Health Professions Education — Certificate, M.S.

Program director
Arthur B. Marshak

Advisory committee
Robert Handysides
D. P. Harris
Helen Hopp Marshak
Everett Lohman III
Doyle Nick
Gail Rice
Ernie Schwab
Dolores Wright

The program

The 27-unit health professions education certificate and the 48-unit Master of Science degree are designed for health professionals who want to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of student learning in the classroom and clinic. Upon completion, graduates will be able to plan for effective learning experiences, improve assessment and evaluation of learning and instruction, and evaluate clinical performance with confidence, improve classroom performance, enhance academic administration skills, and develop expertise in health professions education. The certificate or master's degree programs may be taken online or in a face-to-face classroom setting.

Courses to complete the Master of Science degree include the required 24 units and a minimum of 6 units in Domain I and 6 units in Domain II, for a total of 48 units.

Units to complete the postbaccalaureate certificate include the required 24 units and a minimum of 9 units in Domains I and II selected in consultation with the program director.

Additional courses may be added to each domain in consultation with the program director.

Program learning outcomes

In addition to the stated institutional learning outcomes, the graduate of the Master of Science degree in health professional education should be able to:

  1. Construct learning modules that incorporate teaching and learning theory.
  2. Create learning activities that stimulate interaction and reflection.
  3. Apply current educational research to teaching.
  4. Formulate curricular objectives and outcomes.
  5. Design educational experiences.
  6. Develop a curriculum and course assessment plan.
  7. Formulate a personal philosophy of leadership.
  8. Apply leadership competency in managing change, developing policy, coaching, and mentoring.

In addition to Loma Linda University and School of Allied Health Professions admissions requirements, the applicant must also complete the following requirements:

  • Minimum of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited U. S. institution of higher education or an equivalent degree from an international degree-granting institution that is recognized by the appropriate government agency.
  • Licensed (current), or eligible for licensure if international student (where country does not require licensure), to practice in a recognized health-care profession. The program director will advise on a case-by-case basis if the above categories are not definitive.
  • Interview
  • Note: Applicants should check with their respective professional, state, governmental (international students), and licensing requirements to determine if this degree program meets their professional needs.

Courses

HPED 504. Pedagogy and Technology. 3 Units.

Teaching and learning theories adapted to technology. Explores learning management systems. Overview of instructional design.

HPED 517. History and Philosophy of Adventist Medical and Health Education. 3 Units.

Explores the essence of Loma Linda University and the Seventh-day Adventist philosophy of medical and health education as found in the writings of Ellen G. White and others. Discusses the core values of LLU and the science and promotion of healthy lifestyles and health-care delivery.

HPED 525. Education Theory for the Health Professional. 3 Units.

Overview of education theories relevant to andragogy and education of health professionals. Also explores theories of online teaching and learning.

HPED 535. Current Issues in Health Professions Education. 3 Units.

Explores education foundations and trends in the different health professions. Reviews historic transitions and issues currently impacting the professions.

HPED 551. Master's Thesis I. 3 Units.

Selection of research topic, evaluation of current literature on the subject, and contruction of data collection instrument. Students can select this option in lieu of the HPED Capstone Project 1. Prerequisites: completion of the core courses in the MS degree program in Health Professions Education, and in consultation with the program director.

HPED 552. Master's Thesis II. 3 Units.

Collection of data using approved instrument, analysis of results, discussion, and documentation of findings according to thesis format. Prerequisites: Successful completion of HPED 551 Master's Thesis I and consent of program director.

HPED 561. Leadership in the Health Professions I. 3 Units.

Inventory and assessment of personal leadership skills and strengths in a faith-based context.

HPED 562. Leadership in the Health Professions II. 3 Units.

Overview of theories of leadership as applied to academic and health professions contexts. Study of leadership characteristics of significant individuals.
Prerequisite: HPED 561 Leadership in the Health Professions I.

HPED 573. Readings in Academic Leadership. 3 Units.

Dynamics of leadership in an academic environment. Explores and discusses the historical and current natures of academic leadership.

HPED 581. Capstone Project in Health Professions Education I. 3 Units.

Students address and present a substantial issue related to their professional area of interest, as well as design and implement a scholarly approach towards its resolution. Emphasizes the design, literature review, and needs assessment of the project. A thesis option available for students requiring a directed research study.

HPED 582. Capstone Project in Health Professions Education II. 3 Units.

Continues HPED 581. Students present their findings, emphasizing data collection, implementation, and evaluation of their project. A thesis option available for students who require a directed research study.
Prerequisite: HPED 581.

HPED 595. Special Projects. 1-6 Units.

Individual arrangements for graduate students to explore relevant areas under the guidance of a faculty mentor. May include readings, literature reviews, research projects, and specialized professional development. Minimum of thirty hours required for each unit of credit.