2014 2015 Academic Year College of Business & Public Management Master of Health Administration Master of Science in Gerontology Wendy Melleby MS Gero 14 Director Extended Care Services Kaiser Permanente Veronica Felix MS Gero 15 Operations Manager QTC-A Lockheed Martin Company Kathrina Munoz MHA 15 Surgery Division Manager UC Irvine Health
The La Verne Experience Tradition of Academic Excellence since 1891 For more than 120 years, La Verne has earned a reputation for producing a vibrant community of engaged scholars with a student-centered focus. For nearly four decades, the University of La Verne has been providing flexible and effective educational opportunities for adult professionals. A highly diverse institution, the University draws students, faculty and staff from a wide variety of backgrounds, professions, and disciplines. Solid Ranking U.S. News & World Report s 2014 America s Best Colleges issue places La Verne in the top tier of its National Universities category for a fourth consecutive year. La Verne ranks 8th among California s private universities and colleges included in the National Universities classification, and rates 4th among Los Angeles area private institutions. Forbes Magazine once again places La Verne in the top half of its America s Top Colleges ranking, recognizing the top 20 percent of the nation s undergraduate universities. A Tradition of Value Washington Monthly ranked La Verne in its National Universities category top 50 Best Bang for the Buck listing. Not only is La Verne the only private university in the top 50, it is the highest of the five California-based private institutions named. La Verne ranks in the top 7 percent of California colleges and universities in terms of return on investment (ROI), as rated by Affordable Colleges Online, a web source providing income-related data for people seeking a solid return on their educational investment and better career earning opportunities. Career Development for Life Comprehensive student support services guide you through your entire experience and the career beyond. The Career Services department offers students a number of helpful workshops and services, including the development, implementation, and evaluation of individual career plans. Services are available to La Verne alumni for life. 2 Built-in Flexibility Students can attend either full or part-time. Evening classes take place one night per week for ten weeks. Weekend class schedules available. Classes also offered at nine regional campuses throughout Southern California and more than 30 satellite locations.
Master of Health Administration Program La Verne s 36-unit Master of Health Administration (MHA) degree is highly sought after by health services professionals who wish to enhance and secure their future in healthcare management and administration. Through the degree, students: Develop key competencies and skills to manage effectively Gain an in-depth understanding of the complex facets of health services management Acquire specialized knowledge in understanding the structure and management of the healthcare industry Learn how to analyze issues and recognize trends with a critical perspective Develop skills for integrating evolving trends in healthcare management, leadership, finance, human resources, and information technology In addition to the master s degree, an 18-unit graduate certificate program is available as a flexible option for today s busy healthcare professional. Educational Excellence We have more than 30 years of experience in designing outstanding curriculum in health services administration to provide students an educational experience that exposes them to management theory, research, and application. Through our innovative, multidisciplinary approach to learning, students enhance their conceptual abilities and application skills to meet the needs of the current and future healthcare environment. Faculty members are highly qualified. They have advanced degrees, practical experience in the healthcare industry, proven teaching abilities, and a strong commitment to: Educational excellence Relevant course work Student-dedicated learning 3
Committed To Your Personal And Professional Success My MHA helped me become a well-rounded leader with an in-depth understanding of health administration from multiple perspectives. My MHA helped me become a well-rounded leader with an in-depth understanding of health administration from multiple perspectives. Kathrina Munoz MHA 15 Surgery Division Manager UC Irvine Health Kathrina Munoz MHA 15 Surgery Division Manager UC Irvine Health Watch Kathrina s Video xxxxlinkxxx Watch Kathrina s Video laverne.edu/mha The MHA is designed to provide health services professionals with the key competencies and specialized knowledge to manage effectively in healthcare organizations. The MHA Program shares and implements the University s commitment to personalized academic attention. Our small graduate classes enhance student-faculty learning and interaction. Our experienced faculty and staff, with their unique mix of expertise, academic credentials, and experience in the healthcare field, are determined to facilitate your success. Graduates of our MHA Program hold management positions throughout the healthcare industry. Since 1980, we have helped guide and build successful and fulfilling careers for over 2,000 graduates. Program Delivery The MHA Program consists of 12 courses (a total of 36 semester hours) offered on a 10-week accelerated term basis. The program is comprised of: Core Courses (18 semester hours) Elective Courses (12 semester hours) Research and Culminating Courses (6 semester hours) Classes are held evenings and Saturdays to accommodate the schedule of working professionals. 4
Master of Health Administration Program Core Courses 18 Semester Units Developing Key Competencies Needed By Today s Healthcare Professionals Designed by industry professionals, the core courses provide the key competencies essential for effective healthcare management. All MHA students must complete the following 3-unit core courses: HSM 500 HSM 501 HSM 502 HSM 503 HSM 504 HSM 555 Management and Organizational Theory & Practice Current Trends and Issues in Health Services Financial and Cost Analysis Healthcare Economics Organizational Communications Ethical Issues in Health Services Electives/Concentrations 12 Semester Units Providing Specialized Knowledge Tailored To Meet Your Professional Objectives Students can select a set of elective courses or a concentration that addresses each student s individual career objectives. Management and Leadership Concentration Designed to provide a solid foundation in management and leadership theory, and their application in health services organizations, for those currently in and those seeking management positions. Minimum of three of the following: HSM 520 Strategic Planning and Management in HSOs HSM 524 Personal Professional Development HSM 533 Mergers and Acquisitions HSM 562 Human Resource Management in HSOs Financial Management Concentration Designed to provide health services professionals with the in-depth knowledge, skills, and techniques to better manage the financial, budgetary, and cost-containment challenges of their departments, programs, units, and delivery systems. Minimum of three of the following: HSM 532 Budgeting and Cost Control HSM 533 Mergers and Acquisitions HSM 534 Program Evaluation HSM 571 Management of Clinical and Financial Information 5
Marketing and Business Development Concentration Designed to provide a thorough understanding of healthcare marketing principles, strategic planning, and business development. The curriculum emphasizes the integration of strategic planning, innovative marketing systems, and cost-effective financial methodologies to sustain and grow programs and services. Minimum of three of the following: HSM 520 Strategic Planning and Management in HSOs HSM 523 Management of Organizational Innovation HSM 540 Legal Issues in HSOs HSM 583 Marketing and Business Development Research And Culminating Courses 6 Semester Hours Demonstrating Scholarship Through Research Designed as the culminating activities to integrate critical thinking needed to become scholarly practitioners. All MHA students must complete these 3-unit courses: HSM 595 HSM 596 HSM 592 Organizational Research Methods Graduate Seminar OR Thesis* *Students who wish to write a thesis must take HSM 591: Organizational Research Methods II as one of their electives. 6
Certificates In Health Administration 18 Semester Hours (6 Courses) The University of La Verne offers graduate-level certificates in health administration addressing the needs of healthcare professionals. The Certificate Program is a flexible option that enables students to gain specific knowledge and expertise to enhance their job performance and careers. Courses completed in the Certificate Program are transferable to the Master of Health Administration Program. To earn a certificate, students complete 18 units of specialized courses in the areas listed below: Certificate In Health Services Management HSM 500 Management and Organizational Theory & Practice HSM 501 Current Trends and Issues in Health Services HSM 502 Financial and Cost Analysis HSM 520 Strategic Planning and Management in HSOs HSM 533 Mergers and Acquisitions HSM 590 Selected Topics HSM 598 Fieldwork/Internship (or any other HSM course) Certificate In Health Services Marketing & Business Development HSM 501 Current Trends and Issues in Health Services HSM 520 Strategic Planning and Management in HSOs HSM 523 Management of Organizational Innovation HSM 532 Budgeting and Cost Control HSM 583 Marketing and Business Development HSM 590 Selected Topics HSM 598 Fieldwork/Internship Certificate In Health Services Financial Management HSM 520 Strategic Planning and Management in HSOs HSM 532 Budgeting and Cost Control HSM 533 Mergers and Acquisitions HSM 534 Program Evaluation HSM 571 Management of Clinical and Financial Information HSM 590 Selected Topics HSM 598 Fieldwork/Internship 7
Academic Calendar Students attend classes through the University s ten-week accelerated term system. There are four terms in each academic year: Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer. New students may start their studies at the beginning of the term of their choice. Comprehensive information for the MHA Program and the graduate admission process in general may be accessed through the Internet by going to: laverne.edu/admission/graduate. The landing page hosts numerous helpful links, enhancing your information gathering process. Application Process To be eligible for acceptance into the MHA or Graduate Certificate Program, an applicant must have: A bachelor s degree from a regionally accredited college or university with a minimum grade point average of 2.75 for the last 60 units of study. A statement of purpose. This is a written statement of goals and objectives for obtaining this specific degree, demonstrating the ability to write at an acceptable level for graduate study. Two letters of recommendation attesting to academic/ professional competency. A current resumé or curriculum vitae. Prerequisites include: One course in accounting systems prior to enrolling in HSM 502 and HSM 533. La Verne course HSM 593 Accounting for Healthcare Decision-Making or an equivalent course fulfills this requirement. Additional requirements as designated by the program may be more than the minimum criteria listed above. Most applicants have some experience in the healthcare field. Internships are required if an applicant has limited or no experience in the healthcare field. Tuition And Fees La Verne is an independent, nonsectarian and nonprofit institution. The University tries to maintain low tuition in order to make higher education affordable to all potential students. The tuition rate charged will always be that rate which is current for the program in which the student is enrolled. Current tuition and fees for the MHA and Certificate Programs are included in the application folder. Tuition payment plans are available. 8
University Policies and Services Transfer Credit Up to 12 semester hours of credit may be transferred into the MHA Program from other accredited colleges or universities. Transfer credit must be appropriate for the degree. Transfer work must have been earned within the last five years with a grade of at least B to be accepted. A minimum of 24 semester hours of coursework must be taken at La Verne. Second La Verne Master s Degree Students who have completed a master s degree at La Verne and wish to earn a second degree at the University may transfer up to 21 La Verne graduate semester hours from the first degree to meet the requirements for the second degree with approval from the program chair. A new HSM 596 culminating activity must be part of the second degree program. Similarly, students may transfer up to nine La Verne graduate semester hours from another degree program into the Certificate in Health Administration Program with approval from the program chair. Continuing Education Units Health Services Management courses fulfill the requirements for the California Board of Registered Nurses and the Clinical Laboratory Scientists (Medical Technologist). All courses with the HSM prefix are eligible to receive California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) provider units for continuing education. A three semester hour course equals 45 provider units. La Verne s provider number is BRN 00298. Financial Aid Financial aid is available to students in the form of student loans. Students who wish to receive financial aid for their education should begin the application process at the time they apply for admission to the University of La Verne. Admission to the University is required before the financial aid application can be reviewed. For information about financial aid, please visit laverne.edu/financial-aid or call 800-649-0160 to speak with a financial aid advisor. Flexibility Flexibility at La Verne means that our approach to education is student-centered. In the MHA and Certificate programs, we: Accept applications and admit qualified students all year long Hold evening and Saturday classes in accelerated ten-week terms Provide one-on-one academic advising Use technology to augment the traditional classroom experience Provide access to MyLaVerne, where you are able to register for courses, check your grades, verify your GPA, view your transcript, change your address and phone numbers, and view your personal financial aid information 9
Graduate Programs in Gerontology Where do Gerontologists work? Health Facilities Gerontologists can be found working with older adults in hospitals; health maintenance organizations; long-term care facilities; home health agencies; hospices, and Alzheimer and rehabilitation centers. Mental Health Facilities Those with expertise in assisting the elderly are needed in community mental health centers; Veterans Administration and state hospitals; homebound programs, and skilled nursing facilities. Social Services Gerontologists support family service agencies; the Department of Social Support Services; and geriatric centers in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Community Agencies Those with experience and education in gerontology work in senior centers; retirement communities; adult day care/day health, and assisted living centers. Government Agencies Gerontologists consult on policy matters with federal and state legislative bodies; Area Agencies on Aging; the Social Security Administration; and Health & Human Services agencies. Advocacy Organizations Federal and state level advocacy groups rely on the expertise of gerontologists, as does the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), caregiver groups, and eldercare. Private Practice Gerontologists also work in private practice as social workers; marriage and family therapists; case managers; psychologists or consultants. 10 Mission The mission of the University of La Verne s Graduate Programs in Gerontology is to prepare individuals to assume a leadership role in providing services and designing programs and policies that improve the quality of life of older adults and their caregivers. Program Description We have a 15-year history offering an innovative, multidisciplinary approach designed specifically for professionals in human and social services; health services management; mental health; public administration; and gerontology administration in the public or private sectors. The curriculum is designed for students who want to earn a Master of Science in Gerontology (MSG) degree, a Certificate in Gerontology or a Certificate in Geriatric Care Management. If a student chooses to earn a certificate, all of the courses completed in the Certificate Program may be transferred for credit toward the MS Gerontology degree. Our Master of Science in Gerontology The Master of Science in Gerontology curriculum integrates theory with real-world application. Students in the MS Gerontology Program have the opportunity to complete a concentration in an area that is most relevant for their career goals and interests. The MSG Program consists of 12 courses for a total of 36 semester hours. Each course is offered on a ten-week term basis. The program is comprised of: Core Courses (15 semester hours) Concentration Courses (12 semester hours) Other Courses: Internship, Research and Culminating Course (9 semester hours) Features of La Verne s Gerontology Program Three dynamic concentrations available Multidisciplinary academic and practitioner faculty Internship and research opportunities Ability to transfer certificate courses for credit towards the MS Gerontology degree Small evening and Saturday classes designed for working adults Year-round schedule allowing students to begin several times during the year Many Gerontology Program courses are approved for continuing education hours (CEU)
Master of Science in Gerontology I. Core Courses 15 semester hours All students complete the following 3-semester-hour courses: GERO 501 Professional Issues in Gerontology Reviews the state of professional gerontology, particularly theory and research in gerontology, ethical issues, public policy, and legal issues affecting older adults, elder abuse, and careers in gerontology. GERO 511 Social Policy and Aging Explores the social policies and legislative issues surrounding health and aging. GERO 513 Legal, Ethical & Financial Issues in Aging Examines legal, ethical and financial issues of aging and providing care for older adults. GERO 520 Physiological & Psychosocial Aspects of Aging Examines the physical, psychological, and socio/cultural changes with aging as they affect health and well-being. GERO 571 Cognitive Aspects of Aging Examines geriatric assessment methods, care of cognitively impaired adults, mental health issues, and community-based resources and programs. II. Electives/ Concentration 12 semester hours Students can select a set of elective courses or a concentration that addresses each student s individual career needs. The classes have motivated me to seek out new ways to improve the care of our geriatric population. Wendy Melleby MS Gero 14 Director Extended Care Services Kaiser Permanente Watch Wendy s Video laverne.edu/ms-gerontology 11
Gerontology Administration Concentration Designed to provide individuals with the in-depth knowledge and skills needed to work with older adults and develop or administer programs for older adults or their caregivers. These positions may be in government, community-based agencies, and public or nonprofit organizations. GERO 507 Organization of Older Adult Services And three of the following: GERO 510 Marketing Services for Older Adults GERO 512 Managing Senior Services HSM 502 Financial & Cost Analysis HSM 562 Human Resources Management in HSOs IV. Research and Culminating Courses 6 semester hours The culminating research and courses integrate critical thinking needed to become scholarly practitioners. GERO 595 Research Methods in Gerontology GERO 596 Graduate Seminar or GERO 594 Thesis* *Students who wish to write a thesis must take GERO 591: Organizational Research Methods II as one of their electives. Geriatric Care Management Designed for professionals who assess, plan, implement, and coordinate the care of older adults residing in the community, and facilitate delivery of healthcare and other services in the most appropriate setting. GERO 509 Geriatric Case Management And three of the following: GERO 505 Fitness and Nutrition GERO 506 Housing Alternatives for Older Adults GERO 514 Geriatric Assessment GERO 573 End-of-Life Issues in Aging Health Services Management Concentration Designed for professionals, managers and other healthcare providers in long term care facilities, senior living facilities, home health ag encies, and hospices to develop the knowledge and skills for effective management of HSOs serving older adults. HSM 500 Management and Organizational Theory and Practice And three of the following: HSM 501 Current Trends & Issues in Health Services HSM 502 Financial and Cost Analysis HSM 503 Healthcare Economics HSM 583 Marketing & Business Development III. Internship 3 semester hours Students work with an organization that provides services or administers programs for older adults. 12
Graduate Certificates The Graduate Program in Gerontology offers two innovative Certificates designed for professionals with a bachelor s degree who want to specialize in gerontology for their professional growth, or pursue a career in gerontology or geriatric care management. Certificate in Gerontology Students earn a graduate certificate in gerontology by completing 18 semester hours of course work: Core Courses (12 semester hours) Students complete the following core courses: GERO 501 Professional Issues in Gerontology GERO 520 Physiological and Psychosocial Aspects of Aging GERO 513 Legal, Ethical & Financial Issues in Aging GERO 571 Cognitive Aspects of Aging Concentration Electives (6 semester hours) Select 2 courses from any of the three MS Gerontology concentrations in consultation with the program chair or academic advisor. Certificate in Geriatric Care Management Geriatric care management, an emerging and growing field, is a logical career opportunity for many existing and prospective students. The Certificate in Geriatric Care Management is a multi-disciplinary graduate certificate that provides students the knowledge and skills necessary to work as a geriatric care manager, either privately or within an organization. What is Geriatric Care Management? In recent years, the field of geriatric care management has emerged to assess, plan, implement, and coordinate the care of older adults residing in the community and facilitate the delivery of health care and other services in the most appropriate setting. Geriatric Care Managers usually have extensive knowledge about the cost, quality, and availability of services in their community. Some of the services they perform are: Conduct care-planning assessments to identify problems, eligibility for assistance, and need for services Screen, arrange and monitor in-home help or other services Assist in moving an older person to or from a retirement complex, care home, or nursing home Act as a liaison to families at a distance, making sure things are going well and alerting families to problems Review financial, legal, or medical issues and offer referrals to geriatric specialists to avoid future problems and conserve assets Provide crisis intervention Offer counseling and support Provide conservatorship or guardianship assistance The Certificate in Geriatric Care Management consists of 6 courses (18 semester hours). Students will select 5 courses from among the 7 listed courses. All students will be required to complete the Practicum. During the Practicum, students will work one-on-one with an experienced geriatric care manager. Core Courses (15 semester hours) GERO 505 Fitness and Nutrition in Later Life GERO 506 Housing Alternatives for Older Adults GERO 509 Geriatric Care Management GERO 513 Legal, Ethical, and Financial Issues in Aging GERO 514 Geriatric Assessment GERO 520 Physiological and Psychosocial Aspects of Aging GERO 571 Cognitive Aspects of Aging Required Courses (3 semester hours) GERO 592 Practicum in Geriatric Care Management Courses completed for a Certificate in Gerontology or a Certificate in Geriatric Care Management may be transferred to the MS Gerontology Program with the approval of the program chair. Continuing Education Hours (CEUs) Courses in many gerontology graduate programs are approved for continuing education hours for Registered Nurses and Licensed Vocational Nurses. 13
Applying to the Graduate Program in Gerontology At La Verne, we accept applications and admit graduate students year-round. Applicants may enroll in up to six semester hours as non-matriculated students. To be eligible for acceptance into the program, an applicant must have: A bachelor s degree from a regionally-accredited institution with a minimum GPA. of 2.5 for the last 60 units of study. A written statement of goals and objectives for obtaining the MS Gerontology, Certificate in Gerontology or Certificate in Geriatric Care Management. Two recommendations from the applicant s academic and/or professional network and a resumé. A completed application. Other documents as required by the program. Tuition, Fees, and Student Loans La Verne offers a pay plan to allow students to pay tuition in installments. Students may also pay in full at the time of registration. The university accepts most major credit cards and company reimbursement plans. Financial aid is available in the form of student loans Applicants are advised to contact the Office of Financial Aid promptly for help with the financial aid process, as it takes several weeks before money can be disbursed. The Financial Aid staff may be reached at 800-649-0160 or laverne.edu/financial-aid. Prerequisite: International students must submit a TOEFL score of at least 550 and specified financial documents. Useful information for international students is located at laverne.edu/students/international-study-abroad-services University Policies, Fees, And Services Transfer Credit Up to 12 semester hours of graduate-level credit may be transferred from other universities into the MS Gerontology Program; a maximum of 6 semester hours may be transferred into the Certificate in Gerontology Program from other universities. Courses must be from regionally-accredited colleges or universities and directly related to La Verne s Graduate Programs in Gerontology. Transfer courses must be no more than five years old with a grade of B or above. Second La Verne Master s Degree Students who have completed a master s degree at La Verne and wish to earn a second degree at the University may transfer up to 21 La Verne graduate semester hours from the first degree to meet the requirements for the second degree with approval from the program chair. A new culminating activity must be part of the second degree program. Similarly, students may transfer up to 9 La Verne graduate semester hours to earn a Certificate in Gerontology or Certificate in Geriatric Care Management with approval from the program chair. 14 I feel honored that every one of my professors has taken the time to make sure I have the resources to succeed. Veronica Felix MS Gero 15 Operations Manager QTC - A Lockheed Martin Company Watch Veronica s Video laverne.edu/ms-gerontology
About the University of La Verne History The University of La Verne began in 1891 as a liberal arts college with progressive, coeducational four-year undergraduate programs. Since its founding, the institution has expanded to a university offering programs at the bachelor s, master s, and doctoral levels. Currently, La Verne serves a student body of more than 8,700. Mission The mission of the University is to provide rich educational opportunities that relate to both the academic and personal development of its students. Graduate Programs in selected professional disciplines are aimed at the practicing professional and seek to integrate theory and practice. This mission is embodied in the program s major commitments to the University s core values: ethical reasoning diversity and inclusivity lifelong learning community and civic engagement 15
La Verne is a national, comprehensive university offering excellence in higher education since 1891. 1950 Third Street La Verne, CA 91750 laverne.edu 877-GO-TO-ULV degreeinfo@laverne.edu 14035691 6/14 2500