The University of Iowa MHA Program prepares graduates for their initial positions as health care managers and provides a solid foundation for executive career development in a variety of health organizations. The MHA curriculum is designed to foster excellent analytical and communication skills, innovation, and strong commitment to community service and performance improvement. The curriculum is structured to include a broad range of didactic and experiential learning opportunities.

The University of Iowa MHA Competencies are:

Personal & Professional Development

1. Effectively communicate in written and spoken form.

2. Demonstrate evaluation of multiple sources of information and perspectives in arriving at decisions.

3. Demonstrate ethical decision-making.

4. Demonstrate growth through self-reflection and professional development.

Leading People

5. Effectively lead teams toward a common vision and goals.

6. Understand strategies in professionally developing others.

7. Integrate the knowledge and experiences of other professions and sectors, as appropriate.

Leading in Communities

8. Understand the complexity of communities and how to engage with them.

Managing Resources (A. Finances)

9. Describe how payment models impact healthcare delivery, quality, costs, access to care, population health, and the community.

10. Create and analyze standard financial reports.

11. Analyze the impact of financial decisions.

Managing Resources (B. Operations)

12. Evaluate strategic and operational goals.

13. Use various improvement tools to evaluate and improve operations.

14. Apply organizational behavior concepts, strategies, and policies related to human resources.

15. Assess healthcare workforce needs, projections, and critical issues.

16. Analyze ethical and legal situations including recognizing when to seek legal or ethical counsel.

Managing Resources (C. Information)

17. Explain the roles of health, human resource and financial information systems in clinical and strategic decision making.

18. Analyze data to evaluate and improve strategic, operational, financial, and quality performance indicators.

Setting Strategic Direction

19. Demonstrate organizational strategic planning, implementation, and evaluation with relevant constituent groups.

20. Apply appropriate organizational designs consistent with mission and strategies.

Improving Population Health

21. Interpret drivers of health impacting healthcare delivery and population health for different communities.

22. Analyze the impact of access to health care services on population health and communities.

23. Assess existing laws, policies, regulations and impact on constituent groups, population health, and communities.

24. Use data to inform strategies that will advance the well-being of a specific population and communities.