Author: Gillian Sclafani

New Online Program: Graduate Certificate in Population Health Management

New Online Program: Graduate Certificate in Population Health Management

The University of Louisville in conjunction with the School of Public Health and Information Sciences is excited to announce the launch of our newest online certificate, the Graduate Certificate in Population Health Management (GCPHM). The online Graduate Certificate in Population Health Management is designed for healthcare professionals who want to gain the strategic knowledge and tools needed to effectively understand and respond to the challenges and opportunities within the healthcare industry across geographic and demographic populations. The online graduate program presents a comprehensive overview of the current landscape of different healthcare populations in which students will learn about the strategies needed to forecast and improve healthcare models, understand the intricacies of patient billing and manage population health within the healthcare industry. This 4-course (12 credit hour) program is ideal for working healthcare professionals who seek to transform or create sustainable models for value-driven accountable care and decision making without taking time away from their careers.  

Earning a Graduate Certificate in Population Health Management can be a valuable step toward advancing your career in the field of healthcare and public health. Population health management focuses on improving the health outcomes of a group of individuals, considering the health disparities, social determinants of health, and healthcare delivery systems. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov), the median annual wage for medical and health services managers was $101,340 in May of 2021. In addition, employment of medical and health service managers is projected to grow by 28% in the next ten years, which is much faster than the average growth for all occupations. A Graduate Certificate in Population Health Management can provide you with the expertise needed to advance into leadership roles within most healthcare organizations. Graduates are well-suited to apply their credentials toward advanced careers in the healthcare field such as; Clinical Managers, Chief Population Health Officers, Health Directors, Medical Managers, and much more.   

The certificate program is a 12-credit hour program, with each course delivered in an 8-week format, 100% online. The courses in this certificate program include: 

PHMS 505: Government and Management of HCOs : This course seeks to provide the student with an understanding of organizations and leadership from dominant ways of thinking about them to ways informed by a complexity perspective. Course participants will read about and discuss a broad range of perspectives about what constitutes an organization and leadership of it. Particular attention will be given to the organizational experiences of the student and the experience of the class in being together.  

PHMS 520: Foundations of Public Health in Health Management : This course is designed to introduce new students in the Master of Science in Health Administration (MSHA) to the field of Public Health in the United States. It provides a broad overview of the field of public health. With a population health focus, we look at   protecting and promoting the health needs of a community using the tools of public health like the community needs assessment, and including core areas of epidemiology, biostatistics, health promotion, environmental health, and health care administration as well as introducing students to the Foundational Public Health Knowledge Competencies as prescribed by the Council for Education in Public Health (CEPH).

PHMS 610: Health Policy and Analysis: This course will provide an introduction to managing the health of populations. Population health can be defined by geography and demographics. Examples of defined populations include: the population within the catchment area of a hospital, the members of a health maintenance organization, the persons served by an accountable care organization, and the population employed in a workplace. Improving the health of populations has always been a high priority for public health professionals but has been less of a priority for managers of health care organizations, with their focus on the acute-care needs of individual patients.  

 PHMS 625: Population Health Management : This course will provide an introduction to managing the health of populations. Population health can be defined by geography and demographics. Examples of defined populations include: the population within the catchment area of a hospital, the members of a health maintenance organization, the persons served by an accountable care organization, and the population employed in a workplace. Improving the health of populations has always been a high priority for public health professionals but has been less of a priority for managers of health care organizations, with their focus on the acute-care needs of individual patients. 

The healthcare industry is constantly evolving, and healthcare management professionals need to adapt to new challenges and technologies. Earning a graduate certificate demonstrates your commitment to staying current in the field and a smart investment in your future. This certificate will equip healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in a dynamic and critical industry while opening doors to a wide range of career opportunities. As healthcare continues to evolve, healthcare managers play an essential role in shaping the future of patient care and healthcare delivery. To learn more about this certificate at UofL, or our other online programs, click here.   

 

Navigating the Healthcare Maze by Earning a Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Management

Navigating the Healthcare Maze by Earning a Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Management

The University of Louisville in conjunction with the School of Public Health and Information Sciences is thrilled to announce the launch of our newest online certificate , the Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Management. This certificate is ideal for current and future healthcare professionals including nurses, clinical workers and allied health administrators who want to enhance their skills and advance to leadership and management positions. The online Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Management is a 14-credit hour, 5-course program with each course delivered in an 8-week course format, 100% online. 

Healthcare management is the practice of overseeing the business aspects of healthcare organizations, ensuring the institutions operate efficiently and effectively. These organizations can include hospitals, clinics, pharmaceutical companies, insurance providers, and more. Healthcare managers play a crucial role in making strategic decisions, improving patient care, and optimizing resources. In today’s complex and ever-evolving healthcare landscape, the need for skilled professionals who can effectively manage healthcare organizations has never been greater. Whether you’re a healthcare practitioner looking to transition into a managerial role or a business professional seeking a career in the healthcare industry, earning a graduate certificate in healthcare management can be a smart strategic move.  

One of the primary reasons to pursue a graduate certificate in healthcare management is career advancement. This certificate can open doors to leadership positions within healthcare organizations, allowing you to make a meaningful impact on patient care and the overall healthcare system. Once enrolled in this program you’ll learn applicable and transferable healthcare industry knowledge through courses in Health Policy and Analysis, Foundations of Public Health in Health Management, Population Health Management and more.  

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of medical and health service managers is projected to grow by 28% in the next ten years, which is much faster than the average growth for all occupations.  The median annual wage for medical and health service managers was $101,340 in May of 2021 (bls.gov). A Graduate Certificate in Health Management can provide you with the expertise needed to advance into leadership roles within most healthcare organizations. Graduates are well suited to apply their credentials toward positions like Care Coordinators, Clinical Managers, Health Administrators, Medical Managers, Policy Analysts, and so much more. Students can also apply the credits earned in the Graduate Certificate of Healthcare Management towards UofL’s online Master of Science in Health Administration degree – saving the student both time and money while using their credits to further their educational journey.  

The healthcare industry is constantly evolving, and healthcare management professionals need to adapt to new challenges and technologies. Earning a graduate certificate demonstrates your commitment to staying current in the field and a smart investment in your future. It equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in a dynamic and critical industry while opening doors to a wide range of career opportunities. As healthcare continues to evolve, healthcare managers play an essential role in shaping the future of patient care and healthcare delivery. To learn more about the certificate at UofL, or our other online programs, click here.   

Get Involved Virtually at UofL

Get Involved Virtually at UofL

Getting involved at the University of Louisville as an online student can be a rewarding experience that allows you to connect with your peers, faculty and the campus community. Whether you are taking classes completely online or via a hybrid structure (partly in-person and partly online), there are no shortages of ways to get involved; after all we are all part of one Cardinal family! 

While some of the clubs and organizations offer in-person meetings, many allow students to join in the fun virtually. Check out this list of the top 9 ways to get involved as a UofL Online student: 

  1. Clubs and Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) – UofL hosts over 400 organizations that cover a wide variety of student interests.  The lists of clubs vary greatly from the African American Female Initiative to the Biomedical Engineering Society to the Louisville Cinema Society. While some of the clubs meet regularly on campus, many offer students a virtual option for involvement.  For a complete list of student organizations and ways to join, click here.  
  2. Cultural Center – The vision of the Cultural Center is to offer an inclusive and accepting campus climate free of bias and hate where students, faculty, staff, and alumni work together to create positive change in the community.  The Cultural Center offers both in-person and virtual programs to help our students work together to create a positive change in the community. Some events offered by the Cultural Center include: 
    • September -Celebrating Latinidad 
    • October – Celebrating Pride
    • November – Celebrating Indigenous Heritage
    • January – Celebrating Martin Luther King Jr.
    • February – Celebrating Black History Month
    • March – Celebrating Women, Femmes and Non-Binary People
    • April – Celebrating AAPI History
  3. Disability Resource Center– In recognition of disability as an important part of the diversity of our community, the Disability Resource Center fosters an inclusive campus climate through education, service, collaboration, and outreach to the University of Louisville community.  The center provides support for students with documented disabilities by promoting equal access to all programs and services. Some of the online programs available to virtual and in-person students include the Disability Advocacy Online Training, Disability Awareness Panel as well as a list of a list of Disability Allies whom students can reach out to.  For a complete list of students and staff who participate in the Disability Ally Program, click here.  
  4. International Center – The mission of the International Center is to promote and enhance the University’s goals by creating a community that appreciates global interdependence. The overarching goal of the International Center is to increase the number of international students at all academic levels; expand the number of students participating in study abroad programs; facilitate graduate student and faculty international research and travel; and provide quality services in support of these and other international initiatives. If you are interested in studying abroad, even while being an online student, the International Center is a great place to start to learn about the various programs and offerings.  For a list of FAQs and information on how to start the study abroad process, click here.  
  5. LGBT Center  – The University of Louisville LGBT Center is committed to dismantling CIS-heteropatriarchy and other systems of oppression. The Center strives to affirm LGBTQ+ students, staff and faculty through an anti-racist lens, rooted in social justice and intersectionality. Some of the programs and groups for students interested in joining include the Aros and Aces group, the Cardinal Drag Haus, the Fellowship of Christian Queers and much more.  To learn more about the LGBT Center and their various offerings for involvement, click here.  
  6. Women’s Center – Established in 1991, the Women’s Center serves as a resource on women’s issues and works to promote an atmosphere of diversity for students, faculty, staff, and the community. The Women’s Center assists the University in achieving its goals by implementing programs that enhance, support, and empower women on campus and online.  The Center and its programs are open to all students without regard to gender.   
  7. Career Service Centers – The University of Louisville offers a broad array of career services through several offices on campus.  Whether you are a current student, alumni, or staff member, the Career Services Center offers resources to enhance career opportunities and programs designed to prepare everyone to make the transition from college to their careers.  The four Career Centers to help our students find employment post-graduation include: 

While the Career Service Center offices are housed on campus, they also offer virtual workshops, virtual interview prep videos, resume writing seminars, cover letter critique virtual sessions and much more. For a complete list of all online workshops and offerings, click here.  

8. Office of Student Involvement – The Office of Student Involvement at the University of Louisville provides activities and services for the campus community. Through various boards, committees, cultural, social, and recreational programs, aiming to make the out-of-class experience a part of the total educational process while advancing the institutional mission. While some of the programs offered by the Office of Student Involvement happen on campus, there is a wide variety of options for the virtual student. These include: 

  • Virtual volunteering – volunteering virtually is a great way to give back to the campus community, even if you are not living on campus.  A great resource for students  Virtual classes – the Office of Student Involvement offers several virtual classes for students to watch from anywhere in the world.  These classes include Lunch Doodles with Mo Willems, Planet Fitness Classes, Mindful Meditation classes, and even virtual cooking classes. For more information on the virtual class offerings, click here.  
  • Virtual travel opportunities – do you have the travel bug, but lack the means to take the plunge? The Office of Student Involvement offers several virtual travel opportunities including a trip to Ellis Island, Colonial Williamsburg and even the Great Wall of China. For more information on the virtual travel offerings, click here.

9. Can’t seem to find what you are looking for in the list above? Create something yourself! UofL provides all students, staff, and faculty free access to video conferencing with Microsoft Teams. This tool is used as a great way to “meet” up with friends and classmates virtually. For tips and more information on using teams for the first time, click here.  

No matter where you are on the journey to complete your degree, the University of Louisville wants to make sure you never feel alone. Our resources are available to all students in the hopes that you get involved – whether you are on-campus or remote. We can’t wait to see what you get involved with!  

New Online Program Launch: The Power of a Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Systems Engineering

New Online Program Launch: The Power of a Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Systems Engineering

We are thrilled to announce the launch of our newest online program, the 100% online and asynchronous Graduate Certificate Healthcare Systems Engineering.  This degree is ideal for current and future healthcare professionals who are looking to enhance their skillset, improve healthcare processes and procedures, and advance professional leadership roles by gaining technical skills in analytics, predictive modeling, patient safety, and health IT. The online Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Systems Engineering is a 9-credit hour program, with each course delivered in an 8-week course format, 100% online. 

In the rapidly evolving field of healthcare, effective management and optimization of healthcare systems have become crucial. As the demand for high-quality and cost-effective care continues to rise, healthcare organizations are increasingly turning to professionals with expertise in healthcare systems engineering. Our program offers the opportunity for individuals seeking to make a significant impact in the healthcare industry by applying engineering principles and strategies to improve healthcare delivery, patient safety, and operational efficiency. 

Healthcare Systems Engineering is an interdisciplinary field that combines principles from engineering, operations research, management science, and healthcare management. It focuses on developing and implementing innovative solutions to enhance the performance of healthcare systems, including hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and healthcare supply chains. By employing engineering methodologies, data analysis techniques, and process improvement strategies, healthcare systems engineers aim to optimize workflows, reduce waste, and enhance patient outcomes. 

Benefits of a Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Systems Engineering from the University of Louisville include: 

  1. Specialized Knowledge: A graduate certificate program in Healthcare Systems Engineering provides specialized knowledge and skills tailored specifically for the healthcare industry. Participants gain a deep understanding of the complex healthcare system, including the integration of technology, data analysis, and process improvement techniques. 
  1. Operational Efficiency: Healthcare systems engineers are trained to identify inefficiencies in healthcare processes and develop innovative solutions to streamline workflows. By optimizing processes such as patient flow, appointment scheduling, inventory management, and resource allocation, healthcare organizations can enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and improve patient satisfaction. 
  1. Quality Improvement: Quality improvement is a fundamental aspect of healthcare systems engineering. Students learn how to analyze data, identify quality metrics, and implement evidence-based practices to enhance patient safety and outcomes. By applying engineering principles to healthcare systems, graduates can drive continuous improvement initiatives and promote a culture of excellence within healthcare organizations. 
  1. Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Healthcare systems engineering requires collaboration among diverse stakeholders, including clinicians, administrators, engineers, and IT professionals. A graduate certificate program fosters interdisciplinary collaboration by providing opportunities to work on team projects and engage in discussions with professionals from various backgrounds. This collaborative environment enables students to develop effective communication and leadership skills necessary for driving change in complex healthcare settings. 
  1. Career Advancement Opportunities: The demand for healthcare systems engineers is rapidly growing as healthcare organizations recognize the need for innovative approaches to optimize their operations. Graduates of a healthcare systems engineering program are equipped with in-demand skills and are well-positioned for career advancement. They can pursue roles such as healthcare consultants, process improvement specialists, healthcare project managers, or operational leaders within healthcare organizations. 

In an era of increasing complexity in healthcare, the role of healthcare systems engineers has become indispensable. A graduate certificate in Healthcare Systems Engineering equips individuals with the specialized knowledge and skills necessary to drive transformative change in healthcare organizations. By combining engineering principles with healthcare management, graduates can enhance operational efficiency, improve patient outcomes, and contribute to the overall advancement of the healthcare industry. Embracing the principles of healthcare systems engineering is a powerful step towards creating a more efficient, safe, and patient-centered healthcare system.  

If you have questions about online Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Systems Engineering at UofL, need more information on the course structure or guidance on how to get started, feel free to contact our dedicated online enrollment counselors at 800.871.8635 or online@louisville.edu.