Finding high-quality Master’s in Health Administration degrees in Iowa is simple thanks to the state’s abundance of educational opportunities and commitment to community health. Within the “American Heartland,” our nation’s 26th most extensive state is bustling with job opportunities in a highly diversified economy that now spreads beyond agriculture. Iowa has around 125 hospitals, including the regionally ranked University of Iowa Hospital, Genesis Medical Center, St. Luke’s Hospital, and Iowa Methodist Medical Center. In fact, Iowa is even one of the “Top States for Business” on CNBC with the 17th best quality of life score. If you wish to take advantage of the multitude of job prospects available in the “Hawkeye State,” the following are the accredited master’s degrees related to health care administration and management in Iowa.
Briar Cliffe University
School of Graduate Studies
Initially founded in1930, Briar Cliffe University is a comprehensive four-year private liberal arts institution deeply rooted in the Franciscan faith of the Roman Catholic Church to serve more than 1,200 students on its 70-acre urban campus in Sioux City near the Nebraska border. With a low student-faculty ratio of 12:1 for personalized learning attention, Briar Cliffe is currently ranked as the 38th best regional college and 13th top school for veterans in the Midwest by the U.S. News and World Report. For students who have already achieved a bachelor’s degree, the School of Graduate Studies offers nine master’s and doctoral programs in subject areas that range from nursing practice to human resource management.
Master of Arts in Management: Health Care Administration
Delivered in a convenient, flexible format with fully online coursework, the Master of Arts in Management program offers a specialization in Health Care Administration to specifically prepare graduate students for managing the challenges of today’s changing medical industry. Within the 35-credit curriculum, students take courses in financial management, health law, research methods, health administration, change management, human resources, conflict resolution, management information systems, and strategic management.
The program seeks to produce health care leaders with the expert-level business and leadership abilities needed to inspire positive changes in the delivery of patient care. Students can choose to follow a master’s thesis track to defend their own graduate research or a non-thesis track with additional electives. Health care administration majors must pay $355 per credit hour, but 100 percent of all Briar Cliffe students receive some form of financial aid.
Accreditations
Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (NCA)
Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities (ACCU)
Contact
3303 Rebecca Street
Sioux City, IA 51104
(712) 279-5200
admissions@briarcliff.edu
https://www.briarcliff.edu/master-of-arts-in-management-health-care-administration/
Des Moines University
College of Health Sciences
As the second oldest private non-profit school for osteopathic medicine, Des Moines University has educated more than 14,100 health care leaders since 1898 from its beautiful 22-acre urban campus in Iowa’s capital city of Des Moines within Polk County. Enrolling around 1,800 students every academic year, DMU has the 15th highest population among medical schools across the United States. DMU has the mission of improving our communities by training bright young adults from diverse backgrounds to pioneer in the delivery of compassionate patient treatment. In the College of Health Sciences, students can choose from five face-to-face and online degree options focused on producing competent professionals for success in the allied health areas.
Master of Health Care Administration (MHA)
Offering rigorous, real-world training in the osteopathic medical center, the Master of Health Care Administration (MHA) at DMU is designed to foster the development of a variety of skills necessary for graduate students to succeed in today’s demanding health care entities. In candidacy status with the CAHME for accreditation, the program features an evidence-based curriculum of 48 semester credits following the latest industry standards. Within a lively learning environment, students blend the predominantly online coursework with three on-campus residencies for graduation in just three full-time semesters.
After attending an engaging orientation, MHA students progress through a lock-step program that delves into topics on financial management, statistics, organizational behavior, leadership theory, clinical decision making, health law, systems improvement, health information systems, strategic marketing, health economics, and epidemiology. In the final term, students will complete a field-based learning experience for smooth transition into professional health administration. Students can also participate in the Des Moines University Health Leaders Group, which is a student chapter for the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE).
Master of Public Health (MPH)
Fully approved by the CEPH, the Master of Public Health (MPH) program is delivered to DMU students who wish to use their passion for health care to improve community health at the local, regional, national, or even international level. With this one degree, graduate students are prepared with the competencies needed to enter numerous careers conducting research, leading health delivery systems, evaluating health policies, and directing community health education. From an interdisciplinary approach, the 45-credit program helps students build a real-world portfolio in public health through a hybrid mix of on-campus and online coursework.
Along with the major core, students are given the freedom to tailor their studies with relevant electives covering subjects like bioterrorism, nutrition, physical activity, health promotion, environmental health, global health, and infectious disease. In addition, MPH students are required to complete at least 180 clock hours of internship experience in an approved health agency in the Des Moines capital. Thanks to DMU’s partnership with the WHO, students can also complete their capstone project abroad in a global health service trip. Most students complete their MPH degree within just 2.5 years beyond the baccalaureate level.
Graduate Certificate in Health Care Leadership
For current working health care professionals, the Graduate Certificate in Health Care Leadership is available at DMU to receive specialized training without going the extra step to receive a master’s degree. Based on the competencies outlined by the National Center for Healthcare Leadership (NCHL), the certificate requires the completion of just 20 credits. Students will combine evidence-based theory in the classroom with real-world practical application in the osteopathic medical center for optimal leadership development. Certificate students will be responsible for passing courses in human relations management, the U.S. health care system, financial management, organizational behavior, health leadership theory, and quality improvement.
Accreditations
Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME) – Candidacy Status
Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH)
Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (NCA)
Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA)
Contact
3200 Grand Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50312
(515) 271-1650
karen.render@dmu.edu
https://www.dmu.edu/chs/
Kaplan University
School of Health Sciences
Named in honor of Stanley H. Kaplan in 2000, Kaplan University is a leading accredited online private for-profit institution owned by Graham Holdings Company to deliver flexible degree offerings for predominantly busy working adult learners. Enrolling more than 43,000 students across the nation, Kaplan was originally based in Davenport with 15 extension centers scattered across Iowa, Nebraska, Maryland, Indiana, Maryland, Missouri, and Wisconsin. According to the U.S. News and World Report, Kaplan is acclaimed for hosting the 79th best online bachelor’s degrees in the entire United States. In the School of Health Sciences, students are prepared with the practical knowledge necessary to enter in-demand jobs in the country’s $4.8 trillion health care industry.
Master of Health Care Administration (MHA)
For completion in just 18 months full-time, the Master of Health Care Administration (MHA) is offered through Kaplan’s Online Learning Center in a convenient distance format to foster the development of our nation’s next generation of health care industry experts. The program has the mission of giving graduates the leadership abilities to handle the latest developments in the ever-shifting landscape of the medical services field. Featuring a rigorous 52-credit training curriculum, the MHA allows current working professionals to fine-tune their strategic managerial skills without placing their career or life’s other obligations on the backburner.
Before taking on the culminating capstone in the final term, students will go on an academic journey through online coursework in organizational development, health leadership, financial management, health law, human resources, statistics, quality assessment, health policy, community health, health informatics, professional ethics, and health care marketing. Then, students assess their mastery by completing a consulting project with a local health-related organization and synthesizing their knowledge learned. With the cost of $441 per online credit, the MHA program costs graduate students a total expense of $22,932.
Master of Public Health (MPH)
Built with the highest level of flexibility, the Master of Public Health (MPH) program at Kaplan has been structured to equip graduate students with the knowledge, skills, and attributes needed for addressing a growing number of public health concerns globally. Students focus on developing the administrative abilities needed to soar into upper-level managerial positions in health delivery systems, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private corporations devoted to health care. In a fully online format with no residency requirements, this 60-credit program provides students across the U.S. with tools for public health practice.
At the current price of $402 per online credit, MPH students can complete their degree within just two years full-time at the total cost of $24,120. Students should expect to complete a broad array of coursework that delves into subjects like health behavior, biostatistics, epidemiology, health education, environmental health, public health biology, public health administration, leadership theory, health law, and disaster management. In the final term, students will complete a culminating capstone project to create an innovative resolution to one of today’s most pressing real-world public health issues.
Master of Public Administration (MPA): Health Care Management
With start dates conveniently beginning every month, the Master of Public Administration (MPA) program at Kaplan is dedicated to preparing qualified graduate students for becoming leaders in the public sector and forming positive decisions that improve our nation’s communities. Both aspiring and current practicing administrators are welcomed into the program to fine-tune their managerial, problem-solving, and leadership skills for public service careers. Students who select the Health Care Management Intensive Study Area will fill their 55-credit curriculum with electives focused on exploring ways governments impact the delivery of health services.
Through a fully online format that’s accessible 24/7 from anywhere with an Internet connection, the MPA program offers an applied research track or an exam track depending on each student’s capstone needs. Along with the comprehensive core in public administration, students in this study area will take courses in public policy, health care organizational behavior, health finance, federalism in health care, health administration, and legal studies. With an online cost per credit of $385, MPA students can currently expect to spend $21,175 total on their degree.
Accreditations
Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (NCA)
Contact
Kaplan University – Cedar Falls
7009 Nordic Drive
Cedar Falls, IA 50613
(319) 277-0220
Kaplan University – Cedar Rapids
3165 Edgewood Parkway SW
Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
(319) 363-0481
Kaplan University – Des Moines
4655 121st Street
Urbandale, IA 50323
(515) 727-2100
Kaplan University – Davenport
1801 East Kimberly Road Suite 1
Davenport, IA 52807
(563) 355-3500
Kaplan University – Mason City
2570 Fourth Street NW
Mason City, IA 50401
(641) 423-2530
infoku@kaplan.edu
http://www.kaplanuniversity.edu/health-sciences.aspx
St. Ambrose University
College of Business
Affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church, St. Ambrose University is a comprehensive private co-educational liberal arts institution first founded in 1882 by Most Reverend John McMullen on a 118-acre urban campus in the mid-sized city of Davenport along Iowa’s banks for the Mississippi River. With a total headcount of over 3,600 students and 350 faculty members, SAU is currently ranked as the 34th best regional college and 15th top school for military veterans in the Midwest by the U.S. News and World Report. Boasting approval from the ACBSP, the College of Business is committed to equipping its students with the ability to build success for themselves, their organizations, their surrounding communities, and the greater globe.
Master of Business Administration (MBA): Health Care Administration Concentration
Named after H.L. McLaughlin, the Master of Business Administration (MBA) program at St. Ambrose is a dynamic graduate-level program with the goal of developing leaders with the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute to industry growth in a socially responsible manner. Along with the major broad-based core, students have the ability to select a Health Care Administration Concentration, which gives training on the methods to integrate strategic business principles into changing medical facilities. Within the 39-credit curriculum, students can expect to take a variety of courses ranging from economics and marketing to data analysis.
In addition to the standard one-year full-time program, SAU offers a convenient part-time MBA degree that can be completed in 24 months by taking just one course each session. Due to its integrative approach, students receive an introduction to all business disciplines and develop the practical experience necessary to design innovative solutions in today’s complex work environments. Students will also benefit from a number of unique resources, including GMIB testing and 7 Habits training with experienced faculty.
Accreditations
Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (NCA)
Contact
518 West Locust Street
Davenport, IA 52803
(563) 333-5825
mba@sau.edu
http://www.sau.edu/Academic_Programs/Master_of_Business_Administration.html
University of Iowa
College of Public Health
Highly regarded as a “Public Ivy,” the University of Iowa is the state’s flagship public senior space-grant research institution with more than 31,300 students on its sprawling 1,700-acre urban campus in Iowa City within the University Heights neighborhood. Well-known for having one of “America’s Best Hospitals” for 25 consecutive years, UI is currently ranked as the 71st best university, 27th top public school, and 10th best college for veterans in America by the U.S. News and World Report. Along with being the country’s 17th best public health school, the College of Public Health is nationally recognized for providing the 10th top graduate health care management degree programs with CAHME approval.
Master of Health Administration (MHA)
Featuring a 100 percent job placement rate within three months of graduation, the Master of Health Administration (MHA) program at Iowa excels at giving graduate students the in-depth understanding of patient-centered health care needed to assume complex administrative roles. In the 60-credit program, students spend around 21 months studying full-time to develop strong clinical and business skills from an interdisciplinary approach. The program strives to provide the intensive experimental learning that will instill comprehensive knowledge, skills, and values in future health care administrators.
After the initial professional development seminar, students will navigate through courses in organizational policy, strategic planning, marketing, quantitative management, health policy, health economics, financial management, health analytics, human resources, and health care ethics. Throughout, students will benefit from diverse experiential learning opportunities in consulting projects, on-site visits, administrative practicum, case studies, and internships across the Midwest. Some MHA students may choose to complete the two-semester Interdisciplinary Program for Graduate Students in Aging (IPGSA) for leading the care of older adults too.
Master of Public Health (MPH) in Policy
Built with a universal emphasis on health policy, the Master of Public Health (MPH) in Policy program is offered to graduate students at UI who seek to unlock leadership opportunities working in government agencies, advocacy firms, consulting companies, hospitals, health care systems, and non-profit organizations. Students are trained with the skills to carefully analyze policies across all branches of government as well as formulate health policy agendas to improve community health. Within the 45-credit curriculum, students are challenged to acquire the analytical, communication, and interpersonal abilities for success in policy-making.
With a low student-faculty ratio for individualized learning, the MPH program is structured to cover all current content on health policies at the state and federal levels. Students are required to complete hands-on practicum in health policy formulation during their first year before spending the entire summer term working in an internship anywhere in the United States. Graduates of this program have gone on to become health program directors, health systems specialists, administrative fellows, clinical data coordinators, and even chief operating officers.
MHA Combined Degree Programs
Graduate students at Iowa have a range of options available to combine their MHA with another degree in an accelerated pathway towards dual specialization. Many students choose to complete the MHA-MPH in Policy program with 79 semester credits to fulfill their interest in improving the quality of patient care. Following a 75-credit curriculum, there’s an MHA-MBA program offered for students wishing to receive greater exposure to advanced managerial tactics in business administration.
Earning the MHA with a M.A. in Urban and Regional Planning is provided for graduate students interested in developing health policy changes that enhance well-being in city living. Also, there’s an intensive MHA-JD combined degree program available for aspiring health administrators looking for in-depth understanding on law and legal studies.
Accreditations
Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME)
Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH)
Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (NCA)
Contact
145 North Riverside Drive
Iowa City, IA 52242
(319) 384-1500
tom-vaughn@uiowa.edu
http://www.public-health.uiowa.edu/hmp/
Whether you’re currently practicing as a health care professional, seeking a career change into the dynamic medical industry, or entering graduate school with the sole focus on helping others, earning your master’s in health administration is a wise choice. MHA degree programs offer the unique opportunity to learn the ins and outs of health delivery systems in preparation for handling the several specialized challenges they often present. According to Forbes magazine, health care administration is the eighth best master’s degree in America with projected job growth over 22 percent. Turn your natural leadership skills into a lucrative and emotionally rewarding career by considering pursuing one of these accredited Master’s in Health Administration degrees in Iowa.
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