High Point University

New MBA concentration begins in the fall

By Nicole Prince

News Editor

A new concentration in Healthcare Management is coming to High Point University’s Master’s of Business Administration program next semester.

The program is tailored to students who have a desire to pursue a career in the field of healthcare management, whether working in hospitals, health care systems, insurance companies, government agencies, pharmaceutical or device manufacturers or leading clinical practices. 

When asked why this specific concentration was added to HPU, Dr. Jim Wehrley, dean of the Earl N. Phillips School of Business and associate professor of finance, said, “Health care management is a growing field, so there should be a strong demand for graduates for many years.” 

According to Dr. Dave Tofanelli, assistant professor of the practice of management, the healthcare management industry is expected to grow more than 20% over the next five years. 

Tofanelli is one of the professors dedicated to teaching the program’s curriculum. He has over 35 years of experience in the health care management field. According to Tofanelli, his prior experience includes serving in a senior executive position with Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield and as chief executive officer of Kaiser Permanente’s largest medical center.

He has an M.B.A., an M.S. in System Management and a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership. He is also a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.

“Another impressive health care administrator will join our faculty,” said Dr. Rhonda Butler, director of the M.B.A. Program and assistant professor of management.

“The name cannot be released at this time. We can share that the new faculty member has excellent credentials, including multiple years of experience in the healthcare management field, Doctoral and M.B.A. degrees and professional affiliations.” 

Compared to other health care management programs, HPU will take a different approach and provide unique opportunities for students.

“Within the Triad area of North Carolina, there are two other programs in health care management,” said Tofanelli. “One is strictly designed for clinicians, and the other focuses on global leadership.

Our program will prepare students to step into jobs immediately and begin being contributors from day one. We will acquaint students with the tools they’ll need to be successful regardless of the health care management path they choose.”

Tofanelli offered more insight into what students can expect from the program’s curriculum, ensuring that graduates will have a strong foundation surrounding the managerial aspects of the healthcare industry. 

“We will emphasize the organization, delivery, costs and financing of health services, while focusing on how economic factors influence access to health services,” said Tofanelli.

“The history of how health care costs influence health care delivery will be discussed, including how health care services are defined by the laws of supply and demand. We will look at human resources issues and why human resources is different in the clinical setting.

We will define payment systems and provide practical methodologies that may be used by health care managers to simplify and strengthen the decision-making processes. The courses will emphasize contemporary analysis techniques needed by health care managers as financing systems move toward value-based payments and alternative payment mechanisms.

Techniques for determining strategies for unique services, integration of strategy, structure and administrative systems will be discussed and applied. The course will also incorporate generic and health care specific policy, legal and financial concepts, as they relate to the strategic management process.”

He also discussed the various responsibilities and skills of health care management professionals.

“The field of health care management can include concepts, such as hospital management, finance, informatics and general communication,” said Tofanelli.

“Each of these skills can contribute to how well you manage your daily duties in a health care setting, even in positions that are specific to each of these areas. The management side of healthcare also looks into the planning and coordination of health care activities at the state and local levels, which can mean influential career options for those that complete the degree program.”

Because health care includes many types of professions, Tofanelli recommended any type of undergraduate degree in a business discipline to prepare someone to enroll in this graduate program. 

“The program is suitable for health care professionals wishing to learn more about the operations of health care organizations, such as pharmacists, physician assistants, nurses, physical therapists and others,” Tofanelli said.

“Having experience in a health care organization or having had an internship with a health care institution would be beneficial, but not necessary.”

Butler also offered some advice for anyone interested in applying. 

“Along with a growing societal need for more health care professionals comes an increased demand for health care managers and administrators,” said Butler.

“Our M.B.A. with a concentration in health care management prepares future leaders with tailored health industry knowledge in strategic management, leadership, human resource management, health care economics and more, while also equipping them with fundamental administrative competencies to successfully manage the business of health care today and tomorrow. This is a great time to consider this program. With the global health crisis and pandemic the world is currently facing, many people are thinking more about their future and how additional education may help them secure a career that is in demand and is professionally and personally fulfilling.”

The M.B.A. program with the health care management concentration is a 30-credit hour program. It can be completed in 12 months with flexibility in format, according to the professional and personal needs of the student. Butler added that the program is available to applicants who have completed a bachelor’s degree or its equivalency. 

“The admissions committee considers an applicant’s personal and professional goals, undergraduate and/or graduate GPA, coursework, experience, references or letters of recommendation and GMAT or GRE test scores. Please note that GMAT or GRE scores can be waived if an applicant meets any one of the following conditions: 3.25 or higher GPA, four or more years of professional experience, or three satisfactory letters of recommendation from appropriate HPU faculty, staff or administrators.”

Potential applicants should know that M.B.A. applications are accepted year-round. In general, students can enroll in the M.B.A. program during any semester. The new healthcare management concentration will also be available for any semester, beginning in the fall. According to Butler, application materials should be submitted by June 30 for fall entry, Nov. 15 for spring entry and March 31 for summer entry.

The application and requirements are the same as the M.B.A. program and can be found at http://www.highpoint.edu/graduate/apply/. Anyone interested in setting up an appointment to discuss the program is encouraged to contact the Graduate Admissions team at gradadmit@highpoint.edu or 336-841-9198.