The Healthcare Quality and Safety concentration addresses the growing need for healthcare leaders who can improve care delivery, reduce harm and meet regulatory and accreditation standards. Our graduates are prepared to lead quality improvement initiatives, enhance patient safety and implement evidence-based practices across healthcare organizations.
This concentration aligns with the Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) certification framework offered by the National Association for Healthcare Quality (NAHQ), the only accredited credential in healthcare quality and widely recognized as the industry standard. All courses in the Healthcare Quality and Safety concentration are designed to meet Quality Matters standards, and the curriculum supports students interested in pursuing CPHQ certification.
This degree enhances career readiness, prepares graduates for leadership roles and offers an edge in a competitive job market.
Our 100% online Master of Science in Health Administration program gives you the freedom to schedule your coursework around your availability. We are on a rolling admission basis meaning you don't have to wait to begin your journey to earning your MHA.
Graduates of the Master of Health Administration program are prepared to:
USI faculty and staff are dedicated to giving you the support you need no matter the modality for which you're taking classes. Check out our robust resources for online students including what online learning is, technology requirements and frequently asked questions.
All MHA courses are offered online using the Blackboard course management system and are seven (7) weeks in duration. Courses are designed using the Quality Matters Rubric Standards based on best practices and research for course design.
Choose between completing the MHA in an accelerated, 1-year format where you take 2 courses per 7-week bi-term, or the standard 2-year option where you take 1 course every 7-week bi-term. Each of these courses are three (3) credit hours and are designed using the Quality Matters Rubric Standards based on best practices and research for course design.
This handbook is a compilation of selected policies and guidelines for the Kinney College of Nursing and Health Professions.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in healthcare occupations is projected to grow significantly, with 1.9 million openings annually due to growth and workforce turnover. Healthcare organizations increasingly prioritize structured quality improvement and patient safety initiatives, creating strong demand for professionals trained in these areas.
Professionals with the CPHQ certification often earn 20-30% more than their non-certified peers and are preferred for leadership roles in quality, safety and performance improvement. The certification validates competencies in areas such as risk management, regulatory compliance and data-driven decision-making—skills directly addressed in this concentration.
*Income data provided by CareerOneStop.
Opportunities and salaries vary by region and experience.
The University of Southern Indiana is committed to making college accessible to those wishing to further their education by providing numerous scholarships, grants, and financial aid options to assist students in managing tuition expenses.
