Start dates
Starting in 2026, Fall (Sept)
Program length
18 months
Program Delivery
On-campus, Online, Hybrid* *based on program availability
Awards and Scholarships
More than 15 million in 2025
Lead the future of health care
Canada’s health care system is facing complex challenges, and strong leaders are needed to help find solutions that will work.
With the Master of Health Care Management (MHCM) program’s emphasis on accessibility and equity in health care policies, practices, and services, coupled with UNF’s digital focus, you develop the skillset needed to drive positive change as a leader in the industry.
Career highlights
As a professionally oriented master’s degree, it is expected that most graduates of this program will go on to careers in leadership and management roles within a variety of health care-related industries.
Hospitals
Public Health
Long-term care
Consulting
Talk to a Student Advisor
Course highlights
Term one courses
Health Care Systems
The Canadian health care system is a complex network of provincial and territorial systems united by federal principles. By comparing it to other systems and examining stakeholder perspectives, students gain insight into its strengths, weaknesses, and the factors influencing its performance.
Finance for Managers
An applied perspective on the role of finance as well as financial analysis tools needed for managers. It focuses on building capacity to read and interpret financial statements, to understand budgets, projections, risks, cost-benefit analysis and broadly how financial principles inform business decision making.
Elective Or Introduction to Health and Health Care Organizations, if required
For elective: choose from a selection of available elective courses outlined in the Academic Calendar.
Introduction course: Students explore health determinants—biological, social, environmental, and behavioural—analyzing their impact on outcomes, policies, disparities, and healthcare delivery through an evidence-based approach at individual and community levels.
Term two courses
Leadership and Human Resource Management in Health Care Organizations
Students explore health care organization dynamics, leadership strategies, and workforce development, gaining expertise in recruitment, retention, performance appraisal, and competency-based planning. Key topics include managing change, team building, collaboration, conflict resolution, and negotiation in interdisciplinary and unionized environments.
Health Economics and Financing
Applying key economic concepts along with economic evaluation methods, students examine various health care financing models and evaluate their impact on access, quality, and the sustainability of service delivery. Students work with real world scenarios to develop practical solutions to financing challenges in health care.
Health Policy and Performance Measurement
Students explore health care policy development, stakeholder influence, and performance evaluation using data analytics and benchmarking. They assess healthcare access, quality, and cost, applying performance measurement to refine policies and enhance system efficiency and effectiveness.
Term three courses
Technology Applications in Health Care Management
This course examines technology’s impact on health care management, focusing on digital health solutions, AI, automation, data analytics, and telemedicine. Students analyze efficiency, patient care, decision-making, privacy, security, and AI-driven insights in health care operations.
Health Care Accessibility and Equity
Issues of accessibility and equity are at the forefront of the Canadian health care system. Students will explore the root causes of inequities in health care and develop strategies to promote fair and equitable access to health care services. They will also examine current policies and initiatives aimed at improving access and equity and evaluate their effectiveness.
Elective
Choose from a selection of available elective courses. See Academic Calendar for full list.
Term five courses
Emerging Topics in Health Care Management
The health care landscape is dynamic. This course allows students to explore the latest and most pressing issues in health care management. Topics that may be explored include workforce management, digital health innovations, integration of artificial intelligence in health care, data privacy and cybersecurity, mental health and wellness, impact of health care policies on Indigenous health, and managing healthcare in the face of pandemics and other global health challenges.
Practicum
The Health Care Management Practicum combines structured learning and experiential learning, providing the student the opportunity to experience the application of healthcare management principles and practices to a real-world situation or setting.
Term six course
Capstone Project
This course involves a major big data consulting project with a client (employer or community partner). Students manage all project phases (initiation to closure) under faculty guidance, following a customized learning contract. Students are responsible for project identification, description, advisor approval, and timely delivery of all deliverables.
These course highlights provide a glimpse into the Master of Health Care Management program, your actual schedule may vary. There is a program break during Term 4. For full course descriptions and schedules, consult the Academic Calendar.
Career outlooks
Ottawa has committed to investing more than $200 billion over a 10-year period to improve health care in the country, focusing on key priorities that include expanding access to family health services, reducing backlogs in the system, improving access to mental health and addictions services, as well as modernizing the system and integrating more digital tools.
Innovative leaders are needed to help lead the change required to modernize and improve Canada’s system. Managers will need to be willing to embrace change, adopt new technologies, understand the importance of data-driven decision making, while also recognizing the human element behind delivering quality care.
As a Master of Health Care Management graduate, you will have the digital mindset needed to be a strong, future-focused leader coupled with hands-on experience gained through a practicum and capstone research project. Get ready to make a difference.
Career path and salary
- Health clinic manager - $126,769
- Hospital administrator - $107,250
- Health care consultant - $77,376
- Public health manager - $104,949
- Long-term care administrator - $110,117
*Source, Average 2024 salary in Canada, talent.com
Hear from our President and Vice-Chancellor
Developed in collaboration with Niagara Health, the program equips students with advanced knowledge in health care systems, policy, economics, financing, equity, and accessibility.
Admission requirements for Master of Health Care Management program
Academic information
Applicants must meet the following minimum conditions for admission:
- Bachelor’s degree – Completion of a four-year honours degree standard with CGPA of 3.0 (on 4.33 scale) or better
- Completion of at least one undergraduate course in statistics or quantitative methods
Applicants without a degree or experience in a health-related field will be required to complete the Introduction to Health and Healthcare course as part of their program.
Document checklist
Applicants must submit:
- A completed application form
- Official transcripts from all post- secondary institutions attended
- Official documentation confirming professional designations, where applicable
- Proof of English language proficiency, if applicable
International information
Applicants who completed undergraduate studies outside Canada must also submit:
- Certified translations of any documents not in English
- Documentation confirming award of their previous degree(s), if not already indicated on official transcripts
- A credential evaluation from a recognized service, if required by the registrar
Tuition information
Choosing to pursue a university education is a big commitment that impacts every aspect of your life – including your finances. Our fees are determined by the total cost of individual credits per academic year. All fees are listed in Canadian dollars and these rates are subject to change.
Awards and scholarships
The Office of the Registrar had dedicated more than $15 million in scholarships, awards and financial support to students in 2025. Entrance Awards are for newly admitted international and domestic students, while Academic Scholarships are for those entering the second term of their program.
Financial aid options
UNF has partnered with organizations to help newly admitted domestic students finance their education.
$20,025
Domestic tuition
$42,750
International tuition
$15 Million
Scholarship & awards
Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of MHCM?
MHCM Is the acronym for the Master of Health Care Management program at UNF. It is a master’s program designed to prepare professionals to take on leadership and management roles within the health care sector.
How long does it take to complete the Master of Health Care Management program?
The master’s in health care management program can be completed in 18 months, with four intakes per year. Students complete three terms in their first year of study, take a one-term break, and then return for two additional terms in their second year.
What are the requirements for the MHCM program?
The minimum conditions for admission to the Master of Health Care Management program include completion of a recognized undergraduate degree equivalent to a four-year honours bachelor’s degree, with a minimum CGPA of 3.00, along with completion of at least one undergraduate level course in statistics or quantitative methods. For more information regarding admission requirements, refer to the Graduate Admission Requirements page.
How is the Master of Health Care Management program unique compared to other health care management programs?
The MHCM program distinguishes itself by emphasizing issues of accessibility and equity in healthcare. It delves into topics such as social determinants of health, barriers to access, and disparities in health outcomes among diverse populations, including Indigenous communities, immigrants, and rural residents.
What kind of subjects will I study during this program?
The MHCM program covers a broad range of core topics, including health care systems, policy analysis, finance, and organizational leadership.
Will I gain practical experience?
Yes! This program offers two significant work-integrated learning opportunities:
Capstone Project: Students synthesize their learning and apply their skills to a complex health care problem or issue.
Internship: Students gain practical experience in a health care setting, applying their knowledge to real-world situations.
What career opportunities are available after completing this program?
It’s expected that graduates of the master’s in health care management program will go on to careers in leadership and management roles within hospitals, long-term care facilities, public health agencies, or as independent consultants.
Do I need to take the GRE?
We do not use standardized testing as part of the admission process for our graduate degrees. We look at your academic record from your undergraduate studies during the application process. See our admissions page for more information about our requirements.
Why choose UNF?
UNF is committed to innovative education and research for a digital world. This technology-centred approach puts you, the student, first. Learn from industry leaders and experienced faculty, gain experience through work-integrated learning components, and build a foundation that sets you on the path for success.
Contact your Student Advisor
Schedule an appointment with your dedicated Student Advisor at a time that’s convenient for you.
This institution has been granted a consent by the Minister of Colleges and Universities to offer this program for a five-year term starting June 12, 2025. Prospective students are responsible for satisfying themselves that the program and the degree will be appropriate to their needs (e.g., acceptable to potential employers, professional licensing bodies or other educational institutions.)
