Health Care Management

The health care management program at Thomas More University is designed to provide a practical overview of the industry fundamentals and guide student inquiry into relevant dimensions including finance, quality, marketing, information technology, policy development, public health issues, and social responsibility. Higher order thinking (critical thinking and problem solving) along with communication skills and the importance of team collaboration are introduced and  cultivated during this coursework. Development of competencies and relevant skills prepare graduates for entry-level careers in management  and /or for advanced graduate study.

Reasons to choose health care include the following: enhanced chances of job security with an aging population that will require clinical care and support; the work is interesting and rewarding; there is portability and flexibility for potential future geographic relocation; it is a profession with continuous opportunity for enhanced learning; there is versatility to change careers within the field; monies are available to help with training; careers pay well; opportunities exist to work with people or independently; and a sense of self-fulfillment can be realized through this rewarding field.

​Students start their careers by engaging in study and active dialog as well as becoming acquainted with resources.  Strategies and information to help navigate the complex paths of decision making, gradually, for health-plan coverage, as well as consideration for clinical and  non-clinical social support needs (meals on wheels, transportation, pharmaceutical delivery) are discussed and shared. The opportunity for experiential learning in a setting relevant to self-directed learning outcomes is provided. Learning to serve others is at the core of health care management.

Students will learn from ethical  instructors with practical leadership experience who will help  blend the dynamic interplay between academic and practical constructs. This blend  seeks to offer competencies and  skills that are relevant in today’s health care environment. A framework of ethical teaching and fulfillment of the ethical duty intended for all in the health care field to “do no harm” is provided as students pursue intellectual knowledge discovery.

Current alumni work in a host of regional and national organizations  that span the continuum of care delivery including insurance companies, clinical research companies, wellness programs, group practices, hospitals, post acute care services (rehabilitation, home health, durable medical equipment companies, long term care, hospice, and organ donation.) Alumni serve in environments where they can further improve processes and work to create environments that make a difference in the lives of others.

​Career options include placements as entry level supervisors/managers, associates in clinical research settings, process improvement, nursing homes/rehabilitation and long term care facilities, hospitals, and wellness facilities.

A guide to careers in the field is provided by Association of University Programs in Health Administration.

​Experiential learning opportunities that span settings throughout the health care continuum are arranged in a partnership collaborative among the student, prospective mentor, and faculty members. Examples include opportunities to shadow those in traditional health care settings as well as emerging fields that evolved such as digital health care communications,  population health management services, care navigation, quality process improvement, etc. Opportunities to extend experiential opportunity to qualify for licensure in long term care and other structured roles are available to participating students.

​Students will meet the college entrance requirements as well as standards established by the Department of Business Administration.  A predisposition to helping others, fulfilling an organizations service-oriented mission and vision,  and alignment with the principles of Servant Leadership, from a service provider perspective, increase the likelihood for success in this industry.