Healthcare Policy and Regulatory Leadership
Develop long-term solutions to the healthcare challenges we face today by learning to shape, interpret, and implement policies that impact healthcare systems and patient safety. You’ll develop a robust understanding of healthcare systems, legislative procedures, and quality improvement as they each relate to healthcare policy. This program prepares you for the NAHQ Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) accreditation exam.

At a Glance


Free Application
University College is committed to educational access, and given the difficult circumstances currently impacting millions of people, we are waiving application fees.
Skills You'll Learn
Create effective and lasting healthcare public policy
Manage change and innovation
Ensure quality assurance through professional standards and accreditation
Curriculum
Master of Science in Healthcare Management with a concentration in Healthcare Policy and Regulatory Leadership requires completion of 48 credit hours (12 courses).
All students are required to complete a zero-credit Student Success Course.
Elective courses may be chosen from among non core and concentration courses in the Healthcare Management program, and you may also select courses in other University College graduate programs.
Your academic advisor will help you select electives that align with your career and personal goals.
Sample Schedule
Plan out your schedule and determine your preferred timeline for completing your master's degree—finish in as few as 18 months or take up to five years.
Year 1 | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 |
---|---|---|---|---|
Classes | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
Year 2 | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 |
---|---|---|---|---|
Classes | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
Year 1 | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 |
---|---|---|---|---|
Classes | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 |
Year 2 | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 |
---|---|---|---|---|
Classes | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 |
Interested in a graduate certificate?
Explore our four and six course graduate certificates in Healthcare Policy and Regulatory Leadership.
Take a Course Before You Apply
We know how important it is to get started when you're ready and that's why you can enroll in a course before you officially apply.
Career Outcomes
Predicted outcomes for graduates of Healthcare Policy and Regulatory Leadership
Opportunities for healthcare professionals is projected to grow 16% through 2030, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In fact, 25% of all new jobs created will be related to healthcare.
Aging populations and demand for better preventative care will impact individual companies that must continually update their healthcare offerings, making people with healthcare policy expertise even more valuable.
As healthcare regulations and insurance policies continue to become more convoluted, having the skills to interpret the rules accurately will be beneficial.
Job Titles
Compliance Manager Salary: National Average
Get Ahead with Career Services
One-on-one career coaching and mock interviews
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Résumé and cover letter guidance
Hear from Our Students
"It was one of the best experiences I've ever had and has contributed to my self-esteem, to my career, to [my company] overall...” —Jennifer Hines, graduate.

Flexible Online Classes
We understand the demands of balancing work, friends and family, and school can be challenging. That's why at University College, you can complete your program entirely online. Our online learning platform makes it easy to work anywhere at any time.
Advisory Board
Our programs are developed and updated with the input of advisory boards composed of industry leaders and employers. This ensures that you'll learn what employers are looking for, and gain the most current information with a view to future industry trends, connecting you to future success.









Featured Instructors
Accreditation & Associations

University College programs maintain the highest level of accreditation offered by The Higher Learning Commission, one of the regional accrediting bodies recognized by the federal government. The University of Denver and all of its academic programs are regionally accredited by this commission, and regional accreditation is the highest standard for universities in the United States.
To ensure our programs meet industry needs, the curriculum is closely aligned with national organizations such as the American College of Healthcare Executives and Medical Group Management Association, as well as local organizations such as the Denver Medical Study Group.

The HIMSS Academic Organizational Affiliate program shares industry knowledge and educates our students on critical issues in health information and technology by offering complimentary student memberships to HIMSS and other key benefits.