American International College in Springfield to offer new degree in health care management

SPRINGFIELD — Facing a need for more experts in health care management, American International College is adding a bachelor's degree program in health systems administration.

The degree program, which will be open for the fall, replaces the existing health care management program and will provide skills to support health care delivery and navigate health policies, college officials said.

"As health care systems become more complex and the focus on health equity and outcomes intensifies, there is an urgent need for leaders who understand both operational management and public health," said Frederick Hoven, an associate professor and director of the college's health program.

The program of studies was developed with input from local health care and public health organizations to meet with workforce and industry needs and expectations, said Karen Rousseau, dean of the School of Health Sciences at American International College.

The college, off State Street, is taking applications and has received early interest from students, she said.

Several other colleges in the region also offer degree programs in health care management. Others include Elms College in Chicopee and Bay Path University in Longmeadow, which offers associate and bachelor's degrees in the subject. Springfield College offers a minor in health care management.

"AIC's offering is distinct in its integration of business fundamentals with competencies essential to the public health field — such as community needs assessment and program planning," Rousseau said in writing.

The students in the program at AIC will learn in-depth about the structure and function of health care systems across the public and private sectors. The program will include internships, so students gain practical experience, officials said.

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