Healthcare Leadership
New program!
Credential: Post-Diploma Certificate
Length: 1 year
International Students: Accepted

Delivery options
On-Campus Day* - Your course activity is done in-person Monday - Friday, before 6 PM.
On-Campus Evening/Weekend - Your course activity is done in person on weekdays from 6 PM or later, or Saturdays and Sundays.
Online Day* - Your course activity is done online Monday - Friday, before 6 PM.
Online Evening/Weekend - Your course activity is done online on weekdays from 6 PM or later, or Saturdays and Sundays.
Online Flexible Delivery - Your course activity is not scheduled and therefore you can determine when to do the coursework.
Blended Delivery - Both On-Campus and Online - Some of your coursework will be in-person, on-campus and some will be done online.
* There may be circumstances that require some day delivery of classes to be scheduled into the evenings.
Please note due to the COVID-19 pandemic, these delivery options may shift from term to term. Please consult your program for details on delivery options.
Program length
Estimated program length is based on the recommended course load per semester as outlined in the Courses tab.
Actual program length will vary based on the number of courses/credits successfully completed per semester.
International Students
This program meets the eligibility criteria for the Post-Graduation Work Permit program for international students as long as the student is enrolled in the on-campus delivery mode or completes more than 50% of the courses on campus (for the blended option).
International students attending all classes online will NOT be eligible for a Post-Graduate Work Permit. International students are responsible for maintaining their eligibility throughout their studies.
International Students
This program is available to international students, however, program availability may be limited. This program does not meet the eligibility criteria for the Post-Graduation Work Permit program.
Program menu
Overview
The Healthcare Leadership program focuses on the critical areas of leadership and management development specific to healthcare.
Learners will develop core skills and competencies in leadership and management, conflict management and resolution, people management, effective communications, finances and economics, service and patient focus, healthcare governance, performance measurement, and other elements of leadership in a healthcare environment.To correspond with current trends in healthcare leadership, the program will offer unique skills in the areas of resilience and emergency planning and preparedness.
This program is comprised of interdisciplinary study, culminating in a capstone project that enables students to apply their knowledge toward addressing leadership challenges in their own organizations. The Healthcare Leadership program is led by experienced healthcare and business instructors, blending health topics with strategic leadership studies that prepare students to navigate the rapidly changing field of healthcare.
Is this the right fit for me?
Job expectations for success in this profession include:
- critical thinking
- communication (e.g. verbal, reading, writing, and listening)
- able to work with others
- able to use technology
- able to maintain professional behaviour; emotional self-regulation
Credentials
Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will be awarded a SAIT Healthcare Leadership post-diploma certificate.
Career opportunities
Graduates can pursue healthcare leadership job opportunities in:
- director of care (long-term)
- team coordinator
- clinic administrative manager
- clinic care manager or assistant manager
- clinical care or technical supervisor
- client services manager
- hospital manager
- health unit manager or supervisor
Related careers include:
- health service administrator
- community health nurse
- community health representative
Tuition and fees*
Domestic 2022/23
- Year 1: $9,461
International 2022/23
- Year 1: $21,429
Final costs are dependent on the number of course credits a student takes per semester.
This program is eligible for Canada Alberta Job Grant funding.
Requirements
You will be offered admission to this program through direct entry if you meet the admission requirements and space is available.
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Admission requirements
Admission dates
This program may not have an intake every semester. See available intakes above.
Intake semester | Semester begins | Applications open | Domestic applications close* | International applications close |
---|---|---|---|---|
Winter 2023 | Jan. 9, 2023 | March 30, 2022 | Oct. 27, 2022 | Now closed |
Spring 2023 | May 8, 2023 | June 13, 2022 | Feb. 24, 2023 | Now closed |
Summer 2023 | July 4, 2023 | Oct. 5, 2022 | April 28, 2023 | June 20, 2023 |
Fall 2023 | Sept. 5, 2023 | Oct. 5, 2022 | June 28, 2023 | May 23, 2023 |
Winter 2024 | Jan. 8, 2024 | March 29, 2023 | Oct. 26, 2023 | Sept. 28, 2023 |
Spring 2024 | May 6, 2024 | June 12, 2023 | Feb. 23, 2024 | Jan. 22, 2024 |
*In some instances, domestic applications will be accepted after the application deadline. In that case, the program's intake status will remain open.
Program requirements
Completion of the following courses or equivalents:
- post-secondary diploma or degree in a healthcare discipline from a recognized university, institute, or college, or,
- a post-secondary certificate in combination with relevant work experience may be considered and approved at the discretion of the Academic Chair.
All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.
SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission. If you don't meet the requirements, consider Academic Upgrading.
SAIT evaluates international documents for admissions. After you've applied, consider our international document assessment service if your education is from outside of Canada. SAIT may also accept courses completed at certain international post-secondary institutions.
Direct entry: four-step process
Step 1: Read the program information to see the qualities needed for student success.
Step 2: Ensure that you meet all of the admission requirements listed above.
Step 3: Apply to the program and submit your transcripts.
Admission will be extended on a first-qualified, first-offered basis until the program is full.
Step 4: Continue to monitor your application status through mySAIT.ca.
You must submit final transcripts/grades to show you have completed the courses and met the minimum admission requirements by the transcript deadline or your seat will be rescinded.
This program meets the eligibility criteria for the Post-Graduation Work Permit program for international students as long as the student is enrolled in the on-campus delivery mode or completes more than 50% of the courses on campus (for the blended option). International students attending all classes online will NOT be eligible for a Post-Graduate Work Permit. International students are responsible for maintaining their eligibility throughout their studies.
Communication during admission
Email is the primary source of communication during the admission process. Ensure your personal email account is managed appropriately to receive our emails, files and communications.
We recommend you add hps.info@sait.ca domain to your safe senders' list or you risk missing critical email messages.
When do classes start?
Classes for this program adhere to the following year start and end dates based on the semester the student begins their program.
Classes begin | Year start date | Year end date |
---|---|---|
Fall 2022 | Sept. 6, 2022 | April 28, 2023 |
Spring 2023 | May 8, 2023 | Aug. 23, 2023 |
Fall 2023 | Sept. 5, 2023 | April 26, 2024 |
Courses
Program outline
Looking for course descriptions and requisites? Visit the course catalogue
First Year
Semester 1
Course code | Course name | Credit |
---|---|---|
HCAR-401 | Health Economics | 3.0 |
HCAR-403 | Healthcare Systems and Governance | 3.0 |
LDSH-405 | Leadership | 3.0 |
MNGT-408 | Project and People Management | 3.0 |
Semester 1 Total | 12.0 |
Semester 2
Course code | Course name | Credit |
---|---|---|
HCAR-400 | Emergency Preparedness and Planning | 3.0 |
HCAR-402 | Healthcare Leadership Capstone* | 6.0 |
HCAR-404 | Quality and Performance in Heathcare Services | 3.0 |
LDSH-401 | Applied Leadership | 3.0 |
Semester 2 Total | 15.0 | |
Program Total | 27.0 |
*Please note that completion of this program’s capstone course requires a letter of acknowledgement from a health-related employer or organization indicating approval for the implementation of a capstone project at their organization.
Progression
Students must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better in each semester and pass the necessary prerequisite courses to progress through the program. To qualify for graduation, students must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.
Review our grading and progression procedure >
Transfer options
The opportunity to advance your education by transferring in, within or on from SAIT is available.
Learn more about program and institution partnership agreements.
Costs 2022/23
Domestic tuition and fees
Cost per credit: $296
Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees* | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | $7,992 | $916 | $553 | $9,461 |
Domestic cost per course
Course credits | Course cost |
---|---|
1.5 | $444 |
3.0 | $888 |
International tuition and fees
Cost per credit: $740
Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees* | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | 19,980 | $916 | $553 | $21,429 |
International cost per course
Course credits | Course cost |
---|---|
1.5 | $1,110 |
3.0 | $2,220 |
*Maximum fee. Actual fees may be less and are based on the number of credits a student takes per semester and whether they opt-out of health and dental benefits.
This program is eligible for Canada Alberta Job Grant funding.
SAIT fees
- Campus athletic and recreation fee: $196
- Universal transit pass (Upass): $320
- Student support fee: $200
- Student technology fee: $200
The above fees are based on a course load of nine (9) or more credits per semester. Students taking less than nine (9) credits per semester do not qualify for the UPass. Other fees will be adjusted based on reduced credit load.
Saitsa fees
Student Association fee
- Maximum: $291
This is the maximum amount the student will pay. Actual fees may be less and are based on the number of credits the students take per semester.
Health and dental fees
- Health plan: $127
- Dental plan: $135
Students with existing health and/or dental plans can opt-out. Please refer to Saitsa's website for information.
Students taking less than nine (9) credits per semester do not qualify for health and dental benefits.
Books and supplies*
Books, supplies and uniform are approximately $2,500.
For an estimate of the costs associated with purchasing a computer that meets the program's hardware and software requirements, see our computers and laptops page.
Learn more about tuition and financial aid.
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.
Next steps for incoming students
Have you been accepted to this program? Here's what you'll need for your first day of classes.
✅ Plan ahead ❗️
You are required to complete several health, confidentiality and consent forms before starting your program. All completed and signed paperwork is needed on orientation day.
Ensure you complete all three steps below ahead of orientation.
Get started on pre-orientation requirements
Orientation
Your program orientation (ORNT 118) will be held online on Sept. 6. Check your schedule in mySAIT for the time and location details.
Learn more about campus orientation.
How to register for classes
Course registration opens on Tuesday, Nov. 15 for Winter 2023.
You’ll receive an email from us indicating what registration process you’ll use to enroll in your classes.
Learn more about how to register and the different registration methods used at SAIT.
Computers and laptops
This is a bring your own device program with a standard hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.
Preparation courses
To support your success, short courses are available to you to help prepare you for the academic year:
PERS 050: Student Rights and Responsibilities
This course is designed to introduce you to student rights and responsibilities at SAIT. You will learn about SAIT's rich and diverse community, become familiar with guidelines and procedures that create a safe, respectful learning experience for you, and gain practical tips for how you can engage in the SAIT community in a positive and responsible way. PRES-050 must be completed within 30 days from the start of the semester.
PREP 100: The SAIT Experience
Get tips and insider information on time management, exam preparation, effective notetaking and more through this free, online short course for new students. Plus, learn about discussion boards, online communication and submitting assignments online. Course completion is recommended by the end of your first semester.
Both courses can be accessed through Brightspace (D2L) before the first day of classes.
Students taking a full-time course load, or more than nine (9) credits per semester, will be automatically enrolled in these courses.
They are optional for students taking a part-time course load (9 or fewer credits per semester). Part-time students can register by emailing academic.coaching@sait.ca.
Required textbooks
Find your booklist on the SAIT Bookstore's website. The booklist will be available closer to the program start date.
Can’t find your program or course? The bookstore didn't receive a textbook list. Contact your program directly to determine if they’re still refining course details or if you're in luck, no textbook purchase required this term.
Contact
Phone: 403.284.8481
Email: hps.info@sait.ca
Next steps for all students
Here's what else you'll need to do to get ready!
Next steps for accepted students
Important dates and deadlines
Find important dates applicable to all students, including your transcript and tuition payment deadlines on our Important Dates page.
Have questions about this program?
Contact us at
School of Health and Public Safety
403.284.8500 hps.info@sait.caBook an appointment with an academic advisor