Growing up, Mya George never pictured herself working in health care. Having spent many hours at a family member’s medical visits, she developed an aversion to hospitals. “I didn’t love them,” she admitted with a laugh. “It still surprises me that now I want to work for one.”
That spirit of discovery runs deep in Iowa State University’s healthcare management program. Designed for students who want to make a difference in health care without becoming clinicians, the major combines core business principles — such as finance, marketing, and law — with healthcare-specific coursework.
“Health care is one-fifth of the U.S. economy, and healthcare management is projected to grow 29%,” said Natallia Gray, founding director. “There is a huge demand for leaders who understand both business and health care.”
A major on the move
Launched in 2022, the major has quickly become one of the fastest-growing in the Ivy College of Business, expanding from 10 students in its first year to more than 100 today. With a 100% job placement rate among its first graduates, alumni are working in hospitals, senior living communities, medical device companies, and pursuing graduate degrees in health policy or healthcare law. National recognition through case competition awards further reflects the program’s momentum and impact.
“I didn’t know compliance and quality were part of health care. Now I want to work in these fields. This internship has helped shape my future.”
— Mya George, healthcare management major
For students like George, it’s opening doors she never expected. At Mary Greeley Medical Center, she works with the performance improvement team to streamline hospital processes, support patient safety, and drive community health projects. “I didn’t know compliance and quality were part of health care,” she said. “Now I want to work in these fields. This internship has helped shape my future.”
Internships with impact
Internships are the program’s hallmark — and a graduation requirement.
“Healthcare management can be difficult to break into without experience,” Gray said. “Requiring internships gives our students an advantage. They graduate ready to step into meaningful roles.”
Thanks to strong partnerships with organizations such as Mary Greeley Medical Center and UnityPoint Health, students explore a wide range of interests while employers gain immediate benefits.
“We invest in their learning but also benefit from the work they do,” said Ron Smith, manager of performance improvement and lean facilitation at Mary Greeley Medical Center. “Interns deepen our bench for future talent.”
Powered by community
Alumni and donors are also fueling the program’s growth. The Healthcare Management Support Fund, supported by individual donors and local healthcare organizations, provides students with professional development opportunities, such as visits to Mayo Clinic and participation in national case competitions.
“A supportive community makes all the difference,” Gray said. “Our students are eager to make a meaningful impact. The best part of my job is helping them do that.”
