Five healthcare management masters programs in Wyoming help residents of the “Cowboy State” lasso advanced job opportunities. Positioned in the Rockies and High Plains, Wyoming is the country’s least populous state with under 600,000 inhabitants. Although its $38.4 billion economy is most associated with energy production, Wyoming has a strong health care sector. Not only do health administration majors benefit from studying among gorgeous wilderness like Grand Teton National Park and Wind River Canyon, but they can also network with over 30 hospitals. Cheyenne Regional Medical Center, Wyoming Medical Center, and Sheridan Memorial Hospital are regionally ranked. The VA Newcastle Clinic is currently Wyoming’s largest employer too. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the 580 health service managers in Wyoming earn an average yearly income of $93,880, which isn’t taxed. Reach for your dream corporate job in medicine by checking out these healthcare management masters degrees for Wyomingites.
CollegeAmerica
School of Healthcare
Established in 1964 as the training office for Control Data Corporation, CollegeAmerica is a private, nonprofit distance learning institution that’s nationally accredited to deliver 41 academic programs, including seven master’s degrees. Although headquartered in Denver, CollegeAmerica serves the entire Rockies region with sites in Arizona, Colorado, and Wyoming enrolling more than 8,900 students. Keep in mind that the unranked school has recently been sued for “deceptive trade practices” that mislead students. The School of Healthcare has 30 years of experience paving the way for adult learners to advance in the booming industry.
Healthcare Administration M.S.
Offered wholly online through CollegeAmerica’s affiliate, Independence University, the Healthcare Administration M.S. program co-develops medical and business skills to help graduates climb the ladder to senior leadership. In just 15 months full-time, students can confidently apply their learned operational management skills to coordinate successful medical facilities. The master’s program creates a personalized virtual classroom for studying advanced topics in healthcare management. Consisting of 57.5 credits, the ACCSC-accredited curriculum explores managed care, organizational behavior, health policy, personnel relations, economics, public policy, and marketing. Online study culminates with completing a final thesis project with dedicated success coaches. Wyomingites in this career-focused program receive a new laptop and free tutoring with their tuition price.
Healthcare Informatics M.S.
Today’s health service managers are thrust into a digital age where electronic records and clinical IT systems run the show. Therefore, CollegeAmerica created the Healthcare Informatics M.S. program to develop specialized knowledge on the organization and security of critical patient data. The 60-credit graduate program can be completed in only 15 to 20 months full-time online through Independence University, including the IT capstone project. Wyoming residents will develop their business, clinical, and technological skills concurrently for managerial roles in informatics. Online curriculum can even place graduates on track for Chief Information Officer (CIO) jobs. Students benefit from the college’s partnership with Highlands Behavioral Health, Synergy Health Partners, and North Country Healthcare.
Nursing Administration M.S.
Another excellent online masters option for Wyomingites is CollegeAmerica’s Nursing Administration M.S. program. Unlike the previous two, this degree is structured for registered nurses with unencumbered licensure and bedside experience. Nurses lay the groundwork for advancing into upper-level management within diverse healthcare facilities. The 56-credit degree is delivered 100 percent online over 15 months full-time or longer part-time. Aspiring APRNs take ultra-personalized courses like ethics, pathophysiology, pharmacology, quality management, finance, informatics, and leadership theory. During the final term, nurses complete an administrative practicum in their local communities. Online classes start every few months for ultimate flexibility. Graduates receive Career Services to land in-demand jobs like nurse manager, health administrator, long-term facility manager, and nursing director.
Accreditation
Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC)
Contact
6101 Yellowstone Road #101
Cheyenne, WY 82009
(307) 632-7048
[email protected]
http://www.collegeamerica.edu/healthcare
University of Wyoming
College of Health Sciences / College of Arts and Sciences
Nestled on a 785-acre suburban campus above the Laramie Plains overlooking the Snowy Range, the University of Wyoming is a premier public, land-grant research institution endowed for $455 million to educate approximately 13,900 students in over 190 programs. Named the nation’s 111th best research university, UW is ranked the 168th best college, 137th top school for veterans, and 91st best public university by the U.S. News. Washington Monthly lauded Wyoming as the 122nd top master’s institution for social mobility and service. Acclaimed for the 53rd best pharmacy degrees, the College of Health Sciences focuses on nurturing leadership for future health care practitioners in rural communities.
Master of Science in Health Services Administration
Beginning in Fall 2016, UW will confer an online Master of Science in Health Services Administration program through its School of Pharmacy. This program will target mid-career clinicians, pharmacists, and other health professionals who are seeking advancement to administration. Synchronous and asynchronous online instruction are blended to complete the senior lectures. The 30-credit curriculum can be finished in two years part-time with only two weekend residencies in Laramie. Students from across the United States may enroll, except those from Alabama, Arkansas, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, and Minnesota. Project-based courses ensure graduates have the business and clinical grounding for management. Admission will require an accredited bachelor’s degree and an experienced resume.
Master of Public Administration – Health Care Option
Integrating theory and practice, the Master of Public Administration at the University of Wyoming is NASPAA-accredited to teach students the skills for implementing policies and programs in public service leadership. Pre-career and experienced public officials will benefit from the program’s mentoring approach. Within the 39-credit curriculum, students can select elective specializations, including the Health Care Option. This is ideal for MPA students looking to coordinate health services for public or nonprofit organizations like public health departments. Nearly 50 percent of UW students complete the degree at a distance via Outreach. Majors must complete at least 300 hours of internship unless they have 2+ years of experience. There’s also a Joint MPA/JD degree available.
Accreditation
Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA)
Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (HLC-NCA)
Contact
1000 East University Avenue
Laramie, WY 82071
(307) 766-6484
[email protected]
http://www.uwyo.edu/uwgrad/prospective/academic.html
Halting your education at the bachelor’s level can hinder your advancement into management. Today’s rapidly changing health care field seeks strong leaders with the business and clinical expertise only possible through intensive experience or graduate school. Master’s degrees are the best way to significantly enhance your potential earning power. One Yahoo Education article lauded healthcare management degrees for the #5 best ROI. According to Fortune magazine, over two-thirds of health administrators report feeling highly satisfied with their career. Master’s graduates can positively touch countless patient lives by coordinating effective, safe services. Any of these healthcare management masters programs in Wyoming will be great investments for professionals wanting to improve medical outcomes.
Related:
Top 20 Graduate Programs in Health Care Management in the West