1. Why is Pitt Law offering this program?
There is a growing need for compliance professionals in the healthcare industry. They need compliance leaders who understand the reasons behind the rules and can apply specialized knowledge and an understanding of the broader business context to solve problems and work with their organizations to ensure ethical compliance. Our program is designed to meet this need. In addition, administrators and health care professionals are also interested in a program like ours, because compliance is becoming a more significant part of their responsibilities.
2. When are applications due?
We are accepting applications now for the class beginning January 31, 2022.
3. Who should enroll in this program?
Heatlh Care Compliance Online is ideal for compliance professionals who want to augment their professional development. It is also an excellent program for those who may need or want to have a deeper understanding of compliance. Our program is also particularly suitable for attorneys, administrators, health care professionals, and social workers who work with compliance issues.
4. How long does the program take?
The program takes 10 months. It commences in the end of January and finishes in November. Students take one course at a time, but each course is delivered in an accelerated format and is only eight weeks long. This means students take two courses in the spring semester; enjoy a short break; take one course in the summer; enjoy a second break; and take the final two course in the fall semester.
5. How much does the program cost?
Health Care Compliance Online provides 15 graduate-level credit hours of education for $766 per credit hour for a total tuition for 15 credit hours of ($11,500). Students will be charged a technology fee of $100 per semester and may also have to buy 1-2 textbooks, although most content is accessible through our online portals. Students should check with their employers to see if they offer tuition reimbursement for this program.
6. Do the credits earned in Health Care Compliance Online transfer to other University graduate programs?
Students earn 3 credits for each course completed in the HCC Online Program. Students interested in applying HCC online courses toward other graduate degrees should check with the degree program/institution of interest to determine if the credits will be accepted for that program. For example, the Master of Studies in Law Program at the School of Law will accept up to 15 credits from the HCC Online Program.
7. How much work should I expect?
There is a significant amount of work in the program because courses are accelerated. Students should plan on at least 12 hours per week for course work. In addition, because there are no extensive lectures, most of the work is self-directed. You choose when and where you do your work. Classes are delivered through weekly modules and include weekly assessments, so you will always know how you are doing and be able to test your understanding of important concepts.
8. What are the requirements for admission?
Applicants must have earned a baccalaureate degree at an accredited institution, with an academic average of at least 3.0. Admissions decisions will be made based on professional experience, academic credentials, and a personal statement. In some instances an interview (online or via phone) may be required. If you are an international student currently residing in the United States, please contact the Office of International Services to make sure you are eligible to apply to this program.
9. I don’t have an undergraduate degree with a cumulative 3.0, can I still be admitted?
Students who earned lower GPAs may certainly be admitted based on their work experience, their application, and potentially an interview, which would take place by phone or online.
10. Who are the faculty?
Our expert faculty is composed of professors from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law and Graduate School of Public Health, as well as current and former federal regulators and industry experts.
11. Are the courses also taught on campus?
No. Each course was developed specifically for an online environment. Courses are tailored to meet the needs of working professionals who enroll in this program while maintaining their full-time professional pursuits.
12. Do I have to be online at a specific time to complete the course work?
No. All course materials can be accessed at any time and students can work on their own schedules to complete assignments by course deadlines. However, group projects will require coordination among your online team members. You may also be asked to meet with your professor. The professor will work to find a time that works with your schedule.
13. Will I be required to come to the Pittsburgh campus at any time?
No. While our campus is beautiful, and we welcome visitors, you will not be required to come to campus as part of the program.
14. What resources will be available to me as a student?
You will have full access to the University of Pittsburgh library system, the Writing Center, and a host of other support services.
15. What final grade point average (GPA) is needed to successfully earn the certificate?
To earn the certificate, a cumulative GPA of B (3.0) is required. Credits earned in the certificate program with a grade of less than B cannot be counted toward the MSL degree and students must earn at least a minimum C grade in any course in the certificate for academic credit.
16. How much should I expect to pay for books in this program?
Most books are available both as new and as used textbooks. Students who will buy new books can expect to spend an average of approximately $550.00 on new books over the five courses. Students can reduce this cost by buying used books, or taking advantage of book rental programs through providers like Amazon.
17. Is financial aid available?
Unfortunately, financial aid for this program is not available through the University of Pittsburgh nor through federal loans. However many employers provide financial incentives for their employees to participate in programs such as this. Information regarding private educational loans can be found here. Information for using a payment plan option for your tuition is available here. If you are a University of Pittsburgh or UPMC employee, please contact your human resources office for information about your employment-based tuition benefits.
18. If I have federal student loans, will they be deferred during the time I am in the Health Care Compliance Graduate Certificate Program?
Students should be aware that their loan servicer will automatically defer their outstanding federal loans when students are enrolled for at least 6 credits. The HCC program typically runs 6 credits in the spring semester, 3 credits in the summer semester, and 6 credits in the fall semester. If you take the program courses in this order, your loans would defer in the spring and fall semesters. Students should contact their loan servicer if they do not want to defer their loands while enrolled or if deferment was not automatically granted.
19. Do I need to be an expert with technology? What kind of computer equipment do I need?
While you need not be a technology expert to take an online class, you should have some proficiency with a computer, e-mail, saving and writing electronic documents in Word and Power Point, and navigating the Internet. Your computer (or phone) should have a camera and microphone because you will have some assignments where you will be asked to introduce yourself virtually, or give presentations.
20. I’ve never taken an online course before. Will I receive any training?
As a Pitt Online student, you will have access to a tutorial at the start of the program. Additionally you have access to our 24/7 technical resources to answer any questions about the online course system and materials.
21. I am an attorney. Do any of these courses count towards continuing legal education requirements?
Please check your own state's rules for continuing legal education. Each state's rules will vary. However, in Pennsylvania, some courses in our program may qualify for CLE credit. This is governed by Section 5(f) of the Rules and Regulations for Continuing Legal Education in Pennsylvania:
(f) Law School and Graduate Level Courses:
Law school/graduate courses may qualify for CLE credit, computed in accordance with these standards, provided that:
1. They would otherwise qualify for credit under the rules and these regulations.
2. They [law school/graduate level courses] are not required in order to qualify for the awarding of a basic degree. Courses offered towards graduate or advance degrees may receive credit, upon submission of appropriate documentation to the Board. One (1) hour of CLE credit may be given for each approved graduate credit hour awarded by the school.
3. The school offering the courses is a law school accredited by the American Bar Association or college or university accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education or other regional equivalent.
22. What are the requirements for admission?
Applicants must have earned a baccalaureate degree at an accredited institution. Admissions decisions will be made based on professional experience, academic credentials, and a personal statement. In some instances an interview (online or via phone) may be required.