The University of Lethbridge is adding two new graduate programs for health and business professionals who want to expand their skills in health-care management.

The new programs, which will be offered at the U of L’s Calgary campus, include a graduate certificate and master’s in Health Services Management. Both are designed for health-care practitioners and entry-level managers who want to move to more senior positions.

“We are pleased to offer these new programs in an area of growing demand. Both programs will provide students with the necessary knowledge to become effective managers in the Canadian health-care system,” says Dr. Robert Wood, dean of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs. “The programs emphasize the combination of critical thinking, applied research, and managerial decision-making skills.”

The Graduate Certificate in Health Services Management consists of 15 credit hours of coursework. Students can transfer into the master’s program during or following the graduate certificate.

The Master of Health Services Management consists of 36 credit hours:  required courses and an integrated project. The knowledge and skills learned in classes, along with experiential opportunities, are applied to a final project.

“The programs have been developed for professionals who work in the health-care sector and have a health-related baccalaureate degree or business management degree,” says Wood. “Students study on a part-time basis with weekend delivery and ongoing support through blended learning.”

Both programs have a June 1 application deadline, with the first intake in the fall of 2019. New students will be accepted every second year, with program completion between 18 and 24 months. The total number of students will be between 16 and 20.

In its development of the program, the U of L conducted a labour market analysis, surveyed potential students and interviewed major health-care providers. All point to continuing growth in jobs in health care.

The programs are jointly delivered by the Dhillon School of Business and the Faculty of Health Sciences. For more information or to apply, visit Graduate Certificate in Health Services Management and Master of Health Services Management.