DPT/MBA Electives

DPT/MBA students need to complete six to eight credit hours of health care electives from the following:

• HC 6150 Healthcare Systems (2 credit hours; REQUIRED)
• HC 6200 Cost Management and Control (2 credit hours)
• HC 6300 Health Policy (2 credit hours)
• HC 6350 Quality Improvement in Healthcare (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 6350 Quality Improvement in Health Care (2 credit hours)

This course examines and familiarizes the student with the concept of quality and the process of quality improvement across the health care continuum.  Focuses on the history and evolution of quality, its terms, principles, theories, and practices, particularly as it relates to population health management and patient centered medical homes.  The student is introduced to a diverse collection of methods of improving quality, including but not limited to continuous Quality Improvement and Total Quality Management, and to the guidelines for implementing quality programs and processes to improve health care access, quality and value. Students will be asked to review the changes implemented by health care systems from across America to make quality health care more safe, timely, effective, equitable, efficient and patient-centered.

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.