If you’re a professional looking to enhance your ability to lead in a healthcare setting, then you might consider earning a health care leadership certificate.
This graduate certificate program can help current healthcare professionals integrate clinical and operational knowledge. This program can also help professionals in other fields enter this growing sector.
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A healthcare leadership program lets you focus on gaining key leadership and management skills that can help improve organizational performance and patient care in healthcare environments.
Online Health Care Leadership Certificate Programs
Online healthcare leadership graduate certificate programs are designed to prepare you to lead and manage in a variety of healthcare sectors and settings.
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Graduates will be exposed to common organizational challenges and be prepared to navigate change to improve performance metrics. With a focus on expanding decision-making, project management, finance, quality evaluation, and human resources skills, this certificate may enrich your ability to lead holistically.
Common learning outcomes for this program include:
- Understand how US health systems support clinical and administrative performance
- Learn how to utilize current and emerging health systems to improve organizations
- Develop leadership and management skills to improve patient and employee satisfaction
- Understand the main components of health services and systems, including their organization, financing, and delivery
- Learn to use the fundamentals of effective communication and marketing in healthcare
This graduate certificate path can help current health professionals stay relevant and increase their skill set regarding management fundamentals, accounting, and more. This program is also relevant for post-bachelor students with healthcare experience who want formal leadership training as well as for non-healthcare professionals wanting to transition into the field.
Healthcare Leadership Careers & Salaries
Healthcare professionals in the healthcare field are under growing demand to incorporate leadership, financial, and organizational knowledge into their practice.
This certificate path may provide healthcare and other professionals with the tools needed to lead effectively in a healthcare setting, maximize team performance, and more. This certificate may help you advance your career in various sectors within healthcare management or healthcare leadership roles. These can range from clinical, service, or department-level positions.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, here are the median annual wages for some of the roles related to healthcare leadership.
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Chief Executives | $179,520 |
| Marketing Managers | $135,030 |
| Financial Managers | $131,710 |
| Human Resources Managers | $126,230 |
| Medical and Health Services Managers — Hospitals | $119,450 |
| Medical and Health Services Managers — Government | $117,000 |
| Administrative Services Managers | $100,170 |
| Medical and Health Services Managers — Offices of Physicians | $98,230 |
| Medical and Health Services Managers — Nursing and Residential Care Facilities | $83,550 |
| Social and Community Service Managers | $74,000 |
Healthcare is a dynamic and ever-emerging field, and this certificate could help you progress toward a diverse selection of leadership roles.
Healthcare leadership roles can span from various departments to entire facilities, such as hospitals and nursing homes. Employment of medical and health services managers is projected to grow 28% over the next ten years, which is much faster than average for all occupations (Bureau of Labor Statistics).
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These professionals may oversee operations and processes as well as advocate for innovative systems that improve patient care.
Healthcare Leadership Certificate Curriculum & Courses
A certificate in health care leadership includes courses that provide a holistic exploration of fundamental topics within healthcare leadership. Your curriculum may include courses similar to the following:
- Health Systems and Policy for Leaders: This course overviews US health policy and policymaking, and it also overviews the healthcare system in terms of historical, political, organizational, and financial aspects.
- Leadership Theory and Development: This course explores leadership theory and applying these theories to groups and organizations.
- Financial Management for Healthcare Quality Leaders: This course overviews financial accounting in the healthcare space and emphasizes the financial impact of new healthcare programs.
- Operations Management and Healthcare Process Improvement: This course overviews operational management and processes in healthcare. It also explores the knowledge and tools used to implement and facilitate continuous quality improvement activities in health care organizations.
- Leadership of High Reliability Healthcare Organizations: This course applies concepts of high reliability organizations to create a culture that supports functional and safe patient care environments.
- The Business of Healthcare: This course explores differences between nonprofit and for-profit healthcare providers as related to capital structures, and it also explores valuation approaches and integrations.
- Strategic Planning and Marketing for Healthcare: This course explores healthcare from an industry and competitive environment standpoint, with a focus on long-term direction, marketing strategy, and resources.
- Communications Skills for Wellness Professions: This course overviews communication as a foundational aspect of leadership, with a focus on effective communication in healthcare.
- Healthcare Quality Evaluation: This course focuses on developing an understanding of the quality evaluation process and how to implement quality evaluation techniques in an organization.
- Fundamentals of Healthcare Human Resource Management: This course helps you develop leadership skills related to managing performance in healthcare organizations.
Typical certificate programs only include 3 to 6 courses, and the coursework can change greatly from program to program.
Admissions Requirements
Admissions requirements for a health care leadership program can vary, but many graduate certificate programs have similar base requirements. These may include:
- Bachelors degree from an accredited university
- Minimum GPA of 3.0, on average
- CV or resume
- Personal statement of purpose
- Letters of recommendation
Another thing to keep in mind is that many schools are no longer requiring GRE or GMAT scores for admission. You may want to check with your prospective schools to see if these test scores are required.
Accreditation
Before pursuing a healthcare leadership certificate, it’s strategic to make sure your institution is accredited by a credible organization.
Regional accreditation is essentially assurance that your chosen school or university meets predefined standards of quality. Your school’s accreditation status can also impact future employment opportunities, as many employers and certification boards only recognize degrees and certificates from accredited universities. Attending an accredited school is also an eligibility factor for receiving financial aid.
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Regional accreditation is highly valued by both degree holders and institutions. There are only a handful of regional accrediting organizations, and you can verify your school’s status on the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) website.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Many students pursuing a healthcare leadership certificate require financial assistance. Luckily, there are many aid opportunities for students who qualify.
You may be able to receive federal aid in the form of student loans, work-study programs, or even grants. Loans and grants can also apply at your state level, depending on where you live or where your school is located. You can apply for federal aid through the Federal Student Aid website. You can also apply for scholarships from various institutions, including your chosen school and private organizations.
In addition, if you’re currently working, your company may offer employer programs that are designed to provide funds for employee education. You can talk to your HR department to learn more about this possibility.
What Is a Certificate in Healthcare Leadership?
A certificate in healthcare leadership is designed for professionals who wish to lead in a healthcare setting. It aims to equip graduates with a variety of skills to provide effective leadership that promotes organizational success and performance.
This graduate certificate also promotes an understanding of current health systems and how they support organizational performance in order to improve patient satisfaction and care. This certificate can support current healthcare professionals who are looking to lead more effectively in their departments or clinics. It can also broaden their knowledge of healthcare policy and finance.
What Can You Do with a Healthcare Leadership Certificate?
Healthcare leadership programs focus on equipping graduates with core skills required to lead in a variety of healthcare sectors and settings.
Leadership positions in the healthcare sector include clinic managers or administrators, community health operations managers, nursing supervisors, public health managers, and more. You may also be able to concentrate on leadership in technological and healthcare systems positions.
With these specialties, some graduates pursue positions as health systems specialists, healthcare logistics managers, or health information managers. If you are a current healthcare professional or clinician, this certificate may also serve as a tool to increase your leadership ability.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Healthcare Leadership Certificate Online?
Most online certificate in health care leadership programs consist of 9 to 12 credit hours. On average, a graduate certificate in healthcare leadership may take 6 months to 1 year to complete with full-time study. Of course, if you choose to enroll part-time due to other responsibilities, this timeframe could be longer.
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Some online certificate programs also offer accelerated options with shorter class terms, enabling you to earn your graduate certificate more quickly.
What’s the Difference Between a Healthcare Leadership Certification vs. Certificate Program?
A healthcare management and leadership certification is different from earning a healthcare leadership certificate on many levels, including the following.
| Academic Certificate | Professional Certification |
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Some academic certificate programs may help prepare you to pursue or meet educational requirements for professional certification.
What’s the Difference Between a Masters vs. Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Leadership?
While the courses offered in a healthcare leadership certificate program are similar to those in a masters in healthcare leadership online or on campus program, there are some differences between these two paths.
| Graduate Certificate | Masters Degree |
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Earning a graduate certificate in healthcare leadership is a way for professionals to advance their healthcare leadership skill sets and expertise without committing to a masters degree program.
Is a Healthcare Leadership Certificate Worth It?
Yes, a healthcare leadership certificate is worth it for many students. Healthcare is a dynamic, rapidly changing field that faces constant industry disruption. As a result, the need for effective leadership continues to be in high demand.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of medical and health services managers is projected to grow 28% over the next ten years, which is much faster than average. This graduate certificate is also diverse. You could develop healthcare leadership skills that may be applied across many sectors, including hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, pharmacies, and more.
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This certificate program could benefit current health professionals who want to advance in their careers as well as non-healthcare professionals who want to enter the field.
Universities Offering Online Graduate Certificates in Healthcare Leadership Programs
Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.
Alvernia University offers a Graduate Certificate in Nursing Leadership. The program requires the completion of 12 credit hours. Applicants must hold a BSN, MSN, doctorate, or degree in a related field to qualify. Students may later apply their credits to an MSN with a concentration in Nursing Leadership and Healthcare Administration.
Alvernia University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Arcadia University offers a Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Management and Leadership. Courses are offered entirely online with both synchronous and asynchronous aspects. Students can typically earn the certificate in 1 to 3 years. Students may later apply their credentials toward an MBA. The curriculum consists of courses such as Healthcare Economics and Policy and Financial Decision Making in Healthcare.
Arcadia University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Bryant University offers a Graduate Certificate in Innovative Healthcare Leadership. The program is offered entirely online and requires the completion of four courses. Each course is 10 weeks long. Students may later apply their courses to an MBA with a concentration in Innovative Healthcare Leadership. There are four start dates offered throughout the year.
Bryant University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Central Michigan University offers a Graduate Certificate in Health Systems Leadership. The program is offered both online and on campus. It consists of 8 week, accelerated courses and can potentially be completed in just 1 year. To earn the certificate, students must complete 18 credit hours. Credits may later be applied to a Master’s in Healthcare Administration.
CMU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Students at Des Moines University can earn a Graduate Certificate in Executive Health Care Leadership. The program requires the completion of 5 courses for a total of 15 credit hours. All courses are available entirely online. Students may later apply credits to a Master of Healthcare Administration degree. The curriculum consists of courses like Organizational Behavior and Leader Theory.
DMU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Georgia State University offers a Graduate Certificate in Health Leadership. The program is fully online and requires the completion of 18 semester hours. Courses start in the fall and spring.
Students are required to have a bachelor’s degree before applying. The curriculum consists of courses such as Healthcare Culture and Communication, Strategic Leadership in Healthcare Environments, and Leadership and Ethics in Healthcare.
Georgia State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Students at Indiana Tech can earn a Graduate Certificate in Global Health Leadership through the school’s College of Business. Students may later apply their credits to a graduate degree. The program offers start dates every 6 weeks. Students can complete their coursework asynchronously and entirely online.
Indiana Tech is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Northwestern University’s School of Professional Studies offers a Graduate Certificate in Global Health Leadership. The program is offered entirely online. There are four start dates throughout the year. To earn the certificate, students are required to complete 12 credit hours. These credits may also be applied to a Master’s in Global Health. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree to qualify.
Northwestern University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Ohio State University offers a Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Leadership and Innovation. The online program starts each summer and can potentially be completed in just 2 semesters. To earn the certificate, students must complete four courses for a total of 12 credit hours. These credits may be applied to a Master’s in Healthcare Innovation.
The Ohio State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Ohio University offers a Healthcare Leadership Graduate Certificate. The program is offered entirely online. To earn the certificate, students must complete three courses for a total of 9 credit hours. Full-time students can potentially complete the program in just 1.5 semesters. Students may be able to combine the certificate with another certificate to earn a master’s degree.
Ohio University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Park University offers a Graduate Certificate in Health Services Management and Leadership. The program is fully online and requires the completion of four courses—two foundation courses and two elective courses—for a total of 12 credit hours.Students must have a minimum 3.0 GPA throughout the program to earn the certificate.
Park University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Purdue University offers a fully online program for a Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Leadership. There are start dates in the fall, spring, and summer. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree to qualify.
The program requires the completion of 9 credit hours. Students may later apply their credits to a Master’s in Healthcare Administration. The curriculum consists of courses such as Strategic Planning and Marketing for Healthcare.
Purdue University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Salve Regina University offers a Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Leadership. The program is fully online and can potentially be completed in just 2 semesters. To earn the certificate, students must compete four courses. Each course is 7 weeks long. There are two sessions offered in the fall and spring. Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher to qualify.
Salve Regina University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Suffolk University offers a fully online program for a Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Leadership and Management. To earn the certificate, students must complete three classes for a total of 9 credit hours. The program can potentially be finished in just 2 semesters. Classes start in the fall and spring. The certificate may be applied to a Master of Healthcare Administration.
Suffolk University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Towson University offers a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Health Leadership. Students can potentially earn the degree in just 9 months when attending full-time. The program requires the completion of 12 credit hours. Students may be able to apply the certificate credits to an MS in Health Science. The curriculum consists of courses such as Leading Change in Healthcare.
Towson University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Tulane University offers a Graduate Certificate in Health Leadership. The program is fully online and requires the completion of four courses for a total of 12 credit hours. Students may be able to stack the certificate with another certificate and additional courses to earn an MS in Health and Wellness Management. The curriculum consists of courses such as Communication Skills for Wellness Professions.
Tulane University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Alabama—Birmingham offers a Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Leadership. The program is fully online and asynchronous. Courses start in the fall, spring, and summer. The program requires the completion of five courses for a total of 16 credit hours. The curriculum consists of courses such as Leadership Theory and Development. Applicants must hold a baccalaureate or higher to qualify.
The University of Alabama at Birmingham is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Louisiana—Monroe offers a Graduate Certificate in Interprofessional Leadership in Healthcare. The program is entirely online. Students can enroll in the fall, spring, or summer. Classes are 8 weeks long. To earn the certificate, students must complete 15 credit hours, which can typically be done in just 1 year.
The University of Louisiana Monroe is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Memphis offers a Graduate Certificate in Global Health Systems Leadership. The program is offered fully online and can potentially be completed in just 1 year. To earn the certificate, students must complete four courses for a total of 12 credit hours. These credits may be applied to a Master’s in Healthcare Administration or Public Health.
The University of Memphis is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
West Virginia University offers a Nurse Executive Leadership Graduate Certificate. The program is designed for students who have an active RN license and hold an MSN. To earn the certificate, students must complete 22 credit hours and 300 clinical hours. Courses are 8 weeks long. The program can be completed online or in a low-residency format.
West Virginia University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Getting Your Healthcare Leadership Certificate Online
If you’re seeking to gain leadership skills pertaining to healthcare and to make a difference in your organization or the industry, you might consider a healthcare leadership graduate certificate. Enriching your ability to lead effectively in a healthcare setting can boost management confidence and may even lead to advancement in your career in healthcare.
A graduate certificate program in healthcare leadership can help clinicians, administrators, and other healthcare professionals meet the growing demand to also perform as organizational leaders. This graduate certificate may also be applied to a future healthcare administration degree online or on campus at the master’s level, depending on your future goals.
You could start exploring accredited schools today to discover the graduate certificate programs that best match your career interests and aspirations.
