New graduate degree approved: Master in Healthcare Management and Leadership

Back in February of this year, it was announced that we were developing a new degree in healthcare management and leadership. This degree will address the needs of healthcare organizations both here in Alaska and the Lower 48. This program includes a stand alone graduate degree, Master's in Healthcare Management and Leadership (MHML), a graduate certificate, and concentration within our MBA, allowing us to offer the program in multiple formats, supporting student interests and needs.

Arena del Mar Morillo-Herrin, instructor of MHML and director of the program discusses the significance of CBSM’s new master's degree:

What kind of career opportunities will MHML students likely have after graduation?
MHML graduates can consider jobs such as a healthcare consultant, business or data analyst for a health system or insurance company, practice administrator, and hospital administrator. But really, the possibilities are endless. The healthcare sector is vast and growing and there are lots of opportunities for job seekers with the right skills and background. 

What type of students/employers will benefit the most from the MHML degree?
This degree is for students that have career goals rooted in the healthcare industry and have had exposure to the industry enough to know that it will be a good fit for them. Any health service organization looking for healthcare management expertise will benefit both from newly graduated hires to currently enrolled students that will partner with local organizations and complete semester long projects to help these organizations solve their most complex challenges. 

Why should students get the MHML vs. the MBA?
The MHML degree specifically targets the healthcare industry. The MBA is a broader education on general business leadership that can apply to healthcare businesses. A trend has come about in the past decade or so where many corporations that have traditionally recruited MBA students have ventured into the healthcare industry. For example, Apple partnered with medical providers for their Apple Watch. This requires at times hiring individuals with more in depth specialized knowledge in healthcare. 

What drew you to Alaska to promote and develop this program?
It is no secret that the workforce is struggling in Alaska. There are challenges to recruiting and retaining talent in this particular setting and healthcare is no exception. I am very passionate about making a difference in the community and how we manage health care delivery has a significant effect on the local community. Healthcare in the U.S. is facing many trends that put into question the way we have historically managed health in the U.S. and we need innovative leaders and thinkers to ensure we have a successful path forward. 

Is there anything else you would like to add about the MHML program, you, or your role in the program?
I believe there has never been a better time to bring a healthcare management program to Fairbanks. An advisory board made up of some of the large health service organizations in Fairbanks has been assembled to continue to build and develop the curriculum for the next several years. It is very special to have a program that has grown through the input and expertise of the entire health community.