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Quality improvement specialist education requirements
Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
There are several educational requirements to become a quality improvement specialist. Quality improvement specialists usually study nursing, business, or psychology. 57% of quality improvement specialists hold a bachelor's degree, and 22% hold an master's degree. We analyzed 1,215 real quality improvement specialist resumes to see exactly what quality improvement specialist education sections show.
The most common colleges for quality improvement specialists are the University of Phoenix and the University of Phoenix.
There are also many online quality improvement specialist courses to help get the education required to be a quality improvement specialist.
There are certain quality improvement specialist certifications that you should consider. These quality improvement specialist certifications include Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) and Six Sigma Green Belt.
What education do you need to become a quality improvement specialist?
What degree do you need to be a quality improvement specialist?
- Bachelor's, 57%
- Master's, 22%
- Associate, 14%
- Diploma, 2%
- Other Degrees, 5%
What should I major in to become a quality improvement specialist?
- Nursing, 28%
- Business, 16%
- Psychology, 11%
- Social Work, 6%
- Other Majors, 39%
Most common colleges for quality improvement specialists
| Quality improvement specialist common college | Percentages |
|---|---|
| University of Phoenix | 16.91% |
| Florida International University | 6.62% |
| University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point | 5.88% |
| Southern Illinois University Carbondale | 5.88% |
| University of South Carolina - Columbia | 5.88% |
Best majors for quality improvement specialists
| Rank | Major | Percentages |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nursing | 27.5% |
| 2 | Business | 16.3% |
| 3 | Psychology | 11.2% |
| 4 | Social Work | 5.9% |
| 5 | Health Care Administration | 5.6% |
Best colleges for quality improvement specialists
The best colleges for quality improvement specialists are University of Pennsylvania, University of Southern California, and Georgetown University.
A quality improvement specialist with advanced education typically earns a higher salary and has access to better jobs. That's why Zippia looked into the best colleges for quality improvement specialists. We based this list on several metrics: admissions rate, retention rate, mean earnings of graduates, the ratio of working vs. non-working students ten years after admission, the average cost of attendance, and median debt for graduates who become quality improvement specialists.
1. Western Carolina University
Cullowhee, NC • Private
In-state tuition
$3,926
Enrollment
9,835
2. University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$56,225
Enrollment
19,548
3. University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA • Private
In-state tuition
$55,584
Enrollment
10,764
4. Georgetown University
Washington, DC • Private
In-state tuition
$54,104
Enrollment
7,089
5. New York University
New York, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$51,828
Enrollment
26,339
6. Ball State University
Muncie, IN • Private
In-state tuition
$9,896
Enrollment
15,529
7. Duke University
Durham, NC • Private
In-state tuition
$55,695
Enrollment
6,596
8. Howard University
Washington, DC • Private
In-state tuition
$26,756
Enrollment
6,166
9. Bowling Green State University
Bowling Green, OH • Private
In-state tuition
$11,105
Enrollment
13,729
10. San Diego State University
San Diego, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$7,488
Enrollment
30,018
20 best online courses for quality improvement specialists
Advertising disclosure
1. Quality Improvement in Healthcare
Health systems worldwide seek to prevent and treat disease and illness and improve well-being and quality of life. This specialisation focuses on improving the quality of the services provided by these systems. The specialisation content is based on the academic literature and research in quality improvement, comprehensively illustrated with real-life practical examples.You will hear from leaders in the field, including a range of guest speakers to support your learning. In this specialisation,...
2. Data Science Methods for Quality Improvement
Data analysis skills are widely sought by employers, both nationally and internationally. This specialization is ideal for anyone interested in data analysis for improving quality and processes in business and industry. The skills taught in this specialization have been used extensively to improve business performance, quality, and reliability.\n\nBy completing this specialization, you will improve your ability to analyze data and interpret results as well as gain new skills, such as using...
3. Mastering the Seven Basic Quality Improvement Tools [2022]
Master the 7 QC tools for process improvement using MS Excel + Certification 2 case studies included...
4. 7 Quality Tools for Quality Management and Improvements.
A complete Crash Course on the 7 Basic Tools for Quality Management and its Implementation using MS Excel...
5. Quality Improvement for Population Health
Quality improvement methods were first deployed in healthcare in e hospital settings. However, over the past decade particularly, there has been increasing focus on the application of these methods in improving population and public health. In this course, you will apply a combination of both approaches to population health improvement. You will also learn how to study and evaluate large improvement initiatives to capture learning effectively. Learning Objectives: Apply quality improvement...
6. Value-Based Care: Managing Processes to Improve Outcomes
COURSE 3 of 7. This course is designed to introduce you to critical office-based processes that a value-based practice must manage in the drive towards improved patient outcomes. In Module 2, we’ll focus on office-based and clinical patient-based supporting functions. At every level in healthcare, guidelines, processes, and functions exist to improve outcomes, and following a consistent process will return the best effect. Refine your understanding of value and learn strategies to provide real...
7. Data Quality Fundamentals
Understand key concepts, principles and terminology related to Data Quality...
8. Cost of Quality Analysis and Reporting using Microsoft Excel
Expertly collect, analyze and present quality cost data (using Microsoft Excel) to help drive continual improvement...
9. Total Data Quality
This specialization aims to explore the Total Data Quality framework in depth and provide learners with more information about the detailed evaluation of total data quality that needs to happen prior to data analysis. The goal is for learners to incorporate evaluations of data quality into their process as a critical component for all projects. We sincerely hope to disseminate knowledge about total data quality to all learners, such as data scientists and quantitative analysts, who have not had...
10. Certified Quality Process Analyst Training
Certified Quality Process Analyst (CQPA) Exam Preparation Course - Confidently Pass the Exam on the First Attempt...
11. Kaizen Practitioner Masterclass for Quality Management.
Structured Approach to identify and Eliminate waste in Business for Continuous Improvement & Quality Management...
12. ISO 9001:2015-Quality Management System Implementation & Audit
Learn how to Implement and Audit a Quality Management System as per ISO 9001: 2015...
13. ISO 9001:2015 Quality management system auditor
Upgrade your career by learning how to implement and audit a quality management system according to ISO 9001...
14. Data Quality Masterclass - The Complete Course
Learn Data Quality Management from A to Z. This complete guide covers all Data Quality Principles, Techniques and more...
15. Quality Management Systems:Management and Control of Quality
Learn to Build, Implement, and Sustain a Performance Excellence Culture into Your Organisation...
16. Continuous Improvement Tools
Essential Lean Tools and Techniques for Business Process Improvement, Operational Excellence, and Customer Satisfaction...
17. Quality Systems, Models and Theories
Understand, Develop and Implement Quality Systems for Success and Profit...
18. Process Improvement
#1 Process Improvement course: The step by step guide on how to deliver effective and lasting process improvements...
19. Data Warehouse ETL Testing & Data Quality Management A-Z
ETL Testing and Data Quality Management for beginners with practical exercises and certificate of completion...
20. ISO9001 Quality Management System
Learn why your business should be using Quality Management TODAY and create your own QMS (Quality Management System)...
Top 10 most affordable universities for quality improvement specialists
The most affordable schools for quality improvement specialists are Baruch College of the City University of New York, suny farmingdale, and california state university - bakersfield.
If the best universities for quality improvement specialists are out of your price range, check out these affordable schools. After factoring in in-state tuition and fees, the average cost of attendance, admissions rate, average net price, and mean earnings after six years, we found that these are the most affordable schools for quality improvement specialists.
1. Baruch College of the City University of New York
New York, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$7,262
Cost of attendance
14,046
2. SUNY Farmingdale
Farmingdale, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$8,306
Cost of attendance
16,091
3. California State University - Bakersfield
Bakersfield, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$7,309
Cost of attendance
16,714
4. Florida International University
Miami, FL • Private
In-state tuition
$6,556
Cost of attendance
19,434
5. California State University - Long Beach
Long Beach, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$6,798
Cost of attendance
18,306
6. University of South Florida
Tampa, FL • Private
In-state tuition
$6,410
Cost of attendance
20,456
7. Florida Atlantic University
Boca Raton, FL • Private
In-state tuition
$4,831
Cost of attendance
19,559
8. Minot State University
Minot, ND • Private
In-state tuition
$7,064
Cost of attendance
15,576
9. University of Florida
Gainesville, FL • Private
In-state tuition
$6,381
Cost of attendance
21,034
10. California State University - Dominguez Hills
Carson, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$6,942
Cost of attendance
14,469
Top 10 hardest universities to get into for quality improvement specialists
The hardest universities for quality improvement specialists to get into are University of Pennsylvania, University of Southern California, and Georgetown University.
Some great schools for quality improvement specialists are hard to get into, but they also set your career up for greater success. The list below shows the most challenging universities to get into for quality improvement specialists based on an institution's admissions rates, average SAT scores accepted, median ACT scores accepted, and mean earnings of students six years after admission.
1. University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA • Private
Admissions rate
8%
SAT average
1,492
2. University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA • Private
Admissions rate
13%
SAT average
1,445
3. Georgetown University
Washington, DC • Private
Admissions rate
15%
SAT average
1,456
4. New York University
New York, NY • Private
Admissions rate
20%
SAT average
1,419
5. Northwestern University
Evanston, IL • Private
Admissions rate
8%
SAT average
1,508
6. Duke University
Durham, NC • Private
Admissions rate
9%
SAT average
1,516
7. George Washington University, The
Washington, DC • Private
Admissions rate
42%
SAT average
1,380
8. Northeastern University
Boston, MA • Private
Admissions rate
19%
SAT average
1,466
9. Boston University
Boston, MA • Private
Admissions rate
22%
SAT average
1,420
10. Stanford University
Stanford, CA • Private
Admissions rate
4%
SAT average
1,497
Top 10 easy-to-apply-to universities for quality improvement specialists
The easiest schools for quality improvement specialists to get into are D'Youville College, mount saint mary's university, and barry university.
Some schools are much easier to get into. If you want to start your career as a quality improvement specialist without much hassle, check out the list of schools where you will be accepted in no time. We compiled admissions rates, average SAT scores, average ACT scores, and average salary of students six years after graduation to uncover which were the easiest schools to get into for quality improvement specialists.
1. D'Youville College
Buffalo, NY • Private
Admissions rate
100%
SAT average
1,072
2. Mount Saint Mary's University
Los Angeles, CA • Private
Admissions rate
84%
SAT average
1,031
3. Barry University
Miami, FL • Private
Admissions rate
91%
SAT average
1,006
4. Felician University
Lodi, NJ • Private
Admissions rate
81%
SAT average
999
5. University of the Incarnate Word
San Antonio, TX • Private
Admissions rate
88%
SAT average
1,044
6. Holy Names University
Oakland, CA • Private
Admissions rate
70%
SAT average
849
7. Notre Dame College
Cleveland, OH • Private
Admissions rate
90%
SAT average
994
8. Gwynedd Mercy University
Gwynedd Valley, PA • Private
Admissions rate
92%
SAT average
1,031
9. Kean University
Union, NJ • Private
Admissions rate
86%
SAT average
991
10. Holy Family University
Philadelphia, PA • Private
Admissions rate
72%
SAT average
1,017
Average quality improvement specialist salary by education level
| Quality improvement specialist education level | Quality improvement specialist salary |
|---|---|
| Master's Degree | $81,047 |
| Bachelor's Degree | $72,313 |
| Doctorate Degree | $82,721 |
| Some College/ Associate Degree | $61,252 |
Quality improvement specialist education FAQs
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Updated January 8, 2025
Updated January 8, 2025