Prepare for leadership roles across today’s healthcare systems
The Master of Healthcare Leadership (MHCL) at Friends University prepares professionals for administrative and leadership roles across the modern healthcare environment. Developed with input from industry leaders, the curriculum covers all phases of healthcare leadership, including hospitals, clinics, long-term care, home health, hospice and emerging care models.
Students complete core business and leadership courses through flexible online or on-campus formats, while specialized health system sciences courses are taken in person through a partnership with the Kansas College of Osteopathic Medicine (KansasCOM) in Wichita.
Healthcare Leadership
Earn your degree in Healthcare Leadership.
Program Highlights
Real-world knowledge. Supportive learning.
The master of healthcare leadership (MHCL), offered in Wichita and online, was the first master’s degree specifically directed at leadership in healthcare administration in Wichita.
Learn in a Medical School Environment
Through a partnership with Kansas Health Science University’s Kansas College of Osteopathic Medicine, students complete Health System Sciences courses alongside medical students, gaining real-world insight into clinical systems and patient-focused care.
Flexible Course Formats
Core business and leadership courses are offered online or on campus, giving working professionals the flexibility to balance school, work and life.
Developed by Healthcare Leaders
Coursework was created with input from regional and national healthcare professionals to reflect the realities of today’s complex health systems.
Experienced Faculty
Courses are taught by both academic faculty and practicing professionals from across the healthcare industry.
Growing Career Field
Healthcare leadership is consistently ranked among the fastest-growing career sectors, with increasing demand for managers who combine clinical understanding with business and leadership skills.
Capstone Experience
Students complete a capstone project or internship that allows them to apply their learning to a real-world healthcare leadership challenge.
“I was very worried about the ability to keep up with my classes while being a full time professional, frontline physician and a medical director. The staff and professors were very supportive and accommodating. They were always available to answer any questions, even after hours or on weekends!”
Dr. Chady Sarraf, Physician Read More
“Friends University encouraged me to explore gaps of service in the healthcare sector and prepared me with the skills to help lead change. Due to my research at Friends, Via Christi Health has implemented our nation’s first human trafficking education program and protocol for healthcare professionals.”
Nicole Ensminger, Health Care Leadership Graduate 2014
Costs & Value
Earning a graduate degree can significantly increase your long-term earning potential and career opportunities. According to national data, professionals with graduate degrees earn substantially more over their lifetimes than those with only a bachelor’s degree. Read more reasons why it pays to get a graduate degree.
Preparing for Leadership in the Healthcare world
The MHCL will prepare students for responsible positions of professional leadership in the healthcare environment. The coursework was developed by leaders in the healthcare industry and specifically designed to encompass all phases of healthcare leadership, including acute and long-term care, clinic and hospital management, and home health and hospice agencies.
Information from various sources – including The Wall Street Journal, the American College of Healthcare Executives, the U.S. Bureau of Statistics, the Kansas Job Vacancy Survey, InformationWeek, the Greater Wichita Economic Development Coalition and the Wichita Eagle – recognizes healthcare as a growing industry. Some of the reasons for this growth include advances and changes in technology, managed health plans, issues related to aging, physician and hospital ventures, and other areas. Nationally, healthcare providers are recognizing the majority of middle- to upper-level managers as highly skilled clinicians, with limited financial, management and leadership skills. The industry as a whole is demanding more efficiency, including increased regulations. The curriculum was constructed with recommendation from many of the region’s healthcare providers. The instructors include full-time faculty members at Friends University who have healthcare experience, as well as full-time practitioners in various disciplines in the healthcare industry.
Participants in the healthcare leadership program examine the conditions and limitations of healthcare systems as a cohort of talented professionals. The peer-to-peer learning while working with other healthcare professionals creates a caring community with rich interactions positioning graduates to lead in the corporate and not-for-profit sectors. The far-reaching knowledge and skills developed empower healthcare leaders to assemble compassionate and sustainable healthcare organizations.
Program Outcomes
The MHCL will prepare students for responsible positions of professional leadership in the healthcare environment. The coursework was developed by leaders in the healthcare industry and specifically designed to encompass all phases of healthcare leadership, including acute and long-term care, clinic and hospital management, and home health and hospice agencies.
Participants in the healthcare leadership program examine the conditions and limitations of healthcare systems as a cohort of talented professionals. The peer-to-peer learning while working with other healthcare professionals creates a caring community with rich interactions positioning graduates to lead in the corporate and not-for-profit sectors. The far-reaching knowledge and skills developed empower healthcare leaders to assemble compassionate and sustainable healthcare organizations.
Featured Faculty
Dr. Jerree Forbes
- Executive-in-Residence for the Master of Health Care Leadership Program
- A.A.S, A.A.S., Hutchinson Community College and Area Vocational School; B.B.A., M.S., Friends University; Ed.D., Nova Southeastern University