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Health Services Management M.P.A.

Master of Public Administration
  • 36 credits
  • School of Social and Behavioral Sciences
  • Online
  • Westchester
A Health Care Manager at work.

Health Services Management Overview

This broad, multidisciplinary program prepares students to become health services leaders in today’s rapidly changing health care environment. The program offers a Master of Public Administration (36 credits) for students who are interested in pursuing a career in health services management. 

Our graduates gain knowledge and skills related to research, quality management, information technology, strategic planning and other skills needed to elevate their careers and adapt to changes in the evolving health care delivery system in the United States. 

The M.P.A. program is designed for students who do not have managerial experience in the healthcare field. Students do not need to have experience in health care to be admitted.

A Health Services Manager consulting with doctor.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the health services management program are employed in many areas of the healthcare sector including:

  • Clinics
  • Hospitals
  • Nursing homes and home care
  • Individual medical practices
  • Medical equipment or drugs manufacturers
  • Medical insurance companies
  • Public health and patient advocacy
  • Health care administration

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics career outcomes in health services management are expected to grow 20% through 2026, at a much faster rate of growth than the average occupation (Medical and Health Services Managers : Occupational Outlook Handbook: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Join us for our Upcoming Graduate Events

Join us for an upcoming graduate admissions event to learn more about our Health Services Management Program and explore how Mercy can help you meet your goals. 

RSVP for an event today. 

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20% Growth

Career Outcomes

Career outcomes are expected to rise 20% through 2026*
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$143+ Salary

Average Pay

The highest 10% of earners nationally in medical and health services management is more than $182,600*
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36 Credits

Total Credits to Earn Your Degree

Classes in action research & data analysis, management information systems and health care financing
Continuing Education

The Mercy Advantage

  • No GRE required to apply
  • Experienced faculty who are leaders in their field
  • Internships allow students to gain field experience
  • Courses can be taken at the Bronx and Dobbs Ferry campuses or completely Online, but not in hybrid format
  • Flexible course scheduling is designed to support professionals with multiple responsibilities
  • Enrollment is offered quarterly with fall, winter, spring, and summer semesters
  • Small class sizes, with a maximum enrollment cap of 20 students per section
Medical & Business professionals working together.

Mentorship & Faculty

Faculty are experienced health care administrators, consultants, administrative nurses and lawyers, and available as advisors and mentors. The M.P.A. program curriculum includes internships to allow students to gain field experience. Students also benefit from our career development center.

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"My favorite aspects of the program to teach to students are the ability to be innovative with each course and the freedom to create relevant content for the new generation of students to use in their careers."

Jessica LeMaine, Program Coordinator and Adjunct Professor, Health Services Management

Application Requirements

Each applicant must submit the following:

  1. Current résumé
  2. Two professional letters of recommendation on letterhead (letters from friends, acquaintances or clergy are welcome, but do not replace the two professional letters)
  3. One essay: two - three pages long providing the reasons the student wishes to pursue a graduate degree in Health Services Management.
  4. Interview with the program coordinator or the program director
  5. Academic transcript 

Frequently Asked Questions

Health service managers occupy all levels of leadership within a variety of healthcare organizations. Health service managers create, organize and direct health care facilities and organizations. A healthcare manager is in charge of ensuring a healthcare facility is operating as it should in terms of budget, the goals of the facility's practitioners and the needs of the community.

The MS in HSMG is a 30 credit program that requires at least 4 years of experience as a health care manager or administrator. The MPA in HSMG is a 36 credit program which requires no background in health care management, and includes a required internship.

The difference between the Master's in Public Health and our degree is that we focus on a wide range of internal operations and external factors impacting healthcare delivery and management. This degree differs from the MBA because it addresses several aspects of organizational structure, inclusive of, and beyond the financial component of healthcare.

The program director admits qualified candidates 4 times a year: fall, winter, spring and summer. 

Courses are offered in 10 week terms, four times a year.  Students may take 6 credits (2 courses each quarter) so the program may be completed in 1- 1 ½ years or less. The program director can grant permission to strong candidates to take 9 credits, 3 courses per quarter, who can then complete the program in 1 year.

Maximum class enrollment is 20 students, so personal attention can be given by faculty who are experienced health care professionals. 

Internships are required for the MPA so students can apply program concepts and make networking connections.

Most medical and health services managers work in offices in healthcare facilities, including hospitals and nursing homes, and group medical practices.

There is an increasing need for health professionals. Employment of medical and health service managers is projected to grow 28% from 2021 – 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations.

A list of community partnerships that Mercy maintains can be found here: https://www.mercy.edu/admissions-aid

Please note, the list of partnerships also confirmed through Edcor: https://www.mercy.edu/media/2022-edcor-school-network

If you’re uncertain if your employer has a current tuition discount agreement with Mercy University, please inquire with your Human Resources Office.

Program Details & Curriculum

The 36-credit Master of Public Administration program in Health Services Management is organized as follows:

Core Courses: 6 Credits
Advanced Core Courses: 12 Credits
Health Services Management Specialization: 12 Credits
Culminating Experience: 6 Credits

Total: 36 Credits

For a full curriculum listing visit our catalog.

For students who began this program prior to Fall 2020, please see the 2019-2020 Graduate Catalog for program requirements.

  1. Successful completion of full curriculum (30-M.S./36 M.P.A.)
  2. A 3.0 cumulative GPA
  • The student should be able to analyze missions, visions, data and overall organizational performance to develop programs using research techniques
  • The student should be able to formulate a strategic plan for continuous improvement in a changing health care environment
  • The student should be able to assess aspects of the US health care system including political, ethical, legal, financial and risk management issues related to effective health facility operations
  • The student should be able to utilize written and oral communication skills in accordance with health industry standards
  • The student should be able to create a plan that facilitates the acquisition of a health care information system. 
  • The student should be able to develop and present an effective professional training program
  • The student should be able to demonstrate the ability to utilize theoretical and applied skills obtained during the course of study in the M.P.A. program. This is done by participation in the culminating capstone experience, which includes identifying, analyzing and developing a comprehensive report on an issue facing the health care industry or health care organization
  • The student should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the impact of the law and government on the complexities of health care policy and the day to day operations of health care organizations

Download a copy of the sequence map for:

M.P.A. Health Services Management

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