Graduate Certificate in Health Care Administration and Planning (HCAP)

Program Title: Graduate Certificate in Health Care Administration and Planning (CIP Code: 51.0701) 

Department/School: Public Health, Health Administration, and Health Sciences in the College of Health Sciences 

Program Overview

The Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Administration and Planning is an 18-credit program offered by the College to enhance their skills in health care management and administration. This program provides a comprehensive understanding of the health care system, emphasizing public health, health administration, and health sciences. 

• Objectives 

  • Knowledge Acquisition: Gain foundational knowledge in health care policies, management practices, and planning processes. 
  • Skill Development: Develop leadership and analytical skills necessary for effective decision-making in health care settings. 
  • Practical Application: Engage in real-world projects and case studies to apply theoretical concepts. 

• The Certificate is offered as a stand-alone credential. All students are expected to be familiar with and to adhere to both Graduate School policies and specific departmental requirements for their degree and/or graduate certificate.  

Admission Requirements

• No standardized exams or tests are needed for admission to this graduate certificate  program. 
• To be considered for admission, applicants for the Graduate Certificate must provide:  

1. (1) a completed Application for Admission to the Graduate School through the GradCAS system;  
2. (2) application fee;  
3. (3) official transcripts of undergraduate work showing the award of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university showing at least a 2.5 cumulative grade point average;  
4. (4) current resume or CV; and  
5. (5) Three (3) letters of recommendation. 
   The admission decision will be based on the entire academic and professional record after the conditions specified here have been met.   

The graduate certificate is not a degree, and certificate completers do not walk at Commencement ceremonies unless they are completing a degree program at the same time. Students admitted to the certificate program who wish to apply their certificate credits toward completion of the MPH degree must also apply for the MPH degree, meet all MPH admission standards, and be admitted. An advisor will be assigned to the student upon official admission. Students should consult with their advisors prior to registering for classes in each term of enrollment. It is the student’s responsibility to contact the advisor when consultation is needed. 

Important Program Notes

A cumulative grade point average of 3.0 in all graduate courses taken at Tennessee State University is required for successful completion of graduate certificates or graduate degree programs; individual programs may also have more restrictive policies as detailed in their Catalog section. The PHHAHS employs Graduate School policies including those regarding retention, probation, suspension, and time limitations for degrees (see the front matter of this Catalog). Per Graduate School policy, a given course in our programs may be repeated once only, and the second grade will replace the first. A student may repeat a maximum of two (2) courses in a given program for the purpose of improving grades.  

Program Duration

The certificate may be completed on a full-time or part-time basis. The Graduate Certificate in Health Care Administration and Planning may be completed in two semesters for full-time students. 

Accreditation Information

The certificate is not an accredited program of study. 

Career Opportunities

Graduates of this certificate program are well-prepared for roles such as: 

• Health care administrator 
• Policy analyst 
• Health services manager 
• Program planner 

For those already holding a master’s degree, completion of the Graduate Certificate in Health Care Administration and Planning may assist in meeting SACSCOC eligibility to teach in this field for institutes of higher education. 

Important Dates

The application deadline is aligned with the TSU Graduate School’s posted dates. 

Program Website

https://www.tnstate.edu/phas/public_health.aspx 

Program Coordinator/Contact Information

• Dr. Elizabeth Brown (ebrown2@tnstate.edu) and Dr. Miranda Sanford-Terry (msanfor2@tnstate.edu). Main office number 615-963-7367   

 Program of Study and Credit Hours Required