HECOR FAQs (1)
- 1. EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES The target audience for the HECOR MS degree is individuals trained or currently employed in the health, business or technology industry who want to expand into opportunities including: • Clinical Outcomes Analyst • Economic Outcomes Analyst • Health Policy Analyst • Health Outcomes Research Director • Clinical Leader PREREQUISITES No specific courses are required to enter the program, however, a 3.0 GPA from a regionally accredited institution in related quantitative courses is preferred. In addition, applicants must have daily access to the Internet, an e-mail address, skills in word processing and presentation software and basic computer literacy skills. Xavier uses Microsoft Office 2010 on its network, and as a student, you may use the computer labs on campus. COMMITMENT Students will spend between seven to 14 hours per week outside of class reading, writing and in small groups. The time will vary depending upon the assignment. In the second year of the program, meetings with a mentor are also required. CERTIFICATION There is currently no accredited certification process for HECOR professionals in the U.S., but Xavier University is in the process of developing a one-year certificate program. EXPENSES BEYOND TUITION The average cost of books is between $150-$250 per semester. There is a yearly parking fee of about $60. The SAS® (Cary NC) statistical platform is available to all Xavier students at no additional charge. There is no application fee for the HECOR program. CREDIT TRANSFER Students will receive graduate credits for each course completed. Most Master’s programs accept up to six semester credits (nine quarter hour credits) of approved courses. Each university has its own policies on accepting transfer credits. MASTER OF SCIENCE IN HEALTH ECONOMIC AND CLINICAL OUTCOMES RESEARCH FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS STOPPING/STARTING THE PROGRAM With advance approval you may re-enter the program the next year with a new class. You cannot, however, re-enter the next semester and rejoin your original cohort. If you know you will have to drop out for a semester in advance of applying, you will be encouraged to delay beginning the program until you can complete it within two years, as designed. Also, the statistics series and economics series must be taken in sequence. With advance approval, you may complete the professional development skills series and clinical ethics series out of sequence, but this may extend your degree beyond 2 years JOB PLACEMENT HECOR students may register for interviews and placement assistance with the Career Services Center at Xavier Visit the Career Services Center website at: www.xavier.edu/career. HECOR faculty, capstone mentors, current students, alumni and professional associations are the best ways to learn about jobs and opportunities. INTERNSHIPS HECOR students currently work full-time, so an internship is not required. The mentored capstone project provides experience in the field. THE CLASSROOM Each course is a combination of lectures, applied analysis exercises, group activities, discussion, presentations, case studies, etc. There are frequent breaks, and each professor has experience teaching in this timeframe and with adult students. EVALUATION Letter grades will be given for each course, based on evaluation of a combination of individual and group assignments such as exams, written papers, analysis of computer output, presentations, case studies, classroom participation and group projects. There is no final comprehensive exam or thesis required for the program. Graduation requirements include completion of the 40 credit hours with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, no outstanding academic probation requirements and satisfactory completion of a capstone project. A grade of “B-” or better is required in all courses. Courses in which a “C” is received must be repeated at the student’s expense and may extend the length of the program.
- 2. FOR MORE INFORMATION OFFICE OF GRADUATE SERVICES Phone: 513-745-3360 Toll-free: 800-344-4698, ext. 3360 Fax: 513-745-1048 Email: xugrad@xavier.edu Web: xavier.edu/HECOR Address: 3800 Victory Parkway Cincinnati, Ohio 45207-3211 WHY XAVIER Xavier’s mission is to educate. The Jesuit, Catholic tradition of higher education is characterized by critical thinking and care for the person, with special attention given to ethical issues and values. There is a strong ethical component to healthcare and to our classes. All people and faiths are welcome at Xavier. Xavier’s HECOR program offers a student-centered experience of academic theory and practical application from experienced HECOR educators and professionals. The M.S. in Health Economic and Clinical Outcomes Research furthers the mission of Xavier University by educating each student intellectually, morally and spiritually. This program provides a challenging and comprehensive learning opportunity for individuals who desire to expand upon their undergraduate degree and develop advanced skills in data analysis, economic and clinical quality improvement to support organizational decision making. Experiences include ethical issues inherent in the growing area of health outcomes research. Interdisciplinary classroom experiences include work with real clinical and economic data. Didactic work combined with service learning, a mentored practicum and optional internship helps students cultivate lives of reflection, compassion and informed action. Most students find that The Xavier Way of educating lifelong learners through exploration, explanation, experience, and extrapolation leads to expecting more from themselves, their work and their commitment to serving others. FACULTY Full-time and part-time faculty teach courses specific to their area of expertise. All faculty members have practical experience in the HECOR field and enjoy working with adult students. A minimum of a master’s degree is required for part-time faculty. Accomplished practitioners will also guest lecture in the program. EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND The program includes students from all levels of industry, health care, government, non-profits, as well as undergraduate degrees with emphasis in health, business analytics, science and technology. Some students already have masters’ degrees in other fields. Students typically have demonstrated interest and ability in data, technology or quantitative work. Motivation, enthusiasm and a commitment to learn, work and serve are perhaps the key elements in successfully completing the program. MATH VERSUS APPLIED DATA ANALYSIS HECOR teaches applied data analysis and does not require a strong background in theoretical mathematics. Students who are organized, logical and detail oriented will excel in outcomes research. IS THIS DEGREE RIGHT FOR YOU? If you enjoy work, study or volunteer experiences that include some of the following skills, HECOR is right for you. • Strong teamwork and interpersonal skills • Demonstrated ability to operate in a team environment • Good verbal and written communication skills • Ability to summarize and present complex ideas and data with clarity • Experience with Microsoft Excel, research or quality databases or analytic platforms, such as REDCap™, R, JMP®, Crimson® • Demonstrated completion of deliverables in a timely manner • Experience with pharmaceutical/biotech or medical devices companies • Experience in hospitals, healthcare consulting firms, government agencies with quality, process improvement, health information management • Proven analytic skills and ability to accurately analyze data • Communicate results within the organization and also with clients • Interact with clients to determine health outcomes / economic needs / objectives • Interact with clients to design research studies • Eperience in outcomes research design, epidemiology or statistical analysis • Experience in SAS® and use of statistical methods • Knowledge of databases, warehouses, business intelligence systems & data analysis tools • Experience in large-scale database query • Analyze cost data, cost reduction interventions and projections • Analyze patient characteristics associated with health outcomes or interventions • Development of abstracts, manuscripts, white papers, briefing documents based on analysis