DPT/MA Electives

DPT/MA students are required to complete eight health care elective credit hours, including:

• HC 6150 Healthcare Systems (2 credit hours)
• HC 6200 Cost Management and Control (2 credit hours)
• HC 6300 Health Policy (2 credit hours)
• HC 6400 Health Information Technology (2 credit hours)
  
   

Course Descriptions

HC 6150 Health Systems (2 credit hours)

This course surveys the major components and organizational interrelationships of the United States health care system. Students examine the various healthcare organizations (HCOs), personnel issues, delivery systems, policy, and payment mechanisms. This course introduces students to the public policy and business practice issues associated with access, cost and quality. 

HC 6200 Cost Management and Control (2 credit hours)

This course examines how medical care is provided and how it is purchased.  It looks at methods in which physicians, hospitals, and other providers are reimbursed for their services. This course is meant for the general healthcare manager as well as those seeking information that may be of value in other health management positions.  It will examine methods of reimbursement used by commercial payers, Medicare and Medicaid. Emphasis is also applied to evaluating if contracts are profitable for the health care organization. The class will introduce alternative methods of organization and payment including patient centered medical homes, accountable care organizations and the Affordable Care Act.  

HC 6300 Health Care Policy (2 credit hours)

This course examines political issues affecting contemporary health care services by analyzing policy goals, public policy formulation processes, and external environments.  Analysis blends the use of managerial epidemiology, biostatistics, political and economic analysis, with an understanding of public health initiatives.  Future health care leaders also gain an appreciation for how political structures determine interactions with local and national governments.

HC 6400 Health Information Technology (2 credit hours)

This course examines past developments and emerging trends within the general discipline of Management Information Systems (MIS), and within the specific discipline of Health Care Information Technology (HCIT). It explores the business management processes required for successful Information Systems planning, design and implementation within health care organizations of various sizes and types.  Field visits and case studies expose students to the practical challenges involved in systems selection, implementation and ongoing utilization, including ethical issues, human responses to change and best practices in project management.