News Releases
Capella University Announces Online Doctor of Public Health Program
New online degrees will help address critical shortage of health care leadership talent
MINNEAPOLIS, May 24, 2010 - Capella University (www.capella.edu), an accredited online university* that has built its reputation by providing high quality education for working adults, announced two new online degree programs for health care leaders, a Doctor of Health Administration and a Master of Health Administration. Designed around the National Center for Healthcare Leadership (NCHL) Competency Model™, the new degrees were developed to help address a critical shortage of health care leadership talent. Capella's DHA is one of few DHA programs in the country.
"There is a nationwide shortage of people with the knowledge and skills to provide strong leadership in the rapidly changing health care industry," said Suzanne Holmes, DPA, interim co-dean of Capella's School of Public Service Leadership and faculty chair for public health and public administration. "According to the NCHL's White Paper on Best Practices in Health Leadership Succession Planning, a number of studies project a drop in the health care leadership talent pool. Unfortunately this is happening during a time when current leaders are nearing retirement and health care leadership positions are becoming increasingly complex. Capella's DHA and MHA degrees are designed to develop the knowledge and skills needed by today's health care leaders. In addition, because the DHA can be completed in less time than a PhD, it should help fill the talent pipeline more quickly."
DHA focuses on practical contributions to health care
The DHA is designed for health care leaders interested in pursuing a doctorate that focuses on practical contributions to the health care field, compared to the more research-oriented PhD. The program features simulations, group problem-solving, and real-time coaching sessions to strengthen the collaboration and communication skills needed by health care leaders. Field experiences take the place of a comprehensive examination, which provides students the opportunity to apply their newly gained knowledge in professional health care settings. The program culminates with an action dissertation project that uses participatory research and reflective study to make a practical, evidence-based improvement in the students' organizations or communities. Capella's DHA offers specializations in General Health Administration, Health Care Leadership, and Health Policy and Advocacy.
MHA features collaborative learning, industry best practices
A master's degree is considered the minimum credential for most health care leadership positions. Capella's MHA features a collaborative, practice-based learning model that incorporates industry best practices and the knowledge and skill sets expected by leading health care organizations. Simulations, group problem-solving, and real-time coaching sessions strengthen the collaboration and communication skills needed by health care leaders. Capella's MHA also includes an assessment at the beginning and end of the program that helps students focus on specific skills they may want to strengthen or build on to improve their success as a health care administrator. Capella's MHA offers specializations in General Health Administration, Health Care Operations, and Health Policy.
Health Administration certificate provides first step toward graduate degree
Capella also offers a four-course graduate certificate in Health Administration covering strategic health care planning, organizational leadership and governance, health care economics, and health care quality, risk, and regulatory compliance. Earning a certificate can be a first step toward earning a graduate degree, as certificate credits can be applied toward Capella's MHA and DHA programs, as well as the PhD in Human Services, Health Care Administration specialization.
Enrollment now open
Capella is now accepting enrollment applications for its DHA, MHA, and Health Administration certificate. For more information, please call 1.888.CAPELLA (227.3552) or e-mail info@capella.edu.
Review of the DHA and MHA is pending in AZ, KS, KY, ND, SC, and TN.
About Capella University
Capella University is an accredited online university* that has built its reputation by providing quality online degree programs for working adults. Eighty percent of Capella students are currently enrolled in master's or doctoral online degree programs in business, counseling, education, health administration, human services, information technology, nursing, psychology, public administration, public health, public safety, and social work. Capella also offers bachelor's degree programs in business, information technology, nursing, psychology, public administration, and public safety. Within those areas, Capella currently offers 137 graduate and undergraduate specializations and 16 certificate programs. More than 37,100 learners were enrolled as of March 31, 2010, from all 50 states and 52 other countries. Capella is committed to providing high-caliber academic excellence and pursuing balanced business growth. Founded in 1993, Capella University is a wholly owned subsidiary of Capella Education Company, headquartered in Minneapolis. For more information, please visit http://www.capella.edu or call 1-888-CAPELLA (227-3552).
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*Capella University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA), www.ncahlc.org.
Capella University, Capella Tower, 225 South Sixth Street, Ninth Floor, Minneapolis, MN 55402, 1-888-CAPELLA (227-3552), www.capella.edu.
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