Competency Based Education

As a dual-accredited program in CAHME and AASCB, the Army-Baylor Program uses a competency model to define the skills and knowledge expected from our graduates. These six competencies (three core and three enabling) align with our Program’s mission and desired student outcomes.  

The Army-Baylor program prepares early and mid-career Military Officers, Department of Defense (DoD), and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) civilians to play pivotal roles in healthcare administration in the 21st century. Our curriculum, centered on three core and three enabling competencies, provides the breadth and depth of knowledge, skills, and abilities that set our students to address the spectrum of modern healthcare leadership challenges. 

During the didactic year, Army-Baylor Program students are exposed to different teaching and learning methods. The Army-Baylor Program focuses on higher-level learning to engage students in active participation. A typical Army-Baylor Program student will spend approximately 58% of time on higher-level teaching and learning methods during the didactic year. This will increase to over 90% of higher-level teaching and learning time during the residency year.

Higher-level teaching and learning methods examples used during the didactic year include:

• In-class presentations
• Cases
• Team activities
• Simulations
• Reflective learning
• Strategic/consulting projects

Lower-level teaching and learning method examples include:

• Readings
• Lectures with media/without media
• Guest speakers

The Army-Baylor Program uses a variety of assessment methods that reflect academic rigor.

Examples of higher-level assessments during the didactic year include:

• Synthesis, analysis-based exams
• Case review and feedback
• Team assessments
• Class participation
• Strategic consulting projects
• Journals
• Reflective Modeling

Examples of lower-level assessments during the didactic year include:

• Summary papers/reports
• Pre/post knowledge or skills testing

An Army-Baylor student will be assessed using higher-level assessment methods about 75% of the time during the didactic year. During the residency year, an Army-Baylor resident will be assessed using higher-level assessments.

With 100% placement in the federal health system, most graduates will receive an entry- to mid-level management position. The Army-Baylor Program competencies nest into the executive level Joint Medical Executive Skills Institute (JMESI) Core Curriculum competencies.

We deliver our program through instruction by highly qualified faculty engaged in scholarship and practice, field experiences with our alumni and other practitioners, and extensive professional networking. 

In 2021, the Army-Baylor faculty developed this competency model to better capture program-level competencies related to the MHA, dual MHA/MBA degree program, and residency year. Army-Baylor students are offered the unique opportunity to attend residency at a Military Treatment Facility (MTF), VA hospital, or a reputable civilian health care partner such as Mayo, Cleveland Clinic, Methodist, and so forth. 

In 2022, the Army-Baylor faculty presented the new competency model to the annual AUPHA conference showcasing the development and continuous improvement present in competency based development. 

The Army-Baylor Competency Model Narrative

Understanding these program opportunities, the new Army-Baylor Program competency model accounts for the common need across any major federal or civilian health system for our graduates to be competent in knowledge in health systems management, business administration, and decision-making.  

Last Updated: 2022/09/06