Starting Patten U MBA in Healthcare in about 10 days.

It is the least expensive MBA around and it's competency based. It's very similar to Western Governors University - but about 2/3 the price - $3600 if I can do it in 8 months, $5700 if I do it in a year. My tuition reimbursement should cover it all. I'm going to try to do it in 8 months. It's 12 courses, plus I have to take the Microeconomics prerequisite that I didn't have as an undergrad. So that makes 13 courses in 8 months... busy times ahead!

I think that the last three courses should be a slam dunk because I've been in Healthcare Admin for over 25 years. And Marketing, Leadership, Org Beh, Strategic Mgmt, and Healthcare Finance - all are very doable. It's regular finance and accounting that will really test me - not my area of expertise!



Requirements – 36 credits

Code Course Title Credits
MBA500 MBA Foundations 3
MBA600 Decision Analysis 3
MBA605 Leadership and Organizational Behavior 3
MBA610 Managerial Accounting 3
MBA615 Marketing 3
MBA620 Managerial Finance 3
MBA625 Business Law and Ethics 3
MBA630 The Global Economy 3
MBA635 Strategic Management 3
MBA655 Health Care Management 3
MBA670 Health Care Finance 3
MBA675 Legal and Ethics Issues in Health Care 3

 

Welcome to Patten! I started my MBA in Strategic Management with them on Sept 2 of this year. I also had to take the Microecon prereq. I didn't like that course. I'm currently on Marketing. I'm trying to finish by Christmas. My official time is up on January 8.

If you're doing the project & exam route, it's the projects that can slow you down. It took me the first two classes to get used to learning again and figure out how to best utilize my time. Since I already have a Masters in Entrepreneurship, all I was worried about was getting the minimum grade and moving on. I need the MBA so I can teach other business classes.

If you want to learn more about my experiences with Patten, you can read my blog: FourMonthMBA.com

Good luck!

Clarke

 

I've been reading your blog - I'm trying to do it in 8 months - I also have to take Microeconomics. How much of the MBA stuff do you feel like you knew before starting? Also, are the learning videos, books, etc. good?

Thanks!

 

The key word is "if".

 

Yes, but still under $8000 even "IF" I do it in 16 months. However, I like to be optimistic and positive. I'm sure I'll do it in a year or less.

 

Thank you!

 

Same here! :smokin:

 

Thanks - I appreciate the optimism!

 

I forgot to mention that the Patten MBA price also includes all textbooks, resource materials, etc.

 

There is a good bit of duplication with my Entrepreneurship Masters but the Patten MBA gets into more detail on specific theories, etc. I am probably at a 70% level as far as already knowing the material. Depends on the topic. The stuff I have trouble with is the specific terms and theories and not the concepts. I teach some of it at a local community college. Also, I've been working for almost 25 years, so the experience helps.

The material is laid out very well. I've been relying more on the videos and flash cards. I haven't really looked at the books too much. What I have looked at seems good. Many times you'll read about a concept, then watch a video of someone going over the concept in a practical way. The videos have been a great help.

It's the projects that cause the most trouble. I find it best to read the project and then rely on the rubric when writing it up. It doesn't seem like the instructors are able to give you much guidance. Just depends. The issue for me is that I can take a test anytime but I have to be in the right mood to write and research. Sometimes it causes a few days delay. Some people may be just the opposite.

 

Thanks! I can write any time, but have to be in the mood and psyched up to test I saw some samples of the resources and think I'll really like it.

 

So how was the first week?

 

Haven't started yet. I found out I can do my undergrad prereq of Microeconomics through Straighterline, so I'm doing that now. Also the Org Development and Leadership masters course can be done through Straighterline. So, I'm doing that too. It means that I'll be ready to start Patten around the middle of December, but I'll hit the college break for the holidays, so I've signed up to start at Patten on the 5th of January. It will save me about $700-800 and that means my work will pay for the entire masters program if I can keep it at one year or under.

 

Thanks for the info

 

Good luck with your studies. "If" you have any free time let us know how it's going. There's always room for another success story!

 

Thanks, I will!