DBA in Healthcare Management

Program Overview

The Rushford DBA in Healthcare Management is a flexible, 100% online program designed to equip students with advanced knowledge and skills in healthcare management. The program focuses on applied research, enabling students to apply their learnings to real-world business challenges. Graduates can pursue a wide range of career opportunities in healthcare administration, consulting, policy, and research, with a positive job outlook and high earning potential.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Rushford DBA in Healthcare Management is a 180 ECTS credits doctoral program designed to equip business students, managers, practitioners, and leaders with high-level knowledge, research, and analytical skills so that they can apply these personal and professional attributes to solve the most complex business problems. In contrast to programs at the master level, the DBA program focuses on the application of theory to real-world business challenges. Students are expected to go through a transformative learning process that enhances their research skills, so they view business situations differently with an emphasis on applying research methods and finding solutions that lead to organizational efficiency, growth, and long-term sustainability. This is a flexible though rigorous program that can be completed 100% online. Students define the pace at which they complete the program. Based on the pathway that the student chooses (Coursework vs Research), the duration of the program will vary significantly. Most students are expected to achieve the qualification within 3 years of joining the program. However, the research pathway can lead to the qualification in less than 3 years. The Rushford DBA in Healthcare Management program focuses on applied research so that executives, managers, and practitioners can start applying what they learn in the program in their organizations in real-time. We focus on ensuring that our students develop a very high level of expertise in all areas of business and Healthcare Management. The coursework will also focus on the enhancement of research skills, writing skills, presentation skills, critical and analytical thinking skills, and change management skills.

Outline:

Coursework Pathway

• Business Management Track (30 ECTS):
• Managerial Skills
• Cutting Edge Leadership
• Managerial Economics
• International Business Environment
• Accounting for Financial Reporting
• Strategic Management: Integrating the Enterprise
• Specialization Track (30 ECTS):
• Choose 6 courses from the specialization track
• Research Track (30 ECTS):
• Introduction to Academic Research
• The Landscape of Literature Review
• Research Design
• Business Statistics
• Designing a Quantitative Research Methodology
• Designing a Qualitative Research Methodology
• Written Proposal Defense (5000 words) (20 ECTS)
• Doctoral Residency (10 ECTS)
• Reflection & Minutes of the Meeting with Supervisor (10 ECTS)
• Report Writing (10 ECTS)

Research Pathway

• Specialization Track (15 ECTS):
• 3 Subject Specialization Courses
• Research Track (30 ECTS):
• Introduction to Academic Research
• The Landscape of Literature Review
• Research Design
• Business Statistics
• Designing a Quantitative Research Methodology
• Designing a Qualitative Research Methodology
• Written Dissertation Proposal (5000 words) (30 ECTS)
• Reflection & Minutes of the Meeting with Supervisor (20 ECTS)
• Research Publication / Doctoral Residency (25 ECTS)
• Written Dissertation & Oral Defense (45000 to 50000 words) (60 ECTS)

Careers:

The job outlook for graduates of a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in Healthcare Management is positive, as there is a high demand for professionals with advanced skills and knowledge in healthcare management. DBA in Healthcare Management graduates can pursue a wide range of career opportunities, including healthcare administration, healthcare consulting, healthcare policy and research, and more. They can work in a variety of settings including hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, pharmaceutical and medical device companies, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. DBA in Healthcare Management graduates are well-equipped for leadership roles, such as chief executive officer (CEO) or chief operating officer (COO) of healthcare organizations, where they can make a significant impact on the management and performance of the organization. They can also work as healthcare consultants, where they can help organizations to improve their operations, reduce costs, and enhance the quality of care. The healthcare industry is expected to continue growing in the coming years, driven by an aging population and an increasing demand for healthcare services. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of medical and health services managers, which includes healthcare management professionals, is projected to grow 18% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. Overall, the job outlook for graduates of a DBA in Healthcare Management is positive, with strong demand for graduates in a variety of industries and the potential for high earning potential. With a DBA in Healthcare Management, you will have the skills and knowledge to excel in a wide range of roles within the healthcare industry and to make a meaningful impact on the management and performance of healthcare organizations.