Certification team cites SWT program as role model for others

SAN MARCOS — The Southwest Texas State University undergraduate program in healthcare administration has been recognized as an international leader in healthcare education by the Association of University Programs in Healthcare Administration (AUPHA).

The organization recently sent the university its report after a comprehensive certification review conducted last year. The report says SWT’s program should be used as a role model for less developed and emerging undergraduate programs.

“The evaluators were impressed by the strength of the faculty, the breadth and depth of the curriculum and the program’s ability to place student in meaningful, well paying positions upon graduation,” said Robert Mooney, the programs intern/residency coordinator.

Mooney said that approximately 90 percent of the program’s graduates have secured jobs by the time they graduate.

Wayne Sorensen, Health Administration Department chair, said graduates of the program must pass a comprehensive written examination before graduating, a requirement not common to all such programs.

“It is similar to a licensing examination and it ensures that our graduates are prepared to work in the field. That helps us maintain our reputation for program quality,” said Sorensen.

Sorensen also said the department’s graduate program in healthcare administration is held to the same standards and is recognized by academic and industry leaders for its position among the nation’s best healthcare administration programs.

The Healthcare Administration Program at SWT was established in 1973. In conjunction with AUPHA, the program is also accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The program has graduated 1,340 students to date.