University of the Cumberlands to introduce new Master’s of Healthcare Administration program in Summer 2024 semester

The University of the Cumberlands is offering a new fully online Master of Science in Healthcare Administration program, with the courses becoming available to students in the upcoming Summer 2024 semester. The program will place an emphasis on the business aspects of the career and will focus on turning students into leaders in the healthcare management environment without going to medical school.

According to an article on the University of the Cumberlands' website, university provost Dr. Trey Jarboe explained the need for this new program and how it fits in with the school’s current offerings. He was quoted as saying, “To put it simply, there is and always will be a pressing need for medical workers such as nurses, physician assistants, surgeons, and so forth. Simultaneously, there is a high need for qualified healthcare administrators to keep healthcare organizations running smoothly. We already offer nursing programs, physician assistant programs, and more at Cumberlands, and this new healthcare administration master’s program is a way for us to continue strengthening healthcare in Appalachia and across the nation through quality and accessible education.”

On the heels of the Covid-19 pandemic, job demand in the field of healthcare is growing. In 2023, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics projected an increase of 28% in healthcare management jobs from 2022 to 2032, leading to an additional 144,000 personnel necessary to fill the growing need.

The online master’s degree program will give students the opportunity to work with a learning model that was designed to simulate what a real-life career in healthcare management would look like, through research, communication, theory, and hands-on practice.

“Empowerment begins with education. Healthcare education is critical to bridging the gaps in all realms of healthcare and ensuring transformative and life-saving medical services are available in all regions. Not only do programs like this MSHA degree benefit the graduates who earn it, but they impact the communities where these equipped professionals live and work. This program is ultimately about providing an opportunity to prepare graduates to help the most people possible through healthcare administration,” said Dr. Jarboe.

The new program joins the ranks of other healthcare education programs available at the University of the Cumberlands, including a master’s degree program in Family Nurse Practitioner and a Physician Assistant program. 

For more information about the University of the Cumberlands, visit the school’s website.