With a huge number of applicants, people who plan to enroll in an MHA program often take such tests as Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) to stand out.
The GRE is a standardized exam that’s been around since 1939, administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS).
Typically, it is a requirement for graduate school applications, which is aimed at measuring analytical writing, verbal reasoning, critical thinking, and quantitative reasoning skills.
The test includes geometry, algebra, arithmetic, and vocabulary.
According to the ETS, over half a million students took the test between July 2016 and June 2017.
Poets & Quants, however, note that graduate schools more and more often accept GRE scores instead of GMAT or other standardized exams.
The cost of GRE includes more than just fees.
According to PrepScholar, test-takers can spend over 100 hours for the study before the test.
Besides, extensive courses for test preparation can cost as much as several thousand dollars.
The financial requirement and time commitment mean that test-takers who have work and family obligations may not be able to access an equal level of paying field and resources.
Therefore, the GRE was criticized emphasizing its disadvantage to minorities, women, economically disadvantaged, as well as its inability to predict the future success of the student.
An article was published in the journal Nature by two academics, Keivan Stassun and Casey Miller, stating that women score lower by 80 points on average below men in physical sciences.
They also state that African Americans score 200 points lower than white people.
Simply speaking, the GRE better demonstrates the sex and skin color that ultimate success and abilities.
Luckily, not all MHA programs require GRE scores.
There are programs that either don’t require GRE scores at all or offer some waivers for applicants who meet other specific requirements.
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Online MHA Programs – No GRE
University of Central Florida
College of Community Innovation and Education of the University of Central Florida offers a unique online executive MHA (EMHA).
This is a fully online program that includes 11 courses with 44 credits in such subjects as healthcare statistics and research, healthcare organizational behavior and HR management, epidemiology and health planning, financial accounting for healthcare managers, healthcare ethics and law, and more.
The cost for the program is $773 per credit.
Applicants need to have at least a 3.0 GPA in an accredited bachelor’s program.
Additionally, they need to have at least three years of professional experience in healthcare.
The George Washington University
From the first day, students build a global network since the program is designed for professionals working in the industry.
The curriculum uses small class sizes, immersive experiences, and cutting-edge digital learning to prepare students for leadership roles.
To be admitted, students need a bachelor’s degree, a current resume, a statement of purpose, two letters of recommendation, and a brief interview.
Since the program is intended for professionals with experience, this is a requirement as well.
Applicants should have either two years of full-time experience in healthcare or three, in a different industry.
All students should be current employees in the healthcare sector.
Regis College
Online MHA offered by Regis College is another example of a program not requiring the GRE scores.
It is a 100% online program with a focus on political, ethical, and policy considerations faced by managers and leaders in healthcare.
Social justice is included in every course.
The curriculum prepares students to deal with opportunities and obstacles put forward by technological and medical advances, governance, public relations, human resources management, and communications.
Classes include such topics as marketing communications, health information systems, health policy, strategic management of healthcare organizations, management accounting in healthcare.
To be admitted to the program, students need a bachelor’s degree, a personal statement, a letter of recommendation, and a current resume.
Maryville University
Besides the general MHA program, Maryville offers specializations in healthcare strategies, senior services, data management, and population management.
The curriculum is fully online and accredited, developed to cover the ten key knowledge areas of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE).
Core courses focus on a comprehensive understanding of collaboration, analytics, marketing, management.
Electives may cover a wide range of topics, including health policy and economics, gerontology, healthcare informatics, managerial epidemiology.
A bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 GRA and personal statements are required for admission.
Other programs that don’t require GRE may include:
- Queens University.
- The University of Cincinnati.
- George Mason University.
- The University of Scranton.
- Ohio University.
- Saint Joseph’s University.
Online MHA programs – GRE Waiver
Boston College
This online program is focused on employers to both set up future career opportunities and reward past work.
The curriculum includes online interactions, immersion events, and self-paced learning quests.
Students take a series of 12 courses that cover such topics as healthcare financial management, healthcare quality management, healthcare information technology, healthcare innovation-based strategy.
The GRE isn’t a strict requirement, but unless students have a 3.0 GPA, they are encouraged to submit the GRE.
The Bottom Line: No GRE Online MHA Programs
While the GRE may be getting more popular than GMAT and other tests, more MHA programs are switching away for this test as a requirement to reduce the obstacles to a lucrative and growing career path.
Strong academic background and work experience are becoming more essential than test scores as a measure of competence and passion.
Additionally, some schools that still have a GRE requirement may waive it because of competitive undergraduate transcripts and work experience.
On the other hand, schools may overlook a lower GPA if the GRE scores submitted are strong.
Finally, if you’re debating on taking the GRE, you need to evaluate your past performance and future objectives.
You can find plenty of information online, but it’s always best to talk to admissions counselors at the school you’re considering.
Admission requirements can change every year and sometimes, faster than they are updated on the school’s website.
Also, talking to a real person before admission can individualize the experience, ridding it of a checklist of rigid requirements and making it more holistic and equitable.
Before, with a poor GRE score, one’s options could be limited.
Now, there are online MHA programs right for everyone, regardless of taking the GRE or not.
