MHCA Student Handbook

This handbook contains basic program information for students accepted into the Master of Science in Healthcare Administration (MHCA) program at the University of Arkansas Fort Smith

MHCA Student Handbook Effective Fall 2025-26

UAFS College of Health Education and Health Sciences

Table of Contents CONTACT INFORMATION .............................................................................................................................. 4 COLLEGE OF HEALTH EDUCATION AND HEALTH SCIENCES ...................................................................... 4 MHCA PROGRAM ...................................................................................................................................... 4 OFFICE OF GRADUATE STUDIES ................................................................................................................ 4 UAFS TECHNOLOGY SERVICES................................................................................................................... 4 MHCA PROGRAM HISTORY ........................................................................................................................... 5 MISSION ........................................................................................................................................................ 5 VISION ........................................................................................................................................................... 5 VALUES .......................................................................................................................................................... 5 PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES................................................................................................................ 6 PROGRAM ASSOCIATIONS AND ACCREDITATION......................................................................................... 7 AUPHA ....................................................................................................................................................... 7 PROGRAM ELEMENTS ................................................................................................................................... 7 ONLINE/DISTANCE LEARNING ................................................................................................................... 7 COURSE OF STUDY and DEGREE PLAN ...................................................................................................... 8 PROGRAM POLICIES ...................................................................................................................................... 9 GRADUATE STUDIES .................................................................................................................................. 9 TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES ...................................................................................................................... 9 NETIQUETTE .............................................................................................................................................. 9 SAFE ENVIRONMENT............................................................................................................................... 10 SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY ............................................................................................................................ 10 ACADEMIC INTEGRITY ............................................................................................................................. 10 APA FORMAT........................................................................................................................................... 11 ASSIGNMENTS ......................................................................................................................................... 12 Acceptable Sources ............................................................................................................................. 12 Unacceptable Sources ......................................................................................................................... 12 LATE POLICY ............................................................................................................................................ 12 Emergency Event or Extenuating Circumstance ................................................................................. 12 MHCA GRADING SCALE ........................................................................................................................... 13 UAFS ONLINE TESTING POLICY AND PROCTOR INFORMATION .............................................................. 13 2|Page Updated: January 12, 2026

ORIGINALITY OF STUDENT WORK ........................................................................................................... 14 Repeating a Course ............................................................................................................................. 14 Academic Recycling ............................................................................................................................. 14 CHALLENGING A POSTED ASSIGNMENT GRADE ..................................................................................... 14 PROGRAM CONTINUATION and RE-ENTRY............................................................................................. 15 Withdrawal from Course(s)................................................................................................................. 15 Reasons for Withdrawal and Course of Action ................................................................................... 15 Re-entry Guidelines............................................................................................................................. 15 Exit/Withdrawal from Program .......................................................................................................... 16 Program Dismissal .................................................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.

GRIEVANCE AND APPEAL PROCESSES ..................................................................................................... 16 Informal Grievance Process ................................................................................................................ 16 Formal Grievance Process ................................................................................................................... 17 APPEAL PROCESS..................................................................................................................................... 17 FINAL GRADE PETITIONING..................................................................................................................... 17 STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES ................................................................................................................ 18 ADA Statement.................................................................................................................................... 18 HEALTHCARE ADMINISTRATION CERTIFICATION and LICENSURE .............................................................. 18 American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) ........................................................................... 19 Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) ............................................ 1920 College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME)............................................... 19 Medical Group Management Association (MGMA) ........................................................................... 20 American Association of Healthcare Administrative Management ................................................... 20 Health Care Administrators Association ............................................................................................. 20 National Association of Long Term Care Administrator Boards (NAB) ............................................... 20

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CONTACT INFORMATION COLLEGE OF HEALTH EDUCATION AND HEALTH SCIENCES Dean Cantù, Ph.D Dean College of Health Education and Health Sciences Email: dean.cantu @uafs.edu

Office: HS 105 Office Phone: 479-788-7830

MHCA PROGRAM Cheryl Holden, DHSc, MSN, RN-BC, NPD, CA-HIMS Executive Director, MHCA Program College of Health Education and Health Sciences Email: Cheryl.Holden@uafs.edu

Office: HS 304 Office Phone: 479-788-7399

Becky Hatley Administrative Specialist III College of Health Education and Health Sciences Email: Becky.Hatley@uafs.edu

Office: HS 347 Office Phone: 479-788-7865

Theresa Presley Advising Coordinator Email: Theresa.Presley@uafs.edu

Office: HS-116B Office Phone: 479-788-7841

OFFICE OF GRADUATE STUDIES Lisa La Rocque, MSPM Academic Program Specialist Office of the Associate Provost for Academic Affairs Email: graduate-studies@uafs.edu

Office: FA 132 Office Phone: 479-788-7518

UAFS TECHNOLOGY SERVICES Information

https://uafs.teamdynamix.com/TDClient/33/Portal/Home/

Help Desk

479-788-7460

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MHCA PROGRAM HISTORY In August 2015, the University of Arkansas Fort Smith began offering its first graduate degree, a Master of Science in Healthcare Administration (Online Program). The program prepares students for management and leadership in the healthcare industry. The MHCA program holds an associate graduate membership with the Association of University Programs in Health Administration (AUPHA), a global network of colleges, universities, faculty, individuals, and organizations dedicated to improving health and healthcare delivery through excellence in healthcare management and policy education.

MISSION Our mission is to provide working professionals, practitioners, and those wanting to advance their careers in health care management. Students will gain the knowledge and skills to be competent, ethical, and innovative leaders who successfully manage and lead their healthcare organizations and communities.

This online program prepares healthcare professionals to successfully develop the core competencies necessary for leaders to manage within the U.S. healthcare marketplace.

VISION To be recognized as the online program of choice throughout the healthcare sector for its healthcare leaders' academic and professional development.

VALUES The MHCA program in the College of Health Education and Health Sciences at the University of Arkansas Fort Smith holds the value of excellence in the following areas: • • • • • •

Graduate education that utilizes adult learning theory and innovative online learning techniques.

Ethical and professional behavior, including respect and integrity.

Evidence-based research, practice, and results.

Service to our fellow citizens and community.

Cooperation and collaboration with others for the betterment of healthcare.

Personal and professional growth through life-long learning.

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PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES Upon completion of the Master of Science in Healthcare Administration (Online Program), graduates will have enhanced their knowledge and skills in: 1. Leadership - Demonstrate transformational leadership that inspires individual, team, and organizational excellence. a. Objective: Utilize evidence-based decision-making while supporting innovation and creativity. b. Objective: Assess the organizational climate and culture, including corporate values, business processes, and the impact of systems on operations. c. Objective: Promote and manage change through systems thinking and continuous organizational learning/improvement. d. Objective: Interpret the authorizing environment and operate within organizational structures, functions, processes, and traditions.

2. Communication and Relationships - Demonstrate clear and concise communication skills, establish and maintain relationships, and facilitate constructive interactions with individuals and groups. a. Objective: Demonstrate effective written, oral, and presentation skills. b. Objective: Demonstrate effective interpersonal relations by developing and maintaining cooperative and collaborative relationships. c. Objective: Demonstrate effective team building, negotiation, and facilitation techniques, including conflict resolution.

3. Professionalism and Ethics - Practice professionalism and ethical behavior through personal and professional accountability, employ a service orientation, and display a commitment to lifelong learning and improvement. a. Objective: Promote professional roles, responsibility, and accountability for self and others. b. Objective: Uphold and act upon ethical and professional standards, including ethical business principles. c. Objective: Demonstrates emotional intelligence through intrapersonal and interpersonal skills.

4. Healthcare Systems and Environment - Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of healthcare systems and the environment in which healthcare managers and providers operate. a. Objective: Demonstrate knowledge of healthcare systems, service delivery, and operational environments, including interdisciplinary approaches. b. Objective: Demonstrate understanding of healthcare personnel and organizational structure regarding support services, personnel roles, and workforce issues. c. Objective: Demonstrate understanding of population health and community health needs regarding healthcare trends, societal wellness, disease, and healthcare delivery.

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5.

d. Objective: Demonstrate knowledge of the broad healthcare environment, including the role of healthcare policy, law, regulation, and ethics. e. Objective: Demonstrate knowledge of benchmarking principles for maintaining quality, customer satisfaction, and continuous improvement.

Healthcare Management and Business – Utilize business principles, including systems thinking, in the healthcare environment. a. Objective: Develop critical thinking, analysis, and problem-solving skills that can be applied to all aspects of healthcare management. b. Objective: Demonstrate understanding and the application of theories and tools in the areas of organizational dynamics and human resource management. c. Objective: Demonstrate understanding and the application of theories and tools in the areas of strategic planning and marketing. d. Objective: Demonstrate understanding and the application of theories and tools in the area of financial management. e. Objective: Demonstrate knowledge of the theories and tools used in information systems management. f. Objective: Demonstrate knowledge of the theories and tools used in the areas of risk management and quality improvement.

PROGRAM ASSOCIATIONS AND ACCREDITATION AUPHA (http://www.aupha.org/home) As noted in the program's history, the UAFS MHCA program holds an associate graduate membership with the Association of University Programs in Health Administration (AUPHA), a global network of colleges, universities, faculty, individuals, and organizations dedicated to the improvement of health and healthcare delivery through excellence in healthcare management and policy education. Its mission is to foster excellence and drive innovation in health management, policy, and education, and promote the value of university-based management education for leadership roles in the health sector. It is the only non-profit entity that works to improve the delivery of health services – and thus the health of citizens – worldwide by educating professional managers.

PROGRAM ELEMENTS ONLINE/DISTANCE LEARNING The MHCA program is fully online and provides a rigorous academic experience. We aim to produce competent, thoughtful, and servant-focused healthcare leaders through the online learning environment.

As a student, you must be willing to engage in the online environment. Engaging with your colleagues/classmates will enrich your online experience and education.

The Blackboard Learning Management System (LMS) at UAFS enables faculty to incorporate both synchronous and asynchronous learning. For more information on this system, visit the UAFS Distance 7|Page Updated: January 12, 2026

Learning Homepage at https://uafs.edu/academics/academic-resources/instructional-support/studentresources/faqs.php and click on "Student Resources."

COURSE OF STUDY AND DEGREE PLAN The current degree plan and recommended course of study for full-time MHCA students are below.

Students are considered full-time if they take nine or more credit hours and part-time if they take fewer than nine credit hours. Students can complete this program on a full-time basis (9 credit hours) or parttime (3 or 6 credit hours). However, students must complete the program within six years or meet the graduation requirements listed in the Graduate Studies Catalog, beginning with the student's 7th year of study. Also, note that students enrolling in only one course are not eligible for financial aid.

The recommended courses of study are listed below. However, classes may not always be offered, and adjustments can be made with the approval of the student's advisor or the MHCA Executive Director.

MHCA DEGREE PLAN Fall Semester 9 Hours Hours Graduate Courses 3 HPMT 50003 Healthcare Systems 3 HPMT 50103 Healthcare Policy and Governance 3 HPMT 50203 Healthcare Organizational Behavior and Leadership Spring Semester 6 Hours Hours Graduate Courses 3 HPMT 50403 Research in Healthcare Administration** 3 HPMT 50503 Fundamentals of Financial Management in Healthcare Summer Semester 6 Hours Hours Graduate Courses 3 HPMT 50303 Healthcare Law and Ethics 3 HPMT 56203 Strategic Planning in Healthcare Fall Semester 6 Hours Hours Graduate Courses 3 HPMT 60103 Information Systems Management in Healthcare 3 HPMT 60203 Managed Care and Reimbursement Systems Spring Semester 7 Hours Hours Graduate Courses 3 HPMT 60303 Healthcare Quality Improvement 4 HPMT 61004 Graduate Project in Healthcare Administration Total Hours: 34 Students must maintain an overall minimum GPA of 3.0 in degree requirements.

**Please note that completing the equivalent of a 2000-level Statistics/Probability course is required before you can take the MHCA 5043 Research course. If you have not taken such a course, consider taking it before or during your first semester in the program. The book required in the MHCA 5043 Research course is also used in the MHCA 6104 Graduate Project course.

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PROGRAM POLICIES GRADUATE STUDIES The MHCA program is associated with the Office of Graduate Studies and the College of Health Education and Health Sciences. Policies specific to Graduate Studies can be found in the Graduate Studies Catalog, available at https://catalog.uafs.edu/index.php. Policies specific to the College of Health Education and Human Sciences (CHEHS) and this program are included in this manual.

TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES This program is conducted fully online through the Blackboard Learning Management System (BLS).

Therefore, students need to have access to or knowledge of the following: • • • • • •

Computer Stable Internet connection Basic understanding of computer usage A word+ processing program, such as MS Word, that will allow you to create, edit, save, and retrieve documents Email Ability to download and install programs

Within the first three courses, there is a link on the left side of the course home page called "Online Orientation." This link contains information students need to know if they are new to the online learning environment or the Blackboard Learning Management System. Students can watch informational videos and then take the Student Orientation Quiz to help determine if they are ready to proceed with the online course(s). This quiz is designed for the student's benefit and does not contribute to their course grade.

The quiz needs to be completed only once, not within each course.

If you have trouble with this information or BLS, contact your instructor or the MHCA Executive Director.

NETIQUETTE Netiquette is a term that describes expected etiquette behaviors in an online environment. It is, first and foremost, about respect for others. Students must be aware of expected online behaviors.

Professionalism is required within the online classroom.

Therefore, you are expected to: • • • •

Use complete sentences, proper spelling, and grammar.

Avoid slang unless it is used as a specific topic in an online discussion.

Avoid obscene words, swearing, cussing, cursing, or threatening language.

Be respectful of differences and value others' opinions (even if you disagree with them).

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SAFE ENVIRONMENT We expect all students to respect others' rights. Sexual harassment, assault, discriminatory statements, and harassment of other students (or groups) based on gender, race, color, age, national origin, religion, disability, veteran status, or other discriminating factors is not tolerated. For further information, please consult the Graduate Studies Catalog.

SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY This policy aims to inform people about potential problems and liabilities associated with using the Internet and electronic communication systems.

Definitions Electronic communication systems – websites or web-based services that users may join, view, and/or post information to, including but not limited to weblogs (blogs), internet chat rooms, online bulletin boards, and social networking sites, including but not limited to Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, iTunes, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Flickr.

1. Individuals may not share confidential information in violation of HIPAA or FERPA related to UAFS business on electronic communication systems, including but not limited to personnel actions, internal investigations, research material, or student/faculty information. This includes sharing photos or partial information, even when the names of students, faculty, or employees of healthcare organizations are not used. This consists of any activity that would cause UAFS to fail to comply with state or federal law.

2. Individuals assume personal liability for information they post on electronic communication systems, including but not limited to personal commentary, photographs, and videos. UAFS does not endorse or assume any liability for students' communications.

3. Individuals should exercise appropriate discretion in sharing information, knowing that such communications may be observed by employers, employees, faculty, and students. Information shared should never be considered private, regardless of your settings.

4. Individuals should not represent or imply that they are expressing the opinion of UAFS. 5. Individuals should not post defamatory information about others, activities or procedures at UAFS. 6. Individuals should not refer to anyone in a disparaging manner, even if the person cannot be identified with the information stated.

7. Since information posted on the Internet is public, UAFS and other interested parties may review electronic communication systems for content regarding current students.

8. Employers, organizations, and individuals may monitor and share information they find posted on electronic communication systems.

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY All students are expected to be honest and forthright in their academic studies. Therefore, students are expected to complete their work and not present others' work as their own; doing so degrades and devalues the educational process. As a graduate-level student, you must understand paraphrasing, proper 10 | P a g e Updated: January 12, 2026

APA citations, and how to avoid plagiarism. An Artificial Intelligence (AI) platform may be used, provided that adequate citation and approval are obtained from the course instructor. Refer to the AI policy for specific details.

The Academic Honesty Policy is outlined in the Graduate Studies Catalog, and the statement below will be adhered to.

The Graduate Catalog of the University of Arkansas Fort Smith states in part:

UA Fort Smith is committed to helping students attain the highest level of academic achievement. That achievement is predicated on a foundation of scholastic integrity in all aspects of students' academic work. This absolute standard of academic honesty lies at the heart of any pursuit of learning and the award of any degree or certificate.

Academic dishonesty in any form, including using unauthorized materials, information, or study aids in any academic exercise; plagiarism; forgery; falsification of records; unauthorized possession of examinations; any and all other actions that may improperly affect the evaluation of a student's academic performance or achievement; and the assistance of others in any such act is forbidden.

A faculty member who has proof that a student is guilty of academic dishonesty may take appropriate action, up to and including, assigning the student a grade of F for the course and suspending the student from the class. The F will be the final grade and the student may not withdraw from the course with a W. The student may appeal either the finding of academic dishonesty or the penalty to the Graduate Appeals Committee under the guidelines listed in the Graduate Catalog.

APA FORMAT All courses in the MHCA program use APA formatting. The most recent edition of the APA manual is a required resource in MHCA 5003. Students should purchase the manual for MHCA 5003 and keep their copy for use throughout the program. It is also acceptable to purchase APA software (e.g., Reference Point Software or PERRLA). However, the software is not perfect. Ensure that your in-text citations and references match the most recent edition.

Please note that you may encounter issues with copying and pasting APA-formatted text in the discussion forums. Subsequently, faculty focus within the discussion forum will be on the assignment content, adequate and appropriate responses, and proper APA formatting for in-text citations and formatted references.

Students needing help with graduate-level academic writing can contact the UAFS Writing Center at 479788-7675.

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ASSIGNMENTS All assignments are submitted on the date specified on the specific course calendar. All assignments must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Central Time (CST) via Blackboard on the due date. Attachments (if necessary) must be in .docx, .pdf, or .rtf format. Formal written assignments are to be prepared in a scholarly manner (typed, double-spaced, with appropriate grammar, syntax, and APA format).

The grading criterion for each assignment is posted in the course content of the Blackboard course shell.

Each assignment is graded according to the posted grading rubric for the assignment. Rubrics are posted under the Course Content link. Before submitting assignments, students should refer to the UA Fort Smith Academic Honesty policy (as listed in the Graduate Studies Catalog). Faculty may require students to submit assignments through SafeAssign for plagiarism checks.

The MHCA program is scholastically rigorous. You are expected to use scholarly sources. A list of acceptable and unacceptable sources is provided below. Additionally, all MHCA courses have a link under Course Resources to the MHCA Library Guide to help you in your research and as you seek scholarly sources to support your assignments and opinions.

ACCEPTABLE SOURCES • • • • •

Scholarly research that is peer-reviewed, evidence-based, and founded on original research or experiments by experts in the field of study.

Governmental resources such as AHRQ or DHHS Professional organizations such as AHIMA, AMA, HIMSS, MGMA. ACHE MHCA program textbooks Websites ending in .edu, .org, and .gov

UNACCEPTABLE SOURCES • • • • •

Wikipedia and other wiki-type and open sources About.com, ask.com, Yahoo.com, paid sites Dictionaries or encyclopedias Blogs Layman, legal and/or political sources promoting their services

LATE POLICY Students are responsible for all course materials and must follow the specific course outline and calendar, completing coursework by the assigned dates for each course. Assignments are graded according to the assignment's specific rubric, and submitting an assignment late results in point deductions as identified in each course syllabus and/or the specific assignment rubric. Late discussion postings can negatively impact the quality and quantity of class discussions, often forfeiting the opportunity for valuable peer feedback.

EMERGENCY EVENT OR EXTENUATING CIRCUMSTANCE If a student anticipates missing a deadline due to an emergency event or extenuating circumstance, it is the student's responsibility to contact the course faculty PRIOR to the due date, if possible, to arrange an extension to the due date for submission of the required 12 | P a g e Updated: January 12, 2026

assignment(s). An extension may or may not be granted. Overdue assignments may or may not be accepted with or without penalty.

MHCA GRADING SCALE The MHCA program uses a 6-point grading scale. Note in the table below that there is no "D" grade; any grade below 80% (C) is considered an "F." This aligns with the standards established for students in graduate school and those pursuing a degree in healthcare administration. Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher in their MHCA program courses to be in good academic standing and graduate. Please refer to the Graduate Studies Catalog for further information.

Additionally, final grades are not rounded; therefore, a grade of 93.99% is equivalent to a B.

Traditional Grade Equivalent

Numeric Range

GPA

A B

94-100 87-93.99

4.0 3.0

C >>>>>>>>>>>>

80-86.99 >>>>>>>>>>>

2.0 >>>>>

F

0-79.99

0

UAFS ONLINE TESTING POLICY AND PROCTOR INFORMATION If the MHCA course(s) you are enrolled in has MAJOR exams, you must complete the Proctor Form and submit it to your instructor at the beginning of the semester and no later than two weeks into the course.

The Proctor Approval Request form is located on the UAFS Distance Learning web page under Student Resources, labeled as Online Testing and Proctoring Procedures. After receiving approval from your instructor, you may take the major exams in a proctored environment.

The following are the UA Fort Smith guidelines regarding proctored major exams for full online courses: 1. In collaboration with the faculty, the student is responsible for securing the off-campus examination site.

2. Examination sites must be approved by the faculty teaching the course, with faculty notification to the Dean. Alternate examination procedures must be approved in advance by the Dean.

3. Approved sites may include other institutions of higher learning, secondary schools, and for-profit examination centers.

4. Proctors at an approved site must certify that the examination was completed under supervision.

5. The student is responsible for any costs incurred for testing at an off-campus site.

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ORIGINALITY OF STUDENT WORK REPEATING A COURSE The College of Health, Education, and Human Sciences' policy permits a student to enroll in the same course a maximum of two (2) times. Exceptions to this policy may be granted for withdrawals due to documented illness or the death of an immediate family member. Students who are unable to complete a course on time may be eligible for an In-Progress (IP) status, pending approval from both the course instructor and the program director. Please refer to the official UAFS IP policy for further guidance. If a student repeats a course due to withdrawal from or failure in the course in a previous semester, the assignments may likely be the same as those from the last attempt of the course. All assignments and resources submitted must be original to the current semester. Graduate students are expected to uphold the highest standards of academic integrity. Submitting previously graded assignments is prohibited and will result in a zero for the assignment and may lead to administrative withdrawal from the program.

ACADEMIC RECYCLING Academic recycling may be defined as submitting all or a portion of work submitted for an assignment in a concurrent course, one submitted in a previous course, or at another institution.

Assignments are designed to be course-specific. Students are expected not to submit an assignment that is an exact copy of work previously submitted.

Suppose you would like to reuse your previous work and believe that a concurrent or previous course assignment meets the criteria for a current course assignment. In this case, the following criteria must be satisfied: 1. PRIOR to submission, instructor permission is granted. Not all instructors grant this permission.

2. The student must email the current instructor a copy of the original work that they wish to repurpose before submitting the assignment containing the recycled material. This email must include the name of the course, the course dates, and the location where the material was initially used.

3. Written approval is obtained from the instructor.

4. The original assignment is substantially revised and/or enhanced.

5. According to APA guidelines, the recycled material is properly recognized as "self-citing" in the current submission.

Failure to meet the above criteria will result in the student receiving a zero on the assignment, which may be grounds for administrative withdrawal from the program.

CHALLENGING A POSTED ASSIGNMENT GRADE Students have 7 days (including weekends and holidays) to challenge a posted assignment grade. First, the student must discuss the matter with the course instructor. If the student feels the matter is unresolved, they must follow the general guidelines described in the Grievance and Appeal Process section of this handbook. Evidence is required to justify proceeding with the challenge process.

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PROGRAM CONTINUATION AND RE-ENTRY Students may choose not to enroll in courses for up to two (2) consecutive semesters and still be considered in the program. Students must reapply to the program if they sit out more than 2 consecutive semesters. Students may also 'sit out' one semester and then continue with their degree plan. However, these circumstances must be discussed with the student's advisor or the MHCA Executive Director.

WITHDRAWAL FROM COURSE(S) If a student drops/withdraws for any reason and does not complete a course in progress, they are solely responsible for withdrawing from the course(s). This includes notifying the Registrar's Office (479)788-7230 or records@uafs.edu. Online students do not have to come to campus to complete a drop form. Online students can drop/withdraw from courses by emailing the Registrar's Office, their instructor, and their advisor.

A student who withdraws from a course for any reason is allowed one more attempt in the course. An exception to this policy would be if the course withdrawal were related to illness or the death of an immediate family member. A student may re-enter/re-take the course the next time it is offered, pending eligibility and availability of space in the course. If a student then withdraws or fails the second attempt, they will be ineligible to continue in the MHCA program.

Students who withdraw are expected to do so within the timeframes posted in the Graduate Calendar on the Graduate Studies website.

REASONS FOR WITHDRAWAL AND COURSE OF ACTION •

•

•

Extenuating Circumstances – Documentation of such circumstances (medical issues, personal illness, or family death) is needed to re-enter the course/program, and if the availability of space in the course allows.

Poor Grades 1. Before the last drop date, you can make one more course attempt if space in the course allows.

2. After the last drop date, the student can either continue in the course and try to make a passing grade (80% C), or the grade earned is the grade received.

3. A student on academic probation or provisional admittance – If the student fails to meet the criteria set further for academic good standing or removal of provisional admittance as stated in their acceptance letter, the student can finish the current semester or withdraw from the MHCA program before the last drop date. However, the student will be ineligible for continuation in the MHCA program.

Other Issues—Documentation of such is needed to re-enter the course/program if space is available.

RE-ENTRY GUIDELINES Students desiring re-entry into the MHCA program must contact the MHCA Executive Director to discuss eligibility. If allowed to continue in the program, the student must provide documentation detailing what has been done to facilitate their academic success. The Executive Director will evaluate the student's reasons for withdrawal and the pertinent facts of the 15 | P a g e Updated: January 12, 2026

student's previous performance and skill level. Following review, which may include approval by the Office of Graduate Studies, the student will be notified of their re-entry status.

The following guidelines apply: 1. A student permitted re-entry into or continuation in the program would begin with the course(s) he/she was taking when withdrawal occurred if available space in the course(s) allows.

2. Re-entry or continuation in the program may or may not have specific conditions or criteria that the student must meet or maintain. If these conditions are not maintained, the student will be ineligible to continue the MHCA program.

EXIT/WITHDRAWAL FROM PROGRAM The following statements apply to students who withdraw or discontinue the MHCA program for any reason.

1) The student must follow the re-entry/continuation guidelines, which may include approval from the Graduate Studies office.

2) The MHCA Executive Director will review the student's request to continue the MHCA program to determine if the student is eligible to re-enter/continue the program.

3) The student will receive the grade earned in the course if the student fails to withdraw before the last drop date on the Graduate Calendar for that semester.

4) Re-entry/continuation will also depend on space availability in the course(s) the student needs to retake.

MEETING THE CRITERIA FOR RE-ENTRY DOES NOT GUARANTEE RE-ENTRY.

GRIEVANCE AND APPEAL PROCESSES All UAFS students are guaranteed procedural due process rights, including the right to pursue an investigation through informal and formal grievance processes. Grievance procedures must not be requested frivolously and should follow the sequence outlined below. A diagram of the grievance process is reflected below:

Instructor

Student

MHCA Executive Director

Dean of the College of Health, Education and Human Sciences

Graduate Appeals Committee and/or Associate Provost

INFORMAL GRIEVANCE PROCESS The informal grievance process should be the first method utilized to rectify student issues specific to the MHCA program. Contact must be made within each link of the process, as reflected above, within five (5) days of the perceived issue and/or decision. Failure to act within the time period disqualifies the student from pursuing the matter.

The following general guidelines should be used by students and program personnel when dealing with perceived issues:

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1. Attempt to resolve the issue with the instructor first.

2. If the issue is not resolved with the instructor, the student must schedule a conference with the MHCA Executive Director.

3. The student must follow the formal grievance process if the resolution is not obtained with the MHCA Executive Director.

4. Copies of all correspondence will be maintained in the student's program personal file.

FORMAL GRIEVANCE PROCESS

Formal grievance is used when informal procedures have been exhausted and no satisfactory resolution has been reached. For a formal hearing, the student must submit a writing request to the Dean of the College of Health Education and Health Sciences within three (3) days of the conference with the MHCA Executive Director. The request must contain: 1. The specific grievance of the student 2. The date(s) relevant to the grievance 3. Name(s) of person(s) involved 4. Measures taken by the student to rectify the grievance 5. Any other pertinent information and/or documentation 6. Student contact information, including email and phone number The dean will review the formal request to determine its merit and ensure the student has exhausted all avenues for resolution. Within seven (7) business days of receiving the formal grievance review request, the student will receive a written answer or decision. If the student wishes to pursue the matter further, they must follow the Appeal Process.

APPEAL PROCESS Students may appeal program and policy decisions. A letter of petition stating the reason for the appeal must be addressed to the Graduate Appeals Committee, c/o the Office of the Associate Provost for Academic Affairs. The appeal must be received within seven business days from notification of the decision(s).

PROGRAM DISMISSAL PROGRAM DISMISSAL A student may be administratively withdrawn from the MHCA program for the following reasons: 1. Not meeting the requirements outlined in their letter of provisional admittance, including maintaining B's in the program's first nine (9) credit hours.

2. Not meeting the minimum grade requirement of a B average in their courses.

3. Violation of the academic integrity policy.

4. Students may be suspended or dismissed for violating the program manual, including academic dishonesty, ethical breaches, or unprofessional conduct. Faculty may resolve issues informally, but students have the right to request a formal grievance process. Further appeals follow UAFS Student Handbook procedures and are only permitted for limited reasons, such as procedural error, lack of supporting evidence, new information, inconsistent sanctions, or excessive penalties. The Graduate Council may serve as the Hearing Officer.

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REAPPLICATION PROCESS Students who are administratively dismissed from the program may submit an appeal to Graduate Studies for review. After one year, students may reapply to the MHCA program. Reapplication must include a personal letter of intent detailing the student’s efforts and accomplishments during the year to better prepare for academic success in the program.

FINAL GRADE PETITIONING A student who believes an error has been made in the final grade assignment must first contact the faculty member to resolve the issue(s). The student must initiate contact no later than the first week of the next term. Should the student remain dissatisfied, he or she may appeal to the MHCA Executive Director and then the Dean of the College of Health Education and Health Sciences. If the dean disagrees with the prior responses, the dean will refer the matter to the Graduate Appeals Committee. Failure to act within the specified time period disqualifies the student from further pursuit of the matter. Refer to the Graduate Studies Catalog for more information.

STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES If you have a documented disability, you can arrange for possible accommodations through the Student ADA Services office, which is available at ADA Services: https://www.ada.gov/agency.htm or (479)7887676.

ADA STATEMENT UAFS seeks to make every effort to offer equal educational opportunities for all students. To ensure a total university experience for students with disabilities, UAFS provides reasonable accommodations and services to students with physical, emotional and/or learning disabilities.

The underlying philosophy is to provide support, where possible, to maximize each student's opportunities for academic success.

A student with disabilities may present validation of his/her disability and request services by contacting the Student ADA Coordinator at (479)788-7577. Working with the student, the Student ADA Coordinator will develop an individualized plan for services, including academic advising and accommodations in testing and instruction. It is the student's responsibility to request accommodations each semester /term. To request academic accommodations, students must complete the application process before or at the beginning of each term.

HEALTHCARE ADMINISTRATION CERTIFICATION and LICENSURE There are a variety of board certifications and other certifications available for those employed in healthcare administration. Though not required, certification within the field will provide graduates with a competitive edge when seeking employment. Certification ensures employers have the knowledge, skills, and confidence to succeed while validating your proficiency and commitment to the profession and 18 | P a g e Updated: January 12, 2026

industry. Certification in healthcare administration is not required for graduation but is a personal and professional choice. Which certification(s) you choose should be based on your interests, career path, and employment requirements.

The following organizations provide certifications and licensures to those in healthcare administration:

• AMERICAN COLLEGE OF HEALTHCARE EXECUTIVES (ACHE) http://www.ache.org/mbership/credentialing/steps.cfm

ACHE offers board certification as a Fellow (designated as FACHE), which is widely recognized and respected in the healthcare field. You do not have to meet all of the requirements below (such as three years of ACHE tenure or five years of healthcare management experience) to be eligible to apply.

Completing the Fellow Requirements at a Glance: • • • • • •

Be a Member of ACHE (3 years) Hold a Master's or other advanced degree (transcript required) Hold a healthcare management position and have a minimum of two years of healthcare management experience Three references from current Fellows (one of which must be a structured interview) Provide a copy of your current job description, organizational chart, and resume Submit a Fellow Application ($250 fee)

HEALTHCARE INFORMATION AND MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS SOCIETY (HIMSS) http://www.himss.org/health-it-certification •

CAHIMS (Certified Associate in Healthcare Information and Management Systems) is designed for emerging professionals who may or may not have experience within the industry. CAHIMS is designed to be a pathway for careers in health IT.

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CPHIMS (Certified Professional in Healthcare Information and Management Systems) is a professional certification program for experienced healthcare information and management systems professionals.

COLLEGE OF HEALTHCARE INFORMATION MANAGEMENT EXECUTIVES (CHIME) https://chimecentral.org/ •

CHCIO (Certified Healthcare Chief Information Officer) is the first certification program exclusively for CIOs and IT executives in the healthcare industry. A CHCIO demonstrates the commitment, knowledge and experience required to master the core skills inherent to successful healthcare CIOs and IT executives. CHIME members who have been in a healthcare 19 | P a g e Updated: January 12, 2026

CIO or equivalent position for at least three years and want to enhance their professional stature are eligible to become certified.

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Medical Group Management Association (MGMA) https://www.mgma.com/

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CMPE (Certified Medical Practice Executive) confirms your expertise and brings greater recognition from physicians, executives, industry professionals, and peers.

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FACMPE (Fellowship in the American College of Medical Practice Executives) designates board certification through ACMPE and is designed for individuals with at least two years of experience in healthcare management.

AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF HEALTHCARE ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGEMENT https://aaham.org/page/Certification AAHAM offers a variety of certification options, including: •

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Certified Revenue Cycle Executive (CRCE). Available to National AAHAM members in good standing. Candidates must have at least four (4) years of healthcare experience or two (2) years of healthcare experience and a two-year college or university associate's degree.

Certified Revenue Cycle Professional (CRCP). Available to National AAHAM members in good standing. Candidates must have at least two (2) years of healthcare experience or a two-year college or university associate's degree.

Certified Revenue Integrity Professional (CRIP). Available to National AAHAM members in good standing. Candidates must have at least two (2) years of healthcare experience or a two-year college or university associate's degree.

Certified Revenue Cycle Specialist (CRCS). Available to individuals involved in the management of healthcare patient accounts. Membership in AAHAM is not a requirement, although it is encouraged. One-year employment in patient accounting is recommended to successfully complete the exam.

Certified Compliance Technician (CCT). Available to anyone involved in healthcare compliance. Membership in AAHAM is not a requirement, although it is encouraged. Oneyear employment in healthcare compliance is recommended to successfully complete the exam.

HEALTH CARE ADMINISTRATORS ASSOCIATION http://www.hcaa.org/?CSFS •

Certified Self-Funding Specialist (CSFS). The courses and certification are focused on the self-funded benefit model and its associated ERISA framework.

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF LONG TERM CARE ADMINISTRATOR BOARDS (NAB) https://www.nabweb.org/home

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NAB is the nation's leading authority on licensing, credentialing, and regulating administrators of organizations along the continuum of long-term care. Please note that licensure is required for long-term care/nursing home administrators due to federal funding regulations. Licensure regulations for long-term care/nursing home administrators vary from state to state. The organization offers the following licensure exams: • •

NHA (Nursing Home Administrator) RC/AL (Residential Care/Assisted Living)

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