Online Master of Clinical & Healthcare Operations Management
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“The healthcare system relies on so many professionals working behind the scenes so that clinical services can be offered and operated to enhance the quality of life of patients, clients, and the population. These healthcare professionals ensure all the resources are available for clinicians and other healthcare providers.”
Reza Amini, PhD, Associate Professor of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Michigan-Flint
Healthcare is a constantly evolving, dynamic field, with new challenges and opportunities being created every day. A specialized degree such as a master’s in clinical and healthcare operations management helps students understand the industry and its developments. Many universities offer online master’s programs in healthcare management, thus helping working professionals take their careers to the next level while studying at their own pace.
An MS in clinical and healthcare operations generally comprises 30 to 36 credits and can be completed in two years. The coursework typically includes topics such as human resource development, finance for healthcare, clinical informatics, long-term care management, and leadership in a healthcare organization. Students are introduced to the day-to-day challenges that healthcare organizations face and how they can ethically overcome these. They are also encouraged to reduce business expenses, develop new administrative plans, and bring about an overall positive transformation in their organization.
This article examines exceptional online master’s programs in clinical and healthcare management and three notable faculty members teaching them.
Meet the Expert: Reza Amini, PhD, MD, MPH
Dr. Reza Amini is an associate professor of public health and health sciences at the University of Michigan-Flint, bringing over 15 years of experience as a general practitioner in Iran and cofounding a clinic for individuals with substance abuse disorders. His impactful contributions span teaching graduate and undergraduate courses, receiving the Dr. Lois Matz Rosen Junior Faculty Excellence in Teaching Award, and researching crucial topics like healthcare utilization, aging, and disability.
Dr. Amini’s dedication extends to serving as a councilor in the American Public Health Association, contributing to editorial boards, and leading funded projects to advance healthcare outcomes and promote health equity. He holds a PhD in sociology from the University of North Texas, a master’s of public health with a focus on gerontology from the University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, and a doctorate of medicine from Shiraz University of Medical Sciences.
MHAOnline.com: What is something you wish the public understood about master’s degrees in clinical and healthcare operations?
Dr. Amini: The healthcare system relies on so many professionals working behind the scenes so that clinical services can be offered and operated to enhance the quality of life of patients, clients, and the population. These healthcare professionals ensure all the resources are available for clinicians and other healthcare providers. These services include, but are not limited to, financial management, quality management, resource allocation, supply chain management, and policy development.
Our MS in healthcare management prepares healthcare professionals and other individuals with experience in the healthcare industry to gain the applied knowledge and skills to perform such duties as healthcare managers, CEOs, and other similar roles.
MHAOnline.com: What advice would you give to aspiring students seeking a master’s degree in clinical and healthcare operations?
Dr. Amini: It is critical to set long-term and multiple short-term goals based on background, skills, and self-assessments. In our program, we have faculty advisors who help prospective students learn more about the program and how it can assist them in achieving their goals. Our faculty advisors work with students to ensure they meet the expectations and succeed in their program.
Meet the Expert: Natallia Gray, PhD, CPHQ, CLSSBB, CHEC
Dr. Natallia Gray is the assistant dean for the Ivy College of Business, where she also serves as the director of graduate education for healthcare analytics and operations and the director of the healthcare management program. As an associate teaching professor in the Department of Management and Entrepreneurship, Dr. Gray teaches courses on healthcare quality management and healthcare economics.
Dr. Gray’s research interests encompass healthcare management, health economics, and policy. She earned her PhD in healthcare economics, a master’s of science in economics from the University of South Florida, and a bachelor’s of science in economics from the University of Southern Maine. In addition to her academic roles, she has served as a Hospital Trustee for the City of Ames at Mary Greeley Medical Center since January 2021.
MHAOnline.com: What is something you wish the public understood about master’s degrees in clinical and healthcare operations?
Dr Gray: The healthcare industry increasingly demands advanced data analytics and business intelligence. The master of healthcare analytics and operations (MHAO) at Iowa State University’s Ivy College of Business is a 30-credit online program tailored for working professionals in the healthcare industry. Ranked #6 among online master’s programs in healthcare analytics, it focuses on healthcare analytics and data management. The program can be completed in as little as 15 months and prepares students for the Certified Health Data Analyst (CHDA) exam.
MHAOnline.com: What advice would you give to aspiring students seeking a master’s degree in clinical and healthcare operations?
Dr. Gray: The advice I would give to aspiring students:
- Discuss with your employer if tuition assistance is offered, as many healthcare organizations invest in their workforce’s education.
- Take advantage of the program’s online format to balance studies with professional and personal commitments.
- Aim to sit for the Certified Health Data Analyst (CHDA) exam, which the program supports.
- Engage with peers, instructors, and industry professionals to build a robust professional network.
Featured MS in Clinical & Healthcare Operations Management (and Related Programs)
George Washington University offers an online master’s of science in health sciences (MSHS) in clinical operations and healthcare management. This rigorous program aligns with the Health Leadership Competency Model the National Center for Healthcare Leadership introduced. This online program’s curriculum also follows the Competencies Assessment Tool Model developed by the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE).
Admission requirements for the program include a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution, a grade point average of 3.0 or above, a written statement, official transcripts from all previously attended schools, and proof of English language proficiency for international students. Previous work experience in healthcare is also preferred.
The program comprises 36 credits and prepares students to become leaders in clinical operations. The curriculum includes courses such as human resource development; leadership and change; strategic communications; applications in clinical operations and healthcare management; healthcare systems operations; and finance for healthcare operations specialists. Students will learn how to enhance efficiency and financial stability in healthcare operations, analyze data and promote strategic development, and improve the overall performance of a healthcare organization.
At the end of the program, graduates can take up roles such as clinical managers or supervisors, clinical laboratory operations supervisors, clinical program leads, vice presidents of operations, and directors of clinical operations. Graduates are also eligible to join healthcare associations such as the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE), the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS), and The Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA).
- Location: Washington, DC, United States of America
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Expected Time to Completion: 24 months
The University of Scranton offers an online MBA (master of business administration) specializing in healthcare management. The program is ideal for students seeking a career in healthcare operations and management.
Applicants to the program must submit proof of three years of professional work experience, transcripts from all schools attended, and proof of English proficiency for international students, among other documentation.
The MBA program comprises 36 to 48 credits and trains students to make an impact in their healthcare organization. Core coursework includes accounting for management, financial management, and management information systems. Courses in the healthcare management concentration include hospital administration, global health management, introduction to health informatics, and healthcare law.
The program educates students on case laws and research statutes related to healthcare, helps them examine organizational and structural changes, and promotes ethical leadership. Graduates can pursue opportunities in healthcare and enterprises such as healthcare management companies, medical practices, pharmaceutical companies, and biotech firms. Some of the roles they can take up include hospital administrator, healthcare consultant, pharmaceuticals project manager, healthcare services director of program management, and medical practice manager.
Notably, the University of Scranton also offers an online MBA with a specialization in operations management. This concentration includes courses such as supply chain management, data mining, project and change management, business forecasting models, quality management, and production planning and control.
- Location: Scranton, Pennsylvania
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE); Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- Expected Time to Completion: 24 months
The University of Michigan offers an online master of science program in healthcare management, preparing students for executive leadership roles in the field. This innovative online degree innovatively incorporates healthcare administration knowledge with business management skills, offered collaboratively through the University of Michigan’s Department of Public Health & Health Sciences (PHHS) and the School of Management (SOM).
With both part-time and full-time options, this 30-credit online master’s degree can be completed in as few as 22 months. The curriculum includes courses such as applications of strategic management in healthcare systems; healthcare marketing strategies; applications of financial management in healthcare; performance management in healthcare organizations; legal issues in healthcare; and health information management for administrators.
Admission requirements to the program include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university, a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0, two years of post-baccalaureate, professional work experience, official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, a current resume, two letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and TOEFL or IELTS scores for international students. GRE or GMAT scores are not required for admission.
- Location: Flint, Michigan
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Expected Time to Completion: 18 to 30 months
The Iowa State University Ivy College of Business provides an online master of healthcare analytics and operations. This 30-credit program includes instruction in healthcare supply chain management, applied statistical modeling, data management for decision makers, lean operations in healthcare, and data wrangling for business analytics.
Notably, the school also offers this as a dual degree program with an MBA.
- Location: Ames, Iowa
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC); AACSB
- Expected Time to Completion: 15 months
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Science offers an online master of science in clinical management program. This part-time program is offered completely online and empowers students to grow into successful clinical management leaders.
Applicants to the program must have a bachelor’s degree, minimum undergraduate grade point average of 3.0, healthcare management experience or any other closely related field, official transcripts from each college or university attended, one letter of recommendation, and proof of English language proficiency if English is not the applicant’s first language.
The program consists of 36 credits and helps students develop the skills and knowledge to manage healthcare delivery. Some courses include population health and risk management, value-based healthcare, organizational dynamics, quality improvement in healthcare, clinical informatics and data analysis, and leadership in healthcare organizations.
The program trains students to communicate clearly, meet patients’ needs, and make ethical decisions. Upon completing the program, students can work in leadership roles in hospitals and physician organizations.
- Location: Boston, Massachusetts
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
- Expected Time to Completion: 24 months
The University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth offers an online master’s of science in healthcare management (MSHM) program through the Charlton College of Business. Students can complete this program online or on campus. College Choice ranked the program highlyin the nation among the “Best Online Master’s in Healthcare Management Degrees.”
Admission requirements for the program include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, official transcripts from all institutions attended, GMAT exam scores (which can be waived in certain cases), and TOEFL or IELTS exam scores (for international students).
The program comprises 30 credits in courses such as accounting for decision-making, healthcare operations management, leading, motivating, and empowering others, strategic cost management, and organizational change management.
Through the program, students can become positive agents of change. They learn how to make healthcare delivery more efficient, develop administrative policies and procedures, and help reduce errors, thereby saving time and money. They also are trained to redesign organizational processes.
Graduates of the program can pursue roles in a variety of healthcare settings.
- Location: Dartmouth, Massachusetts
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE); Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- Expected Time to Completion: 24 months
Johns Hopkins University offers an online master’s of science in healthcare management (MSHM) program through the Johns Hopkins Carey Business School. The program is available full-time and part-time. In the part-time online format, students are required to take one course with a residency.
The program asks prospective students to submit the following: a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university, official transcripts from all universities or colleges attended, a current resume, and TOEFL or IELTS scores for non-native English speakers. GMAT scores are required but can be waived in the part-time format. Work experience is not required (but preferred) in the full-time format, while the part-time format requires the student to have work experience of more than two years.
The program comprises 36 credits in areas such as operations management; frameworks for analyzing healthcare markets; healthcare law and regulation; accounting for decision-making in healthcare; applied and behavioral economics in healthcare; fundamentals of healthcare systems; and healthcare organization and management. Students gain an understanding of the healthcare system from an economic, analytical, and technological perspective. They also learn how to apply business skills and principles to solve healthcare issues and anticipate changes in this dynamic industry.
- Location: Baltimore, Maryland
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE); Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- Expected Time to Completion: 24 months
Clarkson University’s David D. Reh School of Business offers an online master of science program in clinical leadership in healthcare management ideal for those who wish to pursue clinically-related leadership roles. Providing students with a better understanding of the healthcare industry and the environment in which it exists, this 36-credit online program requires eleven required courses and one elective course.
Applicants to the program must complete an application, submit transcripts from all institutions attended, submit a current resume, a statement of purpose, three letters of recommendation, and submit GRE or GMAT scores (waivers are available).
The curriculum includes courses such as health economics; healthcare operations management; introduction to health systems; statistical methods for healthcare management; healthcare finance; health economics; legal aspects of healthcare; and health policy and managerial epidemiology.
Clarkson also offers a 48-credit online MBA in healthcare management. The curriculum includes courses such as health systems management; healthcare marketing; health operations; statistical methods for data analytics; healthcare finance; financial and managerial accounting for decision-making; health informatics; and legal aspects of healthcare.
- Location: Potsdam, New York
- Accreditation: MBA in healthcare management (AACSB and CAHME); Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Expected Time to Completion: One to three years
