Gonzaga University plans to launch a masters of business administration (MBA) program with specialized curriculum in health-care management this fall.


The Spokane university says its Graduate School of Business Administration is introducing the program to fill an unmet need in the Inland Northwest for professionals trained in managing businesses that deliver health-care services. While other programs offered in Spokane focus on theory or hospital administration, Gonzagas program will focus on the practical aspects of running medium- to large-sized medical practices, says Steve Duvoisin, a member of the advisory board for the degree program and CEO of Inland Imaging LLC and Duvoisin & Associates LLC, both of Spokane.


The program, similar to the schools current MBA program, will require students to complete 33 credits to graduate, and also will require them to complete an internship at a Spokane medical facility. Courses will be offered once a week in the evenings.


Courses unique to the health-care management track will be offered on a three-year cycle until demand warrants more frequent offerings, Gonzaga says. Students will be allowed to enter the program during any semester.


To be eligible for the program, Gonzaga will require that applicants achieve a minimum score of 500 on the Graduate Management Admission Test, unless they hold a professional doctoral degree.


Contact Emily Brandler at (509) 344-1265 or via e-mail at emilyb@spokanejournal.com.