Dignity Health Global Education (DHGE), the leading healthcare workforce development company, is partnering with American University’s School of Professional & Extended Studies to offer new and unique training in project management with an emphasis on healthcare. Beginning in Spring 2020 healthcare professionals can earn a certificate in healthcare project management with American University’s School of Professional & Extended Studies as an accredited Registered Education Provider (REP) of the Project Management Institute (PMI). This new certificate program will educate healthcare professionals on innovative project management approaches and techniques.

Within healthcare, project management balances the multiple priorities of managing risk, lowering costs, and improving patient well-being. It is an increasingly complex discipline as healthcare is complicated—tcosts are rising, regulation is heavy, and the stakes are high.The need for innovation and education in healthcare project management is higher than ever as project outcomes can be life or death.

“We are very excited about the collaboration between American University and Dignity Health Global Education. This partnership represents a steadfast approach to lifelong learning in the healthcare ecosystem,” says Sam Hanna, associate dean of graduate and professional studies at American University. “With this partnership, we bring to bear the strength of American University in areas of healthcare management and policy. Our location  in the nation’s capital where key healthcare decisions are made, provides a unique value proposition to students enrolled in our many programs.” 

“Here at DHGE, we are thrilled to partner with American University, particularly with SPExS, a natural ally. Our certificate in healthcare project management has come at the ideal time as the whole sector is changing and evolving as never before,” says Andrew Malley, CEO of DHGE. “To improve patient care, reduce costs, and improve the patient’s overall patient experience and satisfaction, healthcare project management skills are vital because they help control costs, manage risk, improve project outcomes, and mitigate litigation. For project managers moving into health, the dimension of litigation adds a new component of understanding the certificate addresses. We look forward to moving ahead with this first program and those in other areas including policy and administration.”

While the demand for training, certifications, and courses in healthcare project management are growing, so is the demand for workers. The healthcare workforce is projected to increase project management roles by 30 percent—more than any other project-intensive industry. A recent report from the National Institutes of Health predicts that in 2020, there will be 5.6 million new healthcare jobs. Since Americans spend more than $3 trillion on healthcare per year, the healthcare sector could lose over $50 billion a year from poor project management practices and unnecessary risks. “This partnership will provide key skills and knowledge for healthcare workers facing an ever-evolving and more complex healthcare industry,” adds Hanna. “American University’s depth and breadth in healthcare management, policy and regulations, and public health, coupled with DHGE’s reach, will provide extraordinary value to students and the communities where they work.”

To learn more about the certificate program, visit: https://dhge.org/our-programs/for-administrators/healthcare-project-management-certificate-online-american-university/