MHA Master of Health Administration Academics & Curriculum

All full-time MHA students will be matched with healthcare leaders at a Lexington-based healthcare organization (the University of Kentucky Healthcare and CHI CommonSpirit) prior to onboarding through a match interview.

• Minimum of 18 hours, an average of 20 hours a week.
• Paid, competitive - current (2023) rate is $16.50/hour.
• Preceptors:
  • Preceptors sit on the Executive Committees for the organization and lead value-added projects across the health enterprise.
  • Seasoned healthcare leaders from all levels who can relate to the learning needs of students.
  • Receive competency model education and have direct access to MHA Program Leadership.
  • Provide informal and formal (end of the semester) feedback to students and the program - integrated into the student competency development dashboard.
• On-Going Access the Healthcare Experts
  • Specialized professional development opportunities offered by the sponsor throughout the year.
  • Access to events happening in the organization.

• All full-time students are required to work in an AP.
• This paid position provides students with the experience they will use in interviews and on their resumes.
• It builds business acumen by helping students translate course work through a healthcare lens.
• We do not offer graduate/teaching/research assistantships in the MHA Program as this position is 20 hours a week and directly supports your learning.
• The experience gained during the Administrative internship targets healthcare administration directly.

• Students Learn Effective Communication
  • Students will seek performance feedback on a regular basis from their preceptors.
  • Opportunities to report out and present to leaders on projects and outcomes.
  • 1:1 and small group communication techniques.
• Onboarding for All Positions
  • Students are responsible for completing organization onboarding and hiring requirements (including vaccinations), monitoring performance requirements, and being engaged, self-directed learners.
  • Tours, position orientation, and hospital orientation for all students.
• Preceptor Education and On-going Process Improvement
  • Preceptors complete a competency-based student feedback survey each semester.
  • Student Dashboards - preceptor feedback is included each semester.
  • Students also provide feedback on the experience.
  • The Program Director meets with the leadership team every semester to gain input on curriculum and competency relevance and student competency development. This input is then, funneled back to the program and faculty for consideration.

• Year 1 = Fall and Spring semesters
• Year 2 = Fall and Spring semesters
• Specific schedule shared once admitted and accepted
• Performance, attendance, and academic performance must all be in good standing to continue into year 2

Here are some of the areas students were placed this year at UK HealthCare.

• Ambulatory Services
• Performance Improvement | Quality
• Finance 
• External Affairs (outreach, communications, marketing, corporate strategy)
• Kentucky Children’s Hospital Leadership Team
• Chandler Medical Center Leadership Team
• Good Samaritan Hospital Leadership Team
• Eastern State Hospital Leadership Team | Enterprise Behavioral Health Strategy
• General Hospital Operations

• Students will seek performance feedback on a regular basis
• Students are responsible for completing organization onboarding and hiring requirements (including vaccinations), monitoring performance requirements, and being engaged, self-directed learners
• Preceptors complete a competency-based student feedback survey each semester
  • Student Dashboards - preceptor feedback is included each semester
• Students also provide feedback on the experience
• The Program Director meets with the leadership team every semester to gain input on curriculum and competency relevance and student competency development. This input is then, funneled back to the program and faculty for consideration