Healthcare Leadership (CERT)

This program was approved for students entering the university in the Summer 2023–Spring 2024 catalog year. For more information about catalog year, go to Catalog Year Information.

Certificate in Healthcare Leadership

Unit: College of Education and Human Development 
Department: Educational Leadership, Evaluation and Organizational Development
Academic Plan Code(s): HCLSCUGO

This program is completed entirely online.

This program offers academic flexibility; all program/major courses required for completion are routinely offered in accelerated format (e.g., during 8-week terms or through the Flex Option described below).  

The purpose of the certificate program is to prepare adult learners who are working in healthcare, public health, private health insurance, health-care billing and payment, and other health-related businesses. This program is ideal for individuals who have acquired experience in the healthcare field and desire another credential for promotions within their organization, increased pay, or management and leadership roles.

This certificate will also prepare students interested in the Work Ready Kentucky Scholarship (WRKS) Program from the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority to pursue careers in organizational training.

The certificate requires 12 credit hours of coursework. See Certificate Requirements tab for more information.

The program is offered in two distinct enrollment pathways: Flex Option and Term Option.

Term Option:  In this pathway, students enroll in half-semester courses and complete each course within a predetermined time frame. This option is for students who wish to follow a more structured and traditional university schedule while taking advantage of accelerated sessions. Two half-term sessions will be available in Fall and Spring and one session will be available in the Summer.

Students may start the program at the beginning of the Fall and Spring terms, at the beginning of the second half of the Fall or Spring terms, or in the summer semester.  This allows student to start the Term Option program several times per year, and enroll in half-semester session courses. All coursework in the Term-Option Pathway must be completed within the half-semester session period. Tuition and fees in Term-Option enrollments may be refunded in accordance with normal university policies.

Flex Option: This is the current pathway for students wishing to pursue the Competency-Based Education model (CBE). In Flex Option, students have 32 weeks to move through the program materials at their own pace. Many students value this level of flexibility. This path places the responsibility on the student to set and maintain their own pace to finish the materials on time.  Students may enroll in additional CBE courses as soon as all previously enrolled courses are completed to expedite program completion.  Financial Aid is dependent on timely completion. 

Students may start the program on the first Tuesday of every month (except December).  Students in this program will register for all major and track courses with their assigned academic counselor. All tuition and fees for CBE courses are non-refundable when a student begins a CBE course.   The CBE course term begins with enrollment and the onset of academic activity.  Flex Option/CBE courses are student self-paced, but students must complete enrolled CBE courses within 32 weeks. A student cannot withdraw from a CBE course once started.

Students must have prior college experience (typically about 24 credits), a cumulative GPA of 2.7, and a minimum of one year’s workplace experience. Applicants who do not meet these minimum requirements may petition the department for consideration of admission.

Students must complete an undergraduate application and provide official transcripts for all college credits earned at an accredited institution.

Program Requirements

At least three (3) semester hours of the requirements for a minor must be successfully completed while enrolled in the University of Louisville. 

To complete the certificate, students must demonstrate competency by passing each class with a B+ or better.