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University of Southern California

Master of Health Administration (MHA)

MHA Residency Forms and Documents

Any questions regarding the MHA Residency program should be directed to Program Administrator, Jennifer Kim, at (213) 821-0837 or [email protected]

Residency Handbook

The residency handbook serves as a guide for students, preceptors, and faculty to maximize the learning experience for each student.  View handbook »

There are 4 components to the residency program that must be completed in order to satisfy the residency requirement. These are:

  1. Residency Application/Plan (First-Year, Spring);
  2. Student Evaluations (mid-point & final) (Second-Year, Fall & Spring);
  3. Preceptor Evaluations (mid-point & final) (Second-Year, Fall & Spring);
  4. Confirmation of Residency Hours (Second-Year, Spring)

1. Residency Application/Plan

The purpose of the residency plan is to:

  • Inform the MHA Programs Office where the residency will be completed;
  • Provide preceptor and organization information;
  • Identify specific goals and list detailed projects that will be completed to achieve the stated goals;
  • Show how the 1000 hours will be completed.

Students are expected to adhere to the following policies regarding the residency application/plan:

  • The residency plan must be developed in collaboration with the preceptor.
  • The residency plan must be completed and submitted to the MHA Programs Office immediately after a residency opportunity has been offered and accepted. The MHA Programs Office will review the plan and then inform the student if the residency has been approved.
  • Residency hours worked before the residency application/plan has been reviewed and approved will not be counted.

View/submit residency application/plan form »

2. Student Evaluations

Quantitative and qualitative evaluations monitor the student-resident’s progress and highlight issues and accomplishments of the overall residency experience. While there is a separate student and preceptor evaluation process, both are encouraged to collaborate so that assessment and reflection is most effective.

Students must adhere to the following policies regarding evaluations:

3. Preceptor Evaluations

The USC Price MHA Program has adopted a set of 6 competencies that all students of the program should demonstrate upon the completion of their residency and graduation. Both the preceptor mid-point and final evaluations are based on these competencies:

  • Domain 1: Knowledge of the Health care Environment. MHA students must demonstrate knowledge about established and evolving issues in health care and be prepared to apply this knowledge to diverse healthcare organizations.
  • Domain 2: Critical Thinking and Analysis. MHA students must be proficient in critical thinking, having mastered the ability to conceptualize, analyze, synthesize, and evaluate information gathered from diverse sources.
  • Domain 3: Business and Management Knowledge. All MHA students must master core business and organizational management skills in a health care context.
  • Domain 4: Policy and Community Advocacy. MHA students must demonstrate knowledge of the policy process at various levels of government, the processes required to change organizational policy, and methods of engaging the community in the multiple types of policy change.
  • Domain 5: Communication. MHA students must demonstrate interpersonal communication skills that result in effective exchanges with key stakeholders. This includes the ability to listen, communicate clearly and effectively with faculty, peers, team members, and preceptors using appropriate nonverbal, verbal, and writing skills.
  • Domain 6: Leadership. MHA students must demonstrate leadership that shows they have the attributes, qualities, and skills to motivate others.

View/submit preceptor mid-point evaluation form »

View/submit preceptor final evaluation form »

4. Confirmation of Residency Hours

Students are required to provide verification that the 1000-hour requirement is satisfactorily completed. The MHA Program Office recommends students regularly track each hour worked to ensure accurate records. Along with the final evaluation, students must also submit a spreadsheet indicating hours worked.