Curriculum

The Master of Applied Science in Patient Safety and Healthcare Quality is an interdisciplinary degree offered fully online. It spans several divisions across Johns Hopkins University. Faculty at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing contribute to the program via course development, teaching, and advising students. The curriculum and concepts educate students in the transformative mechanisms and evidence-based protocols that reduce preventable patient harm and improve clinical outcomes.

Students will complete 48.5 credits to graduate. The program is designed to be completed in two academic years (Sept-May). In addition to the coursework, students must complete an Integrative Activity, where newly acquired knowledge and skills are used to create an applicable activity (e.g., identifying a patient safety or healthcare quality problem and designing a solution, plan for implementation and evaluation method) – with a final paper that describes the methodology used and the final assessment.

Academic program requirements include the 0.5 credit course Essentials of One Health which is currently offered during first and fourth terms each year. Students can take this at any point during the program, but MUST complete the course prior to graduation. The MAS degree cannot be awarded until this requirement (and all others) has been completed.

Program Competencies

By the end of the program, students should be able to:

1. Describe several frameworks and theories for assessing and improving the quality of care
2. Describe current key policy and programmatic areas in quality of care
3. Describe how to assess quality of care for a medical condition
4. Describe key elements of published quality assessment and improvement studies
5. Articulate how to develop a workable quality improvement and evaluation plan
6. Recognize the extent of problems in patient safety in medical care
7. Describe the role of various systems and factors in creating safety and causing errors and adverse events
8. Discuss problems and issues in measuring and reporting safety
9. Demonstrate knowledge of the basics of conducting an incident investigation and disclosing an adverse event
10. Design solutions to improve patient safety
11. Articulate the ethical, legal, and regulatory implications related to patient safety

Curriculum Structure

* offered each year 1st and 4th term, shown in first term for year 1 and 2  above as a reminder

Preparing Students for Online Learning

Introduction to Online Learning is a free, mandatory prerequisite for all online courses offered. It’s open to prospective students and designed to give a thorough view into what the online experience on CoursePlus will be like. It also prepares students and faculty for success on the first day of class since everyone is already acclimated to the technology. Introduction to Online Learning will allow students to:

• Ensure all tools and applications are properly installed
• Troubleshoot any component that may not work properly
• Experience the online tools for peer-to-peer and instructor communication
• Become familiar with the coursework structure and learning management system

The course takes between 1-4 hours to complete, depending on your skills working online. With the notable exception of one LiveTalk, you can do the class work on your own schedule. For details on the course, including assignments and requirements for completion, please see the Syllabus page.

Ready to test-drive online courses at BSPH? Register for this class. You can take this free course at any point before or during the application process!

For more information, visit the OPAL Online Learning page.

Get in Touch

Request more information or call us at 410-955-3543 to speak with an admissions officer. You can also reach us via email at BSPH.Admissions@jhu.edu.