UNMC and the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) have established a memorandum of understanding (MOU) creating a dual-degree model pairing a Master of Business Administration with a handful of allied health graduate degrees.
The NU Board of Regents on Friday heard a report of the MOU between the UNO College of Business Administration and the UNMC College of Allied Health Professions. UNMC will serve as the home campus for students enrolled in a UNO MBA track paired with a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT); Master of Perfusion Sciences (MPS); or Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS).
“The CAHP is delighted to be added to the partnership with the UNO College of Business Administration,” said Kyle Meyer, PhD, dean of the College of Allied Health Professions. “The dual degree program is another great example of how collaboration between the campuses results in value added, cost effective education for students.”
Allied health is the latest UNMC college to collaborate with UNO on an MBA dual degree program. UNMC and UNO have similar dual degree agreements in nursing, medicine, pharmacy and public health.
“The UNO MBA program is thrilled to expand our partnership with UNMC in providing additional dual-degree offerings for professional students,” said Kristi Lynch, director of UNO’s MBA program. “There is a growing need in health care for individuals who not only have expertise in clinical skills, but also possess the business acumen necessary to lead the organizations in which they’re employed.”
The health care industry often requires those in leadership positions to navigate complex issues associated with patient care, operations, change management and public policy. Students jointly pursuing education in an allied health profession and in business would be uniquely prepared not only for health care practice, but also for taking on key decision making roles in health care organizations.
The dual degree opportunity is available immediately. While this is a jointly offered dual degree program, students will need to apply separately at both UNMC (for the health professions programs) and UNO (for business).
“We greatly enjoy having UNMC students at UNO,” Lynch said. “They represent many unique perspectives and professional backgrounds, which further strengthens the rich diversity of our classrooms and the overall experience for all of our MBA students.”
The establishment of the programs will require no additional faculty, staff or state dollars.