Graduate Certificate in Health Services Management

Graduates of the Graduate Certificate in Health Services Management will have:

• specialised knowledge on health services management and its impact on the healthcare system
• knowledge of the current and potential research programs and future for management in contemporary health care services and systems
• knowledge of the principles of project management, economic and other impact assessments on the science, acquisition and application of this knowledge to health services and health organisations (translation and transfer)
• specialised knowledge of contemporary systems and applications of health management nationally and internationally, combined with skills and abilities in regards to the use and application of contemporary leadership and management competencies and management systems in research, as well as the power of research outputs and outcomes where associated knowledge has been used to the optimum in relation to research questions.

You will find work in Australia and overseas as a manager developing improved health systems and services.

Professional recognition

This degree is accredited by the Australasian College of Health Service Management (ACHSM).

Higher education

To be eligible for admission to the Graduate Certificate in Health Services Management, an applicant must hold:

• a bachelor degree in a health-related field (Public Health, Health Services Management, Allied Health, Environmental Health, Dentistry, Medicine, Midwifery, Nursing) OR
• a bachelor degree in an unrelated discipline (that is, a degree in a discipline other than medicine, nursing, public health, environmental health, allied health, psychology clinical health, research or biomedical health) OR
• a health-related diploma PLUS two years relevant work experience in the health or aged care sector OR
• have a minimum of five years equivalent full-time work experience in administration, management and leaderships roles within health care organisations and students would be expected to have career goals to work in health-related organisations.

Progression for students admitted to the Graduate Certificate Health Services Management to the Master of Health Services Management (5586) is dependent on achieving a minimum pass grade in all courses of the Graduate Certificate.

Work and Life

Have a minimum of five years equivalent full-time work experience in administration, management and leadership roles within health care organisations and students would be expected to have career goals to work in health-related organisations.

English Proficiency Requirements

English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this program are as follows:

• A minimum overall band score of 6.5 on IELTS (Academic) with no sub-score of less than 6.0
• OR a minimum score of 575 on TOEFL
• OR an internet-based (iBT) TOEFL score of 79 (no sub-score less than 19)
• OR no score less than 3+ in each skill of the ISLPR (conducted by ISLPR Language Services only)
• OR a minimum overall score of 176 (no score less than 169) on C1 Advanced (formerly Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English) or C2 Proficiency (formerly Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English)
• OR an overall score of 58 in the Pearson Test of English (Academic) with no score less than 50.

English test results must be no more than two years old.

International students who successfully complete the Direct Entry Program (DEP) will satisfy the English Language requirements for this Griffith degree.

The Direct Entry Program (DEP) is not available for Domestic students.

Applicants should refer to the English language requirements section of the following University policy for exceptions to these overall requirements:

• Postgraduate Programs Admission Policy

Reduce the time it takes to finish your degree. You can apply to Griffith to recognise your prior learning, including: 

• Formal learning through courses completed at uni and TAFE. 
• Informal learning through workplace experience or volunteer training. 
• Non-formal learning through social experiences and hobbies.

You will study a wide ranging and diverse base of specialist health management courses. If you are a graduate or manager in health and aged care services and you want to develop your skills and understanding of contemporary health service management issues, these degrees will help you achieve your goals. Through flexible teaching and research options, you will learn about key areas of health sector policy, governance, operations and evidence-based practice management.

You will develop skills and knowledge in current management theory and practice, develop your leadership skills and style and gain an in-depth understanding of health workforce planning. You will also learn about managing human resources, planning and implementing health programs, and managing performance and health budgets from respected industry practitioners and academics. Additionally, you will develop skills in strategic decision making and change management and an understanding of the role of technology in health management.

Through a project directly relevant to your organisation's strategic direction, you will develop research and project management skills.

Recommended Study Pattern

As a guide, core subjects in this degree can include: 

• Financing Health and Social Care 
• Change Management in Dynamic Healthcare Systems 
• Healthcare Systems 
• Leadership in Management for Health Services 
• Translating Health Innovation into Practice 
• Health Workforce 
• Quality and Risk Management in Healthcare 

As part of your application, you’ll be guided through how to get the right degree structure in place for you.

Award Requirements

To be eligible for the award of Graduate Certificate in Health Services Management (GCertHServMgt), a student must acquire 40 credit points as prescribed below:

• 40 credit points for core courses.