Demand for Master of Health Administration (MHA) degrees has steadily increased, and programs are continually working with industry leaders to build programs that make a difference while preparing the next generation of leaders. A 28% increase in demand for health administration leaders is expected over the next 15 years as people transition out of healthcare, due to attrition, retirement and career shifts.
To meet the dynamic healthcare environment head-on, this past year, the UNMC College of Public Health’s Master of Health Administration program added two new courses, Health Administration Law and Health Administration Leadership. The program also moved to be fully online and reduced the credit requirements from 46 to 41 credits. Degree programs that build skills and prepare professionals to lead health care organizations are adapting and bringing innovative courses and delivery methods. With the expansion of healthcare, comes the need for dynamic and impactful leadership which the program has worked to do.
“Tailoring and expanding the reach of the MHA program is a high priority for the College of Public Health. We want a program that is applied in its content and training experiences so that our graduates will be effective immediately as health administrators. A key goal to meet the demand and to be flexible was to move the program into a fully online, asynchronous format to accommodate a broader audience, such as those in full-time employment who sought additional credentials for career advancement being recognized as a destination school for premier training in health administration.”
Ronnie Horner, PhD, Department Chair, Department of Health Services Research & Administration, UNMC College of Public Health.
As the demand for professionals grows and healthcare continues to transition “We see interest from career changers who want to bring their expertise to healthcare administration and clinicians looking to grow in their administrative and leadership skills,” Horner added.