An initial survey of health management online programs: commonalities, differences, and future trends
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2015
Originally Published In
Journal of Health Administration Education
Volume Number
32
Issue Number
4
Page Numbers
497-514
Abstract
This study presents initial findings from a 2013 e-survey sent to academic leaders of both baccalaureate and master-level health management programs that offer distance education (online) courses. Descriptive data were obtained from members of 99 AUPHA-member schools for a 51% response rate. Survey data yielded important documentation of program characteristics, online delivery models, curriculum, instructional design choices, and faculty characteristics. Major findings include evidence of significant diversity and key variations among program delivery methods, total number of online students, and multiple diverse program characteristics. Commonalities include the pervasiveness of online offerings, clear program linkage to established competency-based models, and predominant use of internal administration (in-sourcing) for program delivery. Authors outline seven key issues for further study.
