Master of Business Administration (Health Services Management)

Introduction 

Our vision is to graduate capable and resilient health services management professionals. Their central aim will be to improve the quality of people’s lives in an increasingly complex and interconnected world. 

Our mission is to empower graduates to identify emerging challenges and lead innovative responses in the dynamic and evolving fields of human and community services and health management. 

Purpose of the Course 

The MBA (Health Services Management) is a strategically designed course aimed at equipping professionals with the advanced knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the multifaceted and dynamic field of health service management. This degree serves a dual purpose: to enhance the managerial acumen of individuals already working within the healthcare sector and to prepare aspiring managers and leaders to effectively navigate and influence the rapidly evolving landscape of health services. 

The primary objective of the MBA (Health Services Management) is to foster a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities within the healthcare industry. Students will gain comprehensive insights into the intricacies of healthcare systems, policies, and regulations, enabling them to make informed decisions that enhance operational efficiency and patient care outcomes. The curriculum is meticulously crafted to blend core business principles with specialised health management units, ensuring that graduates possess a robust foundation in areas such as strategic planning, financial management, and organisational behaviour. 

Furthermore, the MBA (Health Services Management) emphasises the development of critical thinking and analytical skills, which are essential for addressing the complex issues that arise in healthcare settings. Through rigorous coursework, students will learn to apply theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios, thereby honing their problem-solving abilities and strategic vision. The inclusion of contemporary topics such as health informatics, digital health, artificial intelligence and health systems ensures that graduates are well-versed in the latest advancements and trends in the industry. Through a blend of theoretical insights and practical applications, students will gain expertise needed to influence policy, manage financial resources effectively, enhance organisational behaviour, leverage digital advancements, and lead with ethical integrity to improve service delivery. 

A distinctive feature of the MBA (Health Services Management) is its focus on leadership development. Recognising that effective engagement with vulnerable populations is crucial for driving innovation and improvement in healthcare, the course offers numerous opportunities for students to cultivate their competence in strategy, leadership, innovation and entrepreneurship. Additionally, the program’s strong emphasis on ethical decision-making prepares graduates to navigate with integrity the complex moral and social dilemmas that often arise in healthcare management. Graduates of this program will be well-prepared to take on senior roles in healthcare organisations, driving positive change and making significant contributions to the improvement of healthcare delivery and patient outcomes. 

Career Options for Graduates 

Employment Demand and Job Prospects:   

The demand for professionals in the healthcare sector in Australia is robust and continues to grow. According to recent data, the healthcare and social assistance sector is projected to see significant job growth.  

The Australian Government Employment Outlook to May 2024 (Department of Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business) showed that employment growth over the 5 years to November 2019 (the most recent data available) in the health sector was 24.8%. Employment in the health care and social assistance fields are expected to increase by a further 15.1% in the next five years. 

This trend offers graduates of the MBA (Health Services Management) diverse career opportunities across various health service settings, from hospitals and community health organisations to government agencies and private healthcare providers. Opportunities will be available across various parts of the health services sector, including administration, policy development, health management and consultancy. They will be equipped to take on senior roles that involve strategic decision making, improving operational efficiencies and leading health service organisations through complex challenges. 

Job Security 

Job security in the health service sector is notably strong, driven by the essential nature of healthcare services and the sectors continuous growth. The Australian healthcare industry is one of the largest employers in the country, and the demand for health services ensures a stable employment outlook. Professionals in health service management roles benefit from this stability, as their skills are crucial for the efficient operation and strategic planning of healthcare services. The Australian government’s commitment to expanding healthcare services, particularly in the areas of public health further reinforces job security for those in health services management. Graduates of the MBA (Health Services Management) can expect to find secure, long-term employment opportunities, given the sectors resilience and the ongoing need for skilled healthcare managers.

This course will equip graduates to:  

1. Navigate complexity: This course equips students with the skills to manage the intricate healthcare environment, including understanding the interplay between public and private providers, regulatory frameworks, and funding arrangements;
2. Promoting quality and efficiency: As healthcare costs continue to rise, there is an increasing emphasis on improving the quality of care while ensuring efficiency and cost-effectiveness. This course develops competencies in evidence-based decision-making, financial management, and innovation to enhance the quality of care while ensuring cost-effectiveness;  
3. Leveraging technology: The rapid integration of technology into healthcare, such as electronic health records, telehealth, and data analytics, requires managers who can effectively implement and leverage these technologies to improve patient care and organisational performance This course will graduate students with such skills;  
4. Addressing workforce challenges: The healthcare sector faces challenges related to workforce planning, retention, and development. This course provides insights into human resource management strategies, including workforce planning, retention, and development, to build a resilient and skilled health workforce; and  
5. Advancing health equity: Addressing disparities in health outcomes and ensuring equitable access to healthcare services requires a deep understanding of social justice, health equity and the unique challenges of providing healthcare in remote and rural areas. Graduates of this course will have the necessary knowledge and skills to create and implement innovative solutions to address healthcare disparities.  

Industry Links 

The MBA (Health Services Management) course boasts robust industry links, ensuring the curriculum stays at the forefront of healthcare management. This alignment with industry standards and practices is achieved through ongoing collaborations with experienced healthcare professionals and industry leaders. Their input is crucial in shaping the course content, keeping it relevant and practical. 

Through these connections, the course is continually infused with real-world insights, addressing the latest challenges and opportunities in health services management. This dynamic interaction with the industry not only enriches the learning experience but also prepares graduates to adeptly navigate and lead in the fast-paced and ever-evolving healthcare landscape. The course’s commitment to maintaining these strong industry ties ensures that graduates are well-equipped to make a significant impact in their professional healthcare roles. 

Assessment Methods

The MBA (Health Services Management) course is designed to assess students’ progression through scaffolded Learning Outcomes. Assessments are carefully sequenced and timed to support this developmental trajectory and diverse assessment methods provide a comprehensive evaluation of student capabilities, ensuring students are well prepared for professional roles in the field. Assessment includes written assignments, case studies, presentations, role plays, projects and reflections. These diverse assessment methods foster critical analysis, practical application and professional skill development.

Essential Study Equipment

• Pen or pencil
• Notepad
• Laptop or tablet to be able to access digital resources.

Course Details 

Graduate Attributes 

Our graduates will demonstrate the following attributes: 

Graduate Attribute 1: Ethically Driven Professionals  

IBC Education graduates embody a high standard of professional and ethical integrity, guided by a commitment to transparency, honesty, and responsibility. They are trusted to handle sensitive information with respect and discretion, ensuring confidentiality while being accountable for their decisions and actions. Dedicated to fostering positive relationships, IBC Education graduates contribute constructively to individuals, communities, and the organisations they serve, making a meaningful impact through their ethical commitment and social responsibility.  

Graduate Attribute 2: Innovative and Strategic Problem Solvers  

IBC Education nurtures graduates who approach challenges with creativity, strategic insight, and a solutions-oriented mindset. Grounded in evidence-based practice, they leverage digital fluency, analytical skills, and a commitment to lifelong learning to anticipate and address complex issues proactively. IBC Education graduates are both skilled problem-solvers and visionary thinkers who see potential in every challenge and are equipped to turn obstacles into opportunities for growth and development.  

Graduate Attribute 3: Advocates for Social Justice and Inclusive Engagement  

With a steadfast commitment to social justice, IBC Education graduates excel in fostering equitable, respectful, and inclusive relationships with all stakeholders. They advocate for accessibility, uphold the dignity of all individuals, and strive for fair outcomes in service delivery. Informed by a critical understanding of socio-economic and political contexts, the IBC Education graduates engage responsibly and empathetically with service users, understanding and responding to the systemic basis of some of the disadvantage suffered by service users. They engage with organisational partners, ensuring their practices reflect a commitment to social justice and positive social impact, to create change which benefits service users and organisational goals.  

Graduate Attribute 4: Strategic and Sustainable Resource Managers  

In today’s competitive and dynamic environments, IBC Education graduates excel as strategic resource managers who champion sustainability and effective use of resources across workforce, budget, technology, and performance management. Informed by best practice, they integrate environmental, social, and governance principles into their decision-making, promoting policies that support environmental stewardship and social responsibility. IBC Education graduates bring a forward-thinking approach to resource and workforce management, prioritising long-term organisational health and sustainable community outcomes.  

Graduate Attribute 5: Advocates for Diversity and Inclusion  

IBC Education graduates are highly attuned to the richness of diversity in all its forms, fostering inclusive values in both the workplace and the wider community. They demonstrate cultural humility and openness to reciprocal learning, engaging meaningfully with individuals across all identities. Proactively responsive to diverse needs, IBC Education graduates ensure that their service delivery is respectful, adaptable, and continuously improving, creating environments where every individual feels valued and supported.  

Unit Overview / Course Structure: 

Master of Business Administration (Health Services Management) 

The course structure is based on four semesters (each semester is of 13 weeks duration).  

Exit Pathways, Articulation Agreements and Pathways to Further Learning 

The MBA (Health Services Management) course offers a flexible pathway for students, with the Graduate Certificate in Health Services Management serving as a recognised exit point. This structure allows students who may not be able to commit to the full MBA (Health Services Management) course to still gain a valuable qualification. Additionally, credits earned in the Graduate Certificate in Health Services Management can be seamlessly transferred to the MBA (Health Services Management) facilitating continued education and professional development. This agreement ensures that students have multiple pathways to advance their careers in healthcare management, supporting both immediate qualification enhancement and long-term academic progression. Future alternative entry pathways, modes or places of study will be considered in the first two years of course delivery as part of IBC Education’s growth strategies. These strategies include development of other Graduate Certificates and a Graduate Diploma of Health Services Management, offering the qualifications in other sites and on-line, including work placements, and seeking accreditation with Australian College of Health Services Management.