February 8, 2010
by James Dorris, Ph.D.
A “problem employee” is almost never just a “human resources” problem—it also probably relates to operations, accounting and other areas. Because managers’ responsibilities and problems do not come in neat, compartmentalized packages, the approaches they take to leading and managing should not be compartmentalized.
At the same time that managers deal with complex problems that do not fit neatly into little boxes, MBA programs by and large try to fit them back into those little boxes with discrete courses like managerial accounting, quantitative methods, and finance.
Westwood College’s MBA is different, offering courses that require students to approach managerial decision making across functional areas. For example, MBA502, Responsible Business in the 21st Century, asks students to evaluate complex business situations by applying legal and ethical principles, while weighing their impact on an organization, an industry, country, and world.
Managers taking our MBA begin with courses on professional communication and managerial-decision making tools. They then proceed to engage instructors in courses focusing on decision making theories and tools developed to address real world problems in the managerial work place. At the end of the program, in MBA599, Business Strategy, students bring to bear what they have learned as they experience firsthand the complexities involved with leading a modern business organization.
Westwood College seeks to attract people into our MBA who are already working professionals; goal-oriented people who manage families, busy lives, and people and systems in the workplace. These individuals intuitively understand that problems do not come neatly packaged in little silos. We believe such people are looking to get promoted, target a new industry, and/or be better managers/leaders.
You earned an undergraduate degree. You earned a managerial position. Now, you should earn an advanced degree that is a well recognized career-advancing credential. An MBA from Westwood College adds value to that career-advancing credential by giving you the opportunity to think beyond functional boundaries and focus on solving problems.
If you see yourself in this description, we want to talk to you.
October 30, 2009
Medical and health services assistant office managers coordinate the day to day operations of a medical center. Responsibilities could include everything from staffing, to payroll to budget management; as well as ensuring that the needs of patients and providers are met by keeping the center well stocked, clean and running smoothly. In addition to managing the operations of the medical center, assistant office managers may also manage marketing programs that stimulate new patient growth or referrals. Those looking to commence a successful management career in the healthcare industry should attend a college with a focused healthcare program.
Why Earn a Healthcare Management Degree from Westwood College?
Individuals seeking to become medical center managers or administrators may require a degree in the appropriate field. Sufficient work experience may be enough early in their career, but anyone hoping to get promoted might need a healthcare management degree. Westwood College offers a healthcare-focused business administration program, and is a fantastic way to begin a medical career in the healthcare industry.
Competition for entry into these positions is tough, and Westwood College prepares you through degree focused classes and a strong basis in management. You’ll find supervised administrative experience and classes covering hospital management, human resources administration, strategic planning, and ethics. The Westwood College business administration: major in healthcare management degree program will help you acquire the skills and competencies you need to be successful in an assistant office manager career.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for medical and health services managers is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through to 2016[1], as the healthcare industry continues to expand and diversify; thereby requiring office managers to help ensure medical centers run smoothly. Employment is expected to increase mostly in practitioners’ offices and in home health care agencies. Demand in medical group practice management will grow as medical group practices become larger and more complex. Applicants with work experience in the health care field and strong business management skills will have the best opportunities. Competition for jobs will most likely occur at the highest management levels – due to the high pay and prestige associated with these positions.
Earnings and Benefits Can Be Tied to the Healthcare College You Attend
Earnings of medical and health services assistant office managers vary by type and size of the facility as well as by level of responsibility they have. Based on their employer and specific concentration, according to a survey by the Professional Association of Health Care Office Management, 2006 average total compensation for office managers ranged from $60,040 in family practice to $77,621 in orthopedics.[2] This salary can quickly grow with experience, hard work and determination. Getting a great education can also help quick-start your management career.
[1] Job growth varies by location and occupational specialty, for more information visit the Job Outlook section at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos014.htm
[2] http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos014.htm#earnings
