College Offers New Doctor of Public Health in Health Management and Policy

The ETSU College of Public Health will begin offering the Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) program in Health Management and Policy.  Housed in the Department of Health Services Management and Policy and starting in Fall 2017, this program will prepare graduates for advanced practice and leadership positions in health-care settings, as well as for faculty positions in academic institutions.

The new program builds on the strengths of the existing nationally accredited DrPH program within the College, with a focus on providing the skills necessary for success in both the health management and the health policy arenas.    

The DrPH program enjoys exceptionally high job placement and student satisfaction rates, and, to date, approximately two thirds of alumni are in a range of positions in the practice community, while one third hold positions in academia.  

Dr. Nathan Hale, Chair of the DrPH Health Management and Policy Planning Workgroup, states, “The DrPH in Health Management and Policy has been designed to be in-line with the latest national trends in the organization and delivery of health services.” 

Graduates will be equipped with the knowledge, skills, and ability to create and transform health systems and improve population health outcomes at the state level, nationally and internationally.   

Dr. Hale continues, “Public health and healthcare organizations are under increasing pressure to work collectively to improve the health of populations and patient care experiences, while controlling costs.As these demands continue, there is a significant need for individuals with advanced training in health management and policy. The new DrPH fills this need by providing a practice-oriented terminal degree designed to prepare graduates for leadership positions within public health and health systems.”  

Dr. Hale concludes, “Graduates will contribute to a strong public health workforce and will be capable of leading public health and health service agencies within a changing delivery system.”  

The college currently houses DrPH programs in Epidemiology and in Community and Behavioral Health.  It also houses a PhD in Environmental Health. For Admission Requirements and program information, see the Doctoral webpage or contact the DrPH coordinator.  More information about the DrPH in Health Management and Policy can be obtained from Dr. Nathan Hale.