The booming healthcare sector continues to bend the economic muscles that led nearly a fifth of the US gross domestic product in 2023. The industry's growth trajectory is reflected in employment forecasts that expect healthcare to generate 2.3 million new jobs by 2026.
The rapid expansion of the healthcare industry has created staffing challenges. Healthcare facilities and organizations across the country struggle to find and hire skilled managers. These leaders must manage large teams and complex operations and stay ahead of the changes in emerging technologies and healthcare policies. The demand for qualified medical executives who can handle these multifaceted liability continues to grow.
In response to this leadership gap, Willamette University is launching a new Healthcare Leadership Certificate Program designed to transform skilled health professionals into effective leaders.
“We see talented healthcare professionals who are being promoted to management roles without the necessary leadership training, and often lead to preventable setbacks and increased sales,” says Kennedy Hawkins, JD/MBA'91, director and former CEO of the program.
The 48-hour six-module program welcomes the first cohort on April 25th and is designed to provide healthcare administrators and leaders with the essential skills to help their roles thrive. Participants complete two modules per month for three months. Classes will be held on Fridays and Saturdays at Willamette's Portland or Salem campus to accommodate working professionals.
The curriculum covers the following important areas:
Leading Artificial Intelligence Employees in Healthcare Coaching and Teaching Employee Leading Data Analytics, Revenue Cycles, and Financial Reporting Lean Management Legal, Regulation, and Ethical Issues Healthcare Continuous & Industry Challenges Digital Health and Cybersecurity Healthcare Equity
Its practical focus makes this program stand out. Participants engage in real-world simulations and develop practical strategies for current healthcare challenges. The program leverages Willamette's MBA and law school expertise to be an industry veteran and creates a unique, interdisciplinary approach.
The program is designed to support career changers entering the sector, reflecting the growing industry needs for diverse leadership talent, not just current health professionals.
“Healthcare leaders today need more than just clinical expertise,” explains Hawkins. “They need to understand cybersecurity, navigate complex regulatory environments, and effectively guide change in their organization. Certification programs address these key skills gaps.”
To encourage organizational development, Willamette offers a 10% discount to groups of four or more employees in the same organization. The same discount applies to Willamette University students and alumni.
For more information about the Healthcare Leadership Certificate Program, please visit the program's website.
About Willamette University's Executive Development Center
Willamette University's Executive Development Center specializes in providing ongoing professional education programs designed to meet the evolving needs of a variety of industries. The centre is known for its practical, outcome-oriented approach to executive education and its strong connections with industry partners.
