Healthcare Quality and Safety Graduate Certificate
The Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Quality and Safety from UAB is a four course program designed to extend your knowledge and skills in the areas of quality improvement and patient safety. The Graduate Certificate is developed for the working professional seeking to broaden or expertise in the health quality and patient safety field and move their organizations forward in our value driven healthcare system.
The certificate prepares you to be able to spearhead and implement quality- and safety-based initiatives in your organization utilizing the concepts of high reliability leadership, data system design, process management and hazard analysis. If you successfully complete the Graduate Certificate and wish to pursue your Masters’ of Science in Healthcare Quality and Safety, you can apply the Graduate Certificate course credits to the Master’s program upon successful application and acceptance to the program. Learn more about the Healthcare Quality and Safety Graduate Certificate.
Offered Completely Online
This program can be taken completely online. No on-campus coursework is required.
Prerequisites for Admission and Program Curriculum
A complete list of prerequisites and courses are available in the UAB Graduate Catalog.
Admissions Requirements
Candidates must have an undergraduate, graduate, or professional degree from an accredited college or university and at least two years of experience in healthcare. Applicants must have a GPA of 3.00 or above for the past 60 hours of course work and submit a completed application by the specified deadline. No GRE required. Contact the Healthcare Quality & Safety program by
Application Process
Admission is for the fall and spring semesters. Apply through the UAB Graduate School application or visit the UAB Graduate School website for more information about the application process. Download the HQS Graduate Certificate Application Checklist (PDF) for more information about the application process.
Application Deadlines:
- Fall: May 31
- Spring: October 1
*After posted deadline, applications will be considered on a space available basis.
Our application can be completed online from your home computer. Candidates should complete the degree-seeking application. The application includes:
- Non-refundable application fee of $45
- Personal essay statement highlighting your desire for enrollment and how you will utilize the knowledge and skills gained in your professional career
- Current resume or CV outlining your professional work experience
- Three letters of recommendation
- Official transcripts of all previous academic work beyond secondary submitted directly to the UAB Graduate School
Career Paths and Job Opportunities
This certificate provides a foundation in the latest quality improvement and patient safety practices preparing you for occupations including quality health and safety specialist, manager, or consultant.
Related Programs
MS in Healthcare Quality & Safety
OTD - Healthcare Quality & Safety Track