We invite you to submit a project proposal for the capstone program in our graduate programs in healthcare management. As a requirement for completion of the degree, students work with healthcare organizations to develop plans and recommendations to address problems and needs in healthcare administration and business development. Our students have an average of 11 years of professional work experience, often in managerial roles, when starting our programs. Most work full-time in the healthcare industry while in the program.

The following elements are desired in capstone projects.

• Needs assessment, gap analysis and stakeholder assessment
• Primary research (e.g. interviews, observations, surveys, focus groups)
• Secondary research (e.g. literature review and database analysis)
• Qualitative and quantitative analysis
• Analysis of business strategy and financial forecasts
• Creation of business models and business plans

As part of a graduate education curriculum, capstone projects require specific timelines, learning objectives, assessment, feedback, and deliverables. Thus, capstone projects differ somewhat from traditional projects in the workplace. Considerations include:

• A well-defined project scope starting in early April and with a firm end date in late May.
• An appropriate scope of effort by teams of four to five students.
• Flexibility in times when you and your team can meet with students.
• Prompt response to requests for data and other information from project sponsor.
• Weekly meetings and additional electronic communication with the team.
• Meet with team and faculty mentor for kick-off meeting.
• Host final presentation meeting with extended stakeholders.

We review applications as they are submitted. the Deadline for project proposals is November 15. After review by our faculty committee, we will provide feedback, questions, and an assessment of the feasibility of acceptance into our program in early December.

Please send questions to Jessica Walter, capstone program director, walter@ohsu.edu. We look forward to receiving your project proposal. Thank you.