MHA Domains & Competencies

Competency Framework: Master of Health Administration (MHA) Program

The Master of Health Administration (MHA) program at Minnesota State University Moorhead is guided by a competency-based framework designed to prepare early- to mid-careerists for leadership roles across diverse healthcare settings. The Program includes 15 core competencies, organized within five overarching domains adapted from the Healthcare Leadership Alliance (HLA) and the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE, 2025):

  • Leadership
  • Professionalism
  • Communication and Relationship Building
  • Knowledge of the Healthcare Environment
  • Business Skills

These domains are intentionally aligned with the Program’s mission, vision, and values, ensuring that graduates are equipped with a broad administrative foundation and the capacity to lead effectively in community-based healthcare organizations.

The Program competency framework was originally adopted in 2017 guided by the HLA (2010) and ACHE (2017). In 2022, the competency framework was revised to reflect updated standards from HLA (2010) and ACHE (2021), incorporating input from faculty, community partners, students, alumni, and contemporary pedagogical models. This revision ensures that the competencies remain relevant to the evolving needs of healthcare organizations and the professional development of MSUM students. In 2025, the competencies were further refined and updated based on program assessment data and contemporary industry standards (ACHE, 2025; Hahn & Lapetra, 2019; Peria, 2010). These revisions also incorporated input from faculty, community partners, students, and alumni.

Each domain encompasses specific competencies that are integrated into required coursework throughout the curriculum. The expected progression of competency development is informed by the Dreyfus Model of Skill Acquisition and the ACHE 2025 Competency Assessment Framework, with students striving for a minimum of competent level across all competencies, and a goal of proficient level in selected areas by Program completion. While the Program does not anticipate students reaching an expert level during their graduate studies, some may do so based on prior professional experience and enhanced learning through the curriculum.

Courses are strategically sequenced to support progressive competency development, culminating in a capstone experience that reinforces and applies acquired knowledge and skills. Upon graduation, students will demonstrate competence to proficiency across all five domains. Course-specific competencies are detailed in individual syllabi and are mapped to the overarching Program competencies and course topics to ensure coherence and alignment.

KEY - definitions adapted from Dreyfus (2004), Peria (2010), ACHE (2025), and Hahn & Lapetra (2019):

1 = Novice – a beginner, with no experience. Individuals are understanding and gaining information to comprehend skills by using rules obtained in the classroom setting. Individuals are expected to need help from an expert to understand and apply concepts. Learners are acquiring new information and need context.

2= Advanced Beginner – demonstrates acceptable performance, individuals are starting to equate situational and non-situational aspects of learning, along with rules. Individuals can start to apply some concepts but are still analytic by following examples. Experience does impact learning, along with personal responsibility.

3 = Competent – as the individual gains more experience and knowledge, competence develops with solving problems and is involved in forming an outcome. Individuals may need some help from experts, but usually skills can be performed independently. Experience continues to shape the progression of competency.

4 = Proficient – the individual can perceive and understand situations as whole parts. Individuals learn from experiences and knowledge and anticipate what to expect and will react by modifying plans. The individual may consult with an expert but will have a plan developed. Proficient learners go beyond understanding “what” happened to questioning “why” it is happening.

5 = Expert – individuals can intuitively analyze and recognize problems with ideas and expertise. The individual relies on progressive experience and wisdom to provide guidance, troubleshoot, and answers questions. They critique and elaborate on ideas. They are an expert in that area/field. **The MHA program does not plan for students to obtain this level of competency based on the mission and vision of the Program.

Domain 1: Leadership – the ability to inspire individual and organizational excellence, create and attain a shared vision, innovate, lead a positive culture and climate, and successfully manage change in pursuit of organizational goals.

CO 1: Leadership and Innovation - Demonstrate leadership skills and innovative thinking to address issues in healthcare organizations.

  • MHA Student Learning Outcome (SLO) 1: Utilize a systems approach as an organizational leader to effectively plan resource use, guide ethical decision-making, role model critical reasoning, build relationships, promote evidence-based practice to improve systems, and assure safe, high-quality patient care outcomes.
  • MHA SLO 2: Apply safety and quality principles, methods, performance measures, and standards to transparently and continually improve health outcomes across the continuum of care.
  • Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME) Course Topics:
    1. Leadership (MHA 650, MHA 651)
    2. Healthcare Innovation & Innovation Principles (MHA 650, MHA 638)
    3. Strategic Thinking (MHA 650, MHA 514)
    4. Critical Thinking (MHA 650, MHA 651)

CO 2: Organizational Culture and Climate - Facilitate an inclusive and diverse organizational climate, enhancing system outcomes through evidence-based practices.

  • MHA SLO 1: Utilize a systems approach as an organizational leader to effectively plan resource use, guide ethical decision-making, role model critical reasoning, build relationships, promote evidence-based practice to improve systems, and assure safe, high-quality patient care outcomes.
  • MHA SLO 2: Apply safety and quality principles, methods, performance measures, and standards to transparently and continually improve health outcomes across the continuum of care.
  • MHA SLO 5: Collaborate as leader/member of interprofessional teams to optimize care management, coordination, and administrative practices.
  • CAHME Course Topics:
    1. Leadership (MHA 650, MHA 651)
    2. Healthcare Innovation & Innovation Principles (MHA 650, MHA 638)
    3. Cultural Competence (MHA 650, MHA 540, MHA 628)

CO 3: Change Management - Implement change theories to drive improvements in patient safety, quality outcomes, and health systems.

  • MHA SLO 1: Utilize a systems approach as an organizational leader to effectively plan resource use, guide ethical decision-making, role model critical reasoning, build relationships, promote evidence-based practice to improve systems, and assure safe, high-quality patient care outcomes.
  • MHA SLO 2: Apply safety and quality principles, methods, performance measures, and standards to transparently and continually improve health outcomes across the continuum of care.
  • CAHME Course Topics:
    1. Leadership (MHA 650, MHA 651)
    2. Healthcare Innovation & Innovation Principles (MHA 650, MHA 638)
    3. Strategic Thinking (MHA 650, MHA 514)
    4. Patient-Centered Care (MHA 650, MHA 651, MHA 638, MHA 605)
    5. Critical Thinking (MHA 650, MHA 651, MHA 692B)

Domain 2: Professionalism - The ability to align personal and organizational conduct with ethical standards, emphasizing responsibility to patients and the community by fostering a commitment to lifelong learning and improvement.

CO 4: Professional Accountability and Development - Uphold professional standards while engaging in continuous personal and professional development.

  • MHA SLO 1: Utilize a systems approach as an organizational leader to effectively plan resource use, guide ethical decision-making, role model critical reasoning, build relationships, promote evidence-based practice to improve systems, and assure safe, high-quality patient care outcomes.
  • MHA SLO 6: Develop clear and concise communication methods as an emerging healthcare leader.
  • MHA SLO 7: Demonstrate strategic thinking through project management methods with the implementation of a scholarly capstone project.
  • CAHME Course Topic:
    1. Professionalism (MHA 540, MHA 628, MHA 615, MHA 692A).
    2. Teamwork: (MHA 650, MHA 628)
    3. Communication: Written & Oral (MHA 650, MHA 540, MHA 514, MHA 615, MHA 692A, MHA 692B)

CO 5: Ethics, Regulatory, & Legal Compliance - Uphold ethical principles and ensure adherence to regulatory and legal compliance standards within healthcare organizations.

  • MHA SLO 1: Utilize a systems approach as an organizational leader to effectively plan resource use, guide ethical decision-making, role model critical reasoning, build relationships, promote evidence–based practice to improve systems, and assure safe, high quality patient care outcomes.
  • CAHME Course Topic:
    1. Healthcare Legal Considerations: (MHA 618, MHA 628, MHA 605, MHA 638, MHA 692B)
    2. Healthcare Ethics: (MHA 618, MHA 628, MHA 692B)

Domain 3: Communication and Relationship Building - The ability to effectively communicate with internal and external stakeholders to build and maintain constructive relationships aimed at improving health systems and outcomes.

CO 6: Vision and Professional Communication - Create and communicate a shared vision that inspires stakeholders and aligns strategically with organizational goals.

  • MHA SLO 1: Utilize a systems approach as an organizational leader to effectively plan resource use, guide ethical decision-making, role model critical reasoning, build relationships, promote evidence-based practice to improve systems, and assure safe, high-quality patient care outcomes.
  • MHA SLO 6: Develop clear and concise communication methods as an emerging healthcare leader.
  • CAHME Course Topic:
    1. Communication: Written & Oral (MHA 650, MHA 540, MHA 514, MHA 692A, MHA 692B)
    2. Strategic Thinking (MHA 650, MHA 514)
    3. Healthcare Innovation & Innovation Principles (MHA 650, MHA 638)

CO 7: Relationship Management and Interprofessional Collaboration - Foster collaborative relationships and shared decision-making among stakeholders and interprofessional teams.

  • MHA SLO 5: Collaborate as leader/member of interprofessional teams to optimize care management, coordination, and administrative practices.
  • MHA SLO 6: Develop clear and concise communication methods as an emerging healthcare leader.
  • CAHME Course Topic:
    1. Professionalism (MHA 540, MHA 628).
    2. Teamwork: (MHA 650, MHA 615, MHA 628)

Domain 4: Knowledge of the Healthcare Environment – the understanding of the health care system and the environment in which health care leaders and providers function to design systems and policies that lead to patient-centered care using human-centered design to impact population health outcomes.

CO 8: Healthcare Systems, Policies, and Advocacy - Analyze and advocate for policies that enhance healthcare delivery for optimal healthcare that contributes to community health initiatives, population wellness, and positive population health outcomes considering reimbursement and economic drivers of healthcare.

  • MHA SLO 1: Utilize a systems approach as an organizational leader to effectively plan resource use, guide ethical decision-making, role model critical reasoning, build relationships, promote evidence–based practice to improve systems, and assure safe, high quality patient care outcomes.
  • MHA SLO 4: Evaluate, advocate for, and support organizational/governmental policy to improve health care delivery and population health outcomes.
  • CAHME Course Topic:
    1. Healthcare Legal Considerations: (MHA 618, MHA 628, MHA 605, MHA 638)
    2. Population Health (MHA 625, MHA 514, MHA 628, MHA 638)
    3. Sustainability (MHA 625, MHA 628, ECON 610)
    4. Patient-Centered Care (MHA 650, MHA 651, MHA 638, MHA 605)
    5. Health Industry Foundations (MHA 628, MHA 651)
    6. Healthcare Management Across the Continuum (MHA 628, MHA 651, ECON 610)

CO 9: Patient-Centered Care with Human-Centered Design an approach that prioritizes the lived experiences, needs, and values of patients, families, and healthcare providers throughout the design and delivery of care. It emphasizes empathy, collaboration, and iterative problem-solving to create systems, services, and environments that are not only clinically effective but also emotionally supportive and user-friendly.

  • MHA SLO 1: Utilize a systems approach as an organizational leader to effectively plan resource use, guide ethical decision-making, role model critical reasoning, build relationships, promote evidence–based practice to improve systems, and assure safe, high quality patient care outcomes.
  • MHA SLO 2: Apply safety and quality principles, methods, performance measures, and standards to transparently and continually improve health outcomes across the continuum of care.
  • CAHME Course Topic:
    1. Patient-Centered Care (MHA 650, MHA 651, MHA 638, MHA 605)
    2. Population Health (MHA 625, MHA 514, MHA 628, MHA 638)
    3. Healthcare Innovation & Innovation Principles (MHA 650, MHA 638)
    4. Strategic Thinking (MHA 650, MHA 514)

Domain 5: Healthcare Business Skills - apply business principles and systems thinking to strategically design and lead efficient healthcare environments that uphold the delivery of high-quality, safe, and just care.

CO 10: Technology and Information Management - The ability to effectively leverage information systems, artificial intelligence, and other emerging technologies to enhance healthcare delivery, improve decision-making, engage patients, and streamline operations.

  • MHA SLO 2: Apply safety and quality principles, methods, performance measures, and standards to transparently and continually improve health outcomes across the continuum of care.
  • MHA SLO 3: Analyze, incorporate, promote, and evaluate current/emerging patient care, informatics, and communication technologies to deliver and enhance healthcare outcomes.
  • CAHME Course Topic:
    1. Healthcare Information Technology (Including AI) (MHA 638)
    2. Data Literacy & Data Supported Decision Making (MHA 638, MHA 514)
    3. Patient-Centered Care (MHA 650, MHA 651, MHA 638, MHA 605)
    4. Population Health (MHA 625, MHA 514, MHA 628, MHA 638) 5. Analytical Reasoning (MHA 638)

CO 11: Cultural Competency and Workforce Management - demonstrate an understanding of the complexities of a diverse healthcare workforce by promoting cultural competence, critically evaluating staffing needs, and strategically allocating human resources to support inclusive and effective care delivery.

  • MHA SLO 1: Utilize a systems approach as an organizational leader to effectively plan resource use, guide ethical decision-making, role model critical reasoning, build relationships, promote evidence-based practice to improve systems, and assure safe, high-quality patient care outcomes.
  • CAHME Course Topics:
    1. Leadership (MHA 650, MHA 651)
    2. Healthcare Innovation & Innovation Principles (MHA 650, MHA 638)
    3. Cultural Competence (MHA 650, MHA 540, MHA 628)
    4. Healthcare Human Resources (MHA 540)

CO 12: Operational Management - Utilize data for operational decision-making to design quality, safe, and efficient healthcare systems.

  • MHA SLO 1: Utilize a systems approach as an organizational leader to effectively plan resource use, guide ethical decision-making, role model critical reasoning, build relationships, promote evidence-based practice to improve systems, and assure safe, high-quality patient care outcomes.
  • MHA SLO 2: Apply safety and quality principles, methods, performance measures, and standards to transparently and continually improve health outcomes across the continuum of care.
  • CAHME Course Topics:
    1. Leadership (MHA 650, MHA 651)
    2. Healthcare Innovation & Innovation Principles (MHA 650, MHA 638)
    3. Cultural Competence (MHA 650, MHA 540, MHA 628)
    4. Healthcare management & operations (MHA 651, MHA 628)
    5. Performance Measurement & Improvement (MHA 651)
    6. Healthcare Management Across the Continuum (MHA 628, MHA 651, ECON 610)
    7. Analytical Reasoning (MHA 638, ECON 610, MHA 619)

CO 13: Financial Management - Apply financial principles for effective resource management of healthcare systems.

  • MHA SLO 1: Utilize a systems approach as an organizational leader to effectively plan resource use, guide ethical decision-making, role model critical reasoning, build relationships, promote evidence-based practice to improve systems, and assure safe, high-quality patient care outcomes.
  • CAHME Course Topics:
    1. Performance Measurement & Improvement (MHA 651)
    2. Healthcare Finance (MHA 619)
    3. Healthcare Management & Operations (MHA 651, MHA 619)
    4. Sustainability (MHA 651, MHA 619)
    5. Analytical Reasoning (MHA 638, ECON 610, MHA 619)

CO 14: Strategic Planning and Program Evaluation - Demonstrate strategic thinking in planning, executing, and evaluating projects and initiatives to support organizational business, market, and strategic plans.

  • MHA SLO 1: Utilize a systems approach as an organizational leader to effectively plan resource use, guide ethical decision-making, role model critical reasoning, build relationships, promote evidence-based practice to improve systems, and assure safe, high-quality patient care outcomes.
  • MHA SLO 2: Apply safety and quality principles, methods, performance measures, and standards to transparently and continually improve health outcomes across the continuum of care.
  • MHA SLO 7: Demonstrate strategic thinking through project management methods with the implementation of a scholarly capstone project.
  • CAHME Course Topics:
    1. Leadership (MHA 650, MHA 651)
    2. Healthcare Innovation & Innovation Principles (MHA 650, MHA 638)
    3. Strategic Thinking (MHA 650, MHA 514)
    4. Patient-Centered Care (MHA 650, MHA 651, MHA 638, MHA 605)
    5. Critical Thinking (MHA 650, MHA 651, MHA 692B)
    6. Population Health (MHA 625, MHA 514, MHA 628, MHA 638)
    7. Healthcare Management Across the Continuum (MHA 628, MHA 651, ECON 610)

CO 15: Quality Improvement and Risk Management - Apply quality and performance improvement principles with risk management strategies to enhance patient safety and health outcomes.

  • MHA SLO 1: Utilize a systems approach as an organizational leader to effectively plan resource use, guide ethical decision-making, role model critical reasoning, build relationships, promote evidence–based practice to improve systems, and assure safe, high quality patient care outcomes.
  • MHA SLO 2: Apply safety and quality principles, methods, performance measures, and standards to transparently and continually improve health outcomes across the continuum of care.
  • MHA SLO 3: Analyze, incorporate, promote, and evaluate current/emerging patient care, informatics, and communication technologies to deliver and enhance healthcare outcomes.
  • CAHME Course Topics:
    1. Performance Measurement & Improvement (MHA 605, MHA 638, MHA 651)
    2. Leadership (MHA 650, MHA 651)
    3. Healthcare Innovation & Innovation Principles (MHA 650, MHA 638)
    4. Patient-Centered Care (MHA 650, MHA 651, MHA 638, MHA 605)
    5. Critical Thinking (MHA 650, MHA 651, MHA 692B)
    6. Population Health (MHA 625, MHA 514, MHA 628, MHA 638)
    7. Healthcare Management Across the Continuum (MHA 628, MHA 651, ECON 610)
    8. Analytical Reasoning (MHA 638, ECON 610, MHA 619)
    9. Healthcare Information Technology (Including AI) (MHA 638)
    10. Data Literacy & Data Supported Decision Making (MHA 638, MHA 514)

This alignment ensures that each competency is directly connected to relevant MSUM student learning outcomes, providing clarity on expected student achievements within the Program for competencies and SLO. Evaluation of competencies and SLO occurs at the course and Program level.