The Diploma in Health Services Administration (DHSA) program is designed to prepare students for a career in healthcare at the managerial level. It meets the needs of students interested in health services administration and of those currently employed in the healthcare sector in a managerial capacity in health facilities, and employees in community health, long-term care, primary care, multi-service centres, and community health boards.
The program provides a conceptual background for the increasingly complex managerial tasks performed in health institutions, agencies, and health-related government departments. Every effort is made to balance political, social, economic, cultural, medical, and ethical approaches to understanding the healthcare delivery system with those of the management sciences.
All students must observe the University and Academic Regulations described in the calendar.
Students may complete the DHSA on a full-time or part-time basis.
The program is conducted through the Dalhousie e-learning. The Dalhousie e-learning platform consists of a suite of tools which provide mechanisms for interactive exercises, such as group discussions, presentations, and information sharing.
NOTE: Courses offered through the e-learning format are assessed a per course Distance Education Fee (DEF) in addition to the course-based tuition.
Application Procedure
Applicants must meet the Dalhousie University undergraduate admission requirements to warrant consideration into this program. Applicants require university preparation (you may not apply from high school). In addition to transcripts, students are required to submit a current resume and at least one letter of reference with their application to the Diploma program. Mature students must also include a letter outling their activities since high school.
Applications should be submitted as early as possible, and not later than March 1 for September admission, and November 15th for January admission.
Students may be considered for advanced placement if they have completed courses equivalent to the required or elective courses. Application for advanced placement must be made in writing after an applicant has been accepted to the program.
Further information on the Diploma in Health Services Administration program may be obtained from:
School of Health Administration
Dalhousie University
Sir Charles Tupper Medical Building
5850 College Street, 2nd floor
PO Box 15000
Halifax, NS B3H 4R2
902-494-7097
healthadmin@dal.ca
Application forms are available online at www.dal.ca/admissions/apply.html
Curriculum
The one-year program features both an academic and outcome-oriented curriculum. Students accepted into the DHSA program take the following three credit hour courses:
Fall term
Winter term
One three credit hour elective, as approved by the School, is also required. The elective may be taken in the fall, winter, or summer term.