EXECUTIVE MBA – HEALTHCARE LEADERSHIP (EMBA-HL)

Personal focus. Holistic understanding.

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Learn more about our Executive MBA – Healthcare Leadership.

Classes Starting January 14, 2023

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PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Lead your healthcare organization through periods of unprecedented change with the Executive MBA – Healthcare Leadership (EMBA-HL) from the Haslam College of Business. Our program features on-campus residencies, a healthcare policy immersion trip in Washington, D.C. and online coursework to equip healthcare professionals with the business acumen to transform organizations and bring value to leadership roles. As an EMBA-HL student, you will apply course concepts to your professional role while expanding your network to include a diverse group of healthcare leaders operating in all areas of the sector. In less than one calendar year, our graduate degree will magnify your ability to lead initiatives, drive efficiency and think critically to guide your organization through healthcare reforms and emerge as a leader within your organization.

An MBA in One Year

Complete an MBA with only nine days out of the office each quarter. The residence periods take place at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and include a trip to Washington D.C. where you will explore healthcare policy.

Applied Learning

Build the expertise to lead today’s health initiatives — new payment models, remote medicine, new delivery channels, comprehensive quality improvement and more — through a healthcare MBA curriculum, ranked the No. 1 most relevant EMBA worldwide by The Economist.

Healthcare Connections

Join a network of clinical and administrative healthcare professionals representing top healthcare organizations in every state and overseas.

Unmatched Value

Applied learning provides immediate ROI. Design a custom Organizational Action Project in counsel with one of our faculty advisors and deliver direct value to your organization’s leadership throughout the year.

#1

Most Relevant Executive MBA Worldwide

2018 Economist WhichMBA

#1

U.S. Public Institution for Alumni Satisfaction

2020 Financial Times

#1

Largest Among U.S. Public Institutions

2021 Modern Healthcare

DESIGNED FOR HEALTHCARE LEADERS

Our Executive MBA – Healthcare Leadership participants bring real-world experience to the classroom and arrive ready to tackle challenges they face on a day-to-day basis in the healthcare environment. Students come from a variety of roles and functions across healthcare, and share industry best practices and lessons learned with one another so that you can return to your organization with differentiated perspectives to address the latest healthcare trends.

To maintain a supportive learning environment and allow for close faculty connections, our program is limited to 30 students. Program participants and alumni represent organizations across healthcare including Anthem, Ballad Health, Centene, Cigna, Covenant Health, GE Healthcare, Integrity Laboratories, Kindred Healthcare, Lifepoint Health, Medtronic, Stryker, Sutter Health, Team Health, University of Tennessee Medical Center and more. This extensive network allows you to connect with professionals to not only make a difference locally, but also benefits the healthcare system overall.

As a designated 2021-2022 Military Friendly Gold School and Military Spouse Friendly School, our program also offers a broad range of resources to support students in the military and their families as they pursue their educational goals.

Executive MBA – Healthcare Leadership Class Profile

Job Title% of Program Participants
Senior Manager / Manager27%
Senior Executive23%
Director23%
CEO / C-Suite19%
Clinician8%

TESTIMONIALS

Corena Cupid

“From the very first assignment, I was able to directly apply what I was learning in the program to my organization. I have extended my lens to encompass overall strategy, marketing, and finance. The Executive MBA for Healthcare Leadership has prepared me to be a much more well-rounded contributor to the success of my organization.”

Corena Cupid

EMBA-HL, Class of 2018

Director Performance Improvement, Bon Secours Mercy Health

CURRICULUM

The Executive MBA – Healthcare Leadership is first and foremost a Master of Business Administration. The program helps healthcare professionals become business leaders by developing skills in accounting, finance, marketing, operations and leadership through applied methodology. What makes this EMBA unique is the dedicated cohort of healthcare professionals who come together each year and our focus on unique healthcare challenges to advance quality, access, affordability, and financial performance all at once.

CORE COMPETENCIES

Healthcare Business Acumen

Holistic healthcare understanding including topics such as healthcare finance, healthcare economics, lean management for healthcare, and healthcare policy

Transformational Capabilities

Business model strategies, organizational design and alignment, and change management

Systems Thinking and Operational Excellence

Operating models for integrated care, value-based and risk-sharing service models, and continuous improvement

Data-Driven Decision-Making

Integrating data into decision-making processes and day-to-day management to gain insights and drive outcomes

Policy Readiness and Influence

Identifying the direction for national and local policies, understanding their impact for your organization and taking action to influence policy

APPLIED LEARNING

Applied learning is emphasized throughout the year with individual and team assignments. This means students have the opportunity to immediately translate course concepts into action in the workplace.

Instead of teaching standard courses or classes on traditional business disciplines, professors address real-world problems from multiple perspectives and focus on common challenges that executives share across all segments of the healthcare sector.

During each residence period, participants:

  • Learn how to evaluate organization finances within healthcare
  • Explore and debate strategies for improving patient outcomes and financial results
  • Examine cases and talk with experts to understand current approaches across health systems, payers, medical devices, pharmaceuticals and other players
  • Collaborate with your experienced peers in the program to build your leadership and analytical skills

PROGRAM STRUCTURE

Participants complete the Executive MBA – Healthcare Leadership in a single calendar year, spending roughly 35 days out of the office. The average time commitment is about 15 to 20 hours per week for readings and assignments. Assignments relate directly to the work you perform in your job to help you best retain the information, immediately apply new concepts, and return value to your organization.

QUARTERLY IN-PERSON RESIDENCIES

The bulk of the learning takes place during four residence periods (RPs) of 9 days each, not including travel. Three residencies take place at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, while one includes time in Knoxville plus a healthcare policy immersion trip to Washington D.C.

The program breaks from the traditional academic format where you complete a collection of required and elective courses, and instead integrates business topics in the classroom to replicate how they function in the real world.

Academic Year 2024

  • Classes Start: January 12, 2024
  • Residence Period 1: January 13, 2024 — January 21, 2024, University of Tennessee, Knoxville*
  • The Washington Campus: April 17, 2024 — April 19, 2024, Washington, DC
  • Residence Period 2: May 4, 2024 — May 8, 2024, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
  • Residence Period 3: August 10, 2024 — August 17, 2024, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
  • Residence Period 4: December 5, 2024 — December 13, 2024, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
  • Graduation Date: December 13, 2024

*Optional Excel Bootcamp: January 12, 2024: Offered both in-person and virtual

DISTANCE LEARNING

Between each residence period you will participate in Distance Learning (DL) sessions, complete relevant and applied assignments and work on your year-long Organizational Action Project (OAP). This combination of in-person residencies, online sessions, and direct application of concepts to your work allows for the program’s compressed duration.

  • Thursdays from 7-9 PM EST

ORGANIZATIONAL ACTION PROJECT

During the program, EMBA-HL candidates participate in an Organizational Action Project (OAP) targeting issues of major importance to their organization. Each student designs their own project and works in concert with the organization’s leadership team. They also work with a faculty advisor who provides mentorship and assesses deliverables throughout the program year.

Similar to a thesis, the project is graded independently of other assignments. Across our programs, our EMBA students routinely generate $6.5 million or more in return on investment to their companies through the Organizational Action Projects.

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

The Executive MBA – Healthcare Leadership helps executives develop the vision, communication and leadership skills necessary to succeed in the transforming healthcare environment.

All residence periods include curricula specifically geared toward senior-level leadership in healthcare, including courses in:

  • Healthcare economics and policy
  • Financial Acumen
  • Negotiation
  • Strategy (including a focus on both for-profit and nonprofit healthcare models)
  • Data-driven decision-making and effective change leadership

Students work with a Haslam coach to create a personalized leadership development program targeting the student’s individual strengths and weaknesses. This coaching relationship supports the student throughout the year to experiment with new approaches, reflect on their discoveries, and see real-world improvements as a leader.

Peer-to-peer relationships contribute significantly to leadership development throughout the program. Students spend a year in near constant communication and collaboration with other healthcare leaders in their cohort, exchanging ideas and best practices. Alumni often cite these relationships with their classmates as one of the most pivotal aspects of the program, and one that endures long after graduation.

FACULTY

From organizational psychologists to entrepreneurs and healthcare consultants, the Executive MBA – Healthcare Leadership faculty at the Haslam College of Business are experienced business leaders with a wealth of perspective to share. As an EMBA-HL student, you will gain directly applicable insight from our renowned faculty through in-person discussions and hands-on exercises.

Kate Atchley

Kate Atchley

Distinguished Lecturer

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Randy V. Bradley

Randy Bradley

Associate Professor, Haslam Family Faculty Research Fellow

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Amy Cathey

Amy Cathey

Associate Dean, Graduate and Executive Education, Distinguished Lecturer.

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Russell Crook

Russell Crook

First Horizon Professor, Cheryl Massingale Faculty Research Fellow

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Phillip Daves

Phillip Daves

Voigt Scholar, Associate Professor

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Larry Fauver

Larry Fauver

James F. Smith, Jr. Professor in Financial Institutions, Kinney Family Faculty Research Fellow, Professor

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Mike Grojean

Mike Grojean

Professor of Practice in Leadership and Program Director

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Matthew Harris

Matthew Harris

Stahl PEMBA Fellow, Charlie and Caroline Newcomer Faculty Research Fellow, Associate Professor

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Keith Leitner

Keith Leitner

Lecturer

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Charles Noon

Charles Noon

Professor Emeritus

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Angel Norman

Angel Norman

Senior Lecturer

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Jim Reeve

Jim Reeve

Professor Emeritus

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Jim Rosenberg

Jim Rosenberg

Director and Lecturer

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Nancy Scott

Nancy Scott

Director of Leadership Development Programs

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Martha Weeks

Martha Weeks

Lecturer

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Alex Zablah

Alex Ricardo Zablah

Marketing Department Head, Gerber/Taylor Professor of Marketing, Fisher Family Faculty Research Fellow

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The Executive MBA – Healthcare Leadership takes less than a year to complete, starting in January and ending in December.

Should pandemic conditions affect our students’ ability to attend a residency period, our ability to host the class safely, or our opportunity to travel to D.C. we may utilize an online or hybrid modality for some aspects of the program. However, we will diligently pursue all options to deliver the on-site learning experiences where possible.

Interested candidates are encouraged to speak with our recruiter to discuss the program and the fit with your career goals and years of professional work experience.

Step 1

Begin your application at https://apply.haslam.utk.edu/apply/

  1. Start by indicating whether you are a new, returning or current student under “Admission Type.”
  2. Scroll down to choose “Executive MBA – Healthcare Leadership” under “Program”
  3. Choose the next spring semester under “Select Term”
  4. Click “Save Your Selection”

Step 2

Review and complete the following application components:

  • A resume
  • Two references (with email addresses)
  • Transcripts (for all schools attended)
  • $60 non-refundable application fee
  • Personal Statement: After you submit the application, please provide a concise personal statement that includes perspective on the items below:
    • A brief description of your organization and a longer description of your role, including responsibilities, reporting relationships, and budgetary scope
    • Critical challenges facing your organization and how these challenges impact your role
    • Describe your motivation for pursuing an Executive MBA
    • Describe your plan for balancing your various commitments (work, school, family, etc.) while earning your MBA

Yes. The 2023 tuition* payment schedule is:

Program deposit: $1,000 (paid to confirm attendance)
Spring semester 2023: $24,000 ($1,000 program deposit will be applied, leaving a $23,000 balance)
Summer semester 2023: $23,000
Fall semester 2023: $23,000

Tuition may also be paid in a lump sum at the start of the first semester. We are able to bill your organization in full or in part. Please contact us to learn more.

*The University of Tennessee, Knoxville Board of Trustees sets the program’s tuition. For 2023, the tuition is expected to be set at $70,000 by the trustees during their June 2023 meeting. The payment schedule shown above anticipates the adoption of this tuition for the Class of 2023.

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is a designated 2021-2022 Military Friendly Gold School and 2021-2022 Military Spouse Friendly School due to the expansive support available for the military community and their families at UT. Talk to an enrollment advisor for more information.

Learn more about UT’s Military Veteran Services.

The EMBA-HL has one start date each year, in mid January.

EMBA-Healthcare Leadership applicants should have the following:

  • 5+ years of professional work experience; 15 to 20 years or more is typical of a candidate
  • Bachelor degree from an accredited institution; 2.7 min GPA (exceptions may be available for minimum GPA)
  • Healthcare sector experience that demonstrates exposure to and understanding of the industry
  • An academic record (combined with standardized test scores when available) that demonstrates the aptitude and commitment to complete an MBA while working
  • Business acumen to contribute actively to the learning process
  • A professional role that enables the day-to-day application of healthcare curriculum
  • Strong recommendations and robust employer support

The total program fee for the Executive MBA – Healthcare Leadership is $70,000. The program fee includes:

  • All university tuition and fees
  • Books and materials, including course-specific software
  • Technical support for all software
  • Local transportation to and from classes and special events during residence periods
  • Breakfasts, lunches and several dinners

The program fee does not include:

  • Professional subscriptions and other supplies
  • Laptop computer (if needed, you can purchase a laptop at a discount through the UT Computer Store)
  • Lodging and travel for the University of Tennessee, Knoxville residency periods
  • Travel for the Washington DC immersion experience

Estimated additional expenses including travel to/from residence periods, lodging in Knoxville and more total $6,500.

*UT reserves the right to adjust tuition and fees when deemed necessary. These are set by the UT Board of Trustees in June/July of each year.

Yes. Many applicants’ employers provide full or partial financial assistance, as the Executive MBA – Healthcare Leadership assignments relate directly to work and improve employee performance and retention. Organizations can be billed directly for their tuition support as well.

We are happy to consider applications from healthcare professionals educated outside the United States. We routinely accept international applicants and physicians educated outside the U.S. into the EMBA-HL program.

International applicants may also be required to submit results of the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Minimum score requirements for admission to the program are a total score of 100 on the internet-based TOEFL (iBT), or a 6.5 overall band score on the IELTS.

TOEFL or IELTS scores are considered valid if taken within two years from the application deadline. Applicants may be exempt from the English Certification requirement if English is an official language in the applicant’s country of citizenship, according to standards published by the Graduate School, or if English is the primary language of instruction at the institution in which the applicant received an undergraduate, graduate, or professional degree, or on a case-by-case basis as determined by the Admissions Committee.

KEY DATES

The Executive MBA – Healthcare Leadership admissions team reviews applications on a rolling basis. Cohorts are limited, so the earlier you complete your application, the sooner you can get an admissions decision to reserve your seat.

MAKE AN INFORMED DECISION, TODAY

The Executive MBA – Healthcare Leadership admissions team reviews applications on a rolling basis. Cohorts are limited, so the earlier you complete your application, the sooner you can get an admissions decision to reserve your seat.

Request Information

Learn more about our Graduate Programs for Working Professionals.