OXFORD, Miss. – The University of Mississippi School of Business Administration and University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Health Related Professions have launched a new part-time option for the online master of health care administration program.
“The new three year, part-time option is a response to the demand we have seen from mid-career professionals, eager to pursue the program and ultimately land leadership roles in the health care industry,” said Bethany Cooper, director of corporate relations and MBA/MHA services. “Students enrolled part time would take two courses each semester – fall, spring and summer – finishing in three years. The MHA program is a great collaboration between the UMMC and the School of Business.”
Cooper said that due to the industry growing and changing rapidly, there is a need for bright, creative talent.
“The cutting-edge, online program is designed to provide graduates an opportunity to assume upper-level managerial and leadership roles within the health care delivery system,” she said.
Administrators and faculty on both campuses expressed their support for the new program.
“Faculty from our health sciences campus, along with faculty from the School of Business Administration, provide a powerful team approach to instruction,” said Chancellor Dan Jones. “I am pleased the University of Mississippi will offer opportunities for people interested in the field of health administration. This offering should be a valuable opportunity for individuals seeking to make a difference in the world.”
“We are very excited about this partnership with the Medical Center since it will give our students a new opportunity in a growing market with much-needed management and business skills,” said Ken Cyree, dean of the business school. “The ability for MHA graduates to provide administration skills while learning the basics of how hospitals operate will put these graduates in an excellent position to add value to our medical providers. I expect the program to be a great success and we look forward to providing this opportunity to our students.”
“The program will include an internship to ensure that graduates are ready to meet the demands of the workplace upon graduation,” said Clyde Deschamp, professor and chair of general health professions. “The job outlook and earnings potential of health care administrators is very good. The mean annual wage for all health care managers in 2009 was $90,970. Hospital executives may earn considerably more with a mean salary exceeding $400,000.”
For more details about the Master of Health Care Administration program, visit http://www.olemissbusiness.com/mha/