Spring 2026
The Executive Certificate in Healthcare Management & Leadership is an eight-week hybrid program designed to strengthen leadership, strategic management, financial, and performance improvement skills for healthcare professionals.
Who Should Participate?
Ideal for emerging and mid-level professionals, the Executive Certificate equips administrators, clinical leaders, and those transitioning into management roles to lead effectively, drive innovation, and improve healthcare operations. It is especially valuable for professionals in rural or underserved settings, including those working in rural hospitals, critical access facilities, and tribal health systems.
Apply by:
January 17, 2026
Format:
Hybrid
Duration:
Eight Weeks
Cost:
$4,500
Upcoming Program Details
Step into a transformative learning experience designed for rising healthcare leaders. This competitive program blends cutting-edge insights with hands-on leadership development to help you thrive in today’s complex healthcare landscape.
Program Components
Applicants must commit to attending both Friday in-person sessions without conflicts from professional obligations.
The Executive Certificate in Healthcare Management & Leadership Program requires full participation in all program components, including:
- Two in-person sessions in Houston (January 30, February 27, and March 27); Zoom participation available for the February 27 session
- Completion of all modules and submission of program feedback
- Participation in the final Service Line Competition
Program Fee
The program fee is $4,500, including all instructional content, live sessions, and modules. Early bird rate: $3,950 (apply by January 2, 2026). Reduced rates available for rural health professionals.
Learning Objectives
This program is designed to strengthen the leadership pipeline by equipping professionals with practical skills in strategic management, finance, performance improvement, ethics, emerging technologies, and team management. Participants will apply their learning through real-world projects and conclude with a Service Line Competition, pitching healthcare service solutions to leaders in the field.
8-Week Timeline
| Time | Item |
| 1/30/26: In-Person Meeting (8A-2P CST) | Deliverable Due |
| Module 1: Leadership & Management | Project Proposal due end of Module 1 |
| Module 2: Change & Strategic Management | Strategic Alignment Report due end of Module 2 |
| 2/13/26: Self-Paced | Deliverable Due |
| Module 3: Ethics & Compliance | Ethics and Compliance Operational Plan due end of Week 3 |
| Module 4: Emerging Technologies | Technology & Capital Needs Report due end of Module 4 |
| 2/27/26: Synchronous Meeting (9A-2P CST)-Zoom | Deliverable Due |
| Module 5: Performance & Improvement | Operational Performance Plan due end of Module 5 |
| Module 6: Finance & Strategic Financial Management | Financial Feasibility Report due end Week 6 |
| 3/20/26: Self-Paced | Deliverable Due |
| Module 7: Human Resources & Team Management | HR & Team Management Plan due end of Module 7 |
| Module 8: Consumer and Market Alignment | Consumer & Market Strategy due end of Module 8 |
| 3/27/26: In-Person Meeting (8A-2P CST) | Deliverable Due |
| Service Line Competition | Pitching a new service line due end of Week 8 |
View Agenda
Our hybrid program will be held in Houston on January 26 and virtually on February 27. Program participants will reconvene in Houston on March 27 for the final Service Line Competition.
The sample agenda below provides more details about what participants can expect on day one.
| Time | Item |
| 7:30 AM – 8:00 AM | Check-in breakfast |
| 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM | Leadership vs. Management
|
| 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM | Vision & Strategy
|
| 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM | Leadership in Action Workshop (Working Lunch) |
| 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM | Upcoming Assignments
|
Learning Objectives
Module 1: Leadership & Management
- Differentiate between leadership and management roles and identify when to apply each approach.
- Articulate a strategic vision that aligns with organizational goals and drives decision-making.
- Develop actionable strategies that incorporate strategic thinking and vision-setting skills.
- Recognize the multifaceted responsibilities of leaders in navigating organizational dynamics.
- Evaluate leadership challenges and apply best practices to manage complex stakeholder relationships.
Module 2: Change & Strategic Management
- Explain foundational concepts of strategic planning and their impact on organizational success.
- Develop a strategic plan that addresses organizational goals, resources, and external influences.
- Identify key principles of change management and their application within strategic initiatives.
- Apply change management techniques to effectively navigate and lead organizational transitions.
- Analyze internal and external factors shaping organizational dynamics using organizational theory.
Meet the Program Director
Ginger Raya, EdD, MPA
Center Director for the Fleming Center for Healthcare and Management
Dr. Ginger Raya is a nationally recognized healthcare executive, educator, and mentor with over 20 years of experience driving operational excellence, strategic growth, and organizational transformation across academic institutions and healthcare systems.
Credits & Logistics
Application and Admission
A bachelor’s degree and 3–5 years of healthcare experience are required (exceptions considered). Please submit a 250- to 500-word personal statement, and a résumé or CV to Dr. Ginger Raya at [email protected] with the subject line: Executive Certificate Applicant.
Deadline: Saturday, January 17, 2026, with notification of acceptance provided within 48 hours of receiving a complete application packet. For questions, please contact: [email protected].
Certificate
Participants will receive a Certificate of Completion and a LinkedIn Certificate after completing all the program components.
Hotel Information
The Fleming Center secures group rates for accommodation near the Texas Medical Center and UTHealth Houston School of Public Health.
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Suites – Houston Medical Center
6800 Main Street Houston, Texas 77030
Hotel Website | Check back here for the group rate booking link.
Continuing Education Credit
Optional credits available at an additional cost based on credits claimed — contact us for current rates and details.