College launches new online health care and nursing options
Saint Joseph’s has launched an online program in Catholic health care leadership and launched two graduate nursing degrees that partner with either health administration or business administration.
Catholic health care leadership program
“The program enables administrators
to balance the business of health care with Catholic traditions and ministries,” according
to program coordinator Twila Weiszbrod. The program is:
- offered as a concentration within the Master of Health Administration degree or as a certificate program.
- aimed at managers within Catholic health care organizations and combines health care leadership course work with theological course work.
- offers a foundation in the Church’s social traditions, which ensure the life and dignity of the human person, as well as protecting the poor and vulnerable. It also educates lay leaders on the Church’s healing ministries that combine technology, skill and caring for the mind, body and spirit.
M.S. in Nursing/Master in Health Administration
According to Dr. Lois Hamel,
distance nursing program director, “We have seen a sharp increase in
the number of nurses who want to keep their manager-level positions with Magnet
status and be able to speak the same language as ‘the other suits in
the room.’” The program:
- allows RNs with bachelor’s degrees to earn a Master of Science in Nursing and a Master of Health Administration combined.
- appeals to nurses who are, or plan to be, CEOs, or hospital/facility administrators. (Nurse managers in hospitals applying for the American Nurses Credentialing Commission’s Magnet status will be required to hold an MSN by 2013.)
- provides the knowledge and skills to prepare leaders to address issues of access, quality and cost of health care services.
M.S. in Nursing/Master in Business Administration
According to Hamel, “The
Leadership MBA is such a nice fit with the MSN for students who aren’t
numbers-focused, but are interested in developing their leadership skills through
analyzing organizational dynamics. What a need this is in the complex environment
of health care!” The program:
- allows RNs with bachelor’s degrees to earn a Master of Science in Nursing and a Master of Business Administration combined.
- benefits nurses who are, or plan to be, managers, directors of nursing or chief nursing officers.
- deepens the understanding of the quantitative and qualitative relationships within organizations.