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+++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + +++ + BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT +++ +++++++++++++++++++++++++++ KSU's Healthcare Executive MBA: Unique, Timely, Hassle-Free By Robert Janek T HINKING ABOUT A career move for Healthcare Professionals program (like all of its MBA programs) is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). This is a distinction earned by only 29 percent of universities with business colleges in the United States and only 4 percent of business programs worldwide. "The AACSB accreditation is one of the things that sets our program apart," says Don Williams, PhD, Interim Associate Dean for Graduate and International Programs at Kent State. "Another distinguishing factor is the integration of business principles from the healthcare sector into every course." According to Diane L. Pretorius, MD, who graduated from Kent State's Healthcare Executive MBA program in 2011, it's that blending of business with health care that benefits students the most. Pretorius is a diagnostic radiologist with Akron Radiology, Inc., serving Summa Health System. "This (program) not only increased my understanding of the subject matter, but allowed me to make an immediate impact at my job," she explains. Lisa Aurilio, who was one of Pretorius' classmates at Kent State, agrees. Aurilio is vice president of Patient Services and chief nursing officer at Akron Children's Hospital. "It (Kent State's program) blends the business skills needed by healthcare executives with the rapidly changing healthcare environment," she says. "This is not a 'cookie-cutter' program." PHOTO BY M. MOBLEY COURTESY OF KENT STATE UNIVERSITY from clinical medicine to healthcare administration? Kent State University's Executive MBA for Healthcare Professionals makes the transition easy with an innovative online-onsite approach. And starting in May, classes will be held at a more convenient location — at Kent State's College of Podiatric Medicine, just off of Interstate 77 and Rockside Road in Independence, Ohio. "With all of the changes that have come with healthcare reform, our Executive MBA for Healthcare Professionals offers professionals the opportunity to gain skills in the business aspects of health care, so they can transition into administrative leadership roles," says Laurie Walker, MBA, Kent State's Director of Executive MBA programs. Recognized by CEO Magazine as one of the top-tier Executive MBA programs in the nation, Kent State's Executive MBA Laurie Walker, Kent State's Director of Executive MBA programs, talks to Executive MBA students regarding the international business experience trip. 16 | Cleveland/Akron/Canton MD NEWS ■ MDNEWS.COM ■ JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014 Onsite-Online Hybrid Program Requiring less than two years to complete, Kent State's Healthcare Executive MBA for Healthcare Professionals is a lock-step program, with once-a-month classes onsite at Kent State's College of Podiatric Medicine supplemented by online discussion forums. An international business experience tour, which includes exploration of business models for health care in the developed world, tops off the program. "The onsite classes meet monthly on a Thursday evening, all day (8 a.m.–5 p.m.) Friday, and all day Saturday. Meals are provided," says Walker. "For those who prefer to stay overnight on Thursday or Friday, the Embassy Suites is conveniently located a few steps from our back door." The curriculum, which was created by a taskforce of medical professionals from 12 leading healthcare organizations in Northeast Ohio, is focused on four educational pillars: leadership, analysis, finance and strategy. Faculty members include professors holding doctorates in their fields. In addition, every class offers business executive guest speakers from top-notch local, state and national healthcare organizations, such as