, administrators, and leaders. With a completely-online program designed to fit with busy schedules, and that has three start dates a year, the HLA Certificate can fit your schedule.
Our HLA Certificate is designed to benefit individuals who fall into the following areas:

  • Looking into a career as a healthcare administrator and may earn an MBA, MPA, or MHA degree in the future
  • Currently working as a healthcare practitioner and are interested in gaining more administrative skills
  • Presently working as a healthcare administrator and seeking additional confidence and leadership and administrative skills

Interprofessional Program Experience

Learn in an interprofessional program. Both students and instructors are from a variety of healthcare professions and are often former or current clinicians. Interact with healthcare professionals from a wide range of disciplines, deeping your learning and networking experience.

Transfer into our PhD or DMSc Programs

Are you interested in earning your doctorate? Credits from our HLA certificate transfer directly into our PhD in Health Sciences (PhD) or Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) programs. Our PhD is designed for a wide variety of healthcare professionals, while our DMSc is a clinical doctorate designed specifically for physician assistants. Make an easy transition from our certificate program straight into your doctorate degree.

HLA Certificate Curriculum

Deepen and develop healthcare leadership and administrative skills. Prepare to become a better leader and administrator.

Healthcare administrator leads a discussion

Delivering High-Quality Healthcare

Learn how to deliver healthcare in a way that lowers costs while improving patient outcomes and satisfaction. Understand how to impact and improve the care offered by clinicians and employees you supervise.
Delve into leadership theories, concepts, and challenges as they relate to healthcare.

Healthcare Systems

Learn how economics and healthcare systems interact. Deliver healthcare to the best of your clinic’s ability within that system.

Research & Data

Integrate critically-reviewed current literature and evidence-based practices into the daily administration of healthcare delivery.

Communication Systems

Mediate and manage communication at every organizational level to optimize the quality and efficiency of healthcare delivery.

Semester Starts

Winter 2024

Priority Application Deadline

11/6/2023

Final Application Deadline

12/11/2023

Semester Start

1/8/2024

Summer 2024

Priority Application Deadline

3/11/2024

Final Application Deadline

4/15/2024

Semester Start

5/6/2024

Fall 2024

Priority Application Deadline

7/8/2024

Final Application Deadline

8/12/2024

Semester Start

9/3/2024

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

  • A minimum of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution

Anyone who is currently a healthcare administrator, a healthcare manager, or even working in a field unrelated to healthcare can apply for the Healthcare Leadership and Administration Certificate.
For students who are interested in healthcare administration but are not sure if they are ready to start an entire degree program, the HLA Certificate gives students a comprehensive foundation for a healthcare administration degree.
If you do not have healthcare experience, the HLA Certificate will help you explore the possibility of healthcare administration and leadership as a potential career path. Earning your Healthcare Leadership and Administration Certificate or taking any of the individual courses within the certificate program will prepare you to lead with confidence.

Clinical Rotation Requirements including required vaccinations: Admitted students to Rocky Mountain University who will be completing a clinical rotation will receive vaccination forms regarding required vaccinations. Not all vaccinations or proof of immunity are required at the beginning of the program but will be prior to the first clinical rotation. The University allows for vaccination exemptions and more information about the University’s position on vaccination can be reviewed at https://rm.edu/vaccination-statement/

RMU requires the following items prior to starting any clinical rotations (these are subject to change depending upon public health concerns and specific clinic requirements):

  • MMR
  • Varicella
  • Hepatitis B
  • TB
  • Tdap
  • Annual Influenza
  • COVID 19
  • HIPAA certification
  • OSHA certification
  • CPR certification

Tuition

ProgramSemestersCost Per CreditMinimum CreditsTotal TuitionOther Program Specific FeesVarious Lab, Equipment & Association Fees throughout the programUniversity Resource Fee (per semester)Additional Information
Master of Science in Health Science (MSHS)Five or Six Semesters (20 - 24 months depending on curriculum choice)$59030$17,700

Optional Thesis (3 credits in semester 6) $1770

Thesis Commitee Fee $1050

Course Fee for WE 710 & WE 711 $75 for each course if selected for concentration

$36 per credit
Doctor of Optometry (OD)Eleven Semesters (45 months)$914185$169,090

$7,601 program total for various lab fees, equipment, supplies, books and certifications

$36 per credit
Master of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN-FNP)Five Semesters (20 months)$96750$48,350

*FNP Lab Fees: $900 Total

**Preceptor Fees: $1,500 Total

$36 per credit

*Note: FNP Lab Fees are $300 per clinical course (FNP 710, FNP 720 & FNP 730), and will cover all program materials for onsite skills labs and use of onsite lab facilities.

**Note: Preceptor Fees are $500 per clinical course (FNP 710, FNP 720 & FNP 730) and are used to compensate each hosting preceptor.

Master of Science in Nursing - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practicioner (MSN-PMHNP)Five Semesters (20 months)$96759$57,053*Preceptor Fees: $1,500 Total$36 per credit

*Note: Preceptor Fees are $500 per clinical course (PMH 708, PMH 718 & PMH 728) and are used to compensate each hosting preceptor.

Tuition will vary depending on transfer credit awarded.

Master of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practicioner (MSN-FNP/PMHNP)Six Semesters (24 months)$96777$74,459

*FNP Lab Fees: $900 Total

**Preceptor Fees: $3,000 Total

$36 per credit

*Note: FNP Lab Fees are $300 per clinical course (FNP 710, FNP 720 & FNP 730), and will cover all program materials for onsite skills labs and use of onsite lab facilities.

**Note: Preceptor Fees are $500 per clinical course (FNP 710, FNP 720, FNP 730, PMH 708, PMH 718 & PMH 728) and are used to compensate each hosting preceptor.

Master of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner and Emergency Nurse Practitioner (MSN-FNP/ENP)Six Semesters (24 months)$1,03465$67,210

*FNP Lab Fees: $900 Total

**Preceptor Fees: $3,000 Total

***ENP Course Fees: $3,000 Total

$36 per credit

*Note: FNP Lab Fees are $300 per clinical course (FNP 710, FNP 720 & FNP 730), and will cover all program materials for onsite skills labs and use of onsite lab facilities.

**Note: Preceptor Fees are $500 per clinical course (FNP 710, FNP 720, FNP 730, ENP 712, ENP 722 & ENP 732) and are used to compensate each hosting preceptor.

***Note: ENP Course Fees are $200 per ENP credit per semester, and cover ultrasound sim, EKG sim, and all disposable supplies.

Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS)Seven Semesters (28 months)$1,037114$118,218$36 per credit

*Up to 15 credits. No additional charge above 15 credits.

Please refer to the MPAS program’s Program Costs policy for full details on tuition, fees, and other expenses.

Master of Science in Medical Speech-Language Pathology (MS MedSLP)Six Semesters (24 months)$91069$62,790$36 per credit

Always refer to your curriculum schedule for the most up-to-date tuition payment schedule.

Students choose elective courses, with variable credit loads. At least 6 elective credits required.

Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MHC)/Master of Science in School Counseling (SC)Seven Semesters (28 months)$71260$42,720Counseling Student Resource Fee (per semester) $100$36 per credit

*Program requires student to complete 2 elective courses (6 credits total). Elective options are offered with variable timing and should be discussed with program advisor.

Dual‐degree program option exists: Masters of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Masters of Science in School Counseling. This dual-degree option requires student to complete an additional 12 credits (72 credits total). This extends the program to 9 semesters or 36 months.

*Dual‐degree program requires student to complete 1 elective course (3 credits total). Elective options are offered with variable timing and should be discussed with program advisor.

Master of Science in Athletic Training Practice (MSATP)Six Semesters (24 months)$59033$19,470$36 per credit

*5 additional credits consist of HLA 620 (3 credits), ATH 720L (1 credit), ATH 730L (1 credit), which have variable timing.

The Healthcare Leadership course – HLA 620 (3 credits) can be taken in any semester. The lab courses ‐ ATH 720L & ATH 730L (1 credit each) – need to be taken during an on-site summer immersion session. Students can choose which summer immersion session they attend, and only need to attend one session to complete their course of study.

Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc)Four or Five Semesters (16 - 20 months depending on curriculum choice)$77736$27,972Course Fee for HLA 620* $100$36 per credit

*Students that select the Healthcare Leadership and Administration concentration track will have a course fee of $100 for the HLA 620 course which will be used to purchase a validated emotional intelligence assessment report.

Students in the DMSc program (regardless of concentration track) choose between two curriculum models to complete the 36 credit hours: the Integrated Model and the Phased Model. Both curriculum models are designed so PA clinicians, educators, and administrators can continue professional work obligations while completing this degree. In the Integrated Model, students complete the practicum and applied scholarly project courses concurrently with the other didactic courses. Students may complete the Integrated Model in as little as four semesters. In the Phased Model, students complete the didactic courses before completing the practicum and applied scholarly project courses. Students may complete the Phased Model in as little as five semesters.

PAs with bachelor’s degrees who have not previously completed a master’s or doctoral degree may enroll in the DMSc program and will be required to successfully complete the following additional courses that are offered by Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions.

HS 504 Research Methods (3 credits)
HS 506 Data & Decision Making (3 credits)
HS 507 Evidence-Based Practice (3 credits)

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) (Post-Master’s)Four Semesters (16 months)$96744$42,548Scholarly Project Fee: $2000 (applied in semester 4 or when enrolled in DNP 775 Scholarly Project III) $36 per credit
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) (Post-Baccalaureate FNP)Eight Semesters (32 months)$96780$77,360

*Lab Fee: $900 Total

**Preceptor Fees: $1,500 Total

***Scholarly Project Fee: $2,000 (applied in semester 8 or when enrolled in CC 811A Scholarly Project III)

$36 per credit

*Note: Lab Fees are $300 per clinical course (FNP 710, FNP 720 & FNP 730), and will cover all program materials for onsite skills labs and use of onsite lab facilities.

**Note: Preceptor Fees are $500 per clinical course (FNP 710, FNP 720 & FNP 730) and are used to compensate each hosting preceptor.

***Scholarly Project Fee applied in semester 8 when completing project.

Family Nurse Practitioner (FNPC) Certificate (Post-Master's)Four Semesters (16 months)$96730$29,010

*FNP Lab Fees: $900 Total

**Preceptor Fees: $1,500 Total

$36 per credit

*Note: FNP Lab Fees are $300 per clinical course (FNP 710, FNP 720 & FNP 730), and will cover all program materials for onsite skills labs and use of onsite lab facilities.

**Note: Preceptor Fees are $500 per clinical course (FNP 710, FNP 720 & FNP 730) and are used to compensate each hosting preceptor.

Emergency Nurse Practitioner (ENPC) Certificate (Post-Master's)Three Semesters (12 months)$1,17315$17,595

**Preceptor Fees: $1,500 Total

***ENP Course Fees: $3,000 Total

$36 per credit

*Note: Preceptor Fees are $500 per clinical course (ENP 712, ENP 722 & ENP 732) and are used to compensate each hosting preceptor.

**Note: ENP Course Fees are $200 per ENP credit per semester, and cover ultrasound sim, EKG sim, and all disposable supplies.

Family Nurse Practitioner/Emergency Nurse Practitioner (FNPC/ENPC) Certificate (Post-Master's)Five Semesters (20 months)$1,03445$46,530

*FNP Lab Fees: $900 Total

**Preceptor Fees: $3,000 Total

***ENP Course Fees: $3,000 Total

$36 per credit

*Note: FNP Lab Fees are $300 per clinical course (FNP 710, FNP 720 & FNP 730), and will cover all program materials for onsite skills labs and use of onsite lab facilities.

**Note: Preceptor Fees are $500 per clinical course (FNP 710, FNP 720, FNP 730, ENP 712, ENP 722 & ENP 732) and are used to compensate each hosting preceptor.

***Note: ENP Course Fees are $200 per ENP credit per semester, and cover ultrasound sim, EKG sim, and all disposable supplies.

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate (Post-Graduate Certificate in Psychiatric/Mental Health)Four Semesters (16 months)$96739$37,713**Preceptor Fees: $1,500 Total$36 per credit

*Note: Preceptor Fees are $500 per clinical course (PMH 708, PMH 718 & PMH 728) and are used to compensate each hosting preceptor.

Tuition will vary depending on transfer credit awarded.

Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)Eight Semesters (32 months)$869129$112,101$1805 program total for various lab fees, equipment, supplies, books and certifications$36 per credit*Up to 15 credits. No additional charge above 15 credits.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Health SciencesNine Didactic Semesters and minimum of Three Dissertation Semesters (48 months)$95470$66,780

Dissertation Committee Fee $3000

Course Fee for WE 710 & WE 711 $75 for each course if selected for concentration

$36 per credit
Doctor of Occupational Therapy (entry-level)Nine Semesters (36 months)$875105$91,875$36 per credit
Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)Four Semesters (16 months)$94530$28,350

Capstone Fee (for two committee members) $1600

Practical Course Fee for WE 710 & WE 711 $75 for each course if selected for concentration

$36 per credit
Doctor of Speech-Language Pathology (SLPD)Seven Semesters (28 months)$98640$39,440Capstone Fee (for two committee members) $2360$36 per credit
Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy (tDPT)Three or Four Semesters (12 - 16 months depending on curriculum choice)$94824$22,752$36 per credit
Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate/Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate (FNPC/PMHNPC)Five Semesters (20 months)$96757$55,119

*FNP Lab Fees: $900 Total

**Preceptor Fees: $3,000 Total

$36 per credit

*Note: FNP Lab Fees are $300 per clinical course (FNP 710, FNP 720 & FNP 730), and will cover all program materials for onsite skills labs and use of onsite lab facilities.

**Note: Preceptor Fees are $500 per clinical course (FNP 710, FNP 720, FNP 730, PMH 708, PMH 718 & PMH 728) and are used to compensate each hosting preceptor.

Healthcare Leadership and Administration Certificate (HLA)$44012$5,280$36 per credit
Healthcare Professions Education Certificate (HPE)$44012$5,280$36 per credit
Emergency & Primary Care in Athletic Training Practice Certificate (EPCAT)$44010$4,400$36 per credit
Health & Wellness Coaching Certificate (HWC)$4406$2,640

Course Fee for WE 710 & WE 711 $75 for each course

$36 per credit
Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Certificates$5009$4,500$36 per credit
Psychiatry Certificate (for PA clinicians)$44015$6,600$36 per credit
Mental Health Couseling Certificate & School Counseling Certificate (MHCC)(SCC)$71215$10,680Counseling Student Resource Fee (per semester) $100$36 per credit
Functional Nutrition Certificate (FNC)$44012$5,280$36 per credit

Cost of Attendance

The cost of attendance (COA) is the cornerstone of establishing a student's financial need, as it sets a limit on the total aid that a student may receive. Learn more...

Faculty

Jennifer Austin

Jennifer Austin

PhD, LAT, ATC, GTS

Program Director, Healthcare Leadership & Administration

UNIVERSITY ACCREDITATION

Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (8060 165th Avenue NE Ste 100, Redmond, WA 98052-3981), an institutional accrediting body recognized by the Secretary of the US Department of Education.

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