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"The course work was always relevant to the management issues that I faced. I left the program with a complete chest of tools to be an effective leader and manager."
Marleece Barber, MD, MS
MHCM Class of 2007
Global Medical Director
John Deere & Company


FAQs

*For Admissions questions please go to our application page or download our SOPHAS and Admissions FAQ (PDF)


Does the MHCM Program offer CME credit?

Yes. The MHCM program offers a total of 161.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits (TM) over the two years of the program. Please see the courses webpage for specific course credit info by program session.

The MHCM program is sponsored by the Harvard School of Public Health. The Center for Continuing Professional Education is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians. The Harvard School of Public Health takes responsibility for the content, quality, and scientific integrity of this CME activity.

Do you have any recommendations on SOPHAS transcript data entry?

The SOPHAS system requires that all courses and grades be entered manually into the application. While SOPHAS prefers that applicants enter their own course work, they do provide a data entry service to ensure applicants are not discouraged from submitting applications due to this requirement. The fee is $150 independent of the number of transcripts.

Please contact SOPHAS at sophasmgr@sophas.org and state that you are interested in the data entry service. Please allot 2 weeks from the time of receipt of your transcripts to SOPHAS for this data entry service.

Do you accept MCATs that are greater than five years old? How do I get my MCAT scores reported?

Yes, we will accept MCAT scores that are greater than five years old. You can obtain the forms needed to request your MCAT scores at http://www.aamc.org/students/mcat/sendscores/releasingscores.htm. To release scores prior to 1990 the following form is required http://www.aamc.org/students/mcat/sendscores/thxapplication.pdf. You can call the MCAT office directly at 202.828.0691 if you need assistance.

Is it possible for international students to attend this program?

Unfortunately due to the part-time nature of the MHCM program, the program does not qualify for F-l student visa sponsorship. However a B-1 visa category might be appropriate. Please call for more information; 617.432.7075.

How is the curriculum of the part-time M.S. in Health Care Management program the same or different from the full-time MPH in Health Care Management?

The curriculum for the part-time degree is more heavily concentrated in management skills courses, whereas our full-time Masters (which is an MPH in Health Care Management) has a greater public health focus, with more in-depth coursework requirements in biostatistics, epidemiology, environmental health, and health and social behavior.

The management skills courses are primarily those already taught in our residential Masters (both the MPH and two-year MS degree programs), adapted to a more "continuous learning" environment. This means, for instance, that in operations management, there is both formal in-class lecture and case discussion, as well as a "take-home" project for participants to do (i.e. observation and analysis of the delivery process of a particular health service).

What is mid-career status?

We expect all students to be "mid-career" in the sense that they have practiced clinically for a number of years, and are in managerial positions (part-time or full-time) in health service organizations (group practices, health maintenance organizations, hospitals, PHO's and other "integrated" health systems organizations, etc).

How many do you anticipate in the class?

We anticipate 20-30 students in the class.

Are interviews a part of the admissions process?

We will not be able to interview candidates for admission.

Are computers required? What software requirements should I expect?

Students must have access to a PC and be proficient in the use of web-based email and the current version of Microsoft Office: Word, Excel and Powerpoint. Many students choose to bring laptops to class; however, laptops are not required.

The Microlab at the School of Public Health provides PCs and printers for student use; the Microlab is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Does the School arrange for group housing?

Students are responsible for their own housing while in Boston; see the housing page for helpful information and suggestions. Please note that hotels in Boston and Cambridge are subject to 11.45% city and state tax.

If you anticipate a need for business services while on campus (i.e. sending or receiving FAXes, FedEx delivery, or access to copier machines) be sure to choose a hotel that can accommodate those needs. The School of Public Health does not provide business services for students.

Is parking available for students?

Parking is both difficult to find and expensive in Boston. Public transportation is recommended.

I already have a degree that covered some of these topics. Is it possible to skip some of the classes? Can the coursework be spread over more or less time?

No. The courses are sequential, and this is a cohort situation. All courses are required and have been carefully structured to build upon each other. An essential part of this program is the development of close working relationships within the members of the class that come from shared classroom experiences.

How much work should I expect outside of class, and what will be the nature of the assignments?

Expect to spend 10-15 hours per week on your assignments. There will be a combination of papers, applied exercises, and outside readings.

Will I be able to still work in July, if I work in the area?

It may be possible to check in in the late afternoons and on the weekends, as classes will run from about 8:30 - 3:20 each day. However, this will be a very demanding program; it will be difficult to maintain a full workload. We recommend that some vacation time from work be scheduled during the summer session.

Are there any discounts for Harvard affiliates?

No discounts are available.