Contact Information

Preventive Medicine and Biometrics


Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
Department of Preventive Medicine and Biometrics
4301 Jones Bridge Road
Bethesda, Maryland 20814-4799

Graduate Education Programs

Masters in Health Administration and Policy Frequently Asked Questions

What is the MHAP?
 
The Masters program in Health Administration and Policy (MHAP) is a 2-year degree program at USUHS focusing on the development of leaders in health policy and administration for the Uniformed Services, federal health policy partners and Allied Host Nation personnel.

How is the MHAP structured?
 
The MHAP consists of both a didactic and residency phase. The first year is composed of 5 academic quarters totaling 61 credit hours. During this rigorous year, students will engage in an in-depth approach to the study of health care management, health policy, public health, applied science, and leadership. The second year of the program consists of an Administrative Residency in the National Capital Area.

What is the Administrative Residency?
 
The 12 month Administrative Residency provides practical experience in healthcare administration and policy leadership. Preceptors and the Director of the MHAP will team to provide a customized residency experience that will meet not only the requirements for graduation, but the professional development needs of the individual resident and sponsoring agency.

Can the Administrative Residency be combined with a work assignment or subsequent duty station?
 
No. The Administrative Residency is a key academic component of the MHAP and there are several assignments and seminars that will take residents away from their site.

Who is eligible for admission?
 
Uniformed service members, federal government employees, allied host nation uniformed personnel, and a limited number of civilians.

Must I have healthcare experience to qualify for admission?
 
Not necessarily. The MHAP student base typically includes physicians, nurses, scientists, researchers, and administrators. However, diverse educational and work experience is valued as well.

How are candidates selected?
 
Admission to the MHAP is a competitive process. Full admission may be offered to applicants who appear to have the highest potential for success at the graduate level. Applicants offered full admission are expected not only to successfully complete the didactic and residency components of the program, but to make original contributions to the field through research, professional advancement, mentoring, and teaching. Selection criteria include, but are not limited to, past academic performance, rigor of undergraduate and/or graduate preparation, standardized test scores (GRE or GMAT), letters of recommendation, letter of intent (writing sample), professional experience, fit with the program, and any additional evidence of potential academic success.

What competencies are met by the MHAP?
 
The MHAP is based on a complex model that draws from the National Center for Health Leadership and the Joint Medical Executive Skills Institute, along with several policy dimensions. There are 63 individual competencies covering 5 domains.

Is the MHAP accredited?
 
As a new program, MHAP is not eligible for accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME) until two classes have matriculated. However, the MHAP directors are, and have been, working actively with CAHME in the development of the curriculum and program design. We anticipate full accreditation as soon as we are eligible. Once granted, accreditation is retroactive to the first two cohorts.

Where can I get more information on the MHAP?
 
Contact Dr Glen Diehl at 301.295.0112 or Dr Linda Kimsey at 301.295.1663. You can also visit the Uniformed Services University website.