Systematization of the transition experience to the new curriculum in the Health Services Administration program in distance education: management strategies and challenges (2022-2025)

Abstract

In response to environmental demands, the updating of the curriculum is established as a strategic process to strengthen professional training. From this perspective, we present the experience of transitioning to the new Health Services Administration curriculum at the Distance State University of Costa Rica, developed during the 2022–2025 period. The objective is to document the academic management strategies, the main challenges faced, and the lessons learned based on the experience of implementing the new curriculum.

The qualitative analysis methodology included various information sources, such as a documentary review of the process —including career council minutes, curriculum design documents, and institutional guidelines— as well as the application of surveys directed to faculty members, students, graduates, course coordinators, and employers. Additionally, a comparative analysis of external references on trends in health education and distance learning was conducted.

The documentary review provided the foundation for curriculum design, the surveys provided of key stakeholders perspectives on training needs and content updates, and the analysis of external references facilitated the contextualization of the process in relation to current trends. The information was organized and analyzed based on categories related to management strategies, challenges, and lessons learned.

The results highlight the importance of participatory planning, faculty training, timely communication with students, and institutional coordination. It was concluded that the process strengthens academic management and consolidates a culture of continuous improvement in distance higher education.