More Student Profiles . . .
I chose to pursue the UW Executive MHA Program because I needed to challenge my thinking skills and develop my abilities. I already had a strong education in finance and business, so an MBA was less important to me than to fully understand the background and direction of clinical program development. I needed the MHA to round out my skill set. The UW Executive MHA Program is highly designed and respected, and the class format is more in tune with my schedule than an evening or day program.
How would you describe your educational background?
In 1982, I earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Eastern Washington University with majors in Finance, Accounting, and Management.
What is your professional background?
Immediately after earning my undergraduate degree, I joined Old National Bank in Spokane. I stayed in the banking profession for five years and then transferred into health care. For the past 21 years, I have focused my professional energies on hospital finance and operations.
Are there any outstanding or unique experiences that you would like to share with regard to the UW Executive MHA Program?
The Program is very well planned. First, the ropes course orientation on Whidbey Island is a "can't miss" opportunity to get to know the members of your cohort, truly learn more about yourself, and prepare for the growth expedition on which you and your cohort members are embarking. Second, classes begin with a general overview of the systems and economic and delivery issues confronting health care today. Then, you begin the deep dive into many specific areas of learning. Before you know it, you are tying it all together and preparing for three quarters of Capstone Project work.
What do you feel are the strengths of the UW Executive MHA Program?
The strengths I see are the philosophy that drives the Program, the focus on leadership development, the organization of courses, which build from quarter to quarter and directly relate to one another, and the efforts of Program administration to continually improve the Program.
What are your career goals?
As a director in a local hospital, I have had the desire to think and contribute at a higher and more effective level than where I am today. The UW Executive MHA Program is providing me with two years of boot camp for developing my processing and leadership skills so I can accomplish these goals.
Is there anything else you would like to share about your experiences here?
The UW Executive MHA Program provides a rich and safe training ground to learn, explore one's potential, and make mistakes while growing. The curriculum structure is not strictly theoretical; it is disciplined in career development tools and experiences for improving the health care system.
Student Profile
Michael Smith: Executive MHA Candidate, 2008
What brought you to the UW Executive MHA Program?I chose to pursue the UW Executive MHA Program because I needed to challenge my thinking skills and develop my abilities. I already had a strong education in finance and business, so an MBA was less important to me than to fully understand the background and direction of clinical program development. I needed the MHA to round out my skill set. The UW Executive MHA Program is highly designed and respected, and the class format is more in tune with my schedule than an evening or day program.
How would you describe your educational background?
In 1982, I earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Eastern Washington University with majors in Finance, Accounting, and Management.
What is your professional background?
Immediately after earning my undergraduate degree, I joined Old National Bank in Spokane. I stayed in the banking profession for five years and then transferred into health care. For the past 21 years, I have focused my professional energies on hospital finance and operations.
Are there any outstanding or unique experiences that you would like to share with regard to the UW Executive MHA Program?
The Program is very well planned. First, the ropes course orientation on Whidbey Island is a "can't miss" opportunity to get to know the members of your cohort, truly learn more about yourself, and prepare for the growth expedition on which you and your cohort members are embarking. Second, classes begin with a general overview of the systems and economic and delivery issues confronting health care today. Then, you begin the deep dive into many specific areas of learning. Before you know it, you are tying it all together and preparing for three quarters of Capstone Project work.
What do you feel are the strengths of the UW Executive MHA Program?
The strengths I see are the philosophy that drives the Program, the focus on leadership development, the organization of courses, which build from quarter to quarter and directly relate to one another, and the efforts of Program administration to continually improve the Program.
What are your career goals?
As a director in a local hospital, I have had the desire to think and contribute at a higher and more effective level than where I am today. The UW Executive MHA Program is providing me with two years of boot camp for developing my processing and leadership skills so I can accomplish these goals.
Is there anything else you would like to share about your experiences here?
The UW Executive MHA Program provides a rich and safe training ground to learn, explore one's potential, and make mistakes while growing. The curriculum structure is not strictly theoretical; it is disciplined in career development tools and experiences for improving the health care system.