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Online Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Financial Management

The online Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Financial Management is designed for individuals working in or looking to pursue positions in the financial arena of the healthcare sector by expanding their financial and administrative background, which will better prepare these individuals for leadership-level career growth.

As a result of completing this certificate, students will have a solid foundation in areas such as hospital finances, budgeting, budget management, financial decision-making, and more as it relates to hospital, insurance and general healthcare settings. These skills are scalable and applicable to jobs within institutions, from small and private practices to larger healthcare networks. Students will similarly be better prepared for leadership and administrative-level roles within their organizations.

Additionally, all students will receive advising, mentoring and career guidance from healthcare management faculty that are also board-certified healthcare executives. Our courses follow the National Center for Healthcare Executives competency model.

Students can also utilize credits earned from this certificate toward UofL’s CAHME-accredited, nationally ranked MS in Health Administration (MSHA) program.

How Much Will this Cost?

Tuition & Aid    

Highlights


  • Gain necessary financial expertise without the time commitment of a full-time graduate program.
  • Learn how hospitals, insurance providers and other healthcare organizations finance the work that directly affects patients’ lives and well-being.
  • Utilize your financial background in an ever-expanding industry, both domestically and abroad.
  • Complete your certificate from the comfort of home, with asynchronous coursework designed to be completed on your time and on your schedule.
  • Enjoy courses taught by board certified healthcare executives, health insurance and finance professionals.
  • Focus on modern health financing and alternative payment models.
  • Study a curriculum tailored for existing healthcare professionals to better understand healthcare financial management processes and accounting functions in budgeting, business case decision making and strategic planning.



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100% ONLINE COURSES

Finish your certificate on your schedule.

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4 Courses

Learn about healthcare finance and financial management.

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12 Credit Hours

Complete your certificate fast.

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Online learning video - Online Healthcare Leadership Certificate

"Effective and efficient planning, coordination and execution of healthcare resources enables all healthcare organizational activities. This graduate certificate is designed for healthcare leaders, as well as managers responsible for budgets while applying financial and economic frameworks for organizational planning and decision making."


Lee Bewley Ph.D., FACHE,
Program Director,Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Financial Management


Substantial career growth is expected for the healthcare sector over the next decade, with growth projected to occur much faster than average for all occupations (bls.gov). About 1.8 million openings are projected each year, due to both employment growth and the need to replace people who leave these positions (bls.gov).

While part of this growth refers to the clinicians and medical personnel needed to fill these roles, it also includes the administrative roles needed to accommodate and service the business needs of these growing institutions.

After completing this certificate, the experience and the skills you will have could prepare you for roles such as:

  • Chief Financial Officer
  • Director of Finance
  • Financial Operations Analyst
  • Financial Reporting Analyst
  • Financial Systems Analyst
  • Healthcare Administrator
  • Healthcare Manager
  • Medical Practice Manager
  • Patient Financial Advocate
  • Project Manager/Financial Healthcare Advisor
  • Regional Finance Director
  • Quality and Compliance Officer
And more!

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Preferred Application Deadline Term Start
August 1 Fall Term I Late August
November 15 Spring Term I January

Note: We admit students on a rolling basis. The preferred deadlines help you complete the application process on time, be notified of acceptance and enroll before the term begins. We review applications as they become complete, and admit students for a specific term up to the day classes start. We recommend you work on and submit your complete application well in advance of the preferred deadline, as obtaining transcripts and other materials may take more time.

Class start dates are subject to change based on course availability.

Admission Requirements

Students will need to meet the following requirements to apply to this graduate certificate:

  1. A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
  2. A minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75
  3. An updated resume or CV (Curriculum Vitae) (admissions committee will review for healthcare experience)
  4. A one-page personal statement written by the applicant that is a clear, substantive description of the applicant's goals in public health and health care management

Steps to Apply

  • Complete application for admission through UofL Graduate School
  • Submit a $40 non-refundable application fee
  • Request official transcripts certifying an undergraduate degree earned from an accredited institution.
      Send to Graduate Admissions:
    • Physical Mail:
      University of Louisville,
      Graduate School
      2211 S Brook St, Houchens Bldg, Rm 105
      Louisville, KY 40292;
    • Electronic (recommended):
      gradadm@louisville.edu
  • Check for scholarships

Please note:

MSHA graduates or currently enrolled MSHA students are not eligible to receive this healthcare management certificate. The MSHA CAHME-accredited degree is the appropriate and sufficient credential for development.


For more information on the admission and application process, please contact our Online Learning Enrollment Counselor at 800.871.8635 or by email at online@louisville.edu.

International Applicants

If you live outside of the United States and intend to complete an online academic program from your home country, be sure to review these additional requirements for international students.

  • Transcripts from institutions outside of the United States will require a foreign credential evaluation.

    Students whose primary language is not English must show English language proficiency by attaining one of the following:

    • TOEFL score of 79 or higher (after conversion for test type)
    • IELTS test score of 6.5 or higher
    • Duolingo English test score of 105 or higher
    • Demonstration of a degree award from an acceptable English language institution, as formally documented by an appropriate institutional official

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This is a twelve (12) credit hour certificate, offered 100% online. Each course is delivered in an 8-week, asynchronous format.


Course List Hours
PHMS 509 Health Finance and Financial Management 3
PHMS 662 Health Economics 3
PHMS 687 Managerial Accounting for Healthcare Managers 3
PHMS 689 Insurance & Alternative Payment Methods 3
TOTAL CREDIT HOURS 12

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Course Descriptions





    • What careers could be available to non-healthcare professionals as a result of this program?

      After completing this certificate, the experience and the skills you will have could better prepare you for roles such as: Healthcare Administrator, Patient Financial Advocate, Financial Operations Analyst, Regional Finance Director, Project Manager/Financial Healthcare Advisor, Healthcare Manager, and more!

    • When are courses taught?

      Courses will be taught in the fall and spring semesters, respectively.

    • How many classes do I take?

      Students will complete 4 courses worth 3 credit hours each for a total of 12 credit hours.

    • Is this program 100% online and asynchronous?

      Yes. Learn on your time and on your schedule from anywhere in the world with an internet connection.

    • Why is this program better than a business program?

      This program is uniquely designed to focus on the unique financial aspects of healthcare, including third-party payors (such as federal entities or insurance companies), rather than a broader business program, which may provide more generalized business practices that can apply to a healthcare organization.

    • Which employers could this certificate qualify me for?

      The skills you learn in this certificate could better prepare you for positions with employers such as Humana, Atria, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Norton, UofL Health, federal and state health organizations, and many more across the country.

    • What's the difference between this program and an Accountancy program?

      While this course teaches similar skills to those found in accountancy programs, only accountancy programs would properly prepare you for a CPA exam. This course provides healthcare-specific knowledge which extends formal accountancy training to enable more effective practice in healthcare organizations.

    • Which competency program does this certificate follow?

      Our courses follow the CAHME-accredited National Center for Healthcare Executives competency model.

    • How long does each course take to complete?

      Each course takes 8 weeks to complete.