Field Experience

Real-World Experience. Real Impact. Real Preparation.

The CSUN MHA Field Experience is a two-semester, project-based professional experience completed during the final year of the program. It provides students with the opportunity to apply coursework to real-world healthcare challenges while developing the competencies needed for administrative and leadership roles.

Students complete a minimum of 300 supervised hours while working with a healthcare organization on a meaningful administrative project under the guidance of an experienced preceptor.

 

Field Experience Highlights

Structured, Two-Semester Design

The Field Experience spans two consecutive semesters, allowing students time to integrate into an organization, understand its operations, and complete a substantial and meaningful project.

Competency-Based Approach

Projects align with the CSUN MHA competency framework and emphasize leadership, communication, analysis, and healthcare systems knowledge.

Healthcare-Focused Settings

Students complete their Field Experience in healthcare-related organizations such as hospitals, medical groups, public health agencies, health plans, consulting firms, and nonprofit organizations.

Professional Mentorship

Each student works closely with a qualified preceptor who provides guidance, feedback, and exposure to healthcare administration in practice.

Career-Relevant Deliverables

Students complete professional deliverables, including an executive summary and a final presentation delivered at a public Spring Showcase attended by healthcare leaders, alumni, faculty, and students.