Master in Health Care Management

Summary

The Master in Health Care Management (MHCM) program is designed exclusively for mid-career physicians and dentists in or new to leadership roles in health care organizations. As health institutions have grown more corporate and complex, the need to acquire formal managerial and organizational skills has become critical. MHCM students receive a unique, low-residency experience to gain valuable skills in business management education.

The MHCM degree involves three weeks each summer of intensive training, followed by five four-day weekends throughout the year. Physician executives take what they learn on campus, apply the lessons in their day-to-day practice while employed full-time, and return to the program to share their successes and challenges with their cohort. The MHCM program is designed to encourage students to learn from each other’s ongoing work experiences.

Details

Abbreviation: MHCM
Degree format: On campus
Time commitment: Low-residency (2 summers and 2 academic years)
- 2 synchronous on-campus trainings for three weeks each summer
- 5 synchronous on-campus trainings for four-day weekends during the academic year
Program length: 22 months low residency
Weekly expectations: 10–15 hrs/week of asynchronous independent projects and assignments
Estimated cohort size: 20–30 students per year
Start term: Summer

Highlights

The MHCM program incorporates features of continuous learning in which students can immediately put new knowledge into practice in the workplace.
MHCM students identify realistic managerial challenges and learn the techniques needed to balance financial constraints, patient care networks, and time management.
The MHCM degree goes beyond the traditional MBA program, by applying business management disciplines to the specialized practices of the health care sector.

Career outcomes

A Master in Health Care Management (MHCM) degree advances and expands the skills necessary for leadership advancement or career promotion for physician and dental executives. Physicians and dentists in managerial roles are prepared to balance financial responsibilities and human resource needs in order to streamline health delivery systems.

Resources and community

Students in the Master in Health Care Management program are supported by the Harvard Chan School staff from day one of the application process through graduation. Students are closely connected with faculty, administrative staff, program alumni, and academic advisors to meet their educational and professional goals. The MHCM degree fosters a non-competitive cohort community for networking and support.

All Harvard Chan students have access to Harvard Chan program faculty who may serve as professional mentors and the extended Harvard Alumni Network.

Related degrees

Admission information

Eligibility requirements

The Master in Health Care Management (MHCM) program is targeted towards mid-career physicians and dentists who are in managerial positions and seeking education at the master’s degree level to become more effective in their positions.

Eligible MHCM applicants include:

Medical directors managing care plans and group practices.
Clinical executives of hospitals, multi-hospital systems, community health centers, or pharmaceutical firms.
Clinical leaders from organizations such as physician-hospital organizations, medical service organizations, and independent practice associations.

Application requirements

All applications must be submitted through SOPHAS – the centralized application for schools and programs of public health. In addition to the application, applicants must submit:

Statement of purpose and objectives
Official test scores (not required/not reviewed)
Three letters of reference
Resumé/curriculum vitae
Post-secondary transcripts or mark sheets (World Education Services credential evaluation for applicants with degrees from outside of the United States.)
English language proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS), if applicable

Learn more about the application process.

Application deadline

December 1 (priority deadline) / February 15 (regular deadline)

Applicants may apply to only one degree program for either full- or part-time status. Applications are reviewed in their entirety and decisions are released via email in late February/early March. Decisions are not released until all application components are received.

Anyone interested in the program is encouraged to call the MHCM office:

Perry Albert
Program Coordinator
Master in Health Care Management
617-432-0140

Colin Fleming
Assistant Director
Master in Health Care Management
617-432-7075