The Pacific Northwest offers several healthcare management masters programs in Washington for producing ethical medical services managers. Just south of British Columbia, Washington stands as the United States’ 13th most populous state with 7.1 million residents. Nearly 60 percent of Washingtonians reside in the thriving seaport of Seattle. Washington has the nation’s 14th largest economy to generate $425 billion yearly. Although most associated with software, lumber, retail, and telecom, Washington’s economy has a healthy medical sector. Healthcare management majors can gain experience in 108 hospitals, including the top-ranked UW Medical Center, Providence St. Peter Hospital, and Virginia Mason Medical Center. Washington currently employs 5,960 health administrators with an average yearly salary of $117,760. The following are the graduate healthcare management degrees available to climb the healthcare ladder in Washington.
Eastern Washington University
College of Health Science & Public Health / College of Business and Public Administration
Endowed for $52 million, Eastern Washington University is a public, state-assisted teaching institution founded in 1882 that’s educating over 13,400 students from its main 300-acre rural campus in Cheney and extension centers from Spokane to Tacoma. Honored in Consumers Digest’s list of “201 Best Colleges For the Real World,” EWU is ranked the 63rd best regional university, 18th top public school, and 45th top college for veterans in the West by the U.S. News. With America’s 146th best public affairs program, the College of Business and Public Administration was listed among the Princeton Review’s “Best 296 Business Schools.”
Master of Public Health (MPH)
As eastern Washington’s only CEPH-accredited program, the Master of Public Health (MPH) allows EWU students to become pioneers of disease prevention, infection control, nutrition, and health equity. Students are develop the service leadership skills to organize efforts that effectively inform communities about health risks. Graduates often excel as community planners, health educators, emergency management directors, occupational health specialists, health service managers, etc. The 55-credit curriculum can be completed in two years on-campus or three years online. Face-to-face classes are held during evenings to accommodate practitioners in the healthcare arena. Coursework emphasizes public health administration by studying epidemiology, biostatistics, risk management, program planning, and quality improvement. In the final year, MPH students apply skills with a full-time, 16-week internship.
MBA with Health Services Administration Certificate
Headquartered on the Riverpoint Campus, the Master of Business Administration (MBA) program at Eastern Washington delivers multi-faceted, AACSB-accredited training for students to improve their decision-making for management. Emphasizing an entrepreneurial spirit, the program equips executives with the innovative creativity to implement practical business solutions. The 48-credit curriculum is completed in small classes that meet once weekly during evenings and weekends. Students can tailor their electives for the medical field by adding the Health Services Administration Certificate. MBAs will evaluate the financial, legal, personnel, and regulatory issues affecting today’s health administrators. Students benefit from conducting projects with the Microeconomics of Competitiveness Network. There’s also an 80-credit Dual MBA-MPA program offered.
MPA with Health Service Administration Specialization
Founded in 1974, the Master of Public Administration (MPA) program has a distinguished history of preparing EWU graduates for leadership in public and nonprofit organizations. The NASPAA-accredited program features an optional Health Service Administration Specialization for focusing on the administrative issues facing medical systems. The 60-credit curriculum will integrate 40 core credits with 20 elective credits in healthcare. These courses survey health law, medical reimbursement, personnel management, health informatics, and budgeting. A 46-credit Advanced Standing option is available for undergraduates completing the Public Policy and Administration Certificate. MPA students must complete a field service and a capstone research project before graduation. Joining the Eagles Public Administration & Policy Society (EPAPS) is also encouraged for networking.
Accreditations
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH)
Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA)
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Contact
EWU Public Health
668 North Riverpoint Blvd. Room 236
Spokane, WA 99202
(509) 828-1252
[email protected]
https://www.ewu.edu/chsph
EWU Business/Public Administration
668 North Riverpoint Blvd. Suite A
Spokane, WA 99202
(509) 828-1232
[email protected]
https://www.ewu.edu/cbpa/programs
University of Washington
School of Public Health
Initially formed in 1861 by territorial governor Isaac Stevens, the University of Washington is the state’s oldest public, four-year RU/VH research institution with AAU membership and over 45,200 students. Headquartered on a 703-acre urban campus in Seattle on the Puget Sound, UW operates satellite locations in Tacoma, Bothell, and Bellevue. Ranked fourth among Reuter’s list of the most innovative universities globally, UW is named America’s 52nd best national university and 16th top public school by the U.S. News. The Princeton Review crowned UW the 19th best entrepreneurship college nationally. The School of Public Health also stands out for the sixth best public health and 10th top healthcare management programs.
Master of Health Administration
Structured for early career professionals, the Master of Health Administration program is a two-year, residential program starting every September. UW students engage in team-based learning to launch their professional success into healthcare management. Students benefit from one-on-one mentoring through the Center for Leadership and Strategic Thinking. The CAHME-accredited program brings together expert faculty to meet competencies in strategic planning, financial budgeting, workforce management, and clinical quality. Classes in the 76-credit program meet weekdays on the main campus in Seattle. Learned skills are practiced during the mandatory summer internship. Past placements have included Pacific Medical Centers, Seattle Children’s Hospital, and Premera Blue Cross. MHA students could pursue concurrent degrees for an MPA, MD, or MBA also.
Executive Master of Health Administration
For mid-career health professionals, the Executive Master of Health Administration is offered by UW to prepare for advancement into senior-level leadership. This competency-based program is delivered in a convenient part-time format with classes just three days per month, Thursday through Saturday, at the Bellevue campus. Online webinars supplement the face-to-face sessions so that practicing clinicians can continue working. Over two years, Executive MHA students complete 69 total credits before the applied capstone project. Students also benefit from the Quarterly Leadership Speaker Series. Each cohort admits a small number of healthcare workers with 7+ years of professional experience. Tuition cost is currently $875 per credit for in-state and out-of-state residents. There’s also a $5,000 Emerging Leader Award available.
Master of Public Health in Environmental and Occupational Health
Spanning seven quarters, the Master of Public Health in Environmental and Occupational Health equips UW graduates to assume applied or policy-oriented leadership roles for improving natural and workplace environments. The 63-credit curriculum meets CEPH guidelines for training students to develop pathways for resolving major issues affecting human health. Adding a certificate in Environmental Toxicology or Occupational Hygiene is possible. Students benefit from engaging in real-world research with faculty in the Occupational and Environmental Medicine Clinic. Inside the classroom, coursework will delve into biostatistics, epidemiology, global health, water resource management, occupational safety, pollution control, and more. Before graduation, MPH students must satisfy 120 practicum hours and write a master’s thesis. Graduates can qualify for OSHA public health certifications.
Master of Public Health in Epidemiology
Graduate practice-oriented training can be specialized in the study of disease prevention and control by pursuing UW’s Master of Public Health in Epidemiology. This generalist track integrates the principles and methods used for stopping the spread of illnesses. Students can further concentrate in the Global Health or Maternal and Child Health tracks. The 63-credit curriculum requires at least two years full-time or longer part-time. Coursework will include empirical-based knowledge on cancer, HIV/AIDS, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and other diseases impacting 21st century health. MPH students engage in collaborative research with the Harborview Medical Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, and other top-notch facilities. At least 120 hands-on practicum hours are integrated. Admission will require a bachelor’s degree and health-related work experience.
Master of Public Health in Global Health
Master of Public Health students at the University of Washington can concentrate in Global Health to better understand the social, economic, and political factors that determine health internationally. The two-year, 63-credit program places significant emphasis on social justice and equality for developing effective global health initiatives. Faculty are drawn from 34 different departments for well-rounded preparation for NGO administration. MPH students can select further specialization in Health Metrics and Evaluation or Leadership, Policy, and Management. There’s also a Peace Corps Master’s International option for overseas volunteers. Global health majors typically spend four quarters in residence and two to three quarters abroad. Partnering UW organizations range from Indonesia and Kenya to Suriname and Ukraine.
Master of Public Health in Health Services
Aspiring health administrators frequently select the Master of Public Health in Health Services program at UW Seattle to expand their knowledge on the structure, function, and performance of medical delivery systems. Requiring 63 credits, the two-year program admits around 35 students annually from 185+ applicants. Scoring above the 50th percentile on the GRE and carrying a minimum 3.5 GPA is suggested. MPH students are prepared for administration with courses in health economics, health promotion, program planning, finance, healthcare law, and personnel management. Available concentrations are Health Systems and Policy, Maternal and Child Health, or Social and Behavioral Science. The CEPH-accredited curriculum requires at least 120 practicum hours before the capstone. There’s also a Graduate Certificate in Emergency Preparedness and Response.
Master of Health Informatics and Health Information Management
UW’s Master of Health Informatics and Health Information Management offers a unique blend of CAHIIM-accredited IT training and leadership development for executive positions. Students are introduced to the latest clinical technologies to manage enterprise-level medical information systems. The 59-credit, cohort-based program is formed on four pillars: electronic health records, healthcare data analytics, information governance, and patient privacy/security. The MHIHIM program integrates online webinars with face-to-face sessions once per month at Bellevue’s Park 140 facility. Students discuss everything from project management to epidemiology. Health informatics training culminates in a real-life capstone project. Seattle-area IT leaders are brought into the classroom to share their insights in guest lectures. MHA and Executive MHA graduates can pursue the degree with Advanced Standing.
Accreditations
Commission on Accreditation Healthcare Management Education (CAHME)
Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH)
Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM)
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Contact
Health Sciences Building F-350
1959 NE Pacific Street
Seattle, WA 98195
(206) 543-1144
[email protected]
http://sph.washington.edu/prospective/graduate.asp
Washington State University
College of Nursing
Based on a 640-acre rural campus in Pullman with extensions in Spokane, Vancouver, and Richland, Washington State University is a premier public, land-grant multi-site research institution enrolling over 29,600 students total. Known for winning the 2015 CleanTech Achievement Award for sustainability, WSU is ranked the 140th best national university, 71st top public school, and 115th best college for veterans by the U.S. News. Forbes magazine honored Washington State as the 151st best research center in America. The College of Nursing is further recognized as the country’s 40th best master’s nursing school and 52nd top healthcare management school.
Master of Health Policy and Administration (MHPA)
With class sizes limited to 25, the Master of Health Policy and Administration (MHPA) program promotes intimate, engaged leadership education for WSU students interested in managing the business side of healthcare. Holding CAHME approval, the 56-credit program puts graduates in marketable positions for health services management. Courses are available full-time or part-time in accommodating evening times. Topics addressed include cost accounting, marketing, quality improvement, finance, healthcare politics, human resources, and payment reform. For professional skills development, a summer internship is wedged between year one and two. The MHPA culminates with a master’s thesis or graduate project. Out-of-state students can qualify for affordable tuition through the WICHE Exchange program. Alumni have found success in facilities like Deaconess Medical Center, Skagit Regional Health, and Health Care Authority.
Accreditations
Commission on Accreditation Healthcare Management Education (CAHME)
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Contact
103 E Spokane Falls Blvd.
Spokane, WA 99202
(509) 358-7987
[email protected]
Based on statistics from PayScale, healthcare management is the seventh best graduate degree investment for demand in the United States. Projected 10-year job growth at 17 percent suggests that over 56,300 job openings will spark. Studying healthcare management can prepare you for lucrative positions like pharmaceutical project manager, health informatics director, clinic administrator, healthcare consultant, practice manager, and wellness director based on your interests. Graduates can even claim coveted hospital CEO jobs where salary potential is 120 percent higher than average! The Evergreen State has burgeoning demand for healthcare administrators with innovative business and clinical strategies. Fulfill your leadership goals by attending one of these excellent healthcare management masters programs in Washington.
Related resources:
Top 20 Graduate Programs in Health Care Management in the South