> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://ismms-gs.gitbook.io/graduate-student-handbook/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://ismms-gs.gitbook.io/graduate-student-handbook/chapter-9/master-in-health-administration-mha/program-competencies.md).

# Program Competencies

To help you develop effective management skills in health care delivery, our program cultivates your competencies in three core areas:

### Technical and Substantive Knowledge

You will master the operational, financial, and strategic foundations of health care management:

•       Analyze economic data and financial information for strategic decision-making, understand market dynamics, and identify organizational efficiencies and cost savings

•       Apply operations management tools and practices to optimize performance, including Lean and other continuous improvement methodologies

•       Leverage information systems and technologies to improve patient-centered health care delivery

•       Understand the tenets of human resource management, including recruitment, development, and organizational culture

•       Understand the current federal health reform and regulatory framework, including the Affordable Care Act and successor legislation, and the complexities of medical reimbursement and payment systems

•       Develop foundational knowledge of population health management, social determinants of health, and their integration into care-delivery strategy

### Conceptual Reasoning

You will develop strategic and analytical thinking to address complex management challenges:

• Understand and develop theories and models of health care policymaking and their institutional implications

• Develop strategic thinking, planning, and implementation skills

• Build innovation capability, including the psychology, processes, and mechanisms for driving organizational change

• Enhance knowledge of effective communication strategies and stakeholder engagement

• Develop expertise in health care policy perspectives and current delivery-system issues

• Strengthen problem-solving skills while balancing financial, legal, regulatory, and medical considerations

### Skills Development

You will build leadership, interpersonal, and professional competencies essential for health care administration:

• Build and lead teams and manage decision-making processes

• Expand and refine leadership skills for managing projects, initiatives, and teams

• Handle and resolve conflicts at every organizational level

• Recognize, analyze, and address ethical issues in health care delivery

• Build professional networks through formal mentorship and career development programming