“Our program has a strong foundation in finance, accounting and process improvement as well as timely healthcare issues,” said Karoline Mortensen, professor of health sector management and policy and director of the MHA program. “We also have the flexibility to accommodate students with varying career interests with elective courses on marketing, entrepreneurship and other topics.”

 

The first MHA class will begin in August, and students can complete the 40-credit program in just 18 months, with the option of taking longer if needed to accommodate career or personal responsibilities.  Approximately 20 applicants will be accepted in order to ensure each student receives personal attention and guidance. 

 

“We’ve had a great deal of interest from South Florida healthcare professionals in the early stage of their careers, as well as graduating seniors who want to continue their business education in this dynamic sector,” said  Steven G. Ullmann, chair and professor, health sector management and policy, and director of the business school’s Center for Health Sector Management and Policy. “Other applicants include future physicians seeking to boost their business skills before entering medical school.”

 

Like UM’s well-established Executive MBA in Health Sector Management and Policy program for senior healthcare professionals, the new MHA program is attracting prospective students from around the country, Ullmann added.

 

“Miami is the gateway to the Americas, and many healthcare providers and businesses are actively seeking young professionals with multilingual and multicultural backgrounds who have a global perspective,” he said.  “Healthcare is also a major contributor to South Florida’s economy, and our MHA students will be able to apply their skills here in our region or anywhere else in the world.”

 

For the University of Miami MHA students, one of the benefits is a paid internship position, arranged by the School of Business with local, regional or national healthcare organizations.  “The demand for highly trained business leaders who can successfully navigate this changing sector has never been stronger,” Ullmann said.

 

“Because of our school’s great reputation, many providers are already inquiring about internships that allow them to connect with talented young professionals.”

 

Mortensen added that the UM program fits nicely in spectrum of healthcare graduate education offerings, which range from a traditional master of business administration (MBA) to a master of public health (MPH) program that focuses on delivery of care and services to large populations.

 

“We are blending the business and population health perspectives, while placing an emphasis on strategic thinking and leadership skills,” she said. “Our MHA students will bring the best of both worlds to healthcare organizations, businesses and their own entrepreneurial ventures.  We are looking forward to welcoming our first class this summer as we get this new program off to a great start.”