The Top Health Systems Management MBA
Online Programs

The healthcare industry faces numerous challenges including a rise in the number of acute and chronic illnesses within the population, continued reductions in insurance reimbursements and a limited pool of skilled health workers. As the industry continues to evolve in response to governmental and public demands and technological advances, the need for health systems managers with essential leadership skills such as operations management, human resource management, strategy development, leadership and critical thinking is expected to grow. An online MBA in health systems management can prepare students to effectively navigate these challenges.

The best health systems management MBA schools online provide students with fundamental business principles that encompass finance, accounting, economics, marketing, and management. Health systems management MBA programs also provide advanced study in the practical applications of those principles to support improvements in patient care. Students who attend schools in good standing among online health systems management MBA rankings can expect to learn how to analyze quantitative data, develop and implement policy and understand the impact of the global economy on organizational decision making.  Top health systems management MBA online programs also teach students how to view healthcare operations and functions from the perspective of business and organizational management.

How can I tell if an online MBA health systems management degree is right for me?

An online Master of Business Administration in Health Systems Management is a good choice for students interested in operations management, strategic management and quantitative methods.

Some other characteristics that are common amongst many online MBA health systems management students include:

• A flair for communicating with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• An ability for establishing and maintaining interpersonal relationships
• A flair for organizing, planning, and prioritizing work
• A propensity for guiding, directing, and motivating subordinates
• A capability for monitoring and controlling resources

How long does it take to earn an MBA online health systems management degree?

A health systems management MBA degree online takes approximately the same time to finish as any other MBA online. To earn this degree it typically requires 2 years of full-time schooling. However, students are able to earn the MBA at their own pace at some institutions that offer part-time or accelerated programs.

What are the prerequisites and admission requirements for MBA health systems management schools online?

A bachelor’s degree is generally required before students can gain admission to online MBA health systems management programs. While having an undergraduate degree in subjects such as healthcare administration, business administration, healthcare management, and management may be ideal for those considering enrolling in a good MBA health systems management online program, it is generally not required.

Many online MBA in health systems management programs also base admission on the following criteria:

• Personal interviews
• References or Letters of Recommendation
• Work experience
• Graduate Management Admission Test scores (GMAT)

What courses will I take in health systems management MBA programs online?

Students in their first year of an online Master of Business Administration in Health Systems Management program take core courses that are generally required of all MBA students. Topics covered during the first year of online MBA health systems management programs can include leadership development, information systems, accounting, ethics and economics.  Core online MBA courses are designed to introduce students to key business functions and lay the foundation for the remainder of the program.

The curriculum during the second year of a health systems management MBA online degree program is more specialized and focuses on operations management within health care organizations. These MBA online health systems management courses may cover topics such as health policy, healthcare delivery systems, human resource management and organizational behavior. Specialized courses teach students how to address the legal and ethical concerns in healthcare policies.

Students enrolled in online health systems management MBA programs often do internships in order to enhance their education. These internships can be very helpful. Through them, students get an opportunity to put their learning into practical use. They also often make good business contacts.

What are the best online MBA in health systems management books I should consider reading?

For students interested in health systems management MBA careers, some insightful books include:

1. Strategic Management of the Health Care Supply Chain (Eugene S. Schellner, Larry R. Smeltzer, Lawton Robert Burns) – The authors use case studies to help managers understand the healthcare supply chain and its role in healthcare strategy.

2. Healthcare Information Management Systems: Cases, Strategies, and Solutions (Marion J. Ball, Charlotte Weaver, Joan Kiel) – This book focuses on topics such as strategic planning, patient-centered technology, and the new culture of patient safety.

3. Umiker’s Management Skills for the New Health Care Supervisor: Management Skills for the New Health Care Supervisor (Charles McConnell) – The author offers practical suggestions and advice for new graduates from MBA health systems management online and traditional programs as they transition into management positions in healthcare.

4. Risk Management Handbook for Health Care Organizations (American Society for Healthcare Risk Management (Roberta Carroll, Editor) – Using a practical and user-friendly approach, this book offers methods and techniques for risk reduction in healthcare settings.

5. Health Care Law and Ethics in a Nutshell (Mark A. Hall, Ira M. Ellman, David Orintlicher) – This book discusses the role of law and ethics in the midst of social, political and economic pressure for healthcare reform and innovation.

What are my future job prospects if I pursue health systems management MBA jobs?

After graduation from accredited online health systems management MBA schools, students can pursue any one of the 776,000 jobs currently available in health systems management, health administration, hospital operations and healthcare management. As the figures below indicate, health systems management MBA salary averages can vary according to position:

• Senior Project Manager, Operations – $145,629
• Quality Assurance Manager – $107,672
• Risk Management Consultant – $107,549
• Human Resources Manager – $90,059

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in fields related to health systems management such as public health administration, healthcare management, and operations management are expected to grow at a rate of 22%. The anticipated growth is attributed to the increased demand for medical services as a result of an aging population.

Many employers want graduates who have graduated from AACSB accredited health systems management MBA programs. Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business accreditation generally is evidence that that a business school gives students a quality education.