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First Graduates of the LECOM Masters in Health Services Administration

Eleven students in the inaugural class of the Masters in Health Services Administration received their diplomas as part of the LECOM Bradenton’s commencement ceremony held June 7, 2015. The inaugural MHSA class began its journey January 6, 2014, and all eleven successfully completed the rigorous graduate program in the scheduled 18-month period.

The class included Joseph Clark, D.O.; Anthony Ferretti, D.O.; James Lin, D.O.; Pamela Goldman, D.O.; Jaime Babiak, Pharm.D.; Jessica Puckett, D.O.; Dominick Giovanniello, D.O.; Marcus Babiak, Pharm.D.; Nicole Papanikos; Danielle Hansen, D.O.; and Jillian Heschke.

“Our MHSA program continues to experience steady growth,” said Tim Novak, Director, Masters in Health Services Administration program. “Even after graduation, we still have 52 graduate students enrolled to whom we provide the tools and knowledge needed to help create highly skilled healthcare business leaders. We need these talented professionals to help solve the complex healthcare industry challenges facing us today.”

Several of the program graduates have already applied their newly acquired knowledge to advance their professional opportunities and scopes of responsibility. Some of these positions include: Hospital Chief of Staff, Pharmacy Directors, Regional Director with the American Red Cross, Vice President of Acute Care Services, Medical Group Practice Vice Chairman, and Vice President of Senior Services and Adult Living.

Bloomberg reports that spending in medical services will approach 20% of the U.S. gross domestic product by 2021. The U.S Department of Labor estimates that by 2020, employment of health service administrators will grow by 22%, faster than the average for all occupations.

“We utilize interactive learning platforms that are impactful,” Novak said. “The professionals in the MHSA program are not just gathering credentials; they are preparing to positively impact health and wellness in our communities.” Ninety-eight percent of the curriculum is delivered through a dynamic, web-based distance education platform by an expert team of faculty with deep healthcare industry experience. Degree completion is in 18 months for our January cohorts and 24 months for our June cohorts. The next MHSA cohort begins January 2016.

For more information about the MHSA program, please call 941-405-1535 or email mhsa@lecom.edu.