Applicants to the master of health care administration program typically early to mid-level careerists with the following profiles:
Future leaders – These students have some experience, either volunteer or employment, in health care and have begun to take on leadership roles. They are knowledgeable about the system and the impact they want to make in their career. The M.H.A. degree will allow them to increase their responsibility and provide a foundation to building a career as a leader in health care administration.
Upward movers – These students have several years of employment experience and have taken on leadership and management responsibilities. They are established in a career and they desire to continue up the career ladder. The M.H.A. will provide a solid education to support their work experience and provide a forum to gain and test new ideas and strategy.
Direction changers – Health care is a hot industry right now and the future promises increased need and more change. These students have built a solid career in an industry other than health care and now want to use the skills and experiences they’ve gained to transition into the health care industry. The M.H.A. will support their transition by providing education on the operations and functions specific to the health care system.
Clinical administration – Many current leaders in health care administration have a clinical background (i.e. nursing, medicine, etc) that has morphed into a different career path. Their clinical experience has prepared them well and now they want the education in running the business of health care to support their role and responsibility.
Diversity is a common word students use to describe the M.H.A. student body. You will find a wide variety of people who share your interest in health care.
| Students accepted in 2010-11 |
|---|
| Acceptance rate: 50 percent |
| 50 percent work in the health care sector. |
| The average student age is 32. Students currently range in age from 21 – 58. |
| 70 percent are female, 30 percent are male |
| Average of 8.4 years work experience Average of 5 years health care experience Average of 4 years managerial experience |
| Average GPA: 3.45 |
| Quick stats |
| The program has approximately 200 active students from over 20 states |
| 65 students graduated in 2011 |
| 70 percent of students are female, 30 percent are male |
| 75 percent students work full time while earning the degree |
| 88 percent of students report DMU was their first choice for a graduate program |
| 90 percent of graduates from the past 5 years live and work in Iowa Students take an average of just under 3 years to complete the degree |
Top reasons students applied to M.H.A. program
- Career advancement
- Personal development
- To increase earning power
- To develop competencies
- To advance to senior leadership
Health services administrators are employed in many settings, including:
- Acute health care
- Health insurance
- Long-term care
- Public health departments
- Pharmaceuticals and medical equipment
- Local, state and federal government
- Non-profit organizations
Positions
- Assistant clinic manager
- Assistant VP of nursing
- Billing reimbursement manager
- Chief executive officer
- Chief financial officer
- Chief medical officer
- Chief nuclear technologists/manager
- Chief quality officer/associate administrator
- Clinical improvement nurse
- Coordinator of family care management
- Director of diagnostic and therapeutic services
- Director of fund development
- Quality data analyst
- Quality director/med surg. manager
- Regulatory affairs coordinator
- Review management nurse
- Senior financial analyst
Employers
- Allina Health System
- BayCare Health Systems-The Harbor
- Broadlawns Medical Center Foundation
- Cardiologists, PC
- Dallas County Hospital
- Iowa Health Home Care
- Iowa Heart Center
- Lakeshore Medical Clinic
- Marshalltown Medical and Surgical Center
- Mercy Medical Center
- Mercy St. Anne Hospital
- Myrtue Medical Center
- Pella Regional Health Center
- Skiff Medical Center
- Syringa Hospital and Clinics
- University of Colorado Cancer Center
- Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield