Healthcare Leadership

The Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Leadership (HL) program will prepare students with the skills to be a dynamic leader within the evolving and demanding healthcare landscape. The HL program provides theoretical and experiential learning focused on setting vision, guiding change, leading teams, and inspiring others in the healthcare industry.

Once admitted, students take 42 HCL credits and 21 IPE credits (123 credits for the degree). The final semester includes a culminating five-credit practicum experience in a healthcare organization in the local community. Courses focus on the three domains identified in the National Center for Healthcare Leadership competency model: transformation, execution, and people. Students who complete the requirements for the Healthcare Leadership degree will also receive a minor in Public Health.

Purpose

The purpose of the healthcare leadership program is to develop graduates who will function in diverse leadership positions within varied healthcare environments.

Objectives

The B.S. in Healthcare Leadership graduate will:

Demonstrate proficiency in the knowledge and skills required for positions of professional leadership in the healthcare industry.
Characterize leadership skills of service minded, purpose driven, ethical decision making, empowering individuals and visionary perspectives.
Appreciate how the environmental influences of culture, economics, ethics, law, policy, politics, society, and technology impact the intersection of individuals within the healthcare industry.
Promote the health of persons in dynamic healthcare environments.

Requirements for Admission to the Healthcare Leadership program

All students applying for the HL degree must meet the required admission standards.

First-year admission to Valparaiso University

Biology, Chemistry, and science with a lab senior year
Math senior year
3.000 GPA and above
No grades below C-

Internal Transfer to HL

Minimum criteria for internal transfer admission is a cumulative 2.000 GPA and grade requirements as noted in the Progression Standards below.

Progression

Students must maintain a minimum grade point average of 2.000 to progress in the program. A student must earn a C- or better in all Healthcare Leadership (HCL) and Interprofessional Education (IPE) courses. A HCL or IPE course may not be repeated more than once. Dismissal from the HL program occurs when a student incurs two infractions. Infractions include: earning a cumulative grade point average that is less than 2.000; or earning a grade of D+ (1.300) or lower in any HCL or IPE course. Students who are dismissed from the program do have an opportunity to appeal the decision with the College of Nursing and Health Professions Academic Standards Committee.

Students are required to present evidence of a criminal background check and a negative drug screen during the first semester of admission to the program. Students will also have to repeat a criminal background check, negative drug screen, and any additional requirements as required by the agency a second time during the fall semester of their graduating year, prior to the practicum placement. Drug screening can be requested randomly. Students should refer to the most recent College of Nursing and Health Undergraduate Academic Guide for complete requirements.

Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Leadership/ Master of Healthcare Administration 4+1 Degree

During the junior year, students who have a 3.000 cumulative GPA, who have a 3.000 GPA in the required healthcare leadership (HCL) courses, who have not earned grades of less than C in science courses and courses required for HL major, and who have completed the program of student through the junior year, will be invited to enroll in the 4+1 program.

Admission Requirements

Students who are admitted into the HL/MHCA 4+1 during their senior year will be admitted directly into the MHCA program upon graduation from their HL program assuming they continue to meet the progression requirements.

Progression

Requirements for progression include maintenance of a cumulative GPA of at least 3.000 average in all graduate level classes, and no grades of less than B- in any required graduate courses.

Minor

A healthcare leadership student may declare a minor and should speak with their advisor. The minor is noted on the student’s academic record.

Course Intensification

A healthcare leadership student may propose a special project for earning one extra credit in one healthcare leadership course in which they are enrolled in a given semester. The following regulations pertain to this option for a student:

Student must have a healthcare leadership GPA of 2.500 or above.
The course must be offered in the College of Nursing and Health Professions for 3 or more credits.
Student must meet with the academic advisor to determine if course intensification is appropriate. The initiative and responsibility for developing a satisfactory proposal lies with the student.
Student must submit a one-page proposal for the intensification project and the petition online. It will be forwarded to the advisor, the instructor of the course, and the dean for approval.

Transportation

Students are responsible for providing their own transportation to and from all community agency and practicum experiences. Access to a car is necessary for the practicum course.

Association of Aspiring Healthcare Professionals

All HL students are invited to join this interprofessional association in the College of Nursing and Health Professions.