Introduction to Foundations in Health Professions Education (IFHPE) & Foundations in Health Professions Education (FHPE)

The Introduction to Foundations in Health Professions Education (IFHPE) and the Foundations in Health Professions Education (FHPE) certificates are meant for individuals who wish to enhance their skills in leadership, research, and teaching. They are also stepping stones toward the MHPE, MEd-HPE, and PhD in HPE, and result in graduate school credits. Based on the certificate pursued, the expectation for completion on a part-time basis is within six months for the IFHPE and one year for the FHPE.

The interdisciplinary Department of HPE Graduate Programs offer two certificates: the Introduction to Foundations in Health Professions Education (IFHPE) and the Foundations in Health Professions Education (FHPE). These two certificates are meant for individuals who wish to enhance their skills in leadership, research, and/or education. They can be used as stepping-stones towards the MHPE, MEd-HPE, and/or PhD in HPE, and result in graduate school credits. These certificate offerings include degree program courses, which one would take when pursuing a master's or doctoral degree in the program.

Matriculants may include, but are not limited to, medical students, residents, graduate students, physicians, dentists, nurses, pharmacists, physician assistants, physical therapists, optometrists, or those who are committed to working with health professionals as a career (e.g., executive administrators). Uniformed personnel with experience as a health professional are given priority for admission.

Learners who are matriculated in the FHPE program can exit the program with an IFHPE after earning 6 credits, without any kind of penalty. For this reason, we recommend applying for the FHPE program unless you are fairly certain that you only want to complete online modules and then exit. Certificate learners are not permitted to continue coursework after reaching the credit requirement for their program.

Certificate Expected Completion Timelines

Based on the certificate pursued, the expected completion timeline on a part-time basis is as follows:

• IFHPE: Expected to complete within 6 months, though up to 12 months is permissible with Academic Advisor approval
• FHPE: Expected to complete within 12 months (one academic year), though up to 18 months is permissible under modified tracks

Certificate Program Requirements

Introduction to Foundations in Health Professions Education (IFHPE)

The IFHPE Certificate provides education for individuals seeking additional knowledge and skills who have very limited time for pursuing additional education.

• Total Credit Requirement: 6 credits
• Practicum Component: Learners are expected to complete at least 4 of the 6 required credits via the HPE 400 Practicum course (which can include self-paced online HPE Primer modules). It is permissible to complete all 6 credits via Practicum.
• Learners may take a maximum of one core course.

Foundations in Health Professions Education (FHPE)

The FHPE requires a more expanded baseline of coursework across the core competencies.

• Total Credit Requirement: 12 credits (6 credits beyond the IFHPE)
• Practicum Component: Learners may choose to complete practicum modules for up to 6 credits, although taking more than 4 modules may not transfer towards future degree credits
• Once a learner reaches 12 credits, they will need to reapply to the HPE program to continue taking courses.

Application Windows and Deadlines

HPE has two annual application windows when the online application link is active:

• Sept. 1 – Nov. 1: This is the main application window for both certificates and degrees. This cycle aligns with a Summer term start in mid-May.
• March 1 – July 1: This window is for certificate programs only; only certificate applications will be reviewed. If you are accepted into a certificate program in this window, you must wait until the following year to apply for a degree program. This cycle aligns with a Winter term start in mid-November.

Curriculum and Course Offerings

Courses are worth 2 credits each and are structured across five distinct terms per academic year (Summer, Pre-Fall, Fall, Winter, Spring).

Core Courses Available to Certificate Learners (as space permits):

• HPE 500: Leadership Theories in Practice (2 cr) 
• HPE 505: Quantitative Research Methods in HPE (2 cr)
• HPE 506: Principles of Online Instruction (2 cr)
• HPE 507: Qualitative Research Methods in HPE (2 cr)
• HPE 550: Learning Theories (2 cr)
• HPE 555: Teaching Methods (2 cr)
• HPE 560: Measurement, Assessment & Evaluation (2 cr)
• HPE 565: Curriculum Development (2 cr)
   

Electives and Practicums:

• HPE 400: Master's Practicum in HPE (Variable credits / ~10 hours of work per credit)
• HPE 502: Philosophies of Science (2 cr)
• HPE 602: Teaching with Technology (2 cr)
• HPE 614: Principles of Simulation-Based Learning in HPE (2 cr) 
• HPE 615: AI in Health Professions Education: Implications for Educators and Leaders (2 cr) 
• HPE 617: AI for Research and Scholarship in Health Professions Education (2 cr) 

All program requirements are subject to change. Contact hpe@usuhs.edu for the latest information.