Award | Duration | Format | Audience | Application Deadline | Start Date |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Simulation | 1 year | Online with one on-campus visit | Clinical and administrative healthcare professionals | August 1 | August |
The Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Simulation meets the growing demand of healthcare simulation educators and leaders. Graduates will be able to design and implement simulation aimed at improving teamwork, communication, and clinical skills according to evidence-based best practices.
Program Format
The Graduate Certificate is completed online with one 4 day on-campus visit during your first semester. The on-campus session is highly interactive and allows you to build a strong bond with your colleagues in the program and dive into both immersive and procedural simulation guided by internationally-recognized educators.
Curriculum
Our 15-credit Healthcare Simulation program focuses on designing and implementing simulation, debriefing, current trends in simulation.
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Fall
HCS 575: Introduction to Healthcare Simulation for Quality and Safety (3 hours)
Introductory course on origins and current applications for healthcare simulation; overview of simulation methodologies and application in education, training, quality improvement, and patient safety.HCS 625: Simulation Methodology (3 hours)
Intensive focus on the development of simulation sequences to meet institutional priorities; emphasis on simulation case development, including debriefing and assessment strategies; teamwork and interprofessional competencies.HCS 626: Simulation Laboratory Intensive (1 hour)
Participation in simulations; application of research-based strategies for designing and implementing simulation scenarios; debriefing and developing solutions to common issues in simulation. **On Campus -
Spring
HCS 610: Instructional Design in Simulation (2 hours)
Instructional Design in Simulation applies the foundational concepts in the field of instructional design to the growing field of healthcare simulation. This course focuses on the processes of analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation as they relate to developing quality simulation learning experiences.HCS 630: Research in Simulation (1 hour)
Introduction to simulation-focused research and present an overview of the current simulation evidence base. -
Summer
HCS 620: Current Trends in Simulation (2 hours)
Survey of emerging technologies as well as new applications and best practices in the delivery of simulation.HCS 635: Advance Debriefing (3 hours)
In-depth review and application of current debriefing models in the field of simulation. Emphasis on choosing effective debriefing models for various modalities of simulation.
Acceptance is based on the student’s academic ability, a solid academic foundation, a strong desire to impact the field of healthcare simulation, and letters of recommendation.
Potential students will:
- Hold a baccalaureate, graduate, or professional degree from a regionally accredited (e.g. SACS) college or university, or an international equivalent of a four-year degree.
- Have a GPA of 3.0 on most recent degree
- If invited, complete interviews with Healthcare Simulation faculty
Application Deadline
Program | Application Deadline | Start Date |
---|---|---|
Master of Science in Healthcare Simulation | August 1 | August |
December 1 | January | |
May 1 | May | |
Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Simulation | August 1 | August |
Requirements
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Online Application
Complete the UAB Graduate Online Application. Once you have established an account, you will respond to the questions asked
- Intended program of study: Healthcare Simulation
- Concentration: Not Applicable – the selected program does not offer concentration options
- Term: Fall XXXX
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Resume or Curriculum Vitae
Submit a written compilation of education, work experience, credentials, and accomplishments within the online application.
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Recommendation Letters
Two letters of recommendation are required when applying to the Master of Science in Healthcare Simulation program.
As part of your application to the UAB Graduate School, you will provide reference contact information, including email addresses. The UAB Graduate School will contact each of your references directly via email. Your letters of recommendation should be submitted electronically directly to the UAB Graduate School by your references.
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Application Fee
The Graduate Schools’ fee is $50 for domestic applicants and $60 for international applicants.
Once your application is 99% complete, you will be able to pay the application fee and finalize submission. After paying your fee, you must electronically sign your application, then click submit. You will receive an email confirmation once your application has been successfully submitted to the graduate school.
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Transcripts
By July 1, submit official transcripts from each institution where college credit was received to the UAB Graduate School.
During the application process, applicants will have the option to upload an unofficial PDF copy of their transcript(s) which may speed up the review process; however, if admitted, official copies will still be required.
Official transcripts may be submitted electronically by choosing University of Alabama at Birmingham - Graduate Admission or using the email
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . If electronic submission is not available, transcripts may be mailed to:UAB Graduate School
LHL G03; 1720 2nd Avenue South
Birmingham, AL 35294-0013If you have earned your degree from an international university, a degree statement and a transcript evaluation are required to be submitted to UAB Graduate School as part of your application.
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English Proficiency Exam
International students from non-English speaking countries are required to submit English proficiency scores (TOEFL/IELTS/PTEA) that meet the Graduate School's minimum score requirements.
Additional information on the English proficiency test requirements can be found on the Internal Applicants site.
Support
We are excited to partner with you on this journey, if you have questions do not hesitate to contact Dr. Michelle Brown at
Students in the School of Health Professions enjoy benefits of a world-class university and training in some one-of-a-kind and award-winning programs.
Our tuition and fee information is subject to change and the following information is only a guideline for estimating costs.
Master of Science in Healthcare Simulation
The Master of Science in Healthcare Simulation consists of 33 credit hours. For 2023-2024, total tuition is projected to be $22,469 for Alabama residents, $23,335 for those who reside outside of the state of Alabama and an International rate of $25,975.
In addition to tuition, the total cost of attendance will include additional costs that students must also be prepared to pay. This includes, but is not limited to books and supplies, and a $60 graduation fee. For general information, visit UAB tuition and fees.
Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Simulation
The Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Simulation consists of 15 credit hours. For 2023-2024, total tuition is projected to be $10,193 for Alabama residents, $11,059 for those who reside outside of the state of Alabama and an International rate of $13,783.
In addition to tuition, the total cost of attendance will include additional costs that students must also be prepared to pay. This includes, but is not limited to books and supplies, and a $20 certificate fee. For general information, visit UAB tuition and fees.
Other Financial Resources
There are plenty of financial resources for UAB SHP students. The following links are just some financial resources to consider.
Note: The Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Simulation does not qualify for federal financial aid.
- Financing Your Degree
- The SmartStudentTM Guide to Financial Aid
- Federal Student Aid (An Office of the U.S. Department of Education)
- National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators
Scholarships
The School of Health Professions offers scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students. Current School of Health Professions students will need to submit an application through B-SMART to be considered for any scholarships - including university-wide scholarships.
Award | Duration | Format | Audience | Application Deadline | Start Date |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Master of Science in Healthcare Simulation | Full Time: 16 months Part Time: 24 months |
Online with one on-campus visit | Clinical and administrative healthcare professionals | August 1 | August |
December 1 | January | ||||
May 1 | May |
UAB’s Master of Science in Healthcare Simulation is designed to prepare you with leadership and quality improvement skills in healthcare simulation in order to improve patient safety, increase communication effectiveness, refine teamwork, and enhance care delivery. By developing expertise in healthcare simulation, you will be equipped with a unique skill set to impact patient outcomes in your organization through the innovation of simulation.
Format
The degree is completed online with one, 4-day on-campus visit. This provides you with flexibility to complete the degree while working full-time. We offer both full-time (16 months) and part-time (24 months) options.
On-Campus Visit
Through an interactive, 4-day on-campus visit during the first semester, you will build a strong bond with your colleagues in the program, and dive into both immersive and procedural simulation in a psychologically safe learning environment, guided by internationally-recognized educators.
Curriculum
Our 33-credit Healthcare Simulation program focuses on both simulation methodology and patient safety. This challenges learners to think about and be able to communicate the value simulation brings to improving patient care.
Courses
Full-Time (33 hours)
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Fall (Year 1)
HCS 575: Introduction to Healthcare Simulation for Quality and Safety (3 hours)
Introductory course on origins and current applications for healthcare simulation; overview of simulation methodologies and application in education, training, quality improvement, and patient safety.HCS 625: Simulation Methodology (3 hours)
Intensive focus on the development of simulation sequences to meet institutional priorities; emphasis on simulation case development, including debriefing and assessment strategies; teamwork and interprofessional competencies.HCS 626: Simulation Laboratory Intensive (1 hour)
Participation in simulations; application of research-based strategies for designing and implementing simulation scenarios; debriefing and developing solutions to common issues in simulation.HQS 600: Introduction to Clinical Quality Improvement (4 hours)
Clinical quality improvement theory; classes of outcomes; process management; management tools and modeling techniques for improvement of clinical processes and decision-making. -
Spring (Year 1)
HCS 610: Instructional Design in Simulation (2 hours)
Instructional Design in Simulation applies the foundational concepts in the field of instructional design to the growing field of healthcare simulation. This course focuses on the processes of analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation as they relate to developing quality simulation learning experiences.HCS 660: Financial Management for Healthcare Quality Leaders (3 hours)
Designed to introduce health care leaders (primarily those working in the areas of simulation and quality improvement) to basic concepts in financial management. Topics covered include an introduction to financial accounting, an introduction to management accounting and a particular emphasis on evaluating the financial impact of new programs.HQS 630: Leadership of High Reliability Healthcare Organizations (3 hours)
Applying concepts of high reliability organizations to create an organizational culture that supports strong, functional, and safe patient care environments resulting in quality clinical care and patient satisfaction. -
Summer (Year 1)
HCS 620: Current Trends in Simulation (2 hours)
Survey of emerging technologies as well as new applications and best practices in the delivery of simulation.HCS 640: Project Management: Leading Successful Healthcare Initiatives (3 hours)
Techniques for planning, scheduling, controlling, resource allocation, and performance measurement activities required for successfully completing a project.HCS 635: Advance Debriefing (3 hours)
In-depth review and application of current debriefing models in the field of simulation. Emphasis on choosing effective debriefing models for various modalities of simulation. -
Fall (Year 2)
HCS 698: Simulation Capstone (3 hours)
Rigorous culminating project that provides the opportunity for focused investigation of simulation applications in a real-world setting. Investigation and application of theory through a practical project.Elective (3 hours)
(Research Elective EPR 594 Recommended)
Part-Time (33 hours)
-
Fall (Year 1)
HCS 575: Introduction to Healthcare Simulation for Quality and Safety (3 hours)
Introductory course on origins and current applications for healthcare simulation; overview of simulation methodologies and application in education, training, quality improvement, and patient safety.HCS 625: Simulation Methodology (3 hours)
Intensive focus on the development of simulation sequences to meet institutional priorities; emphasis on simulation case development, including debriefing and assessment strategies; teamwork and interprofessional competencies.HCS 626: Simulation Laboratory Intensive (1 hour)
Participation in simulations; application of research-based strategies for designing and implementing simulation scenarios; debriefing and developing solutions to common issues in simulation. -
Spring (Year 1)
HCS 610: Instructional Design in Simulation (2 hours)
Instructional Design in Simulation applies the foundational concepts in the field of instructional design to the growing field of healthcare simulation. This course focuses on the processes of analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation as they relate to developing quality simulation learning experiences.HQS 630: Leadership of High Reliability Healthcare Organizations (3 hours)
Applying concepts of high reliability organizations to create an organizational culture that supports strong, functional, and safe patient care environments resulting in quality clinical care and patient satisfaction. -
Summer (Year 1)
HCS 635: Advance Debriefing (3 hours)
In-depth review and application of current debriefing models in the field of simulation. Emphasis on choosing effective debriefing models for various modalities of simulation.HCS 640: Project Management: Leading Successful Healthcare Initiatives (3 hours)
Techniques for planning, scheduling, controlling, resource allocation, and performance measurement activities required for successfully completing a project. -
Fall (Year 2)
HQS 600: Introduction to Clinical Quality Improvement (4 hours)
Clinical quality improvement theory; classes of outcomes; process management; management tools and modeling techniques for improvement of clinical processes and decision-making.Elective (3 hours)
(Research Elective EPR 594 Recommended) -
Spring (Year 2)
HCS 660: Financial Management for Healthcare Quality Leaders (3 hours)
Designed to introduce health care leaders (primarily those working in the areas of simulation and quality improvement) to basic concepts in financial management. Topics covered include an introduction to financial accounting, an introduction to management accounting and a particular emphasis on evaluating the financial impact of new programs.HCS 698: Simulation Capstone (1 hour)
Rigorous culminating project that provides the opportunity for focused investigation of simulation applications in a real-world setting. Investigation and application of theory through a practical project. -
Summer (Year 2)
HCS 620: Current Trends in Simulation (2 hours)
Survey of emerging technologies as well as new applications and best practices in the delivery of simulation.HCS 698: Simulation Capstone (2 hours)
Rigorous culminating project that provides the opportunity for focused investigation of simulation applications in a real-world setting. Investigation and application of theory through a practical project.
To view a full list of courses, visit the UAB course catalog.
Have a question you don’t see answered here?
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Does the MS in Healthcare Simulation qualify for federal financial aid?
Yes. The Master of Science in Healthcare Simulation qualifies for federal financial aid. You can connect with UAB’s financial aid office for more information.
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Do I have to take the GRE or GMAT?
No. We do not require any standardized test for admission.
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I work full time, will I be able to take the courses?
Yes! Our program was developed with the working professional in mind. We have both part-time and full-time options.
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How long does it take?
We anticipate that most students will complete the MS in Healthcare Simulation in 15 months (full-time) or 2 years (part-time). We can tailor a sequencing plan that meets your needs, so give us a call and we can chat about your options.
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Can I start the program prior to fall admission?
Yes, you may enroll as a non-degree seeking student and take some of our foundational courses. There is some paperwork and a minimal application fee. However, no more than 12 semester hours earned as a non-degree graduate student may be applied toward the Master’s degree.
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I don’t quite meet the requirements for application; can I still get into the program?
Yes, the admissions committee looks at the entire application package when making their recommendation.
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What kind of grades do I need to graduate?
You must have a GPA of 3.0 to graduate. A student who receives two grades of “C”, or a grade of “F” on any course taken in pursuit of the degree will be dismissed from the program.
UAB’s Healthcare Simulation Graduate Program is designed to prepare you to be a leader in the field of Healthcare Simulation. We prepare our graduates to be able to comfortably communicate with hospital administration and academic leaders about best practices in simulation design and implementation, clinical quality improvement, high-reliability organizations, well-functioning teams, and share how simulation is a vital component of these structures.
We believe that interprofessional collaboration is fundamental in being a successful healthcare simulationist. At UAB, you will be taught by faculty with a variety of clinical and administrative expertise. Your classmates will be from diverse backgrounds who are interested in working collaboratively to improve patient care with simulation. Throughout the program, you will be challenged to think creatively and you will have opportunities to integrate simulation into your current practice.
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