Master of Science in Healthcare Management
Program Competencies
The MSHM Competency Model is an institutionally adapted model derived from the NCHL Health Leadership Competency Model 3.0. Atlantis University selected and consolidated competencies based on the program mission, curriculum, graduate employment expectations, stakeholder input, and the feasibility of valid and reliable assessment.
The program defines 18 specific competencies such as accountability, analytical thinking, innovation, professional and social responsibility, financial skills, human resource management, information technology management, interpersonal understanding, team leadership, and self-awareness.
Competency Domains and Alignment with the Program’s Mission
The following domains and associated competencies reflect the program’s mission to develop graduate professionals committed to excellence, innovation, and lifelong learning, prepared to lead and transform healthcare systems:
ACTION DOMAINS
- Boundary Spanning. Develops students’ ability to collaborate across organizational, professional, and sector boundaries. Competencies such as community collaboration and organizational awareness are key to addressing the complex coordination needs of modern healthcare systems.
- Execution. Focuses on results-driven management. Students learn accountability, analytical thinking, communication (written and oral), performance measurement, process improvement, and project management, skills directly applicable to roles such as practice managers, quality improvement coordinators, or health operations analysts.
- Relations. Strengthens interpersonal understanding, talent development, and team leadership. Students are prepared to build and manage diverse teams, mentor others, and foster organizational cohesion, critical in hospital systems, outpatient networks, and public health environments.
- Transformation. Equips students to lead innovation and drive strategic change. They gain competencies in innovation, change management, and strategic orientation, enabling them to anticipate emerging challenges and implement long-term improvements in care delivery and population health.
ENABLING DOMAINS
- Values. Promotes ethical leadership, social responsibility, and a commitment to diversity and equity. Students learn to lead with integrity and make decisions that promote ethical standards and community well-being.
- Health System Awareness & Business Literacy. Prepares students to understand and operate effectively within complex healthcare environments. Competencies include financial skills, human resources management, and information technology management, tools essential for administrative roles across the sector.
- Self-Awareness & Self-Development. Encourages personal growth, resilience, and emotional intelligence. Through competencies such as self-awareness, self-confidence, and well-being, students develop leadership presence and the ability to manage stress and complexity in high-stakes environments.
This updated competency framework is fully aligned with the mission of the MSHM program to prepare highly qualified, ethical, and innovative healthcare professionals and reflects the types of roles our graduates pursue, including:
- Healthcare administrators and clinical managers
- Operations and project managers
- Quality improvement analysts
- Policy advisors and strategic planners
- Practice leaders in hospitals, clinics, and community health organizations
The integration of these competencies into the program curriculum ensures that student learning is mission-driven, measurable, and directly applicable to real-world healthcare challenges. Instructional content, assessment strategies, and experiential learning activities (such as simulations, fieldwork, and capstone projects) are intentionally designed to build progressive competency development across all seven domains.
