ERIE, Pa. — Timothy Novak, D.B.A., M.S.A., FACHT, dean of LECOM’s School of Health Services Administration (SHSA), announced today licensing approval by the Florida Department of Education’s Committee for Independent Education for the LECOM Doctor of Healthcare Administration (DHA) three-year concentrated research track terminal degree program.
The LECOM D.H.A. degree qualifies healthcare industry professionals as faculty members, preparing them to perform research and teach “the business of healthcare” at the college level and equips senior healthcare executives for advanced career opportunities. D.H.A. graduates will have next-generation understanding of artificial intelligence, machine learning and the ability to conduct rigorous research and analysis with the objective of applying the findings to real-world decision-making throughout the healthcare industry and effectively interfacing with local, state and federal governments related to healthcare issues. This program is focused on next generation patient centered healthcare delivery, support and wellness.
“Offering a doctoral degree in healthcare administration is a logical academic progression as all three of our current LECOM SHSA master’s degree programs (Masters in Health Services Administration, Masters of Science in Biomedical Ethics and Masters in Public Health) continue to experience steady enrollment growth resulting in high-quality employment opportunities for our graduates,” said Novak. “We are providing our 150 currently enrolled graduate students the tools and relevant knowledge needed to create highly effective, formally trained healthcare business industry leaders. We prepare these talented professionals to solve the many and complex healthcare industry challenges facing our nation today.”
Novak added, “We utilize interactive learning platforms and engage industry expert faculty that are impactful in all our programs. Our 231 alumni have acquired the essential skills and tools needed to positively impact the healthcare industry sector and communities in which they serve”
The inaugural LECOM SHSA class began in January 2014 with 11 students and has since expanded to a total cumulative program enrollment to date of 381 students. This includes concurrently enrolled students in LECOM’s medicine, pharmacy and dental programs, acute and subacute care facility administrators, practicing physicians, pharmacists, dentists and medical practice administrators.
“The LECOM DHA program creates a unique opportunity for executive healthcare administrators and other professionals seeking to advance their career opportunities by obtaining a terminal degree that is relevant, innovative and provides the essential knowledge and skills required to ‘teach the business of healthcare’ to our next generation leaders,” said LECOM Senior Vice President, Provost and Dean of Academic Affairs Silvia M. Ferretti, D.O.
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 the end of 2020, employment of health service administrators will increase by 22%, faster than the average for all occupations.
For more information about how to apply for the DHA program’s July cohort or any other SHSA master’s degree programs, call (941) 405-1533, email SHSA@lecom.edu or visit lecom.edu/academics/shsa.