WGU Washington Launches Master's in Integrated Healthcare Management

SEATTLE, Dec. 14, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- WGU Washington is now accepting applications for a new online master's degree program aimed at preparing professionals for senior leadership roles in healthcare. Developed in collaboration with a distinguished group of leaders in U.S. healthcare management and policy, the M.S. in Integrated Healthcare Management is competency-based, which allows students to study and learn at their own pace, completing courses as soon as they demonstrate mastery of the subject matter through tests, papers, simulations and projects.

This new program focuses on the knowledge and skills needed to lead healthcare organizations today, including rapidly changing policy areas such as affordable care, patient protection, and quality assurance. In addition, curriculum includes healthcare finance, collaborative leadership, community health, risk management, information technology and innovation. Students will complete the program online with individualized faculty support and guidance, with a final capstone project based on a real-world situation in the healthcare industry.

"WGU Washington's master's degree in Integrated Healthcare Management is on the cutting edge of where healthcare is going – not where it has been," said Peter Adler, president of Molina Healthcare of Washington. "The program is designed to prepare ambitious, innovative professionals for emerging leadership opportunities in integrated health systems and population health management. Graduates will be equipped to succeed in a dynamic and rapidly growing industry, while simultaneously improving the health of individuals, populations and our country.  It doesn't get any better than this."

The new program was designed and developed with guidance from a council of experts in healthcare and healthcare policy. Members of the council include:

• The Honorable Michael O. Leavitt, Secretary, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (2005-2009); Utah Governor (1993-2003); Founder and Chairman, Leavitt Partners
• Dr. Kenneth Sharigian, Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer, American Medical Association
• Dr. Arnold Milstein, M.D., Professor of Medicine and Director, Clinical Excellence Research Center, Stanford University
• Dr. Paul B. Handel, M.D., Vice President and Chief Medical Officer, Health Care Service Corporation
• Shirley A. Weis, Former Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer, Mayo Clinic; President, Weis Associates
• Dr. Paul Keckley, Managing Director, Navigant Healthcare
• Dr. Craig Vanderwagen, M.D., RADM, USPHS, Senior Partner (Retired), Martin-Blanck and Associates; Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (2006-2009); Rear Admiral and Chief Medical Officer
• Dr. Brent James, M.D., Executive Director, Institute for Health Care Delivery Research; Vice President, Medical Research and Continuing Medical Education, Intermountain Healthcare
• Craig Miller, Principal Director, IT Strategy, Accenture

For more information about this new degree program, go to washington.wgu.edu/MSIHCM.

About WGU Washington

WGU Washington was established by the State Legislature in 2011 in partnership with nationally recognized and accredited Western Governors University to expand access to higher education for Washington residents.

The state-endorsed, online university offers more than 50 bachelor's and master's degree programs in Business, Information Technology, Teacher Education and Health Professions, including Nursing. WGU Washington's competency-based learning model is designed to meet the needs of working adults by providing an affordable, flexible option for earning an accredited, respected college degree. It's non-profit and receives no money from the state.

Degrees are granted under the accreditation of Western Governors University, which is regionally accredited through the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). Teachers College programs are accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and Nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE*).

The university has earned the support of more than 20 leading corporations and foundations. They include institutions such as AT&T, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Lilly Endowment, HCA, Hewlett-Packard, Lumina Foundation, Microsoft, Oracle, SunGard Higher Education and Zions Bank.

* One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 5380, Washington DC 20036, 202-877-6791

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Contact for media inquiries:  
Jake Riddell – Public Relations Manager
(206) 512-0025
[email protected]

Contact for enrollment information:
877.214.7004
washington.wgu.edu

SOURCE WGU Washington

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