Health Justice Certificate Program
In the Health Justice Certificate Program, students will explore population health related challenges and the possibilities of Medical-Legal Interventions. The certificate program begins with an introduction to Population Health. This is followed by an exploration of health inequities and social epidemiology. Next is a study of Health Justice where the social determinants of health and indicators for medical legal partnerships are examined. Collaborative approaches to improving the health of communities through policy advocacy will be explored. The final Advocacy in Action Capstone seminar highlights how Health Justice grass root approaches can change the healthcare landscape.
The certificate blends theory and application with a goal of preparing students to serve as organizational resources for medical-legal interventions as part of population and community health efforts. Students will be encouraged to identify a specific area of interest as they begin coursework, and incorporate interests into assignments. This strategic approach can result in a valuable portfolio of resources, data and advocacy statements, as well as visual and oral presentations that will be the cumulative work product.
The certificate may be completed prior to enrolling in the MHA program of after completion of the MHA.
Program Leadership and Faculty
Traci Rooks, JD, CHC
Traci Rooks is a graduate of the University of Idaho College of Law. Traci began her work with Medical-Legal Partnership with the Spokane Health Justice Initiative in 2014. As a legal volunteer, Traci examined work flows between medical and legal partners for potential improvement. She wrote policies and procedures for medical, legal, and law school partners. She also aggregated and evaluated patient-client data for reporting and compliance with grant guidelines. In addition, Traci has been a member of the Washington State Coalition of Medical- Legal Partnerships participating in state-wide efforts to establish new medical-legal partnerships and navigate challenges for established partnerships. The foundation for this very important work having been completed, Traci broadened the application of medical-legal partnership to higher education at University of Providence.
Traci is currently an Investigator for Providence Risk and Integrity Services. Prior to her work as an Investigator, Traci was a Compliance Manager and Privacy Officer for Lincoln Hospital and a Compliance Specialist for Providence St. Joseph Health. Over the years, Traci has also been active in the Health Law Sections of both the Washington State Bar and the American Bar Association. Traci joined the adjunct faculty at University of Providence in 2018, teaching Healthcare Law & Ethics for the Master of Healthcare Administration Program.
Traci is committed to equipping tomorrow’s healthcare leaders and legal advocates to embrace the precepts of pairing health and justice. The Health Justice program is supported by a cadre of talented faculty. MHA practitioner faculty are experienced in their specialty areas and share a goal of linking theory to practice for students.
Program Design
The Health Justice Certificate Program is offered as both a freestanding option and an addition to the University of Providence Master of Healthcare Administration. The MHA is aligned with 19 competencies (https://www.uprovidence.edu/academics/explore-programs/healthcare-administration/health-justice/) from the National Center for Healthcare Leadership (NCHL). The MHA has been granted eligibility for accreditation by the Commission on Healthcare Management Education (CAHME) and has submitted candidacy documents. If approved, the program will advance to candidacy and self-study in preparation for accreditation site visit. Instructional design of the Community Health Investment courses and syllabi is guided by Quality Matters (QM) principles to enhance the online learning experience.
Health Justice Certificate Program Outcomes
- Recognize indicators for medical-legal interventions.
- Investigate social determinants of health, epidemiology, and health inequities.
- Synthesize information about health inequities, social determinants, and epidemiology to create intervention strategies.
- Demonstrate skills in searching and evaluating literature to facilitate evidence-based decision making.
- Create and evaluate approaches to medical legal interventions.
- Apply persuasive writing and oral communication techniques to advocate for legislative change.
Health Justice Certificate Program
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MHA 504 | HEALTH JUSTICE (MEDICAL - LEGAL PARTNERSHIP) | 3 |
| MHA 508 | HEALTH INEQUITIES AND SOCIAL EPIDEMIOLOGY | 3 |
| MHA 518 | EVIDENCE BASED MANAGEMENT FOR HEALTHCARE LEADERS | 3 |
| MHA 521 | POPULATION HEALTH - A COMMUNITY ORIENTATION | 1 |
| MHA 525 | TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP | 3 |
| MHA 528 | HEALTH JUSTICE ADVOCACY IN ACTION CAPSTONE SEMINAR | 3 |
| Total Credits Required: | 16 | |
Program Structure and Format
- Content delivery: 8-week online master’s level courses with short breaks between courses.
- Courses are designed for working professionals.
- Length of semesters: Two 8-week terms and a brief break within each semester.
- Program length if all courses are taken in sequence: 3 semesters.
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Semester I | Credits | |
| 1st 8 Week Session | ||
| MHA 504 | HEALTH JUSTICE (MEDICAL - LEGAL PARTNERSHIP) | 3 |
| 2nd 8 Week Session | ||
| MHA 508 | HEALTH INEQUITIES AND SOCIAL EPIDEMIOLOGY | 3 |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Semester II | ||
| 1st 8 Week Session | ||
| MHA 518 | EVIDENCE BASED MANAGEMENT FOR HEALTHCARE LEADERS | 3 |
| 2nd 8 Week Session | ||
| MHA 521 | POPULATION HEALTH - A COMMUNITY ORIENTATION | 1 |
| Credits | 4 | |
| Semester III | ||
| 1st 8 Week Session | ||
| MHA 525 | TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP | 3 |
| 2nd 8 Week Session | ||
| MHA 528 | HEALTH JUSTICE ADVOCACY IN ACTION CAPSTONE SEMINAR | 3 |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Total Credits Required: | 16 | |
*Plan templates are based on the most current catalog and ideal route for degree completion, and should only be used to get an idea of what degree completion may look like. New and enrolled students should log into DegreeWorks to see their specific degree requirements.