Blog Post: Biz Beat: Healthcare MBAs on the rise

Recently, the school’s biweekly online magazine, Knowledge @ W.P. Carey, ran a story on the rise in demand for MBA degree-holders in the healthcare industry. More and more employees in medical organizations seeking to further their career through education are opting for an MBA, rather than a master’s in public health or similar degrees.

As Eugene Schneller, a professor in the W. P. Carey's School of Health Management and Policy, noted, “There is a whole new set of roles in health care for MBAs, especially those with some clinical understanding. And those who have some knowledge about the distinct features of the health care system, such as its financing and the unique roles that physicians play, are in an even better position to win the leadership positions in major health care organizations.”

The procurement or supply-chain department is only one of the areas where MBAs are being recruited; MBA graduates have entered directly into general and strategic management positions in marketing, finance, or information technology.

The business school, which graduates more than 1,000 MBAs annually, offers among its platforms two MBA/health options: an MBA with a specialization in health care and a concurrent degree MBA/MHSM (Master in Health Sector Management). The Master in Health Sector Management is also offered as a stand-alone degree.