Education for Healthcare Professionals

COURSE BREAKDOWN

Innovative Partnerships

These partnerships are used to meet the needs of these healthcare professionals and to train them to be formal educators in their field of specialty.

Office of Interprofessional Education & Research

A unique feature of the EDHP program is the focus on interprofessional education (IPE) where students engage peers from multiple health professions to learn with, from, and about each other. This is further enhanced by our partnership with TAMU Health’s Office of Interprofessional Education & Research (IPER). IPER is dedicated to creating and sustaining a culture of collaboration among the healthcare professions. They support the health professions programs across campus and beyond to provide students and faculty with transformative interprofessional learning experiences that support the development of skills needed for patient- and population-centered, collaborative practice.

In partnership with IPER, EDHP students can gain hands-on experience to develop skills necessary for effective leadership in health professions education. EDHP students are invited to facilitate interprofessional learning groups, assess teams of health professions students, and participate in professional development opportunities as they engage in IPER-led interprofessional activities. Learn more about IPER.

College of Dentistry

The EDHP program currently works closely with the College of Dentistry to develop current DDS students and to formally train them as educators to meet their pursuit of academic career goal. Current DDS students complete a strategic curriculum that optimizes the student’s dental curriculum. Current Texas A&M College of Dentistry students who are interested in the EDHP certificate or master’s partnership program should contact Dr. Patricia Simons at psimons@tamu.edu or review the information on the Office of Student Development website.

College of Pharmacy

The EDHP program is currently pursing a formal partnership with the Texas A&M University College of Pharmacy.

School of Medicine (Professional School)

The EDHP program is part of the MDPlus program at Texas A&M University. This program is a unique opportunity for current Texas A&M School of Medicine students pursuing their MD degree. These students are interested in academia as physicians and want to pursue formal training to become better educators for patients and as they teach other medical students. Current Texas A&M School of Medicine students who are interested in the EDHP master's partnership program should contact the MDPlus program at mdplus@tamu.edu.

List of Courses for MS/Cert Program

EDHP 622 Research Design and Analysis
Credits 4. 4 Lecture Hours.
Focus on the design of research studies in health professions education to include principles of research design and different types of designs; analyze the strengths and weaknesses of study designs while investigating, implementing and practicing the general principles of research design.
Prerequisite: Graduate classification.

EDHP 630 Teaching and Learning Theory
Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours.
Explores educational theories and practices foundational to classroom, simulation and clinical learning; emphasis on practical application of teaching/learning theory in classroom, simulation and clinical learning environments promoting the transfer of theory to practice; demonstration of knowledge of teaching and learning theories impacting curriculum design relevant to the healthcare educator.
Prerequisite: Graduate classification.

EDHP 631 Curriculum Foundations for Healthcare Professionals
Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours.
Models of curriculum development and design based on educational philosophy and professional standards; scope and sequence, curriculum alignment, curriculum mapping; program development through generation of content outlines, objectives, and assessments.
Prerequisite: Graduate classification.

EDHP 632 Assessment and Evaluation for Healthcare Professionals
Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours.
Practical and theoretical issues involved in evaluating student performance, teacher performance and educational programs; performance-based assessments applicable to didactic, simulated and clinical learning environments; assessment instruments and strategies in summative and formative evaluation processes; develop, execute and interpret educational assessments and evaluation methods.
Prerequisite: EDHP 631

EDHP 633 Teaching Strategies for Healthcare Professionals
Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours.
Best practices research on instructional pedagogy and adult learning; principles, concepts and theories used in practice that create effective learning environments; teaching strategies responsive to diverse learning styles and needs of learners; reflective practices and self-assessment; practical classroom, simulation and clinical teaching strategies consistent with current evidence; teaching methods using technology.
Prerequisites: EDHP 631; EDHP 632

EDHP 634 Teaching Practicum
Credits 1 to 2. 1 to 2 Lecture Hours.
Integration of education role theory and practice with socialization into the educator role; guided practicum with experiences in the application of the health professional's role as educator in selected academic and healthcare settings; experiences in the classroom and/or clinical area (academic or staff educator) as desired by the health profession.
Prerequisites: EDHP 630, EDHP 631, EDHP 632 and EDHP 633.

EDHP 635 Research and Writing in Education for Healthcare Professionals
Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours.
Guided process to continue a research study; completing a draft of the thesis and/or the preparation of the oral defense.
Prerequisites: Approval of course director; HCPI 652.

EDHP 636 Project
Credits 3. 3 Other Hours.
Non-thesis, pedagogy-related research; practice effective research strategies as a collaborative, mentored experience; approved projects include written and final oral presentation.
Prerequisites: EDHP 630, EDHP 631, EDHP 632, EDHP 633, EDHP 634, HCPI 652 and approval of instructor.

EDHP 685 Directed Studies
Credits 1 to 3. 1 to 3 Other Hours.
Individual pursuit of specific problems involving the application of theory and practice in the various disciplines of healthcare education. May be taken three times for credit.
Prerequisite: Graduate classification and approval of instructor.

EDHP 691 Research
Credits 1 to 3. 1 to 3 Other Hours.
Student research initiative within the scope of the project/thesis. This course is designed to provide students with additional time and support to complete the thesis or project and to maintain continuous enrollment. This course may be repeated for a maximum of three credits.
Prerequisite: Completion of the thesis course and approval by the student’s advisory committee and the EDHP director.

HCPI 557 Contemporary Healthcare Issues
Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours.
This course explores contemporary healthcare issues that affect the medical and dental needs of special care patients. The healthcare issues are examined within historic, economic, and philosophical contexts and students will analyze those that affect individuals with special healthcare needs.

HCPI 652 Scholarship: Integration and Application
Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours.
Integrates theory, evidence, clinical judgment, research and interprofessional perspectives using translational processes to improve patient outcomes; application of available evidence to interdisciplinary clinical practice; identification of gaps in knowledge; development of a spirit of inquiry and lifelong scholarship.
Prerequisite: Graduate classification.

HCPI 655 Leadership and Health Policy I
Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours.
Emphasis on leadership skills while focusing on ethical decision making and effective working relationships within an organization; preparation for the health profession leader to intervene at the system level through the policy development process; advocacy strategies to influence health and healthcare.
Prerequisite: Graduate classification.

HCPI 658 Survey Research
Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours.
Development of knowledge and skills necessary to plan, conduct and evaluate survey research as well as write a survey research proposal.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply for the EDHP program?

Students must follow the Texas A&M University graduate admission standards and process.

What do I need to know before I apply?

Applicants should be prepared to supply the following information on the application:

1. A list of any courses to be completed during the present semester (if applicable).
2. Scores of MCAT, DAT, PCAT or LSAT (only those who have not already completed a terminal degree. 
3. Allow enough time to order transcripts from all institutions from which a degree was awarded.
4. Three individuals as references.
5. A list of any awards or honors received.
6. A description of any research, work and teaching experience relevant to goals for graduate education.
7. A statement explaining why you should be accepted into the EDHP program and describing your field of interest, objectives of your educational program and educational career.
8. Updated Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV).

How do I track my admission status?

After submitting your application you will receive an email with your Universal Identification Number (UIN) and instructions to access the Applicant Information System (AIS). Check AIS regularly to ensure all documents have been received.

• Allow two to three weeks to process each document submitted via the PREFERRED METHOD.
• Documents submitted within one month of the deadline or submitted using a non-preferred method may not be noted as received until after the deadline.
• Bring any discrepancies regarding your information to our attention immediately via Contact Us on AIS.
• Your admission decision will be posted on the AIS.

Is there an entrance exam requirement?

No. However, students who have already completed an entrance exam and are currently pursuing their primary professional program of study (i.e. DAT, MCAT) may submit their scores.

What are the required documents I need to submit with my application?

Please review the list of required documents under the Required Documents section on the Texas A&M University Admission website. International applications should review the International guidelines and others should review the Graduate guidelines. For the other required documents, please review the list under the “What do I need to know before I apply?” section.

What are the requirements for practicing dental hygienists?

All dental hygienist who apply must submit the documentation noted below in addition to the all other required documents in the appropriate section of the application.

1. Scores from the National Board Dental Hygiene examination
2. Copy of Dental Hygiene license from any U.S. state

Note: You must have graduated from an accredited dental hygiene program in the United States or Canada. If you are unsure your program meets this requirement, you can search your allied program through the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) website.

What are the requirements for students whose native language is not English?

Students whose native language is not English should refer to Section 5 of the Texas A&M Office of Admissions guidelines for international graduate students to determine whether a TOEFL exam is required.

Are there fee and tuition estimates?

Yes, resident and non-resident applicants can estimate their tuition and fees using the Texas A&M Tuition Calculator.

Will I earn an Aggie Ring?

Yes, EDHP students are eligible for an Aggie Ring. However, the track you pick will determine the criteria.

A master's student completing a thesis will be eligible when you have defended your thesis. Due to ordering deadlines, you may order your ring at the beginning of the semester in which you will graduate. Your records will be reviewed prior to Aggie Ring Day to verify you have defended your thesis. If your records indicate that you have not defended your thesis prior to Aggie Ring Day, your ring will be held until all qualifications have been met.

A master's student completing the non-thesis track will be eligible for an an Aggie Ring if you have completed 75 percent of the coursework required for your degree. Your degree plan must be on file with the Office of Graduate and Professional Studies in the Document Processing Submission System (DPSS).

For more Aggie Ring information, please visit The Association of Former Students website.

What tools do I need to successfully participate in online classes?

Our courses are taught using the Texas A&M University’s learning management system. Please review the information listed on the Office of Academic Innovation’s website.  

Why choose our program?

The Education for Healthcare Professionals (EDHP) master’s and certificate has a diverse health professions population in our program. Because the program is 100% online and delivered asynchronously, it is ideal for all busy working professionals or students who are currently completing their professional degree. The program does not have a residency requirement, so our students never have to disrupt their schedules to come to our campus. The tailored fees option offers a discount, and our tuition is at a reasonable rate. Prospective students can use the tuition calculator to estimate total cost. Please click the “Health Science Center” tab and select “School of Medicine” as the college and “Graduate Program” as the program.

How to Apply to the EDHP Program

Students interested in both the MS and the Certificate Program must follow the Texas A&M University graduate admission standards and process.

Application Checklist

• Updated Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV) with in the application.
• The following under the “Document” tab on the application: resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Personal statement - A statement explaining why you should be accepted into the EDHP program and describing your field of interest, objectives of your educational program and educational career. Please include any experiences that have influenced your decision to pursue this program and what sets you apart from other applicants. The personal statement should not exceed 1 and 1/2 pages double spaced. Will be uploaded.
  • Test scores (Required for Dental Hygienists; all other applicants should review the EDHP website for permissible entrance exams)
  • License (Required for Dental Hygienists; all other applicants can submit if applicable)
  • Other documents the applicant would like the EDHP admission committee to review
• Submit all official transcripts
  • Any institution listed on the educational background section will need an *official transcript submitted to Texas A&M University. Additionally, only include baccalaureate and above degrees on the application. *exclude Texas A&M University transcripts – we have access to them.
• Contact information (email address) for at least 3 recommenders – Recommenders can be work colleagues, supervisors, mentors, or faculty.

Complete the Petition to Waive Bacterial Meningitis for Distance Education

Please contact us at com-edhp@tamu.edu with any application questions.