Is an MBA for Healthcare Professionals Worth It?
If you’re a healthcare professional aiming to increase your earning potential, step into a leadership role, or create meaningful change in how care is delivered, an MBA—or a dual MBA/MS in Healthcare Leadership—can help you get there. With healthcare management roles projected to grow nearly 30 percent by 2033, there’s never been a better time to invest in your future and lead the change the healthcare system needs.
As new opportunities emerge across diverse industries like insurance, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals, pursuing an executive MBA becomes a strategic investment in your leadership journey. The Cornell Executive MBA/MS in Healthcare Leadership, a dual-degree program offered through the Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management and the Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, equips professionals with the tools to lead transformative change in healthcare.
The value of an advanced degree in healthcare leadership
Earning a master’s degree can profoundly shape your career trajectory. Through Cornell’s Executive MBA/MS in Healthcare Leadership program, you’ll build a powerful foundation in business strategy, leadership, and organizational decision-making—essential capabilities for advancing in today’s healthcare ecosystem.
The Cornell EMBA/MS in Healthcare Leadership prepares physicians and healthcare professionals to lead through the complex new realities in the field. From the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in medicine to evolving global health trends and value-based care, the program focuses on innovation, impact, and the future of healthcare.
Increased salary potential
Healthcare professionals who earn an MBA often experience a significant salary boost. Statistics reveal that MBA graduates may increase their salaries by as much as 70 percent.
While compensation varies by location, role, and experience, holding dual master’s degrees from an Ivy League university positions you to negotiate more confidently—and recoup your investment in just three to four years.
Expanded career opportunities with a master’s in healthcare leadership
When you combine a master’s in healthcare leadership with an executive MBA, you fuse clinical knowledge with business expertise. This unique skillset sets you apart from others in your field and positions you to take on high-impact roles that spur policy changes, innovation, and better patient outcomes.
With a dual-degree MBA/MS in Healthcare Leadership, you’ll be prepared to lead in senior and executive roles like:
- chief medical information officer
- chief medical officer
- director of business development
- senior medical director
- vice president of quality or strategy
Your education doesn’t just open doors—it accelerates your ability to shape strategy and drive positive outcomes. If you’re ready to grow beyond your current role and lead transformative change, an executive MBA combined with a master’s in healthcare leadership can take your career to the next level.
Broadened professional network
As part of the Cornell EMBA/MS community, you’ll join a powerful network of professionals, clinicians, and innovators. Through courses, residencies, and networking events, you’ll build lasting connections with faculty, peers, and alumni across the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business and Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences communities—and throughout the broader healthcare industry.
Advanced skills for informed decision-making
Cornell’s EMBA/MS in Healthcare program empowers you to lead with confidence and integrity. You’ll strengthen your expertise in:
- strategic business planning
- team leadership and change management
- financial management in healthcare
- healthcare quality and safety
- ethical and data-driven decision-making
You can apply what you learn immediately while working, whether in your current role or in a new direction.
“This comprehensive program has equipped me with a profound understanding of healthcare economics, operations, corporate finance, and advanced business strategy. It has significantly enhanced my ability to make informed decisions that consider the interests of all stakeholders involved. Furthermore, I have gained invaluable skills in innovative and transformative leadership, which is much needed to drive positive change in the healthcare field.”
—Naushad Amin, MBA/MS ‘23
Preparing for the future of healthcare leadership
With the rapid evolution of technology, healthcare policy, and patient expectations, tomorrow’s healthcare leaders must focus on driving innovation to stay ahead of the curve. The Cornell EMBA/MS in Healthcare Leadership provides expertise in AI-driven healthcare, digital transformation, and global health trends, ensuring graduates are prepared to hit the ground running with future-proof skills.
“I entered the program hoping to understand how different facets of the healthcare industry interact, with the ultimate goal of using technology to improve access and delivery of care. I’m walking away with that knowledge and so much more.”
—Rakesh Sreerambhatla, MBA/MS ‘22
What makes Cornell’s Executive MBA/MS in Healthcare Leadership unique?
Cornell’s dual-degree program is the only Ivy League healthcare-focused executive MBA and the only one that connects students to both the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business and Weill Cornell Medicine.
Located in New York City, the program offers numerous benefits, including the convenience of courses every other weekend, plus four immersive residencies, where students build and deepen their networks in person. Students gain two world-class degrees, mentorship from top faculty, and access to an expansive alumni network—all in just 22 months.
This unique combination of prestige, location, and format makes Cornell’s program an outstanding opportunity for working healthcare professionals.
Earn two degrees in one
Leaders invest in themselves. Maximize your ROI with Cornell’s dual-degree option, where you’ll earn your executive MBA plus a master’s in healthcare leadership —in one integrated program.
Access to an expanded network
As a student in Cornell’s Executive MBA/MS in Healthcare Leadership program, you’ll forge the valuable connections needed to build a global network of changemakers within the healthcare industry.
Cornell students gain access to a global network of 250,000+ alumni, including healthcare executives, entrepreneurs, and policy leaders. You’ll also receive invitations to exclusive networking events hosted by the Johnson School’s Office of Alumni Affairs and Weill Cornell Graduate School’s Office of Alumni Relations. Alumni engagement opportunities include alumni shadowing programs, career support, and mentorship opportunities.
Learn from world-class business and healthcare faculty
All courses in our EMBA/MS in Healthcare Leadership program are led by expert faculty members from two of Cornell’s most prestigious schools: the Cornell Johnson Graduate School of Management and the Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences. You’ll engage in applied learning, interdisciplinary collaboration, and leadership development—on campus, online, and in real-world settings.
“Throughout this journey, I had the privilege of learning from esteemed faculty members and collaborating with exceptional colleagues, all while establishing valuable connections with industry leaders.”
—Hamid Nia, MBA/MS ‘23
Designed to help you advance your career without putting it on hold
Most full-time MBA and EMBA programs take 18 to 24 months to complete, while earning an MS in healthcare typically takes between two and three years.
Cornell’s dual MBA with a healthcare focus can be completed in 22 months, all while working full-time. Created for working professionals, our program is designed to fast-forward your career, not put it on pause. Weekend classes fit your busy schedule and arm you with new insights that you can apply immediately.
“After spending most of my career at the intersection of healthcare, IT, and business, this program has felt custom-designed for my past experiences and future career aspirations. I’ve had so many great opportunities to learn and grow more than I ever expected throughout this first year.”
—Eric Engman, MBA/MS ‘23
Real-life success stories from healthcare leadership graduates
Cornell’s EMBA/MS in Healthcare Leadership is focused on helping healthcare professionals cultivate lifelong leadership skills and razor-sharp business acumen.
Today, Cornell EMBA/MS alumni are making their mark across the industry:
- LeWanza Harris, MBA/MS ‘22 became chief quality officer at Emory Healthcare.
- Edward Morrissey, MBA/MS ‘22 became associate director of neurology marketing at AbbVie.
- Katherine Di Palo, MBA/MS ‘22, a pharmacist, now directs transitional care excellence initiatives at Montefiore Health System in New York City.
“These classes encompass the past, present, and future of the US healthcare system. In my current role, that in-depth knowledge has set me apart.”
—Dr. Katherine Di Palo MBA/MS ‘22