Master of Public Health
Concentration of Study in Health Planning/Administration
Health Planning/Administration (HPA) has been available as a distinct MPH concentration of study at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville since fall 1972. Building on the foundation courses of public health, the HPA concentration offers professional preparation courses and other learning opportunities for those interested in managerial and planning positions with public health and health services organizations. A concise or universally-accepted definition of health administration is somewhat elusive due to marked variations in the types of administrative functions and levels of responsibility that may be involved. The generic roles of a health administrator may be defined as managing an array of resources and providing leadership within a guiding framework of established organizational goals to achieve positive outcomes related to health.
HEALTH PLANNING AND ADMINISTRATION Concentration Courses:
MPH Core Courses (MPH Core Courses must be completed by all concentrations)
521 Organization Theory and Health Care Delivery (3) Analysis of administrative and organization theory related to health facilities focusing upon operation and management of community hospital. Case discussion and problem-solving exercises demonstrate managerial functions and skills. Fall
525 Financial Management of Health Programs (3) Financial management concepts and practices applied to health services programs. Fundamentals of budgeting, costing, financing, rate setting, financial reporting and control. Cases and problems offer opportunities to apply techniques. Prereq: 520 or consent of instructor. Spring
560 Theories and Techniques in Health Planning (4) An overview of health planning concepts and methodologies emphasizing systems-oriented planning process. The major elements of planning are addressed including formulation and conceptualization of problem, plan design, evaluation and implementation. Students will analyze health problems of institutions as well as communities and selected population groups, arrive at appropriate diagnoses and develop a program for addressing these needs. Spring
Related Electives (9)
Professional Skills Development:
- Internship (3, 3) Internship ( health planning/administration) in either approved organizational or research setting under supervision of designated preceptor. Prereq: MPH major, one semester advance notice and consent of major advisor. 589 credit available only for approved extended placements. S/NC only. Fall, Spring, Summer
Non-degree students must obtain permission from the director fo the MPH Program to register fo public health courses. |
NOTE: Actual schedule may change. The listed courses reflect the usual semester offered.
Managing resources in the complex and political arena of health care is dynamic and exciting, with new challenges frequently arising. The aspiring health administrator must develop wide-ranging skills in team leadership, financial management, human resources management, communications, program planning and administration, and the facilitation of change. In addition, health policy formulation and policy impacts must be understood by managers and policy planners seeking to address such important issues as: access to care, quality improvement and assurance, cost containment, specialized needs of population groups, and partnerships with others to improve the health of the public.
In close alignment with public health philosophy and practice, a major focus of the HPA concentration is to improve capability for population-based program management, especially in community-oriented health settings. These settings include: federal, state and local public health or other government agencies, voluntary health agencies and social services organizations. Administrative roles in other health settings also may be of interest, especially for HPA students with clinical credentials or prior experience in the health care field. These include: ambulatory care clinics, home health services, medical practice groups, managed care organizations, consulting firms and other evolving service delivery systems or the traditional institutional settings such as long term care and hospital facilities. Accordingly, significant roles for HPA faculty at UT are to counsel individual students regarding possible career paths and to design course experiences and field internships which increase opportunities for employment in various health settings.
Placement of HPA students in administrative internships with an affiliated health organization for an equivalent of nine weeks is an essential component of the MPH degree program. The site of the internship is selected by each individual HPA student in consultation with a major professor. The intern typically functions as a staff assistant with a practicing health administrator serving as mentor. Although rotating through several units of an organization provides opportunity for gaining orientation and general experience, the intern is assigned a specific project or two for in-depth problem-solving. The field experience is guided by a set of learning objectives mutually developed by student and supervising preceptor during the first week of the internship.
By the time of graduation, the health planning and administration student is expected to have developed the following competencies:
- Guide use of Mobilizing for Action through Planning and Partnerships (MAPP) planning tool for improving community health.
- Apply appropriate strategic planning methodologies for competitive positioning of health organizations.
- Develop mechanisms to monitor and evaluate programs for their effectiveness and quality.
- Advocate for resources for public health programs.
- Link the budgeting process to planning and management control.
- Interpret the statement of operations and the balance sheet.
- Evaluate proposed capital projects.
- Apply theories of organizational structuring to modern management practice.
- Utilize leadership, team building, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills to build consensus and partnerships.
- Identify
principles for managing human resources in health care organizations.
Consider a career in health administration if you view yourself as organized, skilled in setting objectives and coordinating activities to achieve those objectives, comfortable with the dynamics of a changing field, and capable of facilitating the work performance of others. The MPH degree with a concentration of study in Health Planning/Administration offers an educational route to acquiring values, knowledge and skills associated with the practice of health administration. Various undergraduate degrees offer appropriate educational preparation for graduate study in HPA, because health administrators use theories and techniques from many different disciplines. Introductory undergraduate courses in accounting, statistics and public health are standard prerequisites for degree admission at UT. Competitiveness for admission may be increased for those with prior work experience in the health field.
Strengths of the MPH graduate are the breadth of perspective and the ability to function professionally in the health field on a multidisciplinary basis. Effective and efficient health care program delivery requires competent health administrators. Graduates of the HPA concentration are experiencing success and professional satisfaction in a multitude of health organizations and facilities.
Contact the Department of Nutrition
1215 W. Cumberland Ave.
229 Jessie Harris Building
Knoxville, TN 37996-1920
Brenda Hart
bhart57@utk.edu
Phone: (865) 974-5445
Fax: (865) 974-3491