The successful completion of the Final Capstone Project is required to graduate from the MHI program. This is a group project that represents a synthesis of MHI course content into the design and implementation of an applied innovation project that demonstrates the leadership of innovation. There are two associated capstone project courses, plus a design thinking course. These courses build sequentially upon each other, culminating in the Final Capstone Project. The sequence is as follows:
- Fundamentals of Design Thinking in Healthcare (3 credits)
- Capstone 1 (3 credits)
- Capstone 2 (3 credits)
In the design thinking course, the elements of human centered design are explored. The outcome of that course is intended to be a prototype for the Capstone courses.
In Capstone 1, activities focus on the implementation of innovation. Experiential learning supports the implementation process, such as evaluating how innovation, leadership, and culture impact organizational performance in a local, work, or community setting.
In Capstone 2, activities focus on implementation and evaluation of the Capstone project; principles of program development, implementation, and evaluation focused on policy, communication, and outcome measurement. This course also incorporates experiential learning. The Final Capstone Project course allows student groups to integrate the concepts applied in the previous capstone courses, and throughout the MHI curriculum.
The MHI program strongly emphasizes the application of the program concepts via tailored, hands-on experiential learning activities. Each course listed is a practicum course that will be supervised by a primary preceptor in the setting in which the capstone course experiences occur. The student, preceptor, and faculty of record will develop an individualized set of learning objectives and activities within the overall objectives for each capstone course, within a goal of a substantiated immersion and application of the course concepts. Capstone practicum hours will be consistent with the numbers of credits for each course:
- Capstone 1: 37.5 hours
- Capstone 2: 37.5 hours
Students will keep a log of capstone clock hours that will be verified and approved by the faculty of record and capstone preceptor.