About
The Towson University undergraduate Health Care Management (HCMN) program is a proud member of the Association of University Programs in Health Administration (AUPHA). AUPHA is a global network of colleges, universities, faculty, individuals and organizations dedicated to improving health by promoting excellence in healthcare management education.
AUPHA sets the educational standards for the health care management program, which undergoes a certification process every six years. In fall 2008, the board of directors of AUPHA approved full certification of Towson University’s health care management undergraduate program until 2020.
The amount of change in the delivery and structure of health care in the United States is paralleled only with the change in the roles of professionals (clinical and nonclinical) who manage the many types of health service organizations that exist today. Entry to midlevel employment opportunities await university graduates who successfully complete a program that integrates knowledge of behavioral, biomedical and social factors impacting individual and population health. In addition, students with an understanding of general business and health services marketing concepts and principles have an even greater advantage in the workplace.
The health care management program at Towson University is designed to provide students with a basic understanding of both the business and health fields.
Program Statements and Goals
Mission Statement
The Health Care Management program prepares students for entry-level management positions in a diverse range of health service organizations. Through a broad-based curriculum and experiential learning, our graduates develop a firm foundation in the structure and dynamics of health care organizations and systems, ethical and legal precepts, analytical skills, and leadership competencies needed to ensure high-quality and equitable health care delivery.
Vision Statement
To be a regional center of excellence for undergraduate health care management education.
Values Statement
Experiential learning: The program values practical learning experiences both in the classroom and in the community.
Professionalism: The program strives to prepare students to make valuable contributions to the field through competent leadership and lifelong learning.
Evidence-based management: The program emphasizes making well-informed decisions by using high quality evidence from a variety of reputable sources.
Diversity & inclusion: The program values culturally mindful and empathetic leadership and embraces an extensive range of backgrounds, experiences, values, and expertise among students and faculty alike.
Ethics & integrity: The program is committed to developing honest and ethical health care leaders for the public good.
Goal 1
Educate: Prepare students with the knowledge and skills required for success in early career health care management positions and graduate programs
- Objective 1.1: Maintain a broad-based curriculum that provides students with the knowledge and skills vital to contemporary health care management
- Objective 1.2: Ensure students develop practical skills through internship placements in a variety of health care settings
- Objective 1.3: Provide diversity training and education in several classes via a range of learning materials and assignments
- Objective 1.4: Incorporate ethics training and education into coursework and internship/capstone experiences via a range of learning materials and assignments
Goal 2
Support: Provide students with the environment and experiences necessary for intellectual and personal growth
- Objective 2.1: Ensure student access to state-of-the-art educational facilities and learning materials, including both on-campus and virtual resources
- Objective 2.2: Facilitate student access to various professional organizations and professional development opportunities (e.g., webinars, networking opportunities, mentorship)
- Objective 2.3: Connect students with community engagement activities both on and off campus (e.g., clubs, social events, etc.)
Goal 3
Excel: Promote faculty excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service
- Objective 3.1: Recruit, retain, and mentor high-caliber faculty from diverse backgrounds
- Objective 3.2: Promote faculty research, scholarship, or clinical practice activities consistent with academic rank and title
- Objective 3.3: Provide and promote faculty opportunities to serve the profession, university, and community
