FAQ

I am not a physician.  Is this program appropriate for me?

Absolutely.  The knowledge and skills needed for educational leadership and effectiveness are largely the same for any of the health professions.  The MHPE program is not designed only for physicians but for anyone responsible for educating other health professionals.

The UM MHPE program emphasizes individualized learning. Are there group activities?

Although each learner will work with their mentor to develop and carry out an individualized learning plan that reflects the unique opportunities and expectations of their current professional educator role, the MHPE program places very high priority on building a community of educators. The MHPE community is the community of scholars in the program that consists of all current students, regardless of when they began the program, all faculty members, and alumni of the program.  The community members are encouraged to continue the collaborations, consultations, and shared discussions that enable all of us to learn from each other. The community is sustained through a variety of methods, including online discussions, email groups, webinars, topical work groups, peer-to-peer teaching and consultation, micro-conferences, and retreats.  We recognize the geographic distribution and busy schedules of our enrolled learners and diligently work to foster community in a proactive and intentional manner.  

What is Competency-Based Education?

Competency means "the ability to do something successfully or efficiently".  The fundamental premise of Competency-Based Education (CBE) is that we define what students should know and be able to do, and they graduate when they have demonstrated competency. Competency outcomes are clearly defined and assessed.  Learning is self-directed rather than teacher-directed. Learning is individualized to the needs and goals of the learner. Participation is flexible in time and place. 

Is the MHPE program an online learning program?

No, it is a blended program in that it is neither residential nor online learning.  Learners can complete their projects from where they currently work with guidance from program faculty via face to face meetings, phone calls or online video meetings.  

If there are no formal courses, how will I learn anything?

Your learning plan will be an individualized program of study that will be designed and updated by you and your mentor.  The format of the program is more like a self-study format that uses a pool of educational resources including, readings, talking to subject matter experts, demonstrations and other resources to help the learner complete parts of their learning plan.  The goal of the MHPE program is to help each learner learn what they need to know to receive credit in the competencies identified by the MHPE program.  Showing what you have learned is more important that how you learned.  

The UM MHPE program relies heavily on individualized and independent learning through a variety of methods and in the context of real-world educational activities.  If you learn best in a structured course format, the UM MHPE program may not be the best fit for you.  

Can I receive credit for work I have already done?

Evidence of competence from prior experience has the potential to be applied towards credit in the program. While the program does not reward credit for prior projects or professional experience, learners may choose to base demonstrations of competency in applicable domains by submitting artifacts meeting guidelines found in aligned Entrustable Professional Activities.  Your Michigan MHPE mentor will guide you in decisions about EPA choices.

How long does it take to complete the program?

To graduate from the MHPE program, a learner must have a minimum of 32 credits that map to each competency at least two times.  On average, the expected duration to completion is 3 years. Learners who are advanced in their careers may be able to complete the program more quickly.  

Will I be required to travel to the University of Michigan?

The Michigan MHPE program is designed so that it is feasible to complete the degree without ever coming to the University of Michigan campus.  While we welcome anyone wishing to come to the University of Michigan for a period of study, it is not a requirement.  If you do decide to spend time in Ann Arbor, we will work with you to set up learning experiences, consultations, observations, and assessments that will further your individualized learning plan.  We offer a summer and winter retreat every year that learners are HIGHLY encouraged to attend.

What is rolling admission?

Rolling admission means applications are accepted throughout the year.  

What happens once my application is received?

Applications are submitted through ApplyWeb and will be reviewed by the program administrators to ensure the applicants meet the minimum criteria outlined in the Admissions Section. If an applicant meets the minimum requirements, then the application is forwarded to one of the faculty in the UM-MHPE program to schedule a one-on-one interview.  After the interview, the application and the interviewers comments are forwarded to the MHPE Admissions Committee for final review. In some cases, the committee may request a second interview be conducted.   

How much does the program cost?

Tuition rates are set by the UM Regents in June of every year.  The most current tuition rate can be found on the Office of the Registrar's tuition page under the "School of Medicine" section.  There are no application fees and the cost of the program is based on the minimum 32 credit hours required to graduate.  There may be additional tuition assessed if a learner takes more than three years to complete the program.