Deciding to pursue a master’s degree is a big decision. Most of those who enter a graduate degree program such as an online MHA program (Master of Healthcare Administration) are working professionals who already have busy schedules.
Trying to earn a master’s degree on top of existing obligations is difficult. However, it is a worthwhile investment especially for those who work in healthcare and want to move into decision-making roles on the business side. Completing an online MHA program can open the door to leadership positions in many different work environments.
Potential Jobs with An Online MHA
Those who earn an online MHA have expertise in business strategy as it relates to the complex healthcare industry. They have the skills to lead a variety of medical facilities, including hospitals, a network of doctors’ clinics, long-term care facilities and community healthcare centers. In addition, they can also lead a large clinical department within a medical facility, such as surgery or physical therapy. Some may focus on managing business areas such as electronic healthcare records.
How does an online MHA program prepare graduates for taking on such jobs? The following looks at coursework and student outcomes in such a program, using the highly regarded program at Boston College as an example.
Online MHA Program Coursework
The Boston College online MHA program uses a competency-based education model that was created in collaboration with healthcare employers. It is designed to ensure that graduates have the knowledge and skills needed to move into positions of responsibility in the industry.
The coursework in the program reflects the commitment to teaching students not only theory but also the practical application of that theory in the workplace. Courses include:
Blueprints of Care: Mapping Health Systems and Structures for Population Health. Provides students with an overview of healthcare services in the United States, including their historical development within a unique social, economic, and political environment.
From Capitol to Clinic: The Intersection of Health Policy and Practice. Explores social and economic implications of contemporary healthcare policies. Emphasis is placed on how public policy influences human resources/capacity, values, needs, reimbursements, and regulation of individuals, insurers, and medical and healthcare organizations.
The Price of Care: Financial Decision-Making in Healthcare. Provides an understanding of the economic drivers that effect patients, providers, and payers across the health-related industries.
The Architecture of Strategy: Generating Sustainable Healthcare Paradigms. Provides methods to evaluate organizational performance and productivity, analyze internal and external resources, and perform needs assessment.
AI and Emerging Technologies: Ethical Applications in Products, Services, and Marketing. Provides a practical overview of the foundational marketing disciplines and communication channels and their applications to healthcare, pharma, biotech, and medtech industries in the digital age.
Human-Centered Healthcare: Executive Perspectives for AI Implementation. Equips healthcare leaders with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) into healthcare business strategies. Students will learn to utilize AI-based tools and applications to enhance business productivity, decision-making, and innovation.
Students also learn about healthcare law and ethics, among other issues related to the industry.
Advantage of Online MHA Programs
Online coursework allows students more flexibility in how they approach their education. Again, using the Boston College online MHA program as an example, the advantages of online classes include:
Self-Paced and Faculty-Led Elements. Courses include self-paced elements you can work through on your own and real-time interactions and meetings with faculty instructors and classmates.
Interaction. The online system allows students to interact and collaborate on projects.
Executive coach. Each student has a coach who can help students create a personalized professional development plan and set career goals.
Seven-week format. Students often take two courses per semester with a one-week break in between. This format allows students to complete the degree at their own pace, usually in one to two years.
Entering an online MHA program is a smart step for ambitious healthcare professionals who have a bachelor’s degree and want to take the next step in their career. With the online option now available, there is no better time to get your MHA than now.