In Samford’s School of Public Health, students aren’t the only ones making the grade.
The healthcare administration undergraduate program in the Department of Healthcare Administration and Informatics has been certified by the Association of University Programs in Health Administration (AUPHA).
AUPHA certification means the program has withstood the rigors of peer review, in which curricula, faculty and educational outcomes are critically examined.
“External stakeholders look at certification as a way to distinguish a program from its peers,” said Courtney Haun, assistant professor and director of the department’s healthcare administration undergraduate program. “Certification is a demonstration of our high-caliber, high-quality program, which is a result of our collective efforts.”
AUPHA certification comes with other benefits, including:
- Displaying the AUPHA Certified logo to the program listing in AUPHA’s directory and in publications
- Awarding $750 in Foster G. McGaw Scholarships annually
- Eligibility for faculty to apply for the Gary L. Filerman Prize for Educational Leadership and the John D. Thompson Prize
- Voting in AUPHA’s annual business meeting
The foremost benefit, however, is recognition.
“Prospective students and their families seek out AUPHA certification when searching for a program where they will invest in their future,” Haun said.
Moreover, the intensive, three-year certification process proved to be enlightening—and productive.
“The certification process is a way to further improve our program based on the review team’s recommendations, ultimately leading to a higher quality program for our students,” Haun said.
Melissa Lumpkin, interim dean of the School of Public Health, praised the program and department for the accomplishment.
“This represents years and countless hours of work,” she said. “Congratulations to the entire department for this monumental achievement!”
Haun said she’s beyond thankful to see the program certified, as well as for the opportunity to work with AUPHA.
“It has been a joy to build a relationship with AUPHA and other faculty involved in this outstanding organization over the past three years,” she said. “I’m incredibly grateful for this collaborative outcome.”
Samford’s Department of Healthcare Administration and Informatics is dedicated to creating compassionate, service-minded leaders, who care for individuals and communities by managing the business side of health care.
Learn more here.