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How to Apply

Currently accepting applications Next program starts: Autumn 2008 Program location: UW campus, Seattle Sign up to receive e-mail updates >> Contact a program representative >>

• Admission Requirements
• Application Process
• Earning the Certificate
• Fees and Tuition
• Single-Course Enrollment

If you are familiar with the program and application process, you can apply online or print an application form now.

Admission Requirements

A bachelor's degree is required. Applicants are expected to have an MD, RN or other professional degree in a clinical/medical field (DO, PharmD, DDS, PT, PA), and some experience in management. However, health care administrators/managers who are not clinicians may also be considered for admission.

English Proficiency: Students who are non-native English speakers are expected to have adequate English language proficiency. For details, see English Language Guidelines.

International Students: This program does not qualify as full-time study, and therefore does not meet requirements for an F-1 visa. However, if you are an F-1 student currently enrolled full-time in another program, OR you are in the U.S. on some other type of visa (not F-1), you may be eligible to take a certificate program or course. For complete details, or to contact an adviser, see Visa Information.

GNM Credit and Transfer of Credits: If you wish to receive UW graduate-level credit for your certificate courses, you should also apply for graduate nonmatriculated (GNM) status. Your request for GNM status should be made before the beginning of the program or first course taken. The preferred deadlines* for receipt of GNM applications and official transcripts are approximately one month prior to the quarter for which the status is requested. Applications for GNM status are accepted until the second Friday of the quarter for which the status is requested, but earlier submission is strongly recommended. Applications must be accompanied by official degree transcripts to be considered.

Students who receive GNM credits may be able to transfer those credits toward a graduate degree, provided they maintain a 3.0 grade-point for the courses taken and are accepted into a graduate program. A maximum of 12 GNM credits may be accepted by a University of Washington program.

If you are interested in GNM status, please contact the program office as soon as possible at 206-543-8778.

* For GNM application deadlines and other information, see Information about GNM Status.

Application Process

The 2008-2009 program begins in September 2008. Applications for this program are now being accepted. The deadline for receipt of applications at UW Extension is 5 p.m. on August 22, 2008. After this date, you are encouraged to call 206-685-8936 or e-mail us to learn if a program is still accepting applications.

All applicants will be notified of the review decision by September 5, 2008.

To Apply: You can apply online or submit one copy of the application form with a $50 certificate program fee* and three stapled application sets, which include the following clearly labeled documents:

1. A typed (250-word maximum) letter of application describing a) your relevant work and volunteer experience, and/or transferable skills and knowledge of the field, and b) how you expect the program will help you meet your professional goals
2. Your résumé listing education and applicable experience

Application Review: Applications are evaluated by program administration and lead instructors. Selection of program participants is based on admission requirements and may be competitive.

Admission priority is given to mid-career physicians and other experienced clinical practitioners. A maximum of 30 students are admitted into each course. Accepted applicants will be expected to attend the program orientation on the first night of classes, Wednesday, September 24, 2008, 5-5:50 p.m.

Enrollment: Applicants receive written notification if they are accepted for enrollment, accepted and waitlisted, or not accepted for this program within two weeks of the application deadline. Those accepted to the program are sent registration information for the first-term course(s).

Waitlist: Some programs maintain a waitlist for applicants accepted after the program has reached enrollment capacity. If space becomes available, waitlisted applicants will be notified and given an opportunity to enroll. If space does not become available, waitlisted applicants will be offered a space in the next program offering.

* The certificate program fee is not refundable and does not guarantee admission to, or enrollment in, the program.

Earning the Certificate and CME/CNE Credit

Participants are expected to successfully complete each course prior to advancing to the next. Courses are offered only once per year. The standards for successful completion are established by instructors and the advisory board.

Certificate participants are graded on a numeric basis. Although a 2.5 grade is acceptable within a single course for continuing in the program, participants must maintain a cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 (B) to earn the certificate. Certificates are presented at the annual UW Extension awards ceremony.

In addition, participants are eligible for up to 120 category 1 credits for all four courses, or 32 Continuing Nursing Education (CNE) contact hours for each course completed. For more information, call the program office at 206-543-8778.

Fees and Tuition

Tuition is payable on a term-by-term basis. Tuition for the entire program is $7,488, excluding certificate and registration fees, textbooks, and a quarterly $12 technology fee ($16 if GNM). There is a $50 nonrefundable certificate program fee to apply to this program and a $35 nonrefundable registration fee each term. First-term tuition ($1,872), plus the nonrefundable registration fee, is due by September 10, 2008. Applicants accepted after this deadline must register and pay tuition fees, as soon as possible, to be eligible to attend class and receive course location information. The University's tuition exemption policy does not apply to this program. Fees and tuition are subject to change.

Single-Course Enrollment

Interested in taking just one class? Some courses in this program (those courses designated by a ) are open for single-course enrollment to those who do not wish to earn the certificate. Because some courses require prior knowledge and experience in the field, those interested in taking individual courses need to submit these materials:

1. A completed application for single-course enrollment;
2. A résumé listing your work-related experience.

Please note that courses taken as a non-certificate student are not automatically applied toward a certificate of completion in the program. Single-course enrollments are on a space-available basis. No certificate program fee is necessary; tuition is not accepted until you are notified of eligibility.

All Medical Management Certificate Program courses are available for single-course enrollment. Medical Practice Quality Measurement and Management and Health Services Financial Management are offered each Autumn Quarter. Strategic Management of Health Care Organizations is offered each Winter Quarter. Leadership and Change Management is offered every Spring Quarter.