The master of health services administration (MHSA) prepares students for careers as administrators or
staff in the dynamic and diverse health care field, including positions in institutions and agencies involved in providing, financing, regulating, or insuring health care. The program provides specialized knowledge and management skills needed to understand and meet the leadership needs of complex, rapidly changing systems for health care services delivery.
The curriculum is arranged in well-structured developmental sequence that builds administrative skills reflecting the latest in management and health care theory and practice. It explores a variety of theoretical and conceptual frameworks for understanding health administration, as well as class-based experiential activities that provide practical application in health institutions.
Most courses are offered in the evenings to accommodate the program's mix of full and part time students except for limited courses offered through Web CT.
The required Health Administration Residency or Management Project provides valuable real-world experience in applying administrative skills to management problems and opportunities in health care organizations. In addition, the program encourages, and coordinates a paid, post-degree, one-year administrative Fellowship in a healthcare organization that fits the student's career path.
UAMS's MHSA program is one of 70 nationally accredited programs in the U.S., and the only one in Arkansas, that is accredited by the Commission for Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME). It is also a full member of the Association of University Programs in Health Administration.
- baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution of higher education
- minimum grade point average of 2.75 (4.0 scale) or 3.0 in the last 60 hours of study
- completion of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT). We prefer applicants who score in the top 50th percentile on the GRE or GMAT exams or who have a combined total score of approximately 1000 on the verbal and quantitative sections of the GRE and
above 550 on the GMAT. International students must complete both the TOEFL Test of English as a foreign language and the TOEFL test of written English. The expected score is 267 or above. Official GRE or GMAT scores and official transcripts for all college-level course work are required.
- a current resume with names, addresses and phone numbers.
- 500-700 word statement outlining reason for seeking the degree, previous work experience, and health administration career goals and objectives
- Admission interview
The interview will be scheduled after the Student Services Office has received all admission materials. The admission decision will be made
shortly after the interview. Telephone interviews will be conducted for promising applicants unable to travel to Little Rock.
For more information concerning the program contact the
Health Services Administration Program
Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health
Department of Health Policy and Management
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
4301 W. Markham Slot #820
Little Rock, Arkansas, 72205-7199
(501) 526-6643
A number of financial resources are available to qualified students. Placement with a healthcare institution
referred to as a Healthcare Management Assistantship, typically receive a tuition reimbursement and a monthly stipend. Full-time students in these placements work 20 hours per week, usually in an area that enhances their educational goals.
Some of the sites that have participated in the Healthcare Management
Assistantship program include:
Arkansas Blue Cross/Blue Shield
Arkansas Cardiology, PA
Arkansas Children's Hospital
Arkansas Department of Health
Arkansas Heart Hospital
Center for Rural Hospitals-UAMS
Central Arkansas Veterans Administration Hospital Conway Regional Medical Center
Department of Health Administration
Genesis Cancer Center
Hot Springs County Hospital
Heart Clinic of Arkansas
Little Rock Pediatric Clinic
NovaSys Health Network
Practice Plus (MSO)
Qual Choice of Arkansas, Inc. (HMO)
Medical College Physicians Group
Practice Plus Inc. (MSO)
Qual Choice of Arkansas Inc.
Rebsamen Regional Medical Center
Saline Memorial Hospital
St. Vincent Infirmary Medical Center
University Affiliates Program
University Hospital - UAMS
Upon graduation, the program assists students in finding employment or
fellowships in health institutions or agencies. Contact
Mr.Stephen Foti, External Coordinator
for more information.
For information on grants, loans, scholarships, and other financial aid opportunities, contact the
UAMS Student Financial Aid Office, 4301 W. Markham St. #601, Little Rock, AR 72205-7199, 501-686-5451
4301 West Markham, #820, Little Rock, Arkansas,
72205