The MHA degree program is committed to preparing individuals for roles in a healthcare environment whose hallmark will be continuous change and multiple challenges. These complex challenges will create growing opportunities for persons with the knowledge, skills, and creativity to address them successfully.
The MHA Program is competency-based. Each course exposes students to a specific set of skills and abilities. Within each course, students demonstrate their progress becoming proficient with the prescribed competencies. We layer these skills over the curriculum to allow for practice, feedback, and development over time.
The competency model assures we are targeting the most relevant set of skills, and is reviewed regularly so it aligns with industry needs.
The MHA Student Association (MHASA) elects officers annually, and is very active in leading academic, charitable and social opportunities for students. The MHASA organized a welcome event for the first-year students prior to the start of the fall semester along with sharing information during orientation. For interested first-year students, second-year MHA students serve as mentors answering questions and providing information on the UK/Lexington community. Every year, the MHASA coordinates service events with outside organizations, such as the Ronald McDonald House, Big Blue Crush/Slam, Saint Joseph Foundation STARS Gala, Keeneland, and much more.
Upcoming
The UK MHASA plans to partner with the UK children’s hospital and with Jarrett's Joy Cart project to provide boxes filled with small toys, games, and fun activities (Jarrett's boxes) to children in the hospital.
The MHASA helped sponsor the Kentucky Blood Centers Big Blue Crush blood drive.
We helped facilitate a community screening day with Aging with Grace.
Each year a number of our students compete for and receive highly competitive postgraduate fellowship opportunities.
“Students should get involved with the student association because it is an opportunity to create change and grow in community with those striving to drive healthcare forward.”
- Corbin Kirksey
“Students should get involved in MHASA because it’s a great way to get to know other students, participate in volunteer events, and gain leadership experience!”
- Tharunika Venkatesan
“Students should become involved with MHASA to enhance all aspects of their graduate school experience. MHASA provides members with many professional development, service, and networking opportunities that help shape future careers in healthcare leadership, while also providing members social opportunities that build friendships within the program.”
- Becca Rawlings
“Being part of Student Association is the next step in making connections for your future.”
- Shelby Watkins
The University of Kentucky College of Public Health is undergoing a review by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) for re-accreditation. Part of this process includes the invitation to provide third-party comments. Anyone, including students, alumni, employers, community partners, etc., is allowed to share relevant information about the college directly with CEPH. If you would like to provide input to CEPH to inform their review, send your comments to submissions@ceph.org by May 4th, 2025.
