Developing and Piloting a Framework for Evaluating Competency-Based Online Programs in Health Care

• In Event: Hilton Roundtable Session 1
  In Roundtable Session: The Use of Technology and Simulation in Professions Education to Improve Instruction and Increase Learning

Abstract

Higher education institutions offer online graduate programs in fields including healthcare to provide students with flexible education to advance career opportunities. Such programs face demands for evaluation from accrediting bodies and program leadership, as well as the interests of students, employers, and public good. There has been little cross-cutting research on what constitutes high-quality online graduate programs. This paper addresses this gap through a review of literature and evaluation reports, developing a comprehensive framework for evaluating competency-based online graduate programs from a broader lens. The paper then discusses the piloting of this framework to evaluate an online master’s in healthcare administration program at Boston College. Through the framework, the hope is to address unique characteristics of competency-based online graduate programs.

Authors

• Clara Dahee Shim, Boston College

• Emily Gates, Boston College

• Emily Raviola, Boston College

• Joni Beshansky, Boston College