One of seven founding HCQ programs certified By CAHME
100% online, complete your degree in 24 months
Created in partnership with the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA)
The program is ideal for health care professionals aspiring to become patient safety and quality leaders and meet the growing demand for quality-based care.
Offered through the George Washington University (GW) School of Medicine and Health Sciences, the online MSHS in Health Care Quality teaches students the skills to lead developments in health care quality and patient safety while successfully navigating safety improvement challenges in local and global markets. For those interested in a certificate, GW also offers an online Graduate Certificate in Health Care Quality.
Program Highlights:
100% online, no campus visits are required
Both degrees are conferred sequentially
Transfer up to 60 total credits from a regionally accredited institution into the undergraduate portion of the program
Nine credits of the MSHS in Health Care Quality are completed in the undergraduate portion of the program and charged at the undergraduate per credit cost
In this program, you can become a leader in high-quality, value-based health care organizations. You'll study the delivery of health care services while focusing on key operational activities such as clinical decision-making, finance, human resources, informatics, marketing, policy, qualify, and safety. You can also study for several professional certifications that can enhance your career.
What you will learn:
Communicate effectively to optimize interprofessional practice.
Find solutions that influence strategic change.
Adopt and adapt marketing concepts, plans, and activities to optimize operations.
Apply human resources best practices to build strong teams.
Understand health equity and how it fits into health care management and operations.
Learn effective tools to help execute complex projects.
Distinguish quality improvement, patient safety, leadership, organizational, and research theories/standards applicable to health care.
Implement quality and patient safety improvement initiatives.
Utilize information technology systems to support quality assurance.
Lead organizational change to sustain a quality-focused culture.
Classes are filling for the next term. Please complete the form to speak with an online admissions advisor today!
Total credit hours: 36 Course Delivery: 100% Online via Asynchronous Coursework Program completion: 24 months
Upon completion of this program you will have the experience and confidence to:
Evaluate appropriate quality improvement, patient safety, leadership, organizational change, and research theories/standards applicable to health care
Develop quality and patient safety improvement initiatives
Assess information technology systems to determine the level of support for quality improvements
Formulate organizational change plans to sustain a quality-focused culture
Career Opportunities
The online program prepares graduates to fill a variety of roles in health care, including:
Clinical Director, Quality Services
Clinical Nurse Auditor
Compliance Auditor Analyst
Director of Quality Management
Health care Manager
Health care Quality Analyst
Quality & Safety Specialist
Quality Assurance Consultant
Quality Improvement Nurse
Patient Safety Educator
Patient Safety Program Leader
Total credit hours: 18* Program completion: 18-24 months *All credits can be transferred into the MSHS in Health Care Quality program.
Upon completion of this program you will have the experience and confidence to:
Analyze the structure and organization of the U.S. health care system
Implement quality and patient safety initiatives
Understand political and environmental influences on health care
Apply patient safety theories, models, and methods to health care quality and safety improvement
Angel Rivera MSHS in Health care Quality alumnus, ‘19
Why did you choose your program at the George Washington University (GW)? “The program and program goals were aligned with leading organizations in the health care quality field. The online format allowed the flexibility I needed to pursue a graduate degree as a military service member at home and abroad.”
What was one of the most valuable learns/experiences that you had during the program? “During the capstone project, I was guided in putting all the skills we had developed throughout the program into analyzing and improving a particular focus area within my organization. This was aided by the many hours spent exchanging ideas with fellow students in the program who shared their invaluable experience and perspectives. Fellow students not only offered encouragement but respectfully challenged preconceived notions while highlighting areas of strength in research findings.”
Wendy Frisby MSHS in Health care Quality alumna, ‘17
Why did you choose the program at GW? “I was influenced by both the reputation of the school and a friend who earned their degree in Health care Quality (HCQ) from GW and who personally recommended the program.”
Describe your overall experience with the GW faculty? “Excellent. The faculty was great overall. They are knowledgeable, caring and provide a variety of accessible instructional methods to learn the curriculum of the program.”
A Message About this Program by Sabrina Figueiredo, PhD - Program Director for Health Care Quality Programs at GW.
Study on your schedule
The flexible anytime, anywhere approach to online learning at GW means that you can study and work on assignments when and where it’s convenient for you. Balance your personal and professional commitments. At GW online, you can advance your career without stopping it.
Personalized learning
Many of our online programs have a student-instructor ratio that’s lower than on-campus classes, making it easier to interact with fellow students and get personalized attention from your instructors. Plus, you have access to one-on-one tutoring to help ensure your success.
The prestige of a GW degree
Now you can earn a GW degree without relocating your life, giving you access to the distinguished connections and opportunities we provide. When you earn a degree from an online program at GW, you earn a degree from the George Washington University. Entrusted with its rights, privileges, and honors, you’ll join the ever-expanding GW alumni community who make the world a better place.
Connect to campus from anywhere
GW is your link to leading authorities in policy and health care in Washington, D.C. You’ll be able to research, collaborate, and discuss with classmates and instructors using online learning management systems. Engage with all the resources GW offers, including tutors, the writing center, career services, and libraries—all online.
A dedicated advisor from day one
Each GW online student is assigned an academic advisor who will support your journey to graduation. You’ll get help finding resources, guidance on scheduling classes, answers to your questions, and more. As an online learner at GW, you’re never alone.
Round-the-clock tech support
A late-night software malfunction won’t keep you from getting your assignment in on time. GW provides 24/7 technical support for our online students, ensuring you have complete access to what you need, when you need it
