Healthcare Leadership and Innovation Graduate Certificate
May 18, 2026
August 25, 2026
Overview
The Ohio State University’s online Healthcare Leadership and Innovation certificate sets you apart from other leaders in the healthcare field through an emphasis on the implementation of innovative solutions to healthcare system problems, evidence-based practice, and innovative leadership. All courses in this program utilize asynchronous and synchronous learning and are 100% online. This certificate can be completed in just two semesters, providing you with a quick and affordable boost to your career or a jumpstart on completing your master’s degree.
Ready to earn your master’s?
Students looking to continue their education in healthcare administration may pursue Ohio State’s online Master of Healthcare Innovation program. The three required courses and one elective course taken for this certificate can apply towards the master’s degree program. Completion of the certificate program does not guarantee admission to the graduate program.
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"As an online student, there's so many connections you can make that will have a really meaningful impact on your education. The opportunities that exist at Ohio State feel limitless."
Audra Hanners Ohio State Online Grad
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! If you are interested in taking your leadership in healthcare to the next level, these courses can apply toward the Ohio State online Master of Healthcare Innovation program.
No, courses are only offered during certain terms each year, so your plan of study is based on this course availability.
As non-degree students, most types of financial aid and scholarships are not available to students enrolling in certificate programs.
Related Content
Related Content
Master of Healthcare Innovation
Nursing in School Health Services Certificate
Registered Nurses in Primary Care Certificate
Academic Calendar
The Healthcare Leadership and Innovation Certificate is offered once a year and is designed to be completed in as little as two semesters.
Academic Calendar
The Healthcare Leadership and Innovation Certificate is offered once a year and is designed to be completed in as little as two semesters.
Admission Criteria
You must meet the following criteria to qualify for admission to the Healthcare Leadership and Innovation certificate:
Completed a bachelor’s degree
- Your degree must be from an accredited bachelor’s program. Students may apply to the certificate while their bachelor’s degree is still in progress, but must receive their degree prior to beginning enrollment in the program.
Minimum of a 3.0 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale in the last degree earned that is relevant to the program of study.
- GPAs are reviewed by Ohio State’s Graduate and Professional Admissions Office. Applicants whose GPAs fall below 3.0 may still apply and be considered for admission.
Reside in an authorized state
- To participate in the Healthcare Leadership and Innovation certificate, you must reside in an authorized state.
Resume
- You are required to submit a CV or resume of no more than two pages on the online application.
How to Apply
You can complete an application online on Ohio State’s Graduate and Professional Admissions website. A non-refundable $60 application fee is required at the time of submission.
You must submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities that you previously attended at either the undergraduate or graduate levels. This includes transcripts for any post-secondary courses taken during high school or of coursework that appears as transfer credit on another transcript. Transcripts from Ohio State do not need to be submitted. All transcripts must be received by the application deadline.
Transcripts should be sent directly by the sending institution by mail or electronic transfer to be considered official. Please request your transcripts early so they arrive before the deadline. Transcripts can be sent to:
The Ohio State University
Graduate Admissions Office
P.O. Box 182004
Columbus OH 43218-2004
or
gpadocs@osu.edu
You may also upload a copy of an official transcript at the time of application or after by way of the Admissions Uploader. Web-based documents, online grade reports and related materials are not acceptable. Documents submitted in this manner are considered unofficial, but will suffice for the purposes of application. If you are admitted, you will be required to supply official transcripts sent directly from your previous institutions.
If you are currently or have been previously enrolled in a degree granting graduate program at Ohio State for any length of time, you would be considered a Graduate Intra-University Transfer Student. Be sure to choose the appropriate application for “current or former” Ohio State students after following this application link. In addition to that online application, you must complete a Supplemental Application. This separate application can be submitted at the time of your online application or after by using the Admission Uploader. Choose any of the following options to access this application:
MS Word Document: Supplemental Certificate Application (To download, select “Save”)
Details regarding what English Proficiency tests are acceptable, the scores required, and how to submit scores may be found on The Ohio State University Graduate and Professional Admissions office’s website.
The Ohio State University participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA).
SARA is a national initiative that increases student access to distance education courses and programs while maintaining compliance with state regulations. Institutions participating in SARA can offer educational opportunities in all 49 SARA member states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico without seeking individual approval in each state.
California is not a SARA member state, however, OSU may offer online courses and programs to students located in California under the California Private Post-Secondary Act of 2009.
The Application Process
Once you understand your program’s admission criteria, please note the application deadline. You’ll need a quiet space and a variety of materials for your application. To learn more, please see our Admissions page for the full process. Ready to Apply? Find your application here.
Career Outlook
The Healthcare Leadership and Innovation Certificate will enhance your knowledge base and skills in leadership and innovation within the healthcare industry. If you are seeking careers such as Healthcare Management, Quality Coordinator, Innovation Officer, Healthcare Director, or Operation Specialist, or looking to advance within these areas, then this program can act as an educational foundation.
Top Occupations by Median Income
What They Do
Plan, direct, or coordinate medical and health services in hospitals, clinics, managed care organizations, public health agencies, or similar organizations.
Work Activities
Direct, supervise and evaluate work activities of medical, nursing, technical, clerical, service, maintenance, and other personnel. Develop and maintain computerized record management systems to store and process data, such as personnel activities and information, and to produce reports. Plan, implement, and administer programs and services in a health care or medical facility, including personnel administration, training, and coordination of medical, nursing and physical plant staff.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $69,680
- Mid Level: $117,960
- Senior Level: $219,080
Job Outlook
Bright
Projected Growth
28.5%
Related Careers
- Clinical Nurse Specialists
- Emergency Medicine Physicians
- Health Education Specialists
- Health Informatics Specialists
- Social and Community Service Managers
Job Sectors
- Administration and Management
- English Language
- Customer and Personal Service
- Personnel and Human Resources
- Education and Training
What They Do
Plan, direct, or coordinate one or more administrative services of an organization, such as records and information management, mail distribution, and other office support services.
Work Activities
Prepare and review operational reports and schedules to ensure accuracy and efficiency. Set goals and deadlines for the department. Acquire, distribute and store supplies.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $64,740
- Mid Level: $108,390
- Senior Level: $200,010
Job Outlook
Bright
Projected Growth
6.2%
Related Careers
- Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants
- Facilities Managers
- First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers
- General and Operations Managers
- Project Management Specialists
Job Sectors
- Customer and Personal Service
- Administration and Management
- English Language
- Administrative
- Computers and Electronics
What They Do
Apply knowledge of nursing and informatics to assist in the design, development, and ongoing modification of computerized health care systems. May educate staff and assist in problem solving to promote the implementation of the health care system.
Work Activities
Translate nursing practice information between nurses and systems engineers, analysts, or designers, using object-oriented models or other techniques. Use informatics science to design or implement health information technology applications for resolution of clinical or health care administrative problems. Develop or implement policies or practices to ensure the privacy, confidentiality, or security of patient information.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $63,160
- Mid Level: $103,790
- Senior Level: $166,030
Job Outlook
Bright
Projected Growth
10.7%
Related Careers
- Clinical Data Managers
- Health Education Specialists
- Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars
- Medical and Health Services Managers
- Nurse Practitioners
Job Sectors
- Computers and Electronics
- English Language
- Medicine and Dentistry
- Education and Training
- Customer and Personal Service
What They Do
Assess patient health problems and needs, develop and implement nursing care plans, and maintain medical records. Administer nursing care to ill, injured, convalescent, or disabled patients. May advise patients on health maintenance and disease prevention or provide case management. Licensing or registration required.
Work Activities
Record patients' medical information and vital signs. Administer medications to patients and monitor patients for reactions or side effects. Maintain accurate, detailed reports and records.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $66,030
- Mid Level: $93,600
- Senior Level: $135,320
Job Outlook
Bright
Related Careers
- Acute Care Nurses
- Clinical Nurse Specialists
- Critical Care Nurses
- Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
- Nurse Practitioners
Job Sectors
- Psychology
- Customer and Personal Service
- Medicine and Dentistry
- English Language
- Administrative
What They Do
Apply knowledge of healthcare and information systems to assist in the design, development, and continued modification and analysis of computerized healthcare systems. Abstract, collect, and analyze treatment and followup information of patients. May educate staff and assist in problem solving to promote the implementation of the healthcare information system. May design, develop, test, and implement databases with complete history, diagnosis, treatment, and health status to help monitor diseases.
Work Activities
Assign the patient to diagnosis-related groups (DRGs), using appropriate computer software. Compile medical care and census data for statistical reports on diseases treated, surgery performed, or use of hospital beds. Design databases to support healthcare applications, ensuring security, performance and reliability.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $39,120
- Mid Level: $67,310
- Senior Level: $112,130
Job Outlook
Bright
Projected Growth
16.3%
Related Careers
- Clinical Data Managers
- Clinical Research Coordinators
- Health Informatics Specialists
- Medical Records Specialists
- Patient Representatives
National occupational information in Ohio State Online’s Career Outlook tool is sourced from O*NET Online and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The median annual wage displayed to the right of each occupational title above is based on the BLS Employment Projections program. Outlook and percent change indicate projected growth or decline over the next 10 years.
Curriculum
The Healthcare Leadership and Innovation Certificate program is completely online and can be completed in just 2 semesters. The healthcare innovation courses are a combination of synchronous and asynchronous learning. The synchronous elements allow you to participate in the course alongside your classmates at scheduled times during the week. The asynchronous components give you the flexibility to complete projects and assignments according to your own schedule.
Students learn advanced concepts of innovation in a high performing organization and the leadership behaviors that sustain innovation. Students discuss cross-disciplinary theories of innovation for improving health and quality of healthcare. Students are introduced to innovation competencies including positive deviance, complexity leadership and disruptive innovation.
This course encourages students to discover themselves as leaders to maximize innovation and organizational impact. Students explore their own leadership behaviors to better manage their energy and find balance in order to perform at a peak level and positively impact the advancement of innovation in healthcare.
This course builds foundational knowledge of complex adaptive system characteristics in healthcare. It will explore complex adaptive system theory, systems thinking and network relationships as the context of leadership action and innovation. This course focuses on healthcare innovation from a systems perspective emphasizing the importance of networks, relationships, culture, and feedback.
As part of the Healthcare Leadership and Innovation Certificate, you will have the opportunity to take three credits of elective coursework. You can choose to take elective coursework in a specific conceptual area in which you wish to gain additional expertise, above and beyond the three required courses. Currently approved electives include Health Care Innovation 7460, Nursing 7483, and Nursing 7403. If you prefer an elective not included on this list, please speak with your faculty advisor.
- HCINNOV 7460 – Enhancing Communication in the Innovation System
This course develops leadership behaviors that facilitate constructive conversations, interactions, and outcomes through communication and coaching techniques. The course explores the role of relationships and communication in healthcare innovation, and challenges the traditionally negative view of conflict, by reframing it as a valuable and normative behavior in high-performing organizations.
- Nursing 7483 – Quality Improvement and Informatics
This course explores advanced concepts of collaboration, design, leadership, implementation and evaluation of quality improvement initiatives in health care utilizing information technology strategies.
- Nursing 7403 – Innovation Leadership in Advanced Nursing Practice
This course engages in the analysis of organizational leadership and ethical essentials necessary to deliver high quality patient care in diverse settings.
Understanding Online Course Types
As you research the right online program for you, you likely will come across the terms “asynchronous” and “synchronous.” Learn what these terms mean and how they’re important to consider when understanding how a program will fit into your life.
Learn More
Program Faculty
Michael Ackerman PhD, RN, FCCM, FNAP, FAANP, FAAN
Clinical Professor & Director of Master of Healthcare Innovation Program
Our courses are instructed by world-renowned faculty with a focus on innovation-based and evidence-based practice, innovation leadership in healthcare, coaching/mentoring in achieving success and more.
Daniel Weberg, PhD, MHI, RN
Clinical Assistant Professor of Practice
Susan O'Hara, PhD, MPH, RN, BA, EDAC, FNIHD
Assistant Clinical Professor
Taura Barr, PhD, RN, FAHA
Associate Clinical Professor
Sheila Whalen, DNP, NI-BC
Lecturer
Testimonials
Hear why students like you are choosing The Ohio State University!
Testimonials
Hear why students like you are choosing The Ohio State University!
“Ohio State is a large institution with a lot of possibilities and opportunities. You will meet people who you can connect with and who will connect you with others.”
“Being able to apply everything I was working on for school immediately to my work was my favorite part of the program.”
“I could not have faced so many obstacles without the support, strength and guidance from the faculty and staff. Even when times were tough, they believed in me, so I believed in me.”
Tuition Fee Overview
Below are the tuition fees you can expect with your certificate. Estimates are based on the expenses typical of an Ohio State Online student, who would take 6 credit hours each semester as a part-time student. Actual costs may vary.
| Tuition Fees | Per Credit Hour (unless otherwise noted) | Estimated Cost Per Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Instructional Fee | $829.75 | $4,978.50 |
| General Fee | $32.63 | $195.78 |
| Textbook & Course Material | $80.00 (per semester) | $80.00 |
| Distance Learning Fee | $100.00 (per semester) | $100.00 |
| Non-Resident Surcharge (if applicable) | $200.00 (per semester) | $200.00 |
Tuition fees are subject to change. The table above serves as a guide and not an official bursar’s bill. Full-Time costs are total tuition costs per semester.
Financial Aid Resource
Financial Aid Resource
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