HSA Frequently Asked Questions

APPLICATION PROCESS:

What are the admission requirements?
Complete admission requirements and recommendations can be found on the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences Health Systems Administration page.

Is any full-time work experience required before applying to the program?
There are no work experience requirements for admission to the program. We have students who have been working in the field for 15 years as well as students who have recently graduated from undergraduate programs.

Is a specific undergraduate degree required?
No, we have students with clinical backgrounds as well as students from non-clinical backgrounds.

Are there any pre-requisites for the program?
Introductory courses in statistics and accounting (both taken within five years and successfully completed) are prerequisites for the Health Systems Research course and Financial Management of Health Systems course, respectively. The prerequisites must be completed prior to entering these courses but not necessarily prior to applying or matriculating in the program.

What are the application deadlines?
Application dates and deadlines can be found on the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences Health Systems Administration page.

THE PROGRAM:

What are the characteristics of a typical student in the program?
Our students come from a wide variety of backgrounds and experience. Some are recent college graduates. Others have worked in the health field as clinicians (physicians, nurses, and therapists) or have advanced degrees in related fields (e.g. public health). The diversity is a microcosm of the health care field, and provides an opportunity for the students to learn from each other.

The most important characteristics are: a willingness to work hard and to develop strong management skills; an intense interest in understanding the health care system; and a commitment to making it work better.

How long will it take me to complete the program?
A full-time student can complete the program in approximately 1 1⁄2 years (four semesters), plus a summer session between the 2nd and 3rd semesters. Part-time students, depending on each semester's class load, generally complete the program in 2 to 3 years. These estimates include the internship (practicum) which is taken at the end of the program.

How long is the practicum and when do I complete it?
The practicum is the experiential portion of the curriculum. Students complete the practicum in the last two semesters of study (Fall and Spring semesters of the second year) and are expected to attend the practicum site at least 16 hours (2 business days) a week. During this time, students also attend a seminar and complete a project.

Why an MS?
Masters degrees in health services administration have a variety of designations, all of which have equal status in the field. Within universities the various colleges and schools are authorized to grant specific degrees. Regardless of the formal degree, most graduates identify themselves as having a "masters in health administration".

What are typical careers for which the MHSA is appropriate?
Graduates take on the full range of managerial roles in the full range of organizations that finance, regulate, supply and provide health services. These include health insurance plans, organizations involved in health service investment, governmental agencies and consulting and supply companies. The largest employer of program graduates is hospitals or health systems. Growth in opportunities is expected in medical group practices, long-term care institutions, home health services, freestanding diagnostic centers and wellness programs. Also, a significant number of graduates are working in consulting organizations and professional and trade associations at both the local and national levels.

This is a very dynamic field. New kinds of organizations and opportunities are continually emerging for which your master's degree is an excellent foundation.

Is the program accredited? Yes, the Master of Health Systems Administration program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME).

TUITION & FINANCIAL AID:

What is the tuition?
For information on tuition, please visit http://finaid.georgetown.edu.

Is financial aid available? If so, how do I apply?
Complete information on need-based financial aid, part-time employment, and supplemental loan programs is available from the Georgetown University Office of Student Financial Services: http://finaid.georgetown.edu. The Office of Student Financial Services can help you apply for need-based financial aid, download applications, search for scholarships, and obtain detailed information about the many options available for meeting graduate school costs. The Office of Student Financial Services can also be reached by phone at (202) 687-4547.

Are there teaching (TA) and research assistant (RA) positions available?
Yes, several graduate research assistant (GRA) positions are available each year. GRAs support faculty in a variety of teaching/continuing education initiatives and research projects. Full time applicants must apply by March 15 in order to be eligible for a GRA position. For more information, please contact the Program Director, Dr. Bernard Horak, at (202) 687-4209 or at bjh28@georgtown.edu.

Are there other paid positions available to students in the program?
Yes, from time-to-time, the Department receives information from local employers regarding part-time opportunities. Most recently these have included positions at Washington Hospital Center, Children’s National Medical Center, and American Cardiology Association.

Where can I find information on scholarships?
The Association of University Programs in Health Administration (AUPHA) maintains an extensive listing of scholarship opportunities for health administration students.