Learn for less: Discounted tuition on MHA and MBA programs available for DOs

The American Osteopathic Information Association (AOiA) recently joined Des Moines University (DMU) in Iowa and Saint Joseph’s University (SJU) in Philadelphia to offer significant discounts on tuition for DOs who are members of the AOA. The discounts are available for DMU’s online Master in Health Administration (MHA) and SJU’s Master in Business Administration (MBA).

The deets

SJU is offering 22 percent off of its MBA cost for DOs, who will pay $58,000 for the two-year online program, which includes all textbooks and course materials. Candidates must have four years of professional experience as a DO and a GPA from a college of osteopathic medicine that is at least 2.5. The GMAT is not required and there are no on-campus events included within the curriculum. Apply by Aug. 8 to start coursework on Sept. 1; later start dates are available for those who aren’t ready to start classes this September.

DOs can get a 10 percent discount on an MHA from DMU, which will cost $27,113 and can be completed in as little as 2.5 years. Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university with at least a 3.0 GPA. No GMAT or GRE is required. Eighty percent of the MHA curriculum is online; students attend three on-campus events while earning their degree. This program is also open to DO students and applicants who are not currently practicing as DOs. Apply by Aug. 2 to begin coursework on Sept. 5; later start dates are available for those who aren’t ready to start classes this September.

The benefits of extra degrees

For Shari Glynn, DO, MPH, MBA, education has always been important. She completed a one-year MPH as part of her occupational health residency at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

She later earned her MBA in two years at Regis University in Denver, Colorado. Now, as the medical director for Lake County Occupational Health Services in Lake Forest, Illinois, she uses her extensive training in medicine, business and public health to better lead her organization.

“I find that the MBA helps with a lot of things like budgetary responsibilities, corporate finance, project management and marketing programs. It’s really very useful,” she says.

Megan Duffy, DO, MBA, a pathologist at Affiliated Pathologists Medical Group, decided to get her MBA in lieu of a fellowship.

“I wasn’t interested in completing a fellowship just to be competitive in the eyes of potential employers,” Dr. Duffy says. “I chose to get an MBA knowing that many pathologists end up in leadership roles. I was able to get an excellent job in a private practice group despite not having formal fellowship training.”

Duffy completed her MBA at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix during her residency at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center. Her residency included a tuition reimbursement component as part of the employee benefits package.

AOiA’s collaboration with SJU and DMU aims to make earning an additional degree affordable for interested candidates.

Both the MBA and MHA programs provide rolling admissions.

For those still wondering if additional education is the right choice, Dr. Glynn says, “Just do it. There is always use for more knowledge … no one can take it away from you. I’m ready to go back for another degree.”

Important dates

MHA program at Des Moines University

• Application deadline: Aug. 2
• Classes start: Sept. 5

MBA program at St. Joseph’s University

• Application deadline: Aug. 8
• Classes start: Sept. 1

Find more information on the programs and apply here.

Further reading

Knowledge is power: An extra degree often pays off, DOs say