Master of Science in Health

Sciences in Health Care

Quality
http://healthsciencesprograms.online.gwu.edu/masters-healthcare quality?
cmgfrm=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.co.id%2F

Created in partnership with the National Committee for Quality Assurance

(NCQA), the online Master of Science in Health Sciences (MSHS) in Health
Care Quality was developed for patient safety and quality leaders to
advance their career and meet the growing demand for patient-centered,
quality-based care. Offered through the George Washington Universitys
(GW) School of Medicine and Health Sciences, the online MSHS in Health
Care Quality teaches students the skills to lead developments in
healthcare quality while successfully navigating safety improvement
challenges in local and global markets.
The Masters in Health Care Quality incorporates an interdisciplinary,
practice-based

curriculum

to

prepare

individuals

with

healthcare

experience for leadership roles in quality-based healthcare. Graduates of

this program gain the knowledge and skills necessary to redefine quality
care, including:

Healthcare leadership and organizational change theories and

principles

Collaboration and safe practices within healthcare teams

Risk assessment in patient safety systems

Navigating

environmental

changes

affecting

the

healthcare

enterprise

Health policy development, implementation and measurement

Why Students Choose GWs MSHS in Health Care

Quality Program?

Extensive

Networking

Opportunities:

Through

online

connections with our expert faculty, students gain access to the vast
resources for healthcare and quality from the heart of Washington, D.C.

Practitioner

Faculty:

Learn

from

faculty

of

experienced

practitioners and administrators from across the healthcare field.

Curriculum Developed by Industry Practitioners: GWs online

MSHS in Health Care Quality, created in partnership with the National
Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), prepares professionals with
the evidence-based training necessary to meet global and national
patient safety and quality goals.

Rigorous Curriculum: Program courses focus on implementing

quality

and

patient

safety

improvement

initiatives;

facilitating

organizational change toward a quality-focused culture; translating

national quality expectations into daily operations; evaluating processes
and tools to measure, analyze, and interpret quality improvement data;
and

utilizing

information

technology

systems

to

support

quality

assurance.

Learning Environment of Excellence: This online graduate

program uses the latest educational methods and technology to cultivate
change in health administration, quality improvement, and patient safety
leadership.
Click here to see what GWs students are saying about the online MSHS in
Health Care Quality.

What Will I Learn?

Designed to support excellence in quality improvement and patient safety
leadership, GWs online MSHS in Health Care Quality equips graduates
with the practical knowledge and skills necessary to effect positive
organizational change, apply risk assessment methodologies and navigate

challenges in patient safety systems within the healthcare setting.

Graduates of this program will have the experience and confidence to:

Develop, implement and evaluate quality and patient safety

improvement initiatives.

Lead healthcare management organizations in developing a patientcentered, quality-driven culture.

Translate national quality expectations into daily operations.

Apply quality improvement processes and tools to measure, analyze

and interpret healthcare data.

Design and implement information technology systems to support

quality assurance.

Conduct research to drive clinical and operational decision-making.

Improve

Population

Health

Through

High-Quality

Healthcare
GWs online MSHS in Health Care Quality prepares students with the
practical skills to lead quality and assessment in a variety of healthcare
environments including private and public healthcare organizations.
Through an interdisciplinary approach and practical application, students
are provided with a broad base of expertise from data management and
analysis to clinical research and organizational leadership. Typical
positions held by healthcare quality professionals include:

Clinical Director, Quality Services

Director of Quality Management

Healthcare Administration Manager

Healthcare Quality Analyst

Quality & Safety Specialist

Quality Assurance Consultant

Click here to learn more about a career in Health Care Quality.
Source: National Association for Health Care Quality

Online Health Care Quality Graduate Programs

GW offers two online Health Care Quality graduate programs. Students
have the option to choose from either the Masters or Graduate Certificate
program. The Health Care Quality certificate program consists of 18 credit
hours, all of which are transferable to the Masters program allowing
students to seamlessly matriculate into the Masters in Health Care
Quality.
Click here to learn about the online graduate certificate program.

Build a Network of Quality Care Leaders

With roots in the NCQA and GWs close proximity to D.C., the online Health
Care Quality graduate programs offer unparalleled opportunities for our
students to make career connections with leaders in the field who are
identifying issues and creating meaningful change in the healthcare
system.

Become a Change Agent for Quality Care and Patient

Safety
Contact an admissions advisor today at (844) 386-7323 or click here to
request more information.

Understand and Navigate Progress in Quality and Safety of Care

The George Washington University (GW) School of Medicine and Health
Sciences online curriculum for Health Care Quality prepares you with the
skills to answer the growing need for quality assurance and assessment
experts to guide corporations, health care systems and providers in
quality based reforms.
GWs online Master of Science in Health Sciences (MSHS) in Health Care
Quality program consists of 36 credit hours and can be completed in two
years. The graduate certificate program consists of 18 credit hours and
can be completed in two years.

Online MSHS in Health Care Quality Curriculum at a

Glance
Understand and Navigate Progress in Quality and Safety of Care
The George Washington University (GW) School of Medicine and Health
Sciences online curriculum for Health Care Quality prepares you with the
skills to answer the growing need for quality assurance and assessment
experts to guide corporations, health care systems and providers in
quality based reforms.
GWs online Master of Science in Health Sciences (MSHS) in Health Care
Quality program consists of 36 credit hours and can be completed in two
years. The graduate certificate program consists of 18 credit hours and
can be completed in two years.

Online MSHS in Health Care Quality Curriculum at a

Glance
Major Courses
HCQ
6200
HCQ
6201
HCQ
6202
HCQ
6203

The Health Care Quality Landscape

Building a Quality Culture

Quality Improvement Science in Health Care

Health Care Quality Measurement, Data Management

6204

and Analysis

6205
HCQ
6275

ts

Introduction to Health Care Quality

HCQ
HCQ

Credi

Patient Safety Systems

Leadership and Change in Health Care Quality

Research

HSCI
6263
HSCI
6264

Biostatistics for Clinical and Translational Research

Epidemiology for Clinical and Translational Research

Professional
CML
6203
HSCI
6223
HSCI
6241

Health Information, Quality and Outcomes

Topics in Health Care Leadership

The Health Care Enterprise

Total

36

Curriculum
Major Courses (21 credits)
HCQ 6200 Introduction to Health Care Quality

Introduces the fundamental concepts to be covered in HCQ 6201 through

HCQ 6205 and discusses how they are integrated within the context of
health care quality.
Learning Objectives:

Interpret systems and change theories as they relate to quality and safety
challenges in health care

Review the evolution of quality improvement and patient safety initiatives

conducted at varied environmental and structural levels within the US health
care system

Describe foundational theories, principles and processes of quality

improvement and patient safety as they relate to health care

Discuss structural, process and outcome measures of health care quality

and patient safety

Cite epidemiology and sources of error within a health care system

Analyze the structure and organization of the US healthcare system

Review the structure and roles of the legislative, executive (regulatory)

and judiciary branches of the US government and outcomes relevant to health
policy development
Analyze the implications of federal, state and local budget considerations

in health policy formulation and implementation

HCQ 6201 The Health Care Quality Landscape

Involves application of leadership and organizational change theories and

principles to the implementation of quality and patient safety initiatives.
Strategies are put forth that would address development of the culture
and infrastructure needed to support patient safety and continuous
quality improvement.
Learning Objectives:
Analyze systems and change theories as they relate to quality and safety

challenges in health care

Apply strategies to foster a culture of quality and safety at all levels of a

health care organization

Apply negotiation, conflict resolution and team-building strategies to

enhance interdisciplinary collaboration and safe practices within health care

teams

Assess, develop and manage organizational and team performance

Develop a business case for quality in a health care organization

Analyze the legal and ethical issues associated with quality improvement
and patient safety in health care

Design an organization-level quality improvement program

HCQ 6202 Building a Quality Culture

Covers the analysis of quality and patient safety challenges in U.S. health
care with a focus on political and environmental influences.
Learning Objectives:

Analyze the evolution of quality improvement and patient safety initiatives

conducted at varied environmental and structural levels within the US health
care system

Critically examine the evidence base underlying the need for quality and
patient safety improvement in US health care

Analyze the roles, influences and interactions among stakeholders in US

health care as they relate to health care quality and patient safety

Analyze the influence of quality measures, standards and regulations on

health care quality and patient safety in the US today

Analyze the overarching legal and ethical issues involved in health care
quality improvement

Evaluate the effectiveness of health care quality and patient safety

activities in terms of the IOM National Quality Framework and the JCAHO National
Patient Safety Goals
HCQ 6203 Quality Improvement Science in Health Care

Provides an introduction to quality improvement and patient safety

theories, models, methods and tools and their application to quality and
safety improvement challenges in health care.
Learning Objectives:

Analyze

foundational

theories,

principles

and

processes

of

quality

improvement and patient safety as they relate to health care

Apply quality improvement models and methodologies to address various

challenges in health care with emphasis on improving quality and patient safety

Select appropriate tools for each phase of a quality improvement or

problem solving process

Develop an original proposal for improving a quality or patient safetyrelated process

HCQ 6204 Health Care Quality Measurement, Data Management and Analysis

Involves application of measurement, data management and statistical

analysis principles to quality improvement and patient safety challenges.
This course focuses on the importance and design of effective measures
and the selection of appropriate analysis tools.
Learning Objectives:

Compare and contrast structural, process and outcome measures of health

care quality and patient safety

Design, develop and evaluate quality and safety measures

Analyze

and

plan

strategies

to overcome

challenges and

threats

associated with quality and safety measurement

Select and apply appropriate strategies for quality and safety data
collection and management

Select and apply appropriate statistical analyses for a given quality or

safety question/problem

Create quality improvement and patient safety benchmarks

HCQ 6205 Patient Safety Systems

Involves an examination of the epidemiology and sources of error in

health care, risk assessment and the design of processes and systems to
improve patient safety. Focuses on the application of process and
technology-based systems to reduce the incidence of error.
Learning Objectives:

Analyze the epidemiology and sources of error within a health care system

Apply risk assessment and human factors methodologies to patient safety

challenges

Evaluate the benefits and challenges associated with patient safety

systems

Evaluate and select technologies to improve patient safety

Analyze a health care process to identify areas of risk and opportunities for
improvement

Develop strategies to error-proof a health care process

HCQ 6275 Leadership and Change in Health Care Quality

Designed for the student to integrate all of the material from the HCQ
program of study in a masters level proposal for a research projects
intended to address a major area of a change within health care quality
and/or clinical research. The course includes a series of case studies for
which the students evaluate and develop strategic alternatives. The final
project is designed to have the student develop a proposal similar to
chapter one of a research proposal that can then be pursued after
graduation or through a doctoral level program.
Learning Objectives:

Assess theoretical constructs of change management and links to

complexity theory

Differentiate

the

critical

elements

for

successful

outcomes

in

organizational and process change

Demonstrate effective communication skills using a variety of written,

verbal and electronic formats

Demonstrate the ability to conceptualize and synthesize information and

knowledge as a key component of critical thinking and decision-making

Develop a proposal for initiating a key strategic change initiative within

the field of major for graduation

Develop interdisciplinary team work with colleagues focused on patientcentered care, evidence-based practice, utilization of informatics and research
data and quality improvement within health systems

Research Courses (6 credits)

HSCI 6263: Biostatistics for Clinical and Translational Research

Provides an introduction to the foundation of biostatistics, which is

comprised of the design and analysis of clinical research. Topics include
distributions, populations and sample selection, variables, interaction and
confounding,

hypothesis

formulation,

correlation,

t-tests,

ANOVA,

regression and chi-square analysis. In addition, the course will examine

the interpretation of output from statistical software (SPSS and SAS).
Practice problems and review of scientific literature are also included to
provide a comprehensive context in public health.
Learning Objectives:

Evaluate data sources and data quality for the purpose of selecting
appropriate data that suit specific research questions

Discuss basic principles and the practical importance of key concepts,

namely: probability, distribution, measures of central tendency, inductive and
deductive reasoning, hypothesis testing, significance level, confidence interval,
power, errors of type I and type II, threats to validity and confidence intervals

Apply numerical, tabular and graphical descriptive techniques commonly

used to characterize and summarize public health data

Transform research objectives into clear, testable statistical hypotheses

Select appropriate statistical methods to be applied in a given research

setting and acknowledge the limitations of those methods

Compare two or more groups of data using both parametric and nonparametric statistical methods

Present a research idea in a written proposal

HSCI 6264: Epidemiology for Clinical and Translational Research

Provides an introduction to the way epidemiologists explore individual

characteristics and their influences on public health, identify risk factors
and health disparities of disease and provide information for preventive
medicine through the use of descriptive studies, surveillance and
analytical studies. The basic concepts and methods of epidemiology and
their application in measuring, studying and improving the health of
populations are discussed.
Learning Objectives:

Develop a population-based perspective of disease and other healthrelated events

Calculate and interpret measures of disease frequency, morbidity and

mortality

Compare, contrast and describe appropriate applications of the major

types of epidemiologic study designs

Examine association and cause-effect relationships between risk factors

and specific diseases and conditions

Evaluate strengths and limitations of epidemiologic studies

Assess effects of bias and confounding in published epidemiologic

literature

Discuss the impact of epidemiology on public health policy and programs

Evaluate ethical and legal issues in epidemiologic research

Articulate the value of multidisciplinary research in addressing public

health problems

Apply epidemiologic concepts in the context of translational research

Professional Courses (9 credits)

CML 6203 Health Information, Quality and Outcomes

Reviews fundamental issues surrounding technology and information

management in the rapidly changing health care environment. It focuses
on concepts relative to health care informatics and information systems
and their application to support clinical and administrative decisionmaking. The uses of quantitative and qualitative methods to promote
cost-effective and high quality patient care are discussed.
Learning Objectives:

Analyze how developments in information technology influence the

economics of the health care industry

Evaluate the impact of information technology on health care consumers

within the broader context of the health care system

Examine the ethical, social, political and technical aspects of informatics

applications to assess their impact on quality of care, public health and safety
and health care delivery

Apply knowledge and skills in information management and processing

principles to support evidence-based practice and quality improvement

Synthesize data, information and knowledge to evaluate and achieve

optimal patient outcomes

Utilize technology, clinical informatics and decision support processes in

an integrated manner to achieve improvements in patient safety, health and
privacy
HSCI 6223 Topics in Health Care Leadership

Allows students to think critically about leadership concepts by analyzing

and evaluating academic articles associated with leadership, change
management and systems development. It is designed to use course
content as a mechanism for developing critical thinking skills. This is a
course that requires academic writing, contrasting and comparing ideas
and extrapolating current literature into practical application.
Learning Objectives:

Develop an understanding of the organizational leadership literature and

theories

Apply leadership principles in the solution of a personal leadership and

organizational dilemma/challenge

Explain relationships that exist between culture and leadership

Identify your own, personal leadership philosophy and style

Relate leadership theory to the health care enterprise

Identify strategies available for developing leadership qualities in others

Explain how leadership relates to learning

HSCI 6241 Health Care Enterprise

Designed around the development of an enterprise strategic plan,

exposes

the

student

to

the

essential

components

of

business

administration. The student identifies an enterprise, develops a mission

and vision, strategic initiatives, a marketing strategy and an economic

model for sustainability. Through the development of an integrated
strategic plan the student builds an understanding of the intricacies of
managing and leading a business unit.
Learning Objectives:

Develop a strategic plan

Develop and promote a healthcare enterprise mission and purpose

Apply financial principles in strategic business decision-making and

evaluation

Apply marketing strategies towards the cultivation of a customer and

stakeholder base

Relate organizational theory and practice in order to integrate the various

facets of the enterprise into a coherent "organizational enterprise

Utilize information and quality improvement to further develop strategic,

analytical and critical thinking skills

Develop strategies for successfully embracing the legal and regulatory

influences in the healthcare environment

Develop critical thinking, analytical capabilities and creative insights that

support leadership development in the context of environmental changes
affecting the health care enterprise

Click here or call (844) 386-7323 for more information on the Health Care
Quality online graduate degree and certificate curriculum at GW.

Application Checklist
Take the next step to furthering your health care career by enrolling in a
specialized

online

graduate

degree

from

the

George

Washington

University (GW). With a bachelors degree or higher from a regionally

accredited

institution,

a cumulative

GPA

of 3.0 and health care

experience, you already meet the minimum requirements for admissions

consideration. Prepare all materials from the following checklist to
complete the application process with ease.

Completed Application
All candidates must complete a GW online application for the
School of Medicine and Health Sciences. You will create an account

and receive a PIN and password to work on your application over

time.

Application Fee
Applicants to GW must submit a $60 non-refundable application
fee. This fee may only be waived for:
Active-duty U.S. military personnel
Current GW undergraduate or graduate students
Degree-holding GW alumni and current McNair Program Scholars (with the

appropriate fee waiver form)

Statement Of Purpose
Applicants must include a 250-500 word essay describing your
reasons for undertaking study at GW, your academic objectives,
career goals and related qualifications, including collegiate,
professional, and community activities, relevant to your program
of interest. Include any substantial accomplishments not already
mentioned on the application form.

Rsum/CV

Reference Letters (Two)

Official Transcripts
Submit official transcripts from every college and university you
attended, whether or not a degree was earned, to the following
address:
The George Washington University
Online Admissions Processing
1415 West 22 Street Suite 800
nd

Oak Brook, IL 60523

All non-U.S. transcripts (including those in English) must be
evaluated, course-by-course, by an accredited foreign credential
agency.

Official TOEFL/PTE/IELTS scores (if applicable) See International

Students page

Reaching Leaders Globally

The George Washington University (GW) is committed to reaching the
future leaders of health care wherever they are in the world. Our faculty is
eager to share their global perspective on the future of health, and our
program managers are here to assist in your application. If you are
applying for GWs online graduate programs from outside of the U.S.,
please be prepared to fulfill the following requirements for admission:
All applicants must submit transcripts from every college or university
previously attended, whether a degree was earned or not. All non-U.S.
transcripts (including those in English) must be evaluated, course-bycourse, by an accredited foreign credential agency. Evaluations are also
accepted from AACRAO. Transcripts can then be submitted to:
The George Washington University
Online Admissions Processing
1415 West 22 Street
nd

Suite 800
Oak Brook, IL 60523
Applicants who are not U.S. citizens are also required to submit official
test scores for Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or Pearsons
Test of English (PTE) Academics or the academic International English
Language Test System (IELTS). The following are the minimum scores for
admission consideration:

TOEFL: 250 computer-based or 100 Internet-based

PTE: overall score of 86

IELTS: overall band score of 7.0, with no individual band score below 6.0
International applicants may be considered for admission without
submitting the above scores if:

You are a citizen of a country where English is the official language

You hold a bachelors degree from a country where English is the

official language and language of instruction

You hold a bachelors degree from an institution accredited by a U.S.

regional accrediting agency

Health Care Quality Program FAQs

How long does it take to complete this program?
Does this program require any on-site residencies?
What is the tuition for the Health Care Quality program?
What are the admission requirements for this program?
How long does it take to complete this program?
The 36-credit masters degree can be completed in two years. The 18credit graduate degree can be completed in two years.
Explore the online Master of Science in Health Sciences (MSHS) and
graduate certificate in Health Care Quality curriculum.
Does this program require any on-site residencies?
The George Washington Universitys (GW) online MSHS in Health Care
Quality does not require any on-site residencies.
Learn more about the MSHS and graduate certificate in Health Care
Quality.

What is the tuition for the online Health Care Quality program?
Our flexible, online MSHS program is offered at a competitive rate of $845
per credit hour. At 36 credits, the tuition for an online masters degree
program totals $30,420. The 18-credit graduate certificate costs $15,210.
Tuition rates are subject to change without notice.
Learn more about tuition and financial aid for the MSHS in Health Care
Quality.
What are the admission requirements for this program?
GW requires masters degree candidates to meet a few basic and
professional competencies. Candidates must have:

A bachelors degree or higher from a regionally accredited college or

university

Achieved a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0

Relevant work experience in health care or clinical institutions

For proof of a qualifying degree, applicants should submit transcripts from

every college and university attended. Candidates must also submit a
rsum, statement of purpose and two letters of recommendation at the
time of application.