50%
of students come from a clinical background
Innovate, Inspire and Lead
Health Care MBA
Become an Expert in the Business of Health Care
Get a comprehensive understanding of health care through a business lens and learn how to innovate, make an impact and create value with a Health Care MBA from St. Thomas Opus College of Business.
Designed for working health care professionals who want to advance their careers, the Health Care MBA program focuses on best practices in business strategy that influence health care in our state, our region and our nation. Our experiential learning practicum will provide or enhance your practical health care experience. Explore real-world applications of business concepts through group projects, case studies, simulations, guest speakers and practical exercises.
During the program, you’ll participate in on-campus sessions (nine times throughout the program for three days at a time) and online coursework. This proven distance learning design offers the executive-style format and flexibility needed to pursue your educational goals while continuing to meet the demands of your professional and personal commitments.
You’ll also have the opportunity to focus on Global Healthcare during the program’s International Residency, which involves traveling to another country with members of your cohort to visit hospitals, health care companies and innovation centers. Additionally, you’ll take an in-depth look at socioeconomic, political, ethical and practical issues surrounding health care.
The Health Care MBA program follows a cohort learning model, which emphasizes teamwork and collaboration. 95 percent of our Health Care MBA students say the cohort learning model is one of the key benefits of the program because it’s cross-functional, with clinicians and students from corporate backgrounds providing different perspectives.
AACSB
Accredited by Association for the Advancement of Collegiate Schools of Business International (AACSB)
700+
Health Care MBA alumni
Program Overview
Format & Schedule
Complete our 45-credit hybrid program in 21 months. The program includes nine on-campus residencies (three days each), with the rest of your time spent off-campus in online collaboration and coursework, including an integrative study project in your last semester.
You’ll also have opportunities to learn and apply your knowledge in the real-world at off-campus events and a week-long Global Innovation Residency in another country.
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in any subject
- Application form
- Essays
- Resume
- Minimum of five years’ experience in the health care industry recommended
- Admissions interview (virtual)
Cohort Learning Model
As part of a 20+ student cohort, you’ll form strong personal and intellectual connections with the same group of health care professionals as you move together through the program. You and your peers will draw upon your diverse academic backgrounds and professional experiences to provide meaningful examples and real-life case studies to the course dialogue and team projects. Plus, your cohort will be a valuable network and resource pool long after graduation.
Applied Learning
As a student in the Health Care MBA program, you will gain knowledge you can use to impact the health care industry the next day. The program immerses you in real-world health care challenges, and provides you the opportunity to dive deeper into important health care topics through:
- Dave Durenburger Health Policy Seminar
- Global Residency
- Integrative Study Project
Inclusive-Style Service
Our executive-style inclusive service for Health Care MBA students helps working professionals like you save time and focus on your studies. Our student services team is here to take care of all the administrative details, from handling class registration to purchasing textbooks for you and having them ready for you in class. We understand how busy you are, and we don’t want the details to stand in your way. Best of all, it’s included with your tuition.
Career Impact
While all Health Care MBA students start the program fully employed, they experience significant career advancement as a result of earning this degree. Health Care MBA students often receive promotions and new opportunities while they’re still enrolled, as well as after graduation.
See Career Impact Facts and Figures
Format & Schedule
Complete our 45-credit hybrid program in 21 months. The program includes nine on-campus residencies (three days each), with the rest of your time spent off-campus in online collaboration and coursework, including an integrative study project in your last semester.
You’ll also have opportunities to learn and apply your knowledge in the real-world at off-campus events and a week-long Global Innovation Residency in another country.
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in any subject
- Application form
- Essays
- Resume
- Minimum of five years’ experience in the health care industry recommended
- Admissions interview (virtual)
Cohort Learning Model
As part of a 20+ student cohort, you’ll form strong personal and intellectual connections with the same group of health care professionals as you move together through the program. You and your peers will draw upon your diverse academic backgrounds and professional experiences to provide meaningful examples and real-life case studies to the course dialogue and team projects. Plus, your cohort will be a valuable network and resource pool long after graduation.
Applied Learning
As a student in the Health Care MBA program, you will gain knowledge you can use to impact the health care industry the next day. The program immerses you in real-world health care challenges, and provides you the opportunity to dive deeper into important health care topics through:
- Dave Durenburger Health Policy Seminar
- Global Residency
- Integrative Study Project
Inclusive-Style Service
Our executive-style inclusive service for Health Care MBA students helps working professionals like you save time and focus on your studies. Our student services team is here to take care of all the administrative details, from handling class registration to purchasing textbooks for you and having them ready for you in class. We understand how busy you are, and we don’t want the details to stand in your way. Best of all, it’s included with your tuition.
Career Impact
While all Health Care MBA students start the program fully employed, they experience significant career advancement as a result of earning this degree. Health Care MBA students often receive promotions and new opportunities while they’re still enrolled, as well as after graduation.
See Career Impact Facts and Figures
Future of Healthcare Conference
Bringing together professionals from across the industry, our Future of Health Care Conference promises a full day of thinking, networking, and learning for everyone working in this space.
This one-day event is a unique opportunity to connect with industry thought leaders and discuss the current and future state of health care. Professionals at all levels are welcome!
Juggling Work, Family and MBA
This busy mom of four bought a nursing care facility shortly after starting the Health Care MBA program.
Read Juggling Work, Family and MBA
Flight Nurse Soars In Her Career
As a mother, a RN and a member of the United States military, Jen Rosetta ’17 continuously reaches for what might scare most.
Read Flight Nurse Soars In Her Career
A Health Tech Start-up With Minneapolis Roots
The CEO and co-founder of a local start-up is changing the face of clinical education.
Read A Health Tech Start-up With Minneapolis Roots
The Health Care MBA is designed for leaders who want to advance their career path in the business of health care without putting their life on hold. Our 21-month cohort program connects you with experienced faculty and talented peers form all sectors of the health care industry, allowing you to build your network and adding to your learning experience.
Featured Courses
Health Care: Systems Overview
Get an accurate understanding of the various components of the health care system (providers, consumers, payers and third parties) and how they interrelate. Learn about issues, motivations and incentives that influence all parts of the system while gaining insight into the industry’s political and social environment
Integrative Project
Prepare a major study of an issue or project of your choice, integrating knowledge, attitudes and skills developed during the Health Care MBA program. Demonstrate competence in critical thinking and your ability explore and solve complex, significant issues in health care. You’ll present your findings and recommendations to faculty and your colleagues in both a written and oral presentation.
Health Law
Learn about the government regulation and liability of physicians and other health care personnel, hospitals and other health care institutions. Explore government regulation of the cost and quality of health care, the financing of healthcare delivery and other legal aspects of medical ethics. Study decision-making and planning processes, liability, contracts, torts, medical records, malpractice, consent and tax-related issues.
Featured Faculty: Joseph White
Joseph White recently retired as a partner at CliftonLarsonAllen, a top eight national certified public accounting and consulting firm, to launch his “encore career” as a full-time faculty member at the University of St. Thomas Opus College of Business.
White graduated from the University of Minnesota and received his bachelor's degree with an emphasis in accounting in 1982 and his master’s degree in business administration from the St. Thomas Executive MBA program in 2001. He is a licensed CPA and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Minnesota Society of Certified Public Accountants and the Health Care Financial Management Association.
Seeing is Believing
Get in Touch
St. Thomas Opus College of Business is an incredible place to learn, meet inspiring peers and mentors, and build a strong career path. Don't just take our word for it—experience Opus firsthand. Visit a class, attend an info session, or chat with the admissions team.