Master of Health Administration Program Reaccredited

LEXINGTON, Ky. (June 8, 2012) — The Master of Health Administration (MHA) program at the University of Kentucky College of Public Health has been reaccredited for seven years — the maximum reaccreditation length attainable — from the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME).  The UK MHA program is the only CAHME accredited MHA program in Kentucky.

CAHME is the accreditation body recognized to grant accreditation to programs offering professional education degrees in health care management.  The UK MHA reaccreditation decision followed a lengthy review process which included an extensive self-assessment by program faculty, administration, students and the MHA Board of Advisors against CAHME standards and an on-site visit by a team of reviewers. 

 “The CAHME comprehensive review and subsequent seven-year reaccreditation decision for the MHA degree program assures current and future students of the quality of their training experience at the University of Kentucky in the critical area of health services management," said Stephen W. Wyatt, dean of the UK College of Public Health.  "The faculty who guide this degree program have extensive experience in health services management and leadership and have strategically positioned the program for the future.”

As part of the reaccreditation process, the MHA program faculty assessed and enhanced all program components ensuring a competency-driven curriculum, developing extensive partnerships with the health care practice community and initiating efforts to build scholarship support for future students.  Current MHA Program Director Martha Riddell noted the contributions of former Program Director and Director of Graduate Studies Julia Costich, Associate Dean Larry Prybil, and Assistant Dean Mike Smith.

“These three individuals were the driving force in leading this successful effort and contributed countless hours resulting in the maximum reaccreditation decision from CAHME," Riddell said.

CAHME accreditation is a benchmark for students to assure the appropriate content and quality of a health care management educational program, and is considered the standard of excellence in the field.  The UK MHA reaccreditation decision represents the program’s substantial attainment of CAHME standards. The next full accreditation review of the UK MHA program is scheduled for 2018.

Media Contact: Ann Blackford at (859)323-6442 or ann.blackford@uky.edu