| 21:00 |
RuthAnn: |
Welcome to Ohio University's Master of Health Administration (MHA) live chat session. During the next 30 minutes, you will have a chance to ask questions about our program, our faculty, and what it's like to study online. |
| 21:00 |
RuthAnn: |
I am Dr. RuthAnn Althaus, your moderator for this session. I am a Professor of Health Administration and the Coordinator of the Master of Health Administration Online Program in the School of Public Health Sciences and Professions at Ohio University. |
| 21:00 |
RuthAnn: |
During the chat session note that we will be answering questions in the order they are asked. This isn't exactly like a face-to-face conversation and you can't always wait politely for a 'pause' in the conversation. So just jump in with your questions! Sometimes, while a question is being answered, another one shows up, so we will just try to make sure you can tell which question is being dealt with. |
| 21:01 |
RuthAnn: |
I cheated and had this long message prepared in advance, so you wouldn't have to wait for me to type it all out. We'll try to keep our conversations shorter than this. |
| 21:01 |
Madhavi: |
Glad to chat with you. I'm Madhavi. |
| 21:01 |
RuthAnn: |
Hello - to all of you!! |
| 21:01 |
RuthAnn: |
Who wants to be first??? |
| 21:02 |
Megan: |
I'd like to know the format of the classes. Are their "units" to complete throughout the course? |
| 21:02 |
Michael: |
Do students work independently or in groups? |
| 21:02 |
Jen: |
Are there current students in the chat tonight? |
| 21:03 |
Madhavi: |
I have a master's degree in English Literature from India. I have 4 yrs 4 months experience in Coding. I am a CPC, CGIC & CPMA. Am I eligible to pursue the MHA? |
| 21:03 |
Jen: |
How is work submitted for grading, etc.? |
| 21:03 |
RuthAnn: |
Hi Megan. Yes, each module is divided into ten weeks' worth of work - and you progress through them during the term. Is that what you meant? |
| 21:03 |
Megan: |
Yes, thank you for clarifying. |
| 21:03 |
RuthAnn: |
Michael - We use both group and independent assignments to achieve the learning goals. |
| 21:03 |
Sebrina: |
Are class assignments typically due on week days or weekend? |
| 21:04 |
RuthAnn: |
Jen – Yes, we have Judy Recker with us so if you have a question for her, send it along. |
| 21:04 |
Nicole: |
From the students, how well does the group work work? |
| 21:04 |
Madhavi: |
How much of Accounting and Math do you have? Is it mandatory? I'm not very keen on these subjects. |
| 21:04 |
Jen: |
Along the lines of Sebrina's question - I was used to having a class two or three days a week with assignments due accordingly. |
| 21:04 |
RuthAnn: |
Madhavi - I think Ryan can best answer your admission question offline. But it sounds promising. |
| 21:05 |
RuthAnn: |
Judy - want to take Nicole's question? |
| 21:05 |
Natasha: |
What is a typical student profile for admission to the MHA program? I read that it is geared towards mid-career professionals. Are recent graduates who only have two years full time experience accepted as well? |
| 21:05 |
Jen: |
For Judy: Are you working along with pursuing your MHA? If so, how difficult do you find it to get the assignments completed on time? |
| 21:05 |
RuthAnn: |
You need introductory accounting and statistics. Lots of us are not keen about these subjects!! |
| 21:05 |
Ryan: |
Good evening Madhavi. My name is Ryan and I work in the admissions office. I will email you a more detailed answer and perhaps we can talk in more detail. |
| 21:06 |
Judy: |
Yes. I am working full time. It is challenging some weeks to complete the assignments, but it is doable. |
| 21:06 |
Madhavi: |
Could you please clarify on Math & Accounting part? Thank you. |
| 21:06 |
Hillary: |
How much time per week can I expect with the course load? |
| 21:06 |
RuthAnn: |
Natasha - we are looking for people who understand the US health care system from their work experience. We look at a student's entire record - grades, experience, etc. to decide if they will both contribute to and benefit from the program. |
| 21:07 |
Jen: |
For Judy: this will sound weird, but you do have time for other activities as well? |
| 21:07 |
RuthAnn: |
Hillary - we tell students it is up to 20 hours per week. Judy - can you weigh in on that? |
| 21:08 |
RuthAnn: |
Whew - my fingers were getting tired!! |
| 21:08 |
Madhavi: |
I'm also working full-time. |
| 21:08 |
Sebrina: |
How does the admissions committee view an applicant who is enrolled in another full-time academic program rather than working full time. |
| 21:08 |
Judy: |
Yes. I have a daughter that is a senior in high school, so I am quite busy with all of her activities and I also have a husband and 3 stepchildren; my oldest son is a sophomore in college and I do take time to visit him too! |
| 21:09 |
Madhavi: |
How much time do we need to spend on daily basis, Judy? |
| 21:09 |
Jen: |
I have a question about the "professional statement and goals" thing we have to write for the admissions package. What is the world are you looking for? I have all kinds of things to say, but not exactly sure how to write it. |
| 21:09 |
RuthAnn: |
I should point out that nearly all our students are working full time. Sebrina, we still want to see health care professional experience but it doesn't have to be right now! |
| 21:09 |
Hillary: |
What is the advantage of an MHA over an MBA? Can I expect similar classes with the MHA as with an MBA? |
| 21:09 |
Sebrina: |
That is great. |
| 21:10 |
RuthAnn: |
Jen - that's a great question. The admissions committee wants to know why you want to do this program (how it fits your career goals) and what you can bring to the program to share. It's like a cover letter for a job application! |
| 21:10 |
Natasha: |
Thank you Ruth Ann! I have almost two years experience in billing for a well known durable medical equipment provider and I also work part time at the local hospital in the health information department. I was not entirely sure if I even had a chance of being accepted since I am really just starting to work. |
| 21:10 |
Verana: |
How does your MHA program compare to other national MHA programs? |
| 21:11 |
Jen: |
OK, cool RuthAnn, that's what I thought, but I didn't want to sound like I was trying to campaign for office or something. HA HA |
| 21:11 |
Nicole: |
How many students are in the latest cohort? |
| 21:11 |
RuthAnn: |
Ah - the MHA/MBA question. The MHA focuses on the business side of the health care enterprise. Most MBA's focus on business and deal with health care tangentially. So it is like majoring in the business of health care (MHA) or business as it applies to health care (MBA). |
| 21:11 |
Christopher: |
My GPA in college was about 2.8 but I have 16 years experience in nursing and am currently in a management role. Will this experience likely out weigh my academic performance of yesteryear? |
| 21:12 |
Jen: |
I like the idea of a completely online degree, but I do wonder how future employers might view this? Or really would they really know the difference? |
| 21:12 |
RuthAnn: |
We admitted about 50 students in Fall. |
| 21:13 |
Jen: |
Good question Christopher! I am curious to hear the answer on how they weigh experience vs. education etc. |
| 21:13 |
Hillary: |
What is the format of the classes? Are there chat sessions or is everything posted online for the students to complete? |
| 21:13 |
RuthAnn: |
Christopher - yesteryear!! Ah yes - if we'd only known then... We look at your whole package. Years of progressively more responsible and successful experience weigh heavily! |
| 21:13 |
Sebrina: |
Does your program offer resources to graduates looking to start their own non-profits or healthcare facilities? |
| 21:14 |
Nicole: |
What is the class format like? And are the all the same or do they vary? |
| 21:14 |
RuthAnn: |
We rarely use chat sessions except for 'office hours.' This chat may give you an idea of why---your fingers get tired. In general everything is posted so you can do it during the week when you have time and wherever you are. |
| 21:15 |
Sebrina: |
Is the timeline for progression set or can students move at different speeds taking more or fewer courses? |
| 21:15 |
RuthAnn: |
Nicole - the classes vary a lot! Judy - can you comment on that? |
| 21:15 |
Christopher: |
Thank you RuthAnn, I'll send my CV with the application. Should I take a refresher statistics class or does the B from 1990 count? |
| 21:15 |
Jen: |
Are there ever live "classes?" |
| 21:15 |
Madhavi: |
I have a similar question. Do the employers equal weigh the online MHA with the regular one? |
| 21:15 |
Judy: |
I spend much more time on the weekends - sometimes 8 hrs a day. During the week, I try to put in a couple hours a day, but that isn't always possible |
| 21:16 |
RuthAnn: |
Sebrina - it is a set progression. In an emergency we will help someone stop out and come back but the credits per term are set. |
| 21:16 |
Natasha: |
Will assignments be due on a certain day or will we have all of our assignments up at the beginning of the week and have to have them completed by the end of the week? |
| 21:16 |
Nicole: |
is there online lecture or is it all study? |
| 21:16 |
RuthAnn: |
Christopher - you decide how comfortable you are with stat. Since you ask the question a review might not be a bad idea. Ask your admissions counselor - we have a nifty review option available. |
| 21:17 |
Judy: |
The classes do vary a lot. The statistics and research class is very different than healthcare law an ethics! |
| 21:17 |
RuthAnn: |
No live classes - too hard to schedule with folks on four different time zones! |
| 21:18 |
Verana: |
Does graduation take place on the OU campus? |
| 21:18 |
Jen: |
Ball park figure on textbook costs and how do we get them? |
| 21:18 |
Nicole: |
Thanks Ruth Ann – Judy, how have you found the group work as an online participant? |
| 21:18 |
RuthAnn: |
Madhavi - Your degree will be an MHA from OU. This program is at least as good as the on campus one AND besides, nobody will know it was online unless you tell them. |
| 21:19 |
RuthAnn: |
Assignments are paced through the week - no rush to the finish at the end. All assignments are posted at the beginning of the module! |
| 21:19 |
Megan: |
are there exams in addition to assignments for each module? |
| 21:19 |
Hillary: |
How are the majority of the assignments? Are they papers, tests or projects? |
| 21:20 |
RuthAnn: |
There are online lectures! Some are just print. Some have voiceover and I think some have video. But you decide when to listen to them. They all have transcript, too. It's not all just studying on your own. |
| 21:20 |
RuthAnn: |
Yes - graduation is here and we hope you will come!!!! |
| 21:20 |
Madhavi: |
did your recent online students who have completed the course get placed in better positions? |
| 21:20 |
Judy: |
The group work is sometimes difficult due to everyone's schedules and sometimes it's hard to split up the assignment, but I think it's a good way to get to know my classmates and also learn from them. |
| 21:20 |
Jen: |
if you let us in and we pass, we'll come! :) |
| 21:20 |
RuthAnn: |
Megan - some modules have exams, some do not. |
| 21:21 |
Karin: |
How much is the GRE, I graduate cum laude 12 years ago and never took it? |
| 21:21 |
RuthAnn: |
Hilary - the answer is 'yes' to all. A great variety of project types. |
| 21:21 |
Natasha: |
If we do need to take the pre-req's will we need to find someone else to take them before we are accepted or will we be able to take them at Ohio University? |
| 21:21 |
RuthAnn: |
Karin - I'm not sure I understand. |
| 21:22 |
RuthAnn: |
Natasha - talk to your admissions counselor who will suggest how you can get them done efficiently. They do need to be completed before you begin taking the graduate courses (but can be after you are accepted). |
| 21:23 |
Verana: |
Could you tell us how many students apply each year versus how many are accepted into the program? |
| 21:23 |
Hillary: |
If I want to apply for Spring Quarter when do I need to submit my applications? |
| 21:23 |
Natasha: |
I have already taken Stat. I would just need to take the Accounting course. |
| 21:23 |
Sebrina: |
are you assigned your admissions counselor after submitting the application |
| 21:23 |
RuthAnn: |
You can apply up until about 8 weeks ahead of the term start. The sooner the better, though, in case of prerequisites. |
| 21:24 |
RuthAnn: |
Ryan - can you take Sebrina's question? |
| 21:24 |
Christopher: |
How far in advance of beginning course work can you be accepted? Can I apply now and start in the summer of 2010 for example? |
| 21:24 |
Jen: |
when we set up the time to talk to the person to apply, how long do I have to get the letters, etc sent to you |
| 21:25 |
Ryan: |
Sebrina – Yes, you are assigned an admissions counselor. I would be happy to forward your information to one of our counselors. |
| 21:25 |
RuthAnn: |
Madhavi - I missed your question about our graduates. We don't know since the first group has not yet graduated. But, I know some people have changed jobs - that often happens during graduate programs. |
| 21:26 |
RuthAnn: |
Ryan - How about Christopher's question? |
| 21:26 |
Sebrina: |
Ryan that would be great. I could get all my materials submitted before the end of October. |
| 21:26 |
Hillary: |
So is this the first group of students to go through the online program? |
| 21:26 |
RuthAnn: |
Ryan will get the admissions questions. Any more for me? |
| 21:26 |
Ryan: |
Sebrina - Sounds great. I have your email address and will contact you shortly. |
| 21:27 |
RuthAnn: |
Hillary - yes - first group. But the MHA was around for 10 years previously here on campus. |
| 21:27 |
Jen: |
RuthAnn: generally speaking - there are two classes/term correct? |
| 21:27 |
Nicole: |
will the classes be run thru Blackboard? |
| 21:27 |
Michael: |
Are the classes taken at the same time or one after the other (in the same term)? |
| 21:27 |
Jen: |
what types of backgrounds do the current students come from? |
| 21:27 |
RuthAnn: |
Yes, Jen. Each of the first seven modules is comprised of two classes. The eighth one is just one class. |
| 21:28 |
RuthAnn: |
Michael, the two courses comprising a module is woven together in the module so they are intertwined throughout the ten weeks. |
| 21:28 |
Ryan: |
Christopher - I'd be happy to look at your situation individually. Traditionally we look for candidates for our next two start dates. |
| 21:30 |
RuthAnn: |
Jen - we've got CEO's and physicians and all kinds of other practitioners plus people from the drug industry and other suppliers to health care delivery, plus finance and IT folks. Huge, interesting range of professions. And we've got folks with just two years experience and some with over 30 years. Great mix! |
| 21:30 |
Christopher: |
Ryan: You have my email; look forward to working with you. |
| 21:30 |
Ryan: |
Jen - Good question. Students come from many different backgrounds, are you asking about their undergrad degree or experience? |
| 21:30 |
RuthAnn: |
Nicole - We do use Blackboard! |
| 21:30 |
Jen: |
Simplicity - Undergrad degree |
| 21:30 |
RuthAnn: |
And, Nicole, we have 24/7 tech support! |
| 21:30 |
Jen: |
Just saw RuthAnn's answer... |
| 21:31 |
Ryan: |
Chris - Thanks for chatting. Look forward to speaking with you. |
| 21:31 |
Nicole: |
Do you have a lot of students that have an undergrad from OU? |
| 21:32 |
RuthAnn: |
Oh dear - of course I answered the non-simple question. Undergrad degrees range from the expected nursing, med tech, etc. to business to fine arts to communication, etc. Doesn't matter! |
| 21:32 |
RuthAnn: |
Nicole - maybe 15% are from OU. |
| 21:33 |
RuthAnn: |
Any more questions? |
| 21:33 |
Natasha: |
Thank you for your help Ruth Ann! |
| 21:33 |
Christopher: |
Last question, will I need a computer? |
| 21:33 |
Jen: |
I'm good; I think I probably need to ask specific questions of the admissions person. This has been helpful and interesting. |
| 21:33 |
RuthAnn: |
If you think of something after tonight, ask the admissions counselors - if they don't know they'll get in touch with me or someone who can answer your question. |
| 21:34 |
Nicole: |
Are the professors available for interaction? |
| 21:34 |
RuthAnn: |
Great 'chatting' with all of you. Hope to see you in class in the future!!! |
| 21:34 |
Sebrina: |
Thank you. This was helpful. |
| 21:34 |
RuthAnn: |
Nicole - yes. There is lots and lots of interaction. |
| 21:34 |
Nicole: |
Thank you. |
| 21:35 |
RuthAnn: |
Who is going to say goodbye??? |
| 21:36 |
Natasha: |
Goodbye LOL |
| 21:36 |
Ryan: |
Thanks for attending everyone. My name is Ryan and I work in the admissions office. I will follow up with an email first thing tomorrow so you have my direct contact information. |
| 21:36 |
Jen: |
I will. Good Night and thanks for your assistance!! =D |
| 21:36 |
Ryan: |
Good night everyone! |
| 21:36 |
RuthAnn: |
Bye everyone!!! |
| 21:36 |
Christopher: |
Thank you, and I was joking about needing a computer |
| 21:36 |
Jen: |
HA HA, I wondered about that Christopher. =D |
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