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A healthcare management certificate has been approved

Natallia Gray

This certificate will equip you with healthcare industry-specific knowledge and the skills to emerge as a highly desirable candidate for healthcare employers.

Natallia Gray, assistant dean and director of Ivy’s healthcare management program

Students can begin taking courses now

Students at the Debbie and Jerry Ivy College of Business can add an undergraduate healthcare management certificate beginning in fall 2025.

The certificate, which will be available to all Iowa State University students, is designed for those eager to broaden their understanding of the business and administrative aspects of the healthcare industry.

Did you know?

  • 11 %

    The healthcare industry accounts for 11 percent of total employment in the United States.

The certificate requires a minimum of 20 credits, including 11-12 required credits and eight to nine electives. It includes courses that focus on understanding the U.S. healthcare system, quality management in healthcare, economics of healthcare, law and regulatory environment, and so much more.

This certificate serves as a valuable complement for business majors aspiring to venture into the healthcare sector, offering them a strategic advantage in navigating the complexities of this dynamic industry.

“The healthcare industry accounts for 11 percent of total employment in the United States,” said Natallia Gray, assistant dean and director of Ivy’s healthcare management program.

“This translates to approximately one in nine working adults employed in healthcare. Regardless of your primary major, whether it be marketing, actuarial science, or something else, you might find yourself interested in business career opportunities within the healthcare sector. The certificate will equip students with healthcare industry-specific knowledge and skills to help them emerge as highly desirable candidates for healthcare employers,” Gray said.

Gain competency in healthcare management

The healthcare management certificate also integrates well with various health-related disciplines, including but not limited to biology, biochemistry, biomedical engineering, psychology, genetics, kinesiology and health, nursing, dietetics, human development and family studies, sociology, global resource systems, nutritional science, gerontology, global health, health promotion, nutrition, and pharmacology and toxicology.

“In our healthcare management courses, we regularly see non-business majors (biology, psychology, kinesiology, economics, engineering, among others) who wish to enhance their knowledge of the healthcare industry, understand the business aspects of healthcare, and gain competencies in healthcare management,” said Gray. “This certificate creates a pathway for non-business students to earn a formal credential in healthcare management to be reflected in their academic transcripts.”

Moreover, those who already hold a bachelor’s degree from Iowa State or other accredited institutions can also enroll in the certificate.

“Studies show that clinicians who transition to administrative and supervisory roles are often faced with a steep learning curve and report struggling in their new roles due to discrepancies between clinical training and required administrative skills, such as program assessment, balancing the finances and quality of services, leading, motivating, and managing staff,” said Gray. “The healthcare management certificate can help prepare students to transition from clinical to managerial and leadership roles within healthcare organizations.”

May 31, 2024