Health Services Management (GC)

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Length of program

Designed to be completed in 20 months

Mode of delivery

Blended

Program consists of:

Coursework

Campus

Calgary

Intake

Fall

Program description

This graduate certificate program provides basic management knowledge for practitioners and entry-level managers in the health sector. The focus is on providing students with the knowledge necessary to enter a management position in the Canadian healthcare system. The GCHSM is available for students who wish to increase their knowledge level but may be unable to, or are cautious about, committing to a full Master’s degree.

The GCHSM is a cohort-based, part-time program that is offered at the Calgary campus of the University of Lethbridge. The program will be delivered in a compressed, weekend format using a combination of blended learning techniques, distance delivery and residential (face-to-face) sessions. The delivery model allows students to attend school while continuing to work. This is a particularly important feature for students who must maintain practice credentials.

Upon successful completion of the GCHSM, eligible students may apply to have their courses laddered into the Master of Health Services Management program.

Program ScheduleFaculty and Student Stories

International Applicants: Due to the part-time nature of this program, please note that graduates will not be eligible to apply for a post-graduation work permit after completing this program.
 

In case of discrepancies between this page and the Graduate Studies Calendar and Course Catalogue, the Graduate Studies Calendar and Course Catalogue shall prevail.

Career pathways

This certificate is primarily designed for individuals with an undergraduate degree in health care or management, who are working full-time and would like to move into (or have recently been promoted into) a managerial role.

This program:

  • delivers an essential core of management knowledge for students who are exploring managerial positions, but are unsure about management as a career choice, or are unable to commit to a full Master's degree;
  • offers an introduction to key health services management topics that provide essential knowledge that may open opportunities to entry-level managerial positions;
  • will assist graduates in their decision-making regarding career options and the pursuit of additional graduate credentials.

The development of critical thinking and decision-making skills is embedded in the courses, which begins to prepare graduates to function effectively as managers/administrators in a wide range of public and private health care environments.

Additional information

Baccalaureate Degree Admission Route

Applicants will meet the following minimum requirements to be considered for admission:

  • Hold a baccalaureate degree (i.e. an undergraduate degree) in Nursing, Health Sciences, or Management, or in a closely related discipline from a degree-granting institution
  • Have a minimum grade point average of 3.00 (based on the uLethbridge 4.00 scale) on the last 20 graded university-level term courses (60.0 credit hours)
  • Evidence of successful experience in the health sector is normally required. Preference is given to applicants who have two or more years of work experience
  • Demonstrate English language proficiency (ELP) for graduate students

Bachelor of Management/Bachelor of Health Sciences Combined Degree Admission Route

Applicants, who have completed the University of Lethbridge’s Bachelor of Management/Bachelor of Health Sciences Combined degree, will meet the following minimum requirements to be considered for admission:

  • A minimum grade point average of 3.00 (based on a 4.00 scale) on the last 20 graded university-level term courses (60.0 credit hours).

Because the capacity of the program is limited, not all students meeting the general admission requirements may be admitted.

Criteria used for admission include:

  • the applicant’s record, ELP test scores, if applicable, and references;
  • the relevance of undergraduate degree;
  • the breadth of undergraduate courses;
  • relevant work experience, if applicable; and
  • results of an interview, if applicable.

Step 1: Prepare Supporting Documents

Please see the Supporting Documents for this program below. If additional documentation is required, the Dhillon School of Business Graduate Programs Office will contact you

Step 2: Submit Online Application by Deadline

Submit your complete application by midnight (MST/MDT) on the deadline date.

Step 3: Arrange for Official Documents

Official documents (e.g., transcripts, English language proficiency test scores) are required prior to registration.

Note: Applicants who have attended or are currently attending an institution participating in ApplyAlberta do not need to arrange for official transcripts to be sent to uLethbridge from the issuing institution. A list of participating institutions is available at www.applyalberta.ca.

Step 4: Admission Decision Process

Applicants may be called for an interview with members of the Dhillon School of Business Graduate Programs Committee. The Dhillon School of Business Graduate Programs Office unofficially informs the applicant of the Program Committee’s decision.

Transcripts

Unofficial Transcripts
You will need to upload and submit your unofficial transcripts, including proof of graduation for your completed degree(s) and transcripts of all post-baccalaureate work, if any, via the online application system.

Official Transcripts
You will also need to arrange for your official transcripts to be sent to the Registrar’s Office. Your official transcripts are required to be received prior to course registration.

Applicants who have attended or are currently attending institutions NOT participating in ApplyAlberta must arrange to have official transcripts sent directly from the issuing institution to the Admissions Office. A list of participating institutions is available at applyalberta.ca.

Official transcripts must be mailed directly from the issuing institution in a sealed envelope to:
Registrar’s Office
University of Lethbridge
4401 University Drive West
Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4
Canada

Your transcripts are required to display your up-to-date coursework, including grades/marks received for completed coursework.


Letters of Reference

Applicants to the Graduate Certificate in Health Services Management are required to submit three (3) reference letters; one (1) must be academic (applicant must have studied with at the university level), and two (2) of which must be professional (preferably referees who have served in a supervisory capacity).


Curriculum Vitae

Your CV is a comprehensive document with a formal structure and academic focus. It should include your background, work experience, awards, scholarships, publications, and other achievements. If you are a current or former University of Lethbridge student, contact Career and Employment Services for additional information on the content and structure of a CV.


Letter of Intent

Your Letter of Intent for the Graduate Certificate in Health Services Management must include:

  • Nature of interest in the program and the intended career outcome upon completion.

Be concise and include only important information; provide specific examples of key accomplishments. Reviewers have many graduate applications to review; your Letter of Intent should generally be no more than one page in length unless otherwise stated.


English Language Proficiency Requirements

English is the primary language of instruction and communication at the University of Lethbridge. Prior to registration, all applicants to the School of Graduate Studies must demonstrate English Language Proficiency (ELP) sufficient to meet the demands of classroom instruction, written assignments, research, and participation in tutorials and discussions, regardless of their citizenship or country of origin. Please see the English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirements for graduate students for detailed information.

What is the difference between the Master of Nursing and Graduate Certificate in Health Services Management programs?

Master of Nursing program is designed for individuals interested in nursing practice, education and research.

The GCHSM is designed for individuals with an undergraduate degree in health care, who are working full-time and would like to move into (or have recently been promoted into) a managerial role. This program is available for students who wish to increase their knowledge level but may be unable to, or are cautious about, committing to a full Master’s degree.


Who can apply for this program?

Students who hold an undergraduate degree in Nursing, Health Sciences, or Management, or a University of Lethbridge's Bachelor of Management/Bachelor of Health Sciences Combined degree are eligible to apply for this program. Please also check the admission requirements above.


Is a student holding a master’s degree or post-baccalaureate graduate certificate in a different field of study eligible to apply for the GCHSM program?

Yes. A student holding an approved master’s degree or a post-baccalaureate graduate certificate from a recognized institution who wants to pursue an entirely different field of study to enhance or change their career focus, or international students seeking North American credentials, may be considered for admission to a U of L graduate certificate program provided he/she meets all of the admission requirements.

Students normally are not eligible to pursue a second post-baccalaureate graduate certificate or master’s degree which is similar to one already completed at a recognized institution. Generally, degrees or certificates with identical or closely related content are considered to be similar.


Do I need to have current full-time employment in the health industry to be eligible to apply for this program?
No, you don't have to be currently employed in the health industry but you may need to provide evidence of successful work experience in the health sector depending on the admission route you qualify for. Please see the admission requirements above.


I am a busy working professional, will this program fit my busy schedule?
Absolutely. The program is delivered in a manner that allows busy professionals to continue working with minimum coursework (only 15 credit hours).


I am an international student seeking North American credentials, am I eligible for this program?
Yes. You may be considered for admission to the program provided you meet all the admission requirements mentioned above.

Health Services Management Programs - February 2021