The Healthcare Operations Management (HOM) Program makes its debut this year at the University of Detroit Mercy.
Detroit Mercy is getting its first look at the new HOM program, replacing the Healthcare Services Administration (HAS) program effective this year. The University of Detroit Mercy has carefully curated this new program with the aid of industry experts and focus groups to allow graduates the opportunities to excel in the ever-changing world of medicine.
Dean Ahmed Radwan and Program Director Traci Stewart have their goals set high for the program.
“Healthcare is changing rapidly,” Radwan said. “HOM was created to prepare Detroit Mercy graduates to address current trends in organizations and improve the quality of healthcare delivery.”
The curriculum, as outlined on the University of Detroit Mercy Website, features 120 credit hours spread over 54 curriculum credits, 9 track credits, 15 supportive credits, 3-9 elective classes and a capstone.
Students are offered the Digital Health or Population Health tracks to focus their studies, each track offering three unique classes to help them excel in their fields.
The Digital Health track offers AI and Machine Learning in Healthcare, Data Driven Knowledge and Storytelling, and Project Management of Digital Health. The Population Health track offers Population Health, Promoting Healthy Behavior, and End of Life Issues and Concerns.
The rest of the curriculum features classes that will help prepare individuals for success and growth in new and emerging healthcare management careers.
“Titans will leave the program prepared to work in population health settings which include acute, sub-acute organizations and in the community,” Radwan said.
The curriculum offers students the lessons and hands-on experience necessary to strengthen the next generation of healthcare providers.
Students will be expected to complete a capstone, using the skills they have acquired to solve a real-world problem. Associate professor Phillip Olla addressed how the university asks nonprofit healthcare organizations for real problems they face in their work.
“When students are ready for capstone, they can look at the organizations and what they have issues with, and they can just jump on board,” Olla said.
By doing this, students will be offered capstone projects that are relevant to their interests and what is happening in the real world.
HOM will offer students the opportunity to work with professionals in the classroom and through internships offered at Detroit Mercy. Detroit Mercy is currently partnered with many healthcare organizations including; Blue Cross Blue Shield, Trinity, Corewell and HFHS. This internship offers students the opportunity to enter the professional world for a short time and gain experience in management and administration positions needed to transition into the work force.
The future of HOM shines brightly as there are already many new classes, tracks and opportunities currently under revision that will steadily be released over the next few years. These include the addition of the Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences, Bachelor of Science Sports and Exercise Sciences, Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) and Interprofessional Education (IPE) programs.
Every professor hired into this program is an expert in digital health and/or healthcare operations, focusing on preparing students for the real world of healthcare management. With years of experience, both hands on and in the classroom, students can expect nothing but the best from this new curriculum.
