A Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree is designed to prepare you to become a skilled pharmacy professional. Combining your pharmaceutical skills with business expertise in healthcare could set you apart even more, especially if you hope to move into pharmacy leadership or management.That’s why South University gives you the opportunity to enroll in our PharmD and MBA in Healthcare Administration (HCA) programs at the same time. Plus, you can pursue your MBA in HCA with no additional tuition costs. To do so, PharmD students need a cumulative GPA of 2.7 or higher and must receive approval to enroll. Eligible students can start the MBA HCA program after completing 120 hours of PharmD coursework (in other words, after their first year).
Here are five ways earning an MBA in HCA with your PharmD could benefit you!
5 Benefits of Earning a Healthcare Administration MBA with Your PharmD
1. Strengthen Your Leadership Skills
Whether you aspire to manage a hospital pharmacy, lead a clinical team, or one day land an executive role, healthcare workers perform best with strong leadership support. An MBA in Healthcare Administration is designed to teach you about management, strategic planning, and organizational behavior, helping give you the confidence and credibility to lead.
2. Learn the Business of Healthcare
The healthcare environment is complex, from insurance reimbursement to regulatory compliance. With an MBA in Healthcare Administration, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about healthcare finance, governance, and policy. Your studies are designed to give you insight for making decisions that benefit pharmacy patient outcomes, staff experiences, and entire healthcare organizations.
3. Expand Your Career Opportunities
Many PharmD graduates enter clinical roles*, working primarily with patients. Other graduates seek management or leadership roles within a pharmacy, health system, managed care, pharmacy research, or pharmaceutical company. Obtaining an MBA in Healthcare Administration could help prepare you to pursue these types of roles.
4. Boost Your Marketability
Healthcare employers value people with clinical and business knowledge. By completing a PharmD and an MBA, you show versatility and a commitment to professional growth. These qualities can make you a competitive candidate in the job market.
5. Graduate With Added Value, Not Added Costs
Earning two degrees usually comes with a significant financial investment. However, eligible PharmD students have the opportunity to earn their MBA in Healthcare Administration with no additional costs. That means more value for your time, effort, and tuition dollars.
Be a Leader in Pharmacy
Earning your PharmD already puts you on a path to make a difference in your community. Adding an MBA in Healthcare Administration can amplify that impact. You’ll be equipped not only to practice pharmacy but also to lead and transform the systems that support patient care.
Want to learn more? Request information to talk with our Admissions team.
* Graduates are required to pass the national certification exam and obtain a state license in order to work in the field. (Exam names vary by program) Please refer to the State Professional Licensure Determination and National Certification/Licensure section of the University catalog for additional information. South University cannot guarantee each graduate will pass the required licensure examinations. South University does not promise or guarantee licensure, employment, or salary amounts.
