Healthcare MBA Skills - What Do You Need to Succeed?

What skills does a Healthcare MBA student need? While students entering business school have tremendously different sets of skills, all students need at least a minimal amount of proficiency in certain areas. Without these abilities, you'll have a hard time adjusting to the b-school world. So what are they?

Quantitative Skills

It has been said that mathematics is "the language of business." But many MBA programs are moving away from the heavily analytical approaches that predominated several years ago and are giving increased emphasis to the "soft" areas of communication and interpersonal skills. That said, the quantitative elements of business studies have not gone away.

The actual level of mathematical knowledge that you'll need varies widely from program to program. Some schools expect you to have studied statistics before entering the program. Some will expect you to use calculus on a regular basis. Generally speaking, you should certainly feel comfortable with college algebra and brush up your quantitative skills if they're rusty.

It's a tech world out there

In an ongoing effort to adapt to technological change, almost all business schools have integrated personal computers into their programs. Many schools will require you to have your own laptop. The extent to which you'll be expected to use a computer will vary from program to program, but you should make an effort to have at least a minimum comfort level with word processing, spreadsheets, and databases before starting school. You may want to check with the schools you're interested in to find out the hardware and software specifications.

Are you a team player?

One of the ways schools are mimicking the business environment in their academic programs is in the use of student teams. As corporations have increasingly turned to teams to work on projects and to solve problems, MBA programs have converted an increased share of course work from individual work to team work. Many programs now incorporate training in teambuilding somewhere in the program - either as part of new student orientation, in team building workshops, or as a topic in organizational behavior courses.

Teams may be formed for the purpose of one project in one course or they may remain together for months, working on multiple courses. In the often competitive environment of MBA programs, the cooperation required of teams doesn't always come naturally. Since team work is almost always time consuming, students in schools that use teams may find that activities and even policies on work during the academic year reflect the heavy time commitment of working with others.

Healthcare MBA Basics

The fundamentals of business are taught in every MBA program. Accounting, economics, finance, organizational behavior, marketing, statistics, and operations form the primary business disciplines and skills and are in the expected repertoire for any MBA. How and when students cover the basic skills varies, however. In most programs these subjects will be taught in a group of core courses required of every student. These core courses consume most or all of the first year of study in a two-year fulltime program. In some programs, students who have a prior background in business can be exempted or waived from some or all of the core courses, on the basis of either a special examination or an evaluation of the undergraduate transcript.

Some programs regard a few areas as background knowledge and expect you to have learned the material before you start your graduate program. Statistics, economics, and accounting often fall in this group. When you're comparing the length of programs and calculating time to degree, be sure you remember to consider any program prerequisites. (Calculus and computer skills are also common prerequisites for MBA programs.)

Other programs take another approach, offering the core courses within the structure of the program but requiring this course work only of those students who have not mastered it previously. If your program has two tiers, with different entrance points-for students with undergraduate degrees in business and those with degrees in nonbusiness areas-you may be exempted from some or all of the first year of the program if you were an undergrad business major.

Make your target business school a reality!

Applications...Testing...Financial Aid...Recommendations...the business-school admissions process can be a little intimidating and confusing. But it doesn't have to be. Take some time to explore Kaplan's complete guide to business school admissions. Take a free GMAT practice test while you're there, or take part in free MBA Admissions Events. Kaplan can help you build a plan, organize yourself, and stay on track. Explore Guide To Business School Admissions Information provided by Kaplan Test Prep & Admissions

Dare To Lead With A Career In Health Care Management
Achieve the education you need to turn your career goals into reality by requesting program information from schools that offer accredited degree programs that match your needs: Explore Online Healthcare Administration Programs

Kaplan University

Campus

Advance your career and get the distinct competitive advantage you need with an online degree from Kaplan University. And do it without missing a day of work.

Programs:

• MBA - Health Care Management
• Master of Health Care Administration
• Master of Public Administration - Governmental Management

Campus Locations:

Fort Lauderdale

Western Governors University

Campus

At Western Governors University, your competence - the knowledge and skills you possess - is the ultimate focus of every degree program.

Programs:

• MBA - Healthcare Management
• M.S. in Nursing - Leadership and Management
• Master of Business Administration

Campus Locations:

San Francisco

University of Phoenix

Campus

As the largest private university in North America, University of Phoenix has more than 200 locations, and is available online in most countries around the world. Whether you're seeking a college degree at an associate's, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral level, we can help you reach your academic goal—and sooner than you might think.

Programs:

• M.B.A. - Health Care Management
• MBA - Health Care Management
• MS in Nursing/MBA/ Health Care Management

Campus Locations:

Westborough
Columbus
San Antonio
Pleasant Grove
Minneapolis
Yuma
Online
Miami
Tulsa
Oklahoma City
Atlanta
Chattanooga
Phoenix
Dallas
Las Vegas
Woodland Hills
Temple Terrace
Fayetteville
Greensboro
Ann Arbor
Lathrop
Portage
Houston
Livonia
Braintree
Visalia
Kapolei
San Jose
Albuquerque
Diamond Bar
Macon
Daytona Beach
Jacksonville
Snellville
Austin
Southfield
Maitland
Rancho Cordova
Tampa
Tucson
Chula Vista
El Paso
Charlotte
Murfreesboro
Clinton Township
Sacramento
Los Angeles
San Francisco
Santa Fe
Clearwater
Duluth
St Louis Park
Murrieta
Troy
Hollywood
Roseville
Augusta
Pasadena
Sandy Springs
Henderson
Meridian
West Chester
Grand Rapids
Fairfield
Chandler
Cordova
Plantation
Elk Grove
Costa Mesa
El Centro
Bossier City
Sarasota
Ontario
Flowood
Overland Park
Bakersfield
Fresno
Nogales
Clarksville
Raleigh
Culver City
Spring
Lancaster
San Bernardino
East Lansing
Marietta
Carolina
Salt Lake City
Brookfield
Madison
Baton Rouge
Sugar Land
Mesa
Hurst
Saint George
McDonough
Appleton
West Des Moines
Beale AFB
Saint Paul
Independence
Irving
Oakland
Colorado Springs
Fort Lauderdale
Birmingham
Reno
Palm Beach Gardens
San Diego
Westlake
Santa Teresa
Salida
Burlington
Gardena
Clearfield
Killeen
Mililani
Orlando
Livermore
Nashville
Beachwood
Washington
Flint
Kansas City
Fairfax
Reston
Manassas
St. Louis
Arlington
Westminster
Lone Tree
Saint Louis
Savannah
Aurora
Palm Desert
Renton
Tigard
Mokena
Rockville
Littleton
Plainfield
Little Rock
Springfield
Columbia
Chicago
Virginia Beach
Warrenville
Richmond
Lutherville Timonium
Greenbelt
Asheville
Bellevue
Schaumburg
Omaha
Louisville
Norwalk
Salem
Guaynabo
Milwaukee
Wichita
Pittsburgh
Indianapolis
Rogers
Wayne
Harrisburg
Greenville
Hillsboro

Walden University

Online

Balance your personal and professional commitments while earning a respected Ph.D., master's degree, or bachelor's degree online at Walden University. Programs offered in management, education, psychology and health and human services.

Programs:

• M.B.A. in Healthcare Management
• M.B.A. in Healthcare System Improvement
• M.S. in Management - Healthcare Management

Keiser University Graduate School

Campus

Keiser University offers accredited degree programs in today's high-demand careers: Healthcare, Technology, Paralegal, Business, Nursing and Legal Studies.

Programs:

• MBA - Health Services Management (Online)
• Master of Business Administration, MBA (Online)
• Health Services Management, Graduate Business Certificate

Campus Locations:

Fort Lauderdale

Baker College Online

Campus

Baker College Online is fully accredited and offers over 40 programs that will help you earn your Certificate, Associate, Bachelor, Master's or Doctorate degree affordably. Learn more now.

Programs:

• Master of Business Administration - Health Care Management
• Master of Business Administration - General Business

Campus Locations:

Lisle

Strayer University

Campus

Get the right foundation for your future with a degree from Strayer University. Evening, weekend and online classes are all available to meet the needs of busy adults.

Programs:

• MBA: Health Services Administration
• Masters: Health Services Administration
• MBA: Public Administration

Campus Locations:

Columbus
Arlington
Austin
Metairie
Lawrence Township
Suitland
Rosedale
Millersville
Springfield
Indianapolis
Washington
Pittsburgh
Cedar Hill
Louisville
Douglasville
Huntsville
Center Valley
Virginia Beach
Milwaukee
Feasterville Trevose
Owings Mills
Charlotte
Akron
Willingboro
Knoxville
Nashville
Schaumburg
Columbia
King Of Prussia
Ashburn
Piscataway
Morrisville
Fredericksburg
Glen Allen
Houston
Raleigh
Manassas
Concord
Little Rock
Lithonia
Midlothian
Augusta
Mason
Atlanta
Huntersville
Alexandria
Chesapeake
Irving
Newport News
Roswell
Greenville
Savannah
Philadelphia
Memphis
Sandy
Dallas
Downers Grove
Warrendale
Greensboro
Cleveland
Newark
Woodbridge
North Charleston
Florence
Rockville
Cincinnati
Lexington
Scott Depot
Fairborn
Birmingham
Morrow
Plano

Argosy University

Campus

At Argosy University we prepare individuals for careers that make a difference, whether in business, education, or psychology. Learn how you can make a difference in your life, and the lives of others.

Programs:

• Health Care Administration (MBA)
• State and Local Government (MPA)
• Public Administration (MPA)

Campus Locations:

Sarasota
Seattle
Phoenix
Schaumburg
Saint Paul
Orange
Arlington
Draper
Alameda
Atlanta
Dallas
Nashville
Tampa
Honolulu
Chicago
San Bernardino
Denver
Santa Monica
San Diego

University of St. Mary

Online

Give your career a boost with University of Saint Mary. We offer online degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels to help make your educational and professional goals a reality.

Programs:

• Master's in Business Administration - Health Care Management
• Master's in Business Administration - General Management

South University - Campus

Campus

With over 100 years of educational excellence, South University can give you the outstanding instruction and personalized attention you need to prepare for the real world. We offer a variety of degree programs which can be earned online or at one of our five campus locations. Options include Business Administration, Information Technology, Nursing, Criminal Justice, and more.

Programs:

• Healthcare Administration (MBA)
• 12-Month MBA in Healthcare specialization (MBA)
• 12-Month MBA (MBA)

Campus Locations:

Atlanta
Savannah
Columbia
Tampa
Montgomery
West Palm Beach
Cleveland
Novi
Glen Allen
Virginia Beach
Round Rock

Colorado Technical University Online

Campus

Take your career to new heights with Colorado Tech Online! Since 1965, Colorado Technical University has helped thousands of students achieve success in business, management and technology careers. Learn more today.

Programs:

• Master of Business Administration (MBA) - Health Care Management
• Master of Science in Management - Business Management

Campus Locations:

Colorado Springs

American InterContinental University Online

Campus

American InterContinental University Online's flexible curriculum allows you to study when and where it's most convenient. Earn your degree at an accelerated pace from an accredited school that is respected by employers.

Programs:

• MBA - Healthcare Administration
• MBA - Management

Campus Locations:

Hoffman Estates

Jones International University

Campus

Earn a high quality degree in Business, IT, Education, or Communications. Jones International University® offers self-paced bachelor's and master's degrees tailored to your needs.

Programs:

• MBA in Health Care Management

Campus Locations:

Atlanta
little rock
Nashville
montgomery
Lexington
Englewood

Colorado Technical University

Campus

Prepare to meet the challenges of tomorrow with a degree from Colorado Technical University. CTU offers career-track programs in a variety of in-demand fields.

Programs:

• Denver North - Master of Business Administration - Health Care Management
• Denver - Master of Business Administration - Health Care Management
• Sioux Falls - Master of Business Administration - Business Administration

Campus Locations:

Englewood
Denver
Sioux Falls
Colorado Springs
Pueblo

Virginia College

Campus

Virginia College continues the tradition of giving lives new direction, fulfilling our mission statement to students wherever they live and offering the chance to pursue a degree while maintaining commitments to work and family.

Programs:

• MBA - Healthcare
• MBA

Campus Locations:

Birmingham