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Mandatory requirements
To apply for this program, you must have previously completed post-secondary studies at an accredited post-secondary institution or provide proof of related work experience.
Review admission requirements for more details.
Overview
The Healthcare Leadership program is tailored for aspiring leaders with existing healthcare experience, focusing on essential skills for navigating the complex healthcare landscape.
You will receive instruction and guidance from seasoned professionals in healthcare and business to:
- learn the fundamental principles to lead and manage healthcare teams
- learn strategies to manage and resolve workplace conflicts
- learn effective ways to interact and communicate within healthcare environments
- gain an understanding of healthcare finances and economics
- gain insight into the structure and policies governing healthcare institutions
- learn about service quality and patient care
- get the tools for measuring and improving healthcare services
- learn how to prepare for and manage emergencies
- develop resilience and the ability to lead confidently through emergencies and unpredictable situations.
This interdisciplinary program culminates in a capstone project that will give you the opportunity to apply your knowledge towards addressing leadership or management challenges in healthcare settings, and demonstrate your ability to innovate and lead effectively.
As a graduate, you will be prepared to pursue various health administration and leadership roles, such as administrative manager, client care manager, client services manager, team lead, and even director of care.
If you seek to positively impact patient outcomes and the efficiency of the healthcare system by mastering the skills needed to lead and innovate in a rapidly evolving industry, this program is for you.
Those in healthcare leadership roles need:
- people skills, including the ability to work well with a variety of different people
- critical thinking
- strong communication skills
- the ability to work well under pressure, maintain professional behaviour and regulate their emotions
- the ability to build consensus
- excellent negotiation skills.
You should enjoy team-building activities and developing, implementing and evaluating plans.
You are strongly encouraged to refer to the ALIS website for career, learning, and employment information for health service administrators.
Upon successful completion of this program, you'll be awarded a SAIT Healthcare Leadership post-diploma certificate.
Careers and opportunities
Each year, SAIT conducts a survey between February and April to determine the employment rate, salary and satisfaction of our newest SAIT alumni.
80% graduate employment rate
$37,440 average starting salary
Find out more about our graduate employment statistics >
Our graduates may work in the following occupations. Some careers require additional experience and education.
Associated National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes: 30010, 41404, 40010, 31300.
Career planning support
Unsure which career path is for you? Here are some recommended career planning resources to help you decide your future.
You can also head to Alberta alis for lots of information about careers in Alberta, including quizzes and labour market information to help you narrow down a path.
Finally, you can take our online career finder quiz, which can help narrow your options based on your current skills and interests.
Courses
The Healthcare Leadership certificate requires 27 credits (eight courses) to complete.
The program spans one year, with two semesters.
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
|
This course introduces the broad elements of crisis or emergency planning for healthcare systems, and the measures that must be implemented on an immediate and ongoing basis. Topics include preparation for the medical, environmental, economic and communication aspects of an emergency, while also examining potential opportunities and consequences of action or inaction. Coursework involves analyzing varied perspectives of managing a crisis (e.g., legal, ethical, historical) while considering disaster psychology. |
3 |
|
This course provides practical tools and techniques for emerging leaders to improve financial decision-making in evolving healthcare settings. Topics include the organization, financing, and utilization of healthcare services. Coursework will apply an analytical toolkit to real-world scenarios and evaluate resource allocation decisions for efficiency and equity implications. |
3 |
|
This course integrates and further develops the learning outcomes of the Healthcare Leadership program. Students will work individually and collaboratively on a series of activities and simulations, which draw from the multiple disciplines within the program to research, analyze, evaluate, and recommend solutions to healthcare management problems. Learners will be expected to apply a wide variety of concepts presented in other courses, including the impact of the problem on organizational culture and performance, leadership, finances, policy and strategic operational goals, and patient safety. Pre-requisites:
Concurrent Prerequisites:
|
6 |
|
This course provides a foundation of governance knowledge tailored for healthcare system leaders, explaining how to effectively meet health governance responsibilities. Tools for developing decision-making competencies will be provided, and topics include components of the governance structure in a healthcare organization. This course will enhance the knowledge of learner in support of their professional progression in healthcare management. |
3 |
|
Using quality assessment measures viewed through a health services lens, learners will explore how to manage emerging performance issues that impact patient safety. Topics include building an organizational culture devoted to quality, how to monitor and report on performance, and expanding learners' understanding of corporate governance as it relates to quality and patient safety. This course provides accountability tools to strengthen the influence of leaders on the organization's performance. |
3 |
|
Leaders are responsible for creating and communicating the vision for their organization and providing the leadership and team management required for the setup to run smoothly. Students will discuss characteristics of successful leaders and how to build an effective team by motivating and inspiring people on the way to creating a corporate culture, advancing their knowledge of leadership through greater understanding and application. Pre-requisites:
|
3 |
|
Business Leadership is a course that will take you on a journey of self discovery as well as an inside look at current perspectives of Leadership today. We all take on leadership roles in our lives. In business, success is often attributed to great leadership. However, today in business this role has evolved as has the business environment. Team work is an essential component of an organization's efficiency and effectiveness. From time to time you may be called upon to take on a leadership role for your work group, even without a title. Throughout this course you will gain the knowledge and skills to help you fulfill your role as a leader through your understanding of personal and organizational leadership. Students should have completed introductory-level coursework in the following area(s) prior to registering for this advanced level course: - Organizational Behaviour Equivalents:
|
3 |
|
This course provides leadership tools to help manage, motivate, influence, and inspire diverse teams and individuals. Learners will develop and demonstrate competence in project oversight, from understanding and assessing project plans through to execution. Coursework combines communication and technical skills with strategies that will enable learners to model resiliency, inclusivity, and guide teams through change or disruption. |
3 |
Progression
You must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better each semester and pass the prerequisite courses to progress through the program.
To qualify for graduation, you must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.
Admission requirements
Applicants educated in Canada
Applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency and meet the following requirements or equivalents:
- a post-secondary diploma or degree in a healthcare discipline from a recognized university, institute, or college.
Alternatively, a post-secondary certificate in combination with relevant work experience may be considered and approved at the discretion of the Academic Chair.
All applicants who were educated outside of Canada must demonstrate English language proficiency and provide proof they meet the program admission requirements outlined above with an international document assessment. Find accepted educational documents and assessment options.
SAIT may also accept courses completed at certain international post-secondary institutions.
Academic Upgrading
Missing an admission requirement for this program? Upgrade your prior education to help you receive admission into one of SAIT's career programs.
English language proficiency
All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.
Transfer agreements
At SAIT, we have created transfer agreements with partner institutions to allow you to earn course credits toward your SAIT program based on your previously completed credentials.
Transfer Alberta search tool
Use the Transfer Alberta search tool to see all transfer agreements between Alberta post-secondary institutions (including those with the University of Calgary, Mount Royal University and Bow Valley College.)
Search transfer agreements in Alberta
There are no formal transfer agreements currently in place for this program.
Transfer options for graduates
When you have completed this program, you may continue your education at a partner post-secondary institution. These transfer agreements include partnerships within and/or outside of Canada.
Available intakes
Fall 2025
Start dates:
- Domestic students: Open
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Application deadline: June 30, 2025
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- International students: Closed
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Application deadline:
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Costs
2025/26 tuition and fees
The following estimated costs are effective as of July 1, 2025.
The estimated total cost of tuition and fees is based on the suggested schedule of study. Following a modified schedule will impact the fees you pay per semester and may alter final costs.
Domestic students
The program total is based on the estimated amount you will pay if you enter this program during the 2025/26 academic year. The program total amount listed on your letter of admission may appear higher. This amount is your maximum tuition guarantee for the program. SAIT will not exceed this maximum, regardless of changes in tuition and fees between academic years.
Books and supplies are approximately $2,500.
This is a bring-your-own-device program with a standard computer hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page. An Apple or Windows-based laptop or tablet is required. Mobile phones are not a suitable alternative.
Find your booklist on the SAIT Bookstore's website. Booklists are created by semester and available approximately two weeks before classes begin.
Financial aid
Paying for your education may feel overwhelming, but we have resources and programs that can help, including information about payment options, student loans, grants and scholarships.
This program is eligible for Canada Alberta Job Grant funding.
Application process
Ready to apply?
Follow our step-by-step guide to submitting a successful application.
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.
Begin your application
Apply now using the online application portal.
Ensure you have a valid Visa or Mastercard to pay the non-refundable application fee of $120 for domestic applicants or $175 for international applicants.
Information sessions
Prepare for a strong start in your chosen program or get the details you need to decide your future path.
Our expert staff and faculty are ready to answer your questions and provide information about the following:
- What sets SAIT apart
- An introduction to the program and area of study
- Admission requirements
- Future career paths
- Information on the earning potential and graduate employment rates.
Contact us
School of Health and Public Safety Advising
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Email - hps.info@sait.ca
International Student Advising
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Phone - 403.284.8852
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Email - international@sait.ca
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Oki, Âba wathtech, Danit'ada, Tawnshi, Hello.
SAIT is located on the traditional territories of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) and the people of Treaty 7 which includes the Siksika, the Piikani, the Kainai, the Tsuut’ina and the Îyârhe Nakoda of Bearspaw, Chiniki and Goodstoney.
We are situated in an area the Blackfoot tribes traditionally called Moh’kinsstis, where the Bow River meets the Elbow River. We now call it the city of Calgary, which is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta.