Dr. Alwyn Leiba
By Daniel Casciato
An Associate in Science (AS) degree in Health Services Management is a program designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to manage health care facilities. This program is becoming increasingly popular due to the growing demand for health care professionals in various settings.
Miami Dade College (MDC) will soon be offering a new AS Degree in Health Services Management. The program will be available in a blended format starting in Fall 2023. This program is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to manage health care facilities and is unique in its approach to education.
The AS in Health Services Management program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive and advanced understanding of the health care field. Students will learn about legal and ethical responsibilities within the health care system, current issues in health care, health care management concepts, health care quality management, and human resources. Graduates will be well-prepared for entry-level careers in hospitals, physicians’ offices, clinical departments, medical practices, and medical insurance agencies.
The benefits of pursuing an AS in Health Services Management include acquiring an in-depth understanding of the healthcare industry, developing skills in legal and ethical responsibilities, gaining knowledge of healthcare quality management, and preparing for entry-level careers in healthcare management. With a focus on providing a comprehensive education that prepares students for the ever-changing healthcare industry, an AS in Health Services Management is an excellent choice for those seeking a career in this rewarding field.
Dr. Alwyn Leiba, Dean of MDC’s School of Health Sciences, explains that the program was created in response to the growing need for health care professionals in Miami-Dade County and Monroe County, as well as the shortage of health care workers during the pandemic.
“We saw there was a need for health care workers, and our community partners also expressed their needs for this profession,” says Dr. Leiba. “Therefore, we conducted research and found out that there is an expected growth of 14.4 percent, according to the Florida Department of Economic Opportunities in Workforce Development Area 23, which is Miami-Dade County and Monroe County.”
One of the unique features of MDC’s Health Sciences program is its partnerships and collaborations with the health care community. Dr. Leiba emphasizes the importance of supporting community needs and states that MDC developed this program in response to our community partners’ needs. These collaborations ensure that MDC students are well-prepared for the demands of the health care industry.
As the health care industry continues to evolve and adapt to changing demands, Dr. Leiba notes that MDC’s Health Sciences programs will remain at the forefront of education. “With a large population of the baby-boomers reaching an advance age and individuals living longer and remaining active later in life, there will be an increased demand for health care services personnel,” he says. “Hence there will be a greater demand for physicians, health care workers, medical procedures, and health care facilities. As a result, there will be a greater need for managers to supervise the various health care settings.”
For more information, visit www.mdc.edu/health-sciences/
