In a recent webinar, the Rize Education team presented significant updates to our Healthcare Administration program curriculum. Hosted by Dylan Fogarty (VP of Partner Success), Francesca Violich Kennedy (Instructional Design Lead), and Hannah Malowitz (Enrollment Growth Consultant Lead), the session focused on how the changes align with industry trends and enhance student career readiness while maintaining the program's strong foundation. Keep reading below for key takeaways from the session or watch the full webinar here.
The Rize Healthcare Administration program has demonstrated remarkable success with a 96% student satisfaction rate and currently serves 268 registered students. The field itself is experiencing substantial growth, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 29% increase in employment opportunities by 2033, translating to approximately 160,000 new jobs. This growth is primarily driven by the aging baby boomer population and the increasing complexity of healthcare systems. The program has also proven effective as a "parachute program" for students transitioning from nursing or pre-med tracks, offering them a viable alternative within the healthcare sector.
The refreshed curriculum now aligns with two prestigious industry frameworks: ACHE (American College of Healthcare Executives) and CAHME (Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education) competencies. This alignment ensures students develop skills in five critical areas: healthcare system knowledge, communication, critical thinking, management and leadership, and professionalism and ethics. The program has been updated to incorporate emerging trends such as AI, digital tools, and advanced financial management concepts, preparing students for the evolving healthcare landscape.
A standout feature of the updated curriculum is the introduction of HADMN II: Career Navigation and Exploration in Healthcare Administration. This new course helps students understand diverse career pathways and build professional momentum early in their academic journey. The program emphasizes hands-on learning through real-world scenarios, such as analyzing hospital financial decisions, evaluating healthcare technology implementations, and addressing complex ethical challenges. The capstone course allows students to tackle "wicked problems" in healthcare using data analysis tools like RStudio, creating solutions for real-world challenges like nurse retention and ER wait times.
The program now offers two format options: a traditional 15-week term and an accelerated 8-week term, providing institutions with flexibility to serve different student populations. Rize provides comprehensive support for implementation, including detailed FAQs, phase-in plans, and customized curriculum maps. Partners receive assistance in aligning the program with their specific institutional goals and student needs, whether serving traditional undergraduate students or adult learners.
The curriculum enhancements create powerful talking points for student recruitment. Faculty involvement in the admission process has been shown to significantly influence student decisions, with 70% of students citing faculty interaction as a key factor in their choice. The program's industry alignment, hands-on learning opportunities, and clear career pathways make it particularly attractive to students interested in systems improvement, data-driven decision-making, and non-clinical healthcare roles.
The refreshed Healthcare Administration program represents a significant step forward in preparing students for the evolving healthcare landscape while maintaining strong employment outcomes and student satisfaction. Existing partners are encouraged to review the provided FAQ documentation, share specific feedback about their campus needs, and work with their Partner Success Lead to implement these enhancements effectively. Whether you're looking to strengthen retention pathways or expand program offerings, now is the time to leverage these updates for your institution's success. Submit your information below if you'd like to schedule a call to discuss these updates further.
